Self-Deception and Self-Delusion in the Context of Non-Duality
In the self-exploration that is nonduality, the concepts of self-deception and self-delusion may arise. These terms arise from confusion and contribute to the illusion of separate selves. Like all things, these concepts are dispelled by the illumination of awareness.
Self-Deception vs. Self-Delusion
Self-Deception: This involves an appearance within consciousness where a belief is maintained despite contrary evidence. It is an active pattern that sustains certain assumptions or comforts.
Self-Delusion: This involves ‘holding’ a false belief without recognizing its falsity. It's a passive pattern, with no recognition of the misleading and discordant nature of the belief.
The Illusion of Separation
Both self-deception and self-delusion are interpretations appearing within one perspective. They are apparent patterns of thought arising within the singular conscious experience, giving an appearance of false distinctions or beliefs.
Effects on Well-Being and Health
Long-term engagement with these discordant concepts manifests as dis-ease, as the concepts ‘themselves’ are the reinforcing of discord via the illusion of separation. The ‘inner’ conflict created, is experienced as ‘outer’, and innocently referred to as a world, universe or objective reality.
In contrast, inspecting direct experience and dispelling the notion of separate selves can reveals the truth of otherwise naturally occurring clarity, peace, and well-being.
Direct Experience vs. Discordant Conceptualizations of Direct Experience
Direct Experience: Focus on inspecting direct experience to dispel beliefs about, direct experience. What remains when the concepts of self-deception and self-delusion are seen through?
Presence: Cultivate presence in ‘each & every moment’. The more present you are as it were, the less these concepts stand to obscure your profoundly joyful self-inherent true nature & well-being therein.
Self-Acceptance: Embrace experience, recognizing ’all experiences’ are in fact unified in appearing within the awareness you are, which is, aware. Self-aware.