non-duality in tantra

Tantric philosophy embraces a non-dualistic approach, meaning that in Tantra, there is no separation between body and soul, or spirit and matter. Instead, these aspects are viewed as interconnected parts of a unified whole, each unable to exist without the other. Central to this belief is the idea that everything in existence inherently contains its opposite. The most well-known symbol representing this concept is the yin-yang, where the black contains a dot of white, and the white holds a dot of black., signifying their mutual interdependence.

This leads to one of Tantra's core teachings: that as human beings, regardless of the gender we present or identify with, we all carry the energy of the opposite gender within us. The goal is to achieve a sacred union of these opposing energies within, creating harmony and balance.

If we follow this idea of non-duality further, it suggests that since everything contains its opposite, everything is inherently complete and whole. In my religious background, only God or the Divine is considered truly whole, and that Divine is viewed as separate from us, existing far away in the heavens. However, when we apply the tantric principle of non-duality, it implies that everything in existence is divine, because everything that exists is inherently whole.

Our spiritual journey, then, is about stripping away the veils of conditioning, beliefs, and societal constructs that obscure the divine love within us. It’s about allowing ourselves to feel and embody that divinity by accepting and integrating all parts of ourselves, especially those we’ve been taught to shame, fear, or judge. Ultimately, this journey is about recognizing that we are all unique individuals, each dancing our own dance of life with a distinct rhythm and style, yet we are all part of the same grand production called "The Dance of Life." Every single one of us is part of it — even our cats and our cars, in their own way.