Discourse on the Unified Principle

The following is a statement of principles derived from Judeo-Christian texts, Advaita Vedanta (Non-Duality) doctrine, and Buddhist precepts.

Human perception generates division. Advaita Vedanta designates such division as illusion (Maya). Concepts of self & other arise, and desire & aversion follow, which produces suffering (dukkha). The Buddha’s Four Noble Truths identify suffering’s root in craving/attachment.

"I am that I am" (Exodus 3:14) denotes an absolute existence. Advaita Vedanta identifies it as Brahman/God, a singular reality without distinction. Buddhist analysis labels it the unconditioned, absent of personal attributes, pure awareness, beyond ego. It exists as a constant, present in all entities without exception. No separation is observed between this and any observer. Tenet: Recognize that your deepest essence is the eternal, unchanging presence of God/consciousness, not the transient body or mind. Seek freedom by realizing your true nature as the divine awareness, releasing attachment to the false ego and its cravings.

"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)—still all thoughts to perceive the sat-chit-ananda (‘existence, consciousness, bliss’). This method aligns with Advaita’s practice of self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) and the Buddha’s meditation to quiet the mind. Stillness reveals the divine within, dissolving illusions of separateness. Cessation of activity—mental & physical—reveals the absolute. Advaita Vedanta employs inquiry: "Who am I?" Buddhist practice involves cessation of craving through observation. The result is identical: recognition of the singular existence. This is labeled God/Brahman, or the end of suffering. Tenet: Cultivate inner silence through meditation and inquiry to directly experience the unity of self and the divine, transcending thought & desire. Perceive the world as an expression of one consciousness, where distinctions of self/other and creator/creation are illusory.

Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta’s focus on realizing "I am" parallels the Buddha’s liberation from suffering (Nirvana) and the Judeo-Christian promise of knowing God. Advaita Vedanta sees liberation (Moksha) as awakening to non-dual truth. Division ceases, for there are no others. Compassion is a byproduct: action toward entities reflects action toward the singular reality. No preference or judgment persists. Resources are distributed without motive. The Buddha’s emphasis on compassion (Karuna) flows naturally from Advaita’s non-duality—if all is one, harming another is harming oneself. Judeo-Christianity’s "Love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:37-39) reflects this unity in God. Tenet: Act with boundless compassion, seeing all beings as manifestations of the same divine "I am."

The combination yields a system. "I am that I am" defines the reality. "Be still and know that I am God" provides the access. Advaita Vedanta supplies the framework of non-duality. Buddhist teaching details the cessation of suffering. No contradiction is present. The process is complete. Tenet: Live simply and naturally, neither forcing nor neglecting the path, trusting the inherent presence of the divine self. Practice self-inquiry and present-moment awareness to uncover the "I am" beneath thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Know that suffering dissolves when the illusion of separation ends, revealing the stillness & wholeness of God/consciousness. Embrace the universal truth of being, honoring all paths that lead to the recognition of the one "I am."

This religion emphasizes direct experience over doctrine, blending theistic devotion, to the "I am" as God, with non-dual realization and Buddhist pragmatism. Practices include silent meditation, self-inquiry ("Who am I?"), and compassionate action, all aimed at awakening to the divine unity. It’s a path of stillness, awareness, and love, seeking the timeless truth beneath all forms.