determinate-vs-indeterminate-spiritual-experience
The ambiguity in Advaita regarding whether spiritual realization involves a determinate experience retaining some duality or an indeterminate experience of pure non-duality.
1 chapter across 1 book
Consciousness in Advaita Vedanta (1980)William M. Indich
This chapter critically evaluates the Advaitic theory of consciousness, focusing on the radical ontological discontinuity between absolute and modified consciousness. It highlights the dilemma of bridging the gap between phenomenal experience and transcendental realization, the hierarchical yet paradoxical relationship between these levels, and the inherent limitations of conceptualizing the non-dual absolute. The Advaitin's position is defended despite acknowledged philosophical tensions and the concession that ultimate reality transcends linguistic and conceptual frameworks.