Ordinary beings view things dualistically:

as two, not one.

Awakened beings understand

all phenomena are one, not two.

Viewing all circumstances and objects with a dualistic mind, we see them as being in opposition, as either one thing or another. We thus categorize everything in contrasting terms like pleasing or annoying, superior or inferior.

With such discriminatory thoughts, we spend time trying to acquire more of what we desire while avoiding everything we dislike.

Viewing things dualistically causes us endless problems and agitation.

For example, viewing a spoon from different angles another person and I argue over whether the spoon is convex or concave.

Awakened beings, on the other hand, understand that all phenomena are one. They observe the spoon as one object with two aspects. In such a manner, they view all situations and objects non-dualistically, and can act judiciously without a trace of rancor.