Before I experienced awakening I studied the hell out of Non-Duality and disagreed strongly that I didn't need the experience to awaken. After hearing several times that without the experience you have not awakened I eventually took some courage and took mushrooms and experienced EGO DEATH and the DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL. I learned pretty intensely that YOU CANNOT AWAKEN WITHOUT DIRECT EXPERIENCE. If anyone is telling you otherwise they are telling you a lie. What happened as a result of my awakening. I went through a Kundalini Awakening. My body was altered, I now have increased intuition, increased connection to energy, a direct connection to my higher self, increased occular vison, and smell, I also have some psychic abilities but since I am not adept at meditation my ability to use them at this time is limited. So again I repeat, when you awaken....you will know. Its not the way Rupert Spira says where he says its a normal thing, no its not. It will literally alter the way you ever look at what you consider life again because now you know the TRUTH.