Oneness …

Our view of oneness will depend on whether its a personal view
or one we’ve adopted.
Everyone has to decide what works for them.

The Buddha said, “Be a lamp unto yourself”, meaning that we are not all ‘one consciousness’. We can be at one with everything as in a mirror and its reflections, but we are not all one consciousness.

When we look at other people,
it’s very difficult to accept the idea that we are one.
Groupthink isn’t for everyone.
🙂

The popular New Age concept that we’re all one consciousness is not found in the Buddha’s teachings. Many modern seekers assume that all Eastern philosophies teach oneness, but Buddhism is a major exception.

The Buddha emphasised independent research through meditation. He rejected the idea of a cosmic oneness, and advised people to understand that no guru, god, or cosmic force could do the work of spiritual liberation for them. When asked whether everything was a ‘oneness’ or a ‘plurality’, the Buddha replied that both views are extremes to be avoided.

The trap of cosmic consciousness:
Through deep meditation, a person can realise non-duality, where everything seen within awareness – appearances and recognition are simultaneous.

Believing that this state is a ‘universal self’ or ‘one consciousness’ creates a layer of ego attachment, which ultimately prevents true awakening.

Buddhism teaches dependent origination, but everything being interconnected is not equivalent as being the same entity. If we eliminate our suffering, it doesn’t automatically stop the suffering of others.

By telling his disciples to be a lamp, the Buddha was reminding us that consciousness, karma and the path to end suffering belong entirely to each practitioner.