[Drifter]

Devotional Nonduality as an Everyday Practice

Published on Tuesday, April 18th, 2006

Devotional Nonduality is a direct way to enlightenment. It uses the power of the heart and not spiritual ambition. Followers of Devotional Nonduality seek the “core” of spirituality for its own sake, knowing that the source of our own existence is within. It is the devotion to the essence of Truth itself. It’s founder and my teacher, Dr. David Hawkins, M.D., PhD. has comprehensively explained this state within all his teachings and writings, and in his book, “Devotional Nonduality”.
Students of Devotional Nonduality have meaningful practices that work for them, so I thought it would be a good idea to explain how it works in my life, as well as personal definitions and descriptions as paraphrased from Dr. Hawkins.
Devotional Nonduality is a new “sounding” paradigm of being in the world, but not a new way of being. Its relatives are Advaita and some forms of Buddhism, without the strict practice of meditation and the “void” being the ultimate reality. It’s a way to enlightenment through devotion to The Ultimate Reality of our existence, by means of the pathways of higher levels of consciousness. One doesn’t need to do fancy rituals or give up their life or life savings to it. It’s a relatively simple practice with huge implications.
Devotional Nonduality is a commitment to raising ones’ own level of consciousness through being “that” which you have the intention to become. It is devotion to God in the highest, through living life as a prayer. All positionalities, belief systems, ideologies, and conceptualizations must be surrendered. This is a major commitment necessary to becoming enlightened and cannot be taken frivolously. Therefore it is rare to be on the path to enlightenment.
The beingness to which I refer can be as simple as practicing kindness to a fault everyday and without exception. If I find myself not being as kind as my practice has maintained, I stop and witness what my ego is being (by being more contemplative). Due to the fact, we still have to live in the world, as long as we are willing to witness the ego and surrender it, our intrinsic level of consciousness doesn’t vary.
Contemplation (recommended by Dr. Hawkins), is a way of being in the world. In order to practice contemplation, one needs to witness the world in a wider mode of context vs. content, and not get “caught up in the drama” of the momentary stories of ones’ life. Through living within a state of contemplation, non-attachment can be maintained while still enjoying the fruits and pleasures of material existence. The neediness of lesser egoic states tends to disappear. Dr. Hawkins often reminds his students that it’s not the ego itself that is the problem, but the juice, power or excitement we get out of its’ “pitfalls.” He also advises to avoid negativity rather than opposing it. Precious time is wasted resisting that which doesn’t calibrate above the level of integrity. These are the levels such as anger, apathy, desire, grief and all the negative aspects of lower consciousness discussed in Dr. Hawkins books and lectures. One cannot change that which isn’t ready, so avoid “the lower realms” and remain in the light.*
Practicing Truth (Absolute Truth) through devotion to Divinity is the highest commitment of Devotional Nonduality. Within my own daily practice, I like to call this Radical Truth. This is living truth everyday without exception. It does not mean to be radically opinionated. Truth overcomes opinions as one climbs the scale of consciousness. Radical Truth is also radical honesty. When I am confused I state my confusion. If uncertain, I abdicate until I am. Radical truth is being truthful (with kindness) to everyone at all times and under all conditions. Telling lies on any level is not an exception.
By being the qualities of higher levels one naturally becomes kind toward all life. Compassion, joy, sincerity, unconditional love, willingness, neutrality and more is what is necessary to transcend the levels of consciousness. Awareness of the pitfalls of the ego and the ways in which we can fall back is a priority. Surrendering that which you have no control over to Divinity is the path. Through the vigilant practice of being that which you wish to become, you become it. Force is not the way, but the power of Divinity. The intention alone to be more of what you wish to be will make it happen.
If the aforementioned way of being seems difficult, then you are not yet ready to commit to this and that is perfectly alright. The practice of Devotional Nonduality will be around for a very long time and Divinity has an infinite amount of patience. When you are ready to walk the path, there will be many to help guide you along the way.

*This could lead to life changing scenarios, such as divorce, changing social groups/friends, employment or avoidance of certain family members.

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