Duality: As Seen from Alan Watts + Ra Uru Hu
The concept of ‘duality’ refers to the notion that the universe is comprised of inherently interconnected and interdependent forces — be they physical or metaphysical. It advocates that there is a constant, harmonious tension between seemingly opposing forces that actually cannot exist without each other such as: light and dark, life and death, up and down, space and matter, or even something as nebulous and all-encompassing as something and nothing.
In fact, our understanding of anything in existence is partly, if not completely, as a result of a contrast between one thing and its counterpart. It’s precisely through contrast that entities and concepts are delineated like black being understood against white, male to female, life to death, fast to slow, big to small, and so on. The binary nature of the universe extends to even the more complicated concepts that extend over many aspects of the human condition. The contrast can be seen at the fundamental level of socio-economic models such as capitalism versus socialism. These systems are not exact mirror opposites, of course, but the underlying modality of individualism versus collectivism beneath these two models are. There is always some aspect of things in life that reinforces the binary nature of its operation.
Ra Uru Hu, founder of The Human Design System, and Alan Watts, a renown British-American philosopher and writer, have both touched heavily upon this concept in their works. Alan Watts in particular believed the perspective of duality in the West as mere pairs of opposing forces that were in competition ultimately resulted in too limited a view for something as complex as reality. However, they both recognized the falsehood of separating forces common to Western philosophies and centered their views closer to the teachings of the Eastern systems of thought.
Alan Watts on Duality
One of the key examples of duality that Watts often discussed is the idea of the self and the other. In Western culture, we tend to see ourselves as separate and distinct from the world around us. Generally, we believe that our thoughts, feelings, and experiences are unique to us, and that other people and things are different from us on a fundamental level. Watts argued that this way of thinking is problematic because it leads to a sense of alienation, of disconnection from the world. When we see ourselves as separate from others, we are less likely to empathize with them or feel connected to them. This can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation, and can also contribute to the social and political problems plaguing society such as racism and discrimination.
In contrast, Watts believed that Eastern philosophy offers a different perspective on duality and the self. In Eastern traditions, such as Buddhism and Taoism, the emphasis is on interconnectedness and oneness. These traditions teach that everything is interconnected, and that there is no fundamental difference between the self and the world. Watts believed that this understanding of interconnectedness can lead to a sense of harmonious balance in our lives. When we see ourselves as part of the larger whole, we are more likely to feel connected to others, which in turn leads to us to feel a sense of compassionate empathy toward them.
In addition to discussing the concept of self and other, Watts also discussed other examples of duality in his work. He argued that our tendency to see things as pairs of opposites is deeply ingrained in our language and culture — shaping our understanding of the world in profound ways. For example, he asserted the duality of good and evil and how this way of thinking can lead to sort of moral absolutism. With this approach, people lack empathy for those they arbitrarily deem different to them or even "evil."
Alan Watts' views on duality highlight the importance of reflecting upon the ways that our perception shapes our understanding of the world. That seeing things in terms of pairs of opposites is limiting and restrictive, leading to feelings of alienation and disconnection. He pushed the premise that Eastern philosophy offers a different, perhaps better, perspective on duality; a perspective that emphasizes interconnectedness and oneness. One area he and Ra Uru Hu specifically overlapped on is the duality of the mind and body, and how a myopic separation of these could lead to a sense of disconnectedness between our physical, mental, and even spiritual experiences.
Ra Uru Hu + The Human Design System on Duality
Ra Uru Hu, like Alan Watts, also emphasized the importance of understanding the concept of duality and its role in shaping our perception of ourselves and the world around us. In the Human Design System, Ra teaches that each person has a specific ‘Design’ or blueprint that determines their unique characteristics and tendencies. Visually, this Design is represented by a chart called a ‘bodygraph’, which is calculated by an individual’s natal data (i.e. birth date, time, and place).
A key element within Human Design is the concept of ‘Strategy’ and ‘Authority’. Strategy represents an individual’s optimal way of navigating the world, while Authority represents their inner compass or decision-making tool. Together, they empower and help individuals to understand their unique strengths, weaknesses, and potential — that of their Design. A particular similarity between Ra Uru Hu and Alan Watts is their emphasis on the importance of understanding oneself and one's place in the world. They both insisted on true self-knowledge being essential for living a fulfilling and authentic life. Additionally, both Ra and Alan believe that by considering the duality within ourselves and the world around us, we can transcend the limiting beliefs and perceptions that hold us back; restrictions that Ra described as the ‘illusion’ or the ‘Maia’.
Other components within Human Design further underscore its emphasis on duality. For instance, the very way a bodygraph is calculated factors in the sense of an unconscious (Design) and conscious (Personality) aspect to a person’s being. That certain energies are imprinted onto a developing individual about 88 days prior to their birth, which form the basis for their unconscious aspect; the energies imprinted at birth form the conscious aspect. Another example is the concept of a ‘Profile’ or a sort of joining of two life archetypes that form the individual’s authentic approach to life. This Profile is calculated by examining the unconscious and conscious aspects of an individual’s chart.
Ra Uru Hu's teachings advocate that by understanding the mechanics of duality within oneself, one can align with their true nature, rather than trying to fit into societal norms and expectations. This aligns with Alan Watts' belief that by understanding the interconnectedness of all things, we can let go of our limiting beliefs and find a sense of peace and fulfillment. Both Ra Uru Hu and Alan Watts encourage individuals to let go of the limiting beliefs and perceptions that hold them back and to live in alignment with their true nature.
Both Ra Uru Hu and Alan Watts emphasized the importance of understanding the concept of duality and its role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world. That it provides a unique perspective on the different aspects of our being, guides our efforts to live in alignment with our true selves, and showcases a manner by which we can join the dance of the universe at work. By embracing duality, we accept that things come and go, that they exist in interdependent pairs and would be impossible without each other. Ultimately, the lesson is learning to let go and adopt a perspective of oneness with the universe since it already is part of us in aspects that transcend any arbitrary divisions of our minds.