The common-sense description of life has no less validity than any “spiritual”, “nondual” or poetic description. “Nondual” pointers may serve their purpose for a time, but it is unfortunate when they are turned into a worldview that rejects common sense. Naturally, any description of life is bound to be inadequate, but there is a danger that one might “resonate” with a particular description simply because it sounds better than what we are used to.

Here are some basic points of the common-sense view:

  • We are not (nor will we ever become) separate from our bodies, which are born, grow old and die.
  • There is no possibility of being conscious or aware without a properly-functioning brain.
  • Our experience provides us with useful information about something called “the world”, which is there prior to experience, consciousness, thought, etc.
  • There is no reason to deny the existence of choice and of responsibility for various choices in life.
  • Human life is relatively short, and once it’s over, it’s gone forever.