Paramadvaita vs Advaita
Please help me understand the differences between Paramadvaita and Advaita (in its various forms).
Especially, I want to hone on the question: Are the dual and non-dual aspects of reality ontologically flat (not in a hierarchy)? Therefore we should not emphasize non-duality *to the exclusion* of duality?
What are some of the practical pitfalls here?
Here are some of my notes (please correct anything that's wrong:
For any binary to manifest, a subject must distinguish between them (e.g., "pot" vs. "non-pot"). Paradoxically, this act of differentiation (dvaita) is what unitively holds both concepts together (advaita) within the observer’s awareness. The Single Subject (pramātṛ) is not a mathematical "one" but the functional unity of the knowing subject. This singular, real entity is the only force capable of encompassing multiplicity and temporal sequence without being divided by them.
Non-duality here is a circular unity rather than a flat identity. Like an Ouroboros, the subject and object exist at opposite poles of a circle, connected by a constant, bi-directional movement of consciousness.