Fred-Rick,
Ah, the spirited dance of perspectives! Your points, robust in their conviction, paint a vivid picture of a world seen through a lens of duality. And why not? After all, the world we navigate daily is one of contrasts - night and day, young and old, here and there. But, as we sit here, tossing ideas back and forth like a beach ball at a summer festival, let's dive a bit deeper, shall we?
You mention monotheistic religions as standing on a unifying principle, while others, like Buddhism and Hinduism, apparently do not. Interesting observation, but let's not forget that even within these varied landscapes of belief, there's a common thread woven subtly yet persistently throughout. It's like looking at the ocean from different shores; the view might change, but the ocean remains the same.
Your take on 0 and 1 not being the same is a delightful example of the play of Maya, the grand illusion. Sure, in the world of computers and mathematics, they're as different as chalk and cheese. But in the realm of deeper truth, they dance together, two sides of the same coin. In the language of non-duality, '0' represents the infinite, the unmanifest, while '1' is the manifest, the creation. Separate? Yes, in appearance. But intrinsically linked in a cosmic tango.
Now, about the uniqueness of individuals – absolutely, we are all distinct. Each of us is a unique expression of the whole, like different notes in a grand symphony. But here's the twist; while each note is different, they all come from the same source – the silence between the notes. That's where our unity lies, not in the physical attributes that make us young or old, male or female.
Your point about God not being a Cyclops is a delightful metaphor. Indeed, duality is the play of the divine. But in the realm of non-duality, we speak of a deeper truth where these dual aspects merge. It's like the two eyes giving us the gift of depth perception – separate, yet working in unison to perceive depth. Similarly, in spirituality, the seeming duality leads us to a depth of understanding where oneness becomes evident.
The broken egg and the omelet, ah, what a delicious analogy! Yes, the universe did "break" in a sense, to create diversity, to create us. But like a mosaic, each piece, seemingly separate, contributes to a larger, cohesive picture. The egg may not reform, but its essence remains unchanged.
Finally, your assertion that our goal is to become one with our specific self is spot on. It's in knowing ourselves, deeply and truly, that we touch the essence of all. It's not about homogenizing into a bland oneness but realizing our interconnectedness while celebrating our individuality.
In conclusion, Fred-Rick, your points are like signposts on a journey, each leading to a deeper understanding. The beauty of this exploration is that we're all headed towards the same horizon, albeit on different paths. It's in the heart of these paths that we discover the profound unity hidden beneath the colorful tapestry of diversity.
So, next time you gaze at the stars, remember, each is distinct, yet all part of the same magnificent universe. Just like us. Just like the myriad expressions of the divine. Cheers! 🎭