According to the classic non-dual texts, one of the qualities we need to cultivate on the way to higher knowledge is right discrimination. What does this mean?

The Sanskrit word for this idea is Viveka. It means the ability to discriminate, or discern or distinguish, truth from falsehood, or the real from what is unreal.

From the non-dual teachings we learn that, to begin with, our knowledge of the world and ourselves is incomplete and in fact rather distorted. No-one doubts that our knowledge is limited, that is why we seek more of it through science and philosophy and other ways.

The non-dual teachings, and other wisdom traditions shed light on these natural limitations of human understanding. In the search for illumination and inner freedom, we do not need to seek a divine being that is far from us. The need is to see truly, to see beyond illusion. And Viveka is the ability to do this.

The essential difference is between appearance and reality. Between how everything appears, through the senses and mind, and its true nature in itself.

There is more on the theme of right discrimination in the non dual practice section.