For those unfamiliar with the term "advaita", it means "non-duality". The importance of it is not as an intellectual, philosophical system but what it can teach us about our own identity. Often, in life, we see ourselves as separate and isolated but this is a misconception. The individual we take ourselves to be is just an idea appearing in awareness. So what are we? The limited self is a fiction. If one looks at one's direct experience, the self idea comes and goes like all thoughts so, what is constant? What is aware of reading these words right now? The awareness that is the necessary basis of all experience is not a thought. This awareness is our true, unchanging identity.

In this, there is no authority. Noone can claim to be closer to reality or truth than anyone else, that would have to be based on an erroneous idea of separation and heiarchy. Advaita is not about achieving some future state of perfection but about seeing what is present NOW. All is one, one is all.

I live in the Asheville area. Feel free to contact me if you're interested in discussing our true identity. The "pointers" page has some more of my incoherent rambling and an excerpt from my upcoming book. You can email me through the contact page. There is also a links page with lots of cool websites on it. Cheers!