The concept of advaya instructs one to avoid the two extremes, to transcend all distinctions, and to treat all phenomena equally. A common man often understands the world in dichotomy, creating a number of opposites such as permanence versus impermanence and possession versus dispossession. Buddhists believe that dichotomy paints the picture of a world full of fantasies and distinctions, failing to truthfully reflect the reality. Such fantasies and distinctions are automatic in any understanding based on verbal concepts. Therefore, one shall avoid the two extremes and the misleading of worldly names and words. In this way can one transcend the distinctions perceived by a common man and achieve the ultimate wisdom of equality and emptiness.

If one has no word about, comment on, reference to, or even knowledge of anything and stays away from questions, answers, or judgment concerning anything, one can arrive at the state of advaya through the dharma gate. (The Teaching of Vimalakīrti)