Day 313: The Illusory Nature of Reality and the Power of Consciousness

Day 313: The Illusory Nature of Reality and the Power of Consciousness

Vasistha's Guidance on Direct Experience

Vasistha continues to counsel Rama, affirming that he has now learned everything there is to know about reality. The essence of all wisdom lies in uniting the teachings from scripture and spoken guidance with one’s direct, internal experience. He emphasizes that just as a mirror shines more clearly the more it is polished, a mind refined through understanding and self-awareness gains clarity about the nature of existence.

Vasistha reiterates the underlying truth: this world, as we see it, is like a dream. The objects, experiences, and forms that populate our reality are nothing more than manifestations within the vast, infinite consciousness, much like a dream arises in the mind of a dreamer. In truth, the world lacks form; it is consciousness itself, appearing in different shapes due to the potentiality of that consciousness.

Rama's Insight on the Nature of Creation

Rama responds to Vasistha’s question about the nature and origin of the world. He states that the infinite consciousness, or the self, is the fundamental reality behind everything—the earth, mountains, time, and space. These are not independently created; rather, they exist as perceptions or notions within the consciousness. The solidity of the earth, the fluidity of water, and other elements are expressions of this infinite consciousness. Just as the ocean produces waves due to its liquidity, consciousness generates diversity in form and experience.

Rama recognizes that while consciousness gives rise to diverse experiences, it remains unchanged within itself. The notions of "I" and "you" are merely concepts that arise without any distinct cause or reason; they are all non-different from the consciousness that conceives them. Nothing in existence is truly lost or created; everything remains an aspect of this infinite, indivisible awareness.

Rama's Question on Embodiment in the Dream State

Rama, curious about the dynamics of embodied experience, asks how consciousness appears as an individual, seemingly separate and embodied in the waking state. Vasistha responds that the universe, whether seen in a dream or in waking reality, is always rooted in space, which itself is a projection of the infinite consciousness. This consciousness experiences all creation within itself, and what appears as a solid world is nothing more than consciousness manifesting itself. The potential of this consciousness is boundless, producing the diversity of creatures and forms.

Rama’s Query on Diverse Creations and Beings

Rama, intrigued by Vasistha’s mention of countless diverse creations, asks how these different creations and beings with unique natures fit into this vision of reality. Vasistha explains that the infinite consciousness, or Brahman, exists as a timeless, formless, unchanging reality. In the infinite expanse of Brahman, this universe exists as an inseparable part of it, much like a dream exists within the dreamer. There is no true beginning or end for the universe; it arises as consciousness experiences itself in various ways. This "dream" of Brahman is not limited by notions of hardness, fluidity, or form—mountains, rivers, and all forms are simply the experience of consciousness.

The infinite consciousness considers itself to be all that it perceives, even though nothing separate from it truly exists. In this way, Vasistha likens the universe to a dream-object—illusionary and temporary, yet experienced as reality.

The Story of King Prajñapti

To illustrate these ideas further, Vasistha recounts a story from his past. He once visited an island called Kusadvipa, where he met King Prajñapti. The king, seeking wisdom, asked him profound questions regarding the origin and nature of the universe. He inquired about the cause of creation, the roles of various elements, and whether anything truly exists or is destroyed.

The king questioned the very structure of the universe, including the existence of hell, virtue, and vice, and how formless virtues or sins could impact experiences beyond death. Additionally, he asked if it was possible for multiple contradictory desires, like thousands wishing to be a single moon or different people wishing opposite outcomes for someone, to be simultaneously fulfilled. Through these questions, Prajñapti sought clarity on how consciousness could seemingly manifest conflicting experiences and outcomes within the same reality.

Vasistha's Response to the King’s Questions

Vasistha answers that the infinite consciousness gives rise to reality, regardless of whether it appears real or unreal. This consciousness perceives itself as the body and is aware of its experiences, not the other way around. The world as we see it arose in consciousness like a dream. Thus, when one sees reality with true understanding, one sees it as the manifestation of consciousness or Brahman. For those who lack this understanding, the body appears as the source of awareness, though, in truth, the body is simply an aspect of the infinite consciousness.

Vasistha explains that Brahman, or the infinite consciousness, appears as the universe through its creative thought. Whatever form this consciousness conceives becomes the experience within it. Thus, even experiences of hell and heaven are but notions held within the consciousness, which continues to experience what it projects until it attains liberation. Once consciousness recognizes its unconditioned nature, these experiences of duality and division vanish.

The Power of Boons and Curses, and the Role of Merit and Demerit

Vasistha also clarifies the influence of boons and curses, attributing their power to the infinite consciousness. This consciousness has the ability to shape experiences based on belief and intention. The effects of merit and sin are also stored in this consciousness, which maintains the continuity of experience beyond physical life. Thus, even in death, consciousness experiences what it conceives.

By maintaining pure awareness, free from mental conditioning, one can attain liberation, seeing the experiences of merit and demerit as temporary illusions within the infinite consciousness.