Currently Reading:
A Sourcebook in Asian Philosophy
by John M. Koller, and Patricia Koller



Background Material:
Many religions, and even New Agism, have what can only be described as a "woo-woo" idea known as "Oneness". It's particularly popular with the patchouli, incense, and tie-dye crowd, and it's usually a bit of a put-off to the rest of us. It's always used vaguely, and the sound of it just puts off a "woo-woo" vibe.

Here's the short version originally established by the Vedas and Upanishads, a ~4,000 year old tradition. They put it thusly: Suppose that the universe is actually just the dream of someone who has lost himself entirely in his dream. He plays the part of everyone, but has forgotten who he really is; Brahman. To be "awake" to this reality is Nirvana, and ends the cycle of death and rebirth. Therefore we are all Brahman. When you harm someone else, you are actually harming yourself, because the two of you are actually the same being, Brahman.


Updates:
Hinduism has this idea of "Oneness" and uses it very literally, as well as Nirvana, karma, etc. However, different traditions look at this same elephant from a different angle. Gautama Buddha takes the same position as the famous astronomer Carl Sagan did. We are all made of the same star stuff, and we all have to live together on this little blue marble, suspended in a vast void.


Lessons from Nepal:
In Nepal, they have found a way to remind themselves of "Oneness" every time they greet each other. In Nepal they say "Namaste", which roughly means, "The god inside of me bows to the god inside of you." How can you possibly be violent towards someone while you are revering them?


Namaste,
CET

"Much of the suffering in the world comes from the illusion that we are separate from one another." - Gautama Buddha