The World is an Illusion

 

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The World is an Illusion

The sages of the Himalayas have long declared that the world we perceive through our senses is not the ultimate reality. It is an illusion – maya - a grand play of appearances that entangles the mind and keeps it restless. Unless one gives up the idea that the world is real, the mind will continue to run after it, chasing shadows and temporary pleasures. This endless pursuit leads only to dissatisfaction, because the mind is never at peace when it is outwardly engaged.

By its very nature, the mind is restless. It jumps from one thought to another, from one desire to the next, never content, never still. The more we believe in the reality of the external world, the more the mind is distracted by its countless attractions. Wealth, relationships, achievements, and possessions - all appear real and permanent, yet they are fleeting. The mind clings to them, and in doing so, it loses its connection with the eternal truth within.

Meditation is the path that helps us transcend this illusion. Under the guidance of a living master like Shivkrupanand Swamiji, meditation becomes a powerful tool to train the mind to go inward. A master is essential, for the mind alone cannot free itself from its own traps. The master provides direction, energy, and grace, enabling the seeker to experience the reality beyond the illusion. Through meditation, one begins to taste the state of no-mind - a silence beyond thought, beyond distraction, beyond illusion.

In meditation, the seeker learns to ignore the external world. This does not mean rejecting life or responsibilities, but rather shifting the focus inward. By withdrawing attention from the endless noise of the world, the mind gradually becomes introversive. It learns to rest in silence, free from the pull of desires and fears. This inward journey removes the obstacles to peace of mind, allowing the seeker to experience the bliss of inner stillness.

The illusion of the world is powerful because it is reinforced by our senses and our conditioning. From childhood, we are taught to value external achievements, possessions, and relationships as the measure of success. Yet, when we sit in meditation, we discover that none of these can give lasting peace. True peace arises only when the mind is free from distractions, when it no longer runs after the mirage of worldly pleasures.

Meditation under Swamiji’s guidance is not merely a practice; it is a transformation. The restless mind, once trained to go inward, begins to dissolve into silence. In that silence, the illusion of the world loses its grip. The seeker realises that the world is like a dream - appearing real while it lasts, but ultimately insubstantial. What remains is the eternal presence, the pure consciousness that is our true nature.

This realisation does not make one indifferent to life. On the contrary, it brings clarity and compassion. When we see the world as an illusion, we stop clinging to it. We live in it, but we are not bound by it. We perform our duties, but without attachment. We love, but without fear of loss. We act, but without being enslaved by desire. This freedom is the fruit of meditation, the gift of the master’s guidance.

The journey from illusion to reality is gradual. The mind resists, for it is accustomed to running outward. But with patience, compassion, and consistent practice, the mind learns to rest. Each meditation session is a step toward freedom. Each moment of silence is a glimpse of truth. Slowly, the seeker realises that peace is not found in the world, but within. The illusion fades, and the reality of the self shines forth.

Ultimately, the world is an illusion, but the journey through it has a purpose. It teaches us to turn inward, to seek the eternal. Meditation is the bridge that takes us from the restless mind to the state of no-mind, from illusion to truth. Guided by a living master, the seeker discovers that beyond the play of appearances lies the infinite reality - unchanging, eternal, and blissful. To live in that reality is to be truly free.


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