Monism

===Nondualism===
{{Main|Nondualism}}
Nondualism is distinct from monism.<ref>Roberts, M. V. (2010). ''Dualities: A Theology of Difference''. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. {{isbn|9780664234492}}. p. 21. Discusses why Advaita Vedanta is nondual while Kashmir Shaivism is monist.</ref> While both philosophies challenge the conventional understanding of dualism, they approach it differently. Nondualism emphasizes unity amid diversity. In contrast, monism posits that reality is ultimately [[symbol grounding problem|grounded]] in a [[Monad (philosophy)|singular substance or principle]], reducing the multiplicity of existence to a singular foundation. The distinction lies in their approach to the relationship between the [[Neither one nor many|many and the one]].<ref>Bowes, P. (2021). ''The Hindu Religious Tradition: A Philosophical Approach''. Taylor & Francis. {{ISBN|9781000216097}} "There is a subtle difference in philosophical implications of these two terms 'monism' and 'non-dualism'. 'Monism' may be thought to have a numerical implication, one as against the many, and here unity may appear to be numerical. 'Non-dualism' has no numerical implication, things are not different from one another, or not two, from the point of view of seeing the divine essence present in all things, but their numerical manyness need not be in question in any way. The Upanisads concern themselves with the non-dual divine essence of the universe, but they in no way reject the numerical manyness in order to preach non-dualism."</ref>

While traditions such as Hinduism's [[Advaita Vedanta]] and Buddhism's [[Dzogchen]] are classed as absolute nondualism and are generally considered distinct from monism, some forms of qualified nondualism are also classed as nondual monism. These include [[Vishishtadvaita Vedanta]], [[Achintya Bheda Abheda]], [[Kashmir Shaivism]], and [[Neo-Advaita]].