Another belief common to Vedanta, some traditions of Buddhism, and many New Agers, especially Eckhart Tolle, is the belief that we all are part of a Great Unity or Ultimate Source.
There are two beliefs here: belief in a Great Unity/Ultimate Source and belief that we humans are part of the Great Unity/Ultimate Source.
Belief in a Great Unity/ Ultimate Source begs several questions:
Why believe that there is a Great Unity/Ultimate Source?
What is the Great Unity/Ultimate Source?
How do we know for ourselves it is there?
Do we just have to take a leap of faith and believe it is there?
Does it require a mystical experience?
Are mystical experiences more than chemical reactions in our brains?
The belief that we humans are part of the Great Unity/Ultimate Source carries with it the belief that the Great Unity/Ultimate Source is our true self and that our sense of being separate individual egos is an illusion.
Again, such beliefs beg several questions:
Why believe we are part of some Great Unity/Ultimate Source and therefore one?
Why devalue our individuality to the level of an illusion in favor of all being one?
What purpose do such beliefs achieve?
How do we know for ourselves that these beliefs are true?
Do we just take a leap of faith and believe, have a mystical experience, something else?
In my view, belief in a Great Unity/Ultimate Source and illusory individuality devalues all human beings. It has us devalue ourselves in favor of faith in a great metaphysical being beyond us.
Such beliefs might help the sick, depressed, and anxious cope with the challenges of their life. They helped Tolle when he was so miserable. They enabled a euphoric, opiate-like state for him.
However, such beliefs might be harmful to those of us who are relatively healthy and able to rise up to face the challenges of our lives with nobility and a sense of humor. They could seduce us into devaluing our life, withdrawing into a mystical Now, and disengaging from living our lives to their fullest.
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