Darkness Is an Integral Part of Life

“Though there are many different traditions within the Abrahamic religions, they all tend to have principal differences from Eastern nontheistic traditions. Some of the more esoteric sects may share deep wisdom and openness with Buddhism, but the fundamental difference is Buddhism’s nondual view. The underpinnings of theistic dualism generally regard transcendent states as separate from ordinary life. In Eastern religions, good and evil are not exclusive, because duality is transcended. The Buddha is not a divine terminator, and we are not fighting against evil. Evil cannot take us over and deceive or prompt us to misbehave. The attitude toward darkness is not from heavy-handed judgement but from acceptance and realizing that darkness is an integral part of life. D. T. Suzuki, a renowned Zen Buddhist teacher, was once asked about Western religion, and he famously replied, “God against man. Man against God. Man against nature. Nature against man. Nature against God. God against nature. Very funny religion!”

Excerpt From
Into the Haunted Ground
Anam Thubten

‘Where?’ Painting Seamus Berkeley