The Vedic philosophy, one of the most profound spiritual philosophies of nonduality, teaches that the true Self (Atman) is beyond the body, beyond race, and beyond identity. Yet, for those of us living in a world shaped by history, oppression, and racial consciousness, how do we reconcile this teaching with the lived experience of Black history and racism? Can nonduality offer a path to healing, liberation, and deeper self-awareness?

The Weight of History and the Illusion of Separation

Black history, particularly in the West, is deeply tied to systems of oppression that have reinforced a sense of otherness. From colonialism to slavery, segregation to systemic racism, the Black body has been historically scrutinized, controlled, and objectified. This history has created an ingrained body-consciousness—where identity is shaped not just by who we are internally but also by how society perceives and treats us externally.

Vedic philosophy reminds us that the world of name and form (nama-rupa) is an illusion (maya). But this does not mean dismissing history or racial struggles; rather, it calls for seeing through them. The pain of oppression is real at the relative level, yet the deeper truth is that our essence remains untouched, infinite, and free. This is where the Vedic teachings becomes a radical tool for healing: it invites us to acknowledge our historical wounds while not being defined by them.

Racism and the False Identification with the Body

Racism operates through body-consciousness, this is a fact. It sees people through the lens of skin color, defining worth and opportunity based on external features. In contrast, Vedic philosopy teaches that we are not the body; we are not our thoughts; we are not our histories. We are the eternal, unchanging awareness (Brahman), the same consciousness that flows through all beings.

However, transcending body-consciousness is not about spiritual bypassing or ignoring injustice, I want to be clear on this. It is about knowing that while the body and its experiences exist within time, our true Self is beyond time and limitation. This realization can empower us to dismantle racism—not from a place of anger or division but from deep awareness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to truth.

The Path to Liberation: Healing Through Nonduality

Living in a racialized world while practicing Vedic philosophy means engaging in a two-fold journey:

1. Honoring the Human Experience: Acknowledging the reality of racial pain, injustice, and the deep scars of history. Understanding that these experiences impact our psyche and the collective unconscious.

2. Recognizing the Eternal Self: Shifting from a solely identity-based consciousness to a deeper awareness that we are not limited by race, nationality, or personal history. This does not mean denying identity but realizing it as a temporary role, like an actor in a play or a movie on a screen.

Spiritual liberation (moksha) does not require rejecting Blackness or history. Instead, it invites us to see them as expressions of divine play (Lila), while knowing we are always more than these forms. This perspective fosters resilience: we can engage in activism, self-care, and collective healing from a space of grounded awareness rather than reactivity.

(Photo: Alice Coltrane with Swami Satchidananda, Rishikesh, India, 1971.)

The Role of Sankalpa: Intention in Action

In Vedic Philosophy, setting an intention (sankalpa) is a powerful practice. We can consciously affirm:

• I honor my ancestry, but I am not bound by history.
• I recognize my body, but I am not limited by it.
• I witness the world’s injustices, yet I remain anchored in Truth.

By integrating these affirmations into our daily practice, we navigate the world as both participants and conscious observers, acting with clarity, wisdom and compassion for the mentally ill and ill willed.

A Call to Awakening

Black history, racism, and body consciousness are significant aspects of the Black person's lived reality. Yet, Vedic Philosophy offers a way to hold these truths while realizing that our deepest nature is free from all labels. By embracing both the wisdom of history and the clarity of all that these spiritual teachings have to offer, we move toward true liberation—where justice, peace, and spiritual awakening coexist.