One of the most perplexing things is to try to understand non-duality or advaita, from the viewpoint of duality. Let us explore this a bit more in detail.
All communication via language, writing etc. happens in the sphere of duality. There is a subject -i.e. me, who understands the object explained in a language that I understand. This is true for all aspects of knowledge including the arts, literature, sciences and common every day communication. It is based on developing certain concepts of language communication. When someone says the word "water" in the English language, the person hearing it or reading it understands that the word refers to a colorless, clear liquid. The mind translates the word into a conceptual understanding of the meaning of the word heard or read.
The very nature of communication implies the existence of a subject, "I" - which implies identification with a body and a name- trying to explain an object using concepts and ideas. The problem arises when the teacher of non-duality tries to explain an abstract idea of non-duality to another body-name identity using the same principles of communication as explained above. Non-duality encompasses all of duality and non-duality. So, how does one go about trying to wrap the so called head around it?
The main problem is the seeker who tries to understand Non-duality while still maintaining his or her identity as an individual. The seeker tries to maintain his identity as a separate individual and tries to attain or obtain non-duality. Do you realize the paradox of the situation? There can be no duality in non-duality. No question of a subject and an object. No question of a "me" attaining. No question of a "me" understanding the ONE essence that is everything. Just this ONE without a second.
As long as the seeker refuses to let go of his continued misidentification with the body-mind entity, he or she will never get around to understanding the simplicity being explained in advaita or non-duality. The seeker wants to take credit for having finally "Understood". Presumably also wanting credit for the many hours and years of meditation and spiritual process involved to reach the understanding. Do you see the paradox here?
It helps to get back to the very basics of advaita teaching. First comes the sense of presence, or consciousness or sense of beingness. Prior to everything else. Every thing, including the concept of individuality and the subsequent dualism, and all other concepts come only because of the sense of presence. No presence - no things, no concepts, no you. Think about it for a moment. Are you currently present or not? There is no way you can deny your presence at this very moment. All thoughts including the thought "I am" can only arise if you are present. Now, if somehow your thoughts would cease (if only for a moment), would you stop being present or stop existing? Try it. You will know the answer. Did you disappear?
However, if you were asked to explain your experience in that moment of thoughtlessness, you would come up with a blank. That is because you are trying to explain that sense of presence or consciousness or beingness, with concepts and words. Concepts and words are an expression in duality. When presented with this nonconceptual awareness or sense of presence, the mind draws a blank. Hence, the seeker who identifying with the mind, tries to comprehend this sense of presence, fails miserably.
As a result, the seeker falsely believes that there is a process or doing involved in trying to get to this 'sense of presence'. The frustrated seeker says " I know I am present but surely there must be something wrong I am doing as I cannot conceptualize this presence or beingness". The mind can go around and around in circles or get lost in a maze of concepts trying to grasp non-duality. The seeker remains in a state of seeking as a result of trying to conceptualize the nonconceptual.
So, what is the way out? - asks the seeker. It is quite simple. Don't try to conceptualize the nonconceptual. Realize that only consciousness understands consciousness and in doing so transcends consciousness. There is no individual here to take credit.
Realize that there is no alternative presence apart from this presence - which is evident right here and right now. Don't fall prey to the endless games and tricks that the mind plays. There is no future time that you will be present than this very moment. Watch the mind and realize that you are not the mind but the silent, unchanging witness of the mind.
JUST STOP. In doing so, you ARE. Got it?
