Lately I have been facing a lot of questions pertaining what is reality. Not that I am any expert on that subject but as I like to, I tried to put my mind to at least understand the question.
I have always said, before trying to find an answer, see if you understand the question in the first place.
So on reality, I was pondering for few days. Is it what we believe is reality or what we refuse to believe is reality? I cut my self while preparing some meal. It hurts. That is reality? Or because I believe, since I am cut, it hurts, that is reality?
No I don't mean to say that if I start believing it won't hurt even if I am cut, will become reality.
I realized that there is a very fine yet distinct line between what is reality and what is perception. this distinction is that unchangeable border that stops our progress and evolution.
Some examples to be considered.
There are people, and many of them, who lead a miserable life. If you enquire with them, they always someone or something else to blame their misery to. Seldom they take the responsibility of their own affairs. Their reality, is their perception that life is not going to improve for them. Loss of motivation, self esteem and self respect. There is no love for life or gratification of being alive and able. Constantly complaining and doing nothing about making change. Is it real?
There are some other people, very few, who irrespective of the circumstance, have a brilliant smile on their face. They may be suffering from deep pains, emotional or physical, but rarely let it spill out. They bring goodness around. They bring hope to living. Usually this people sooner then later, do succeed in their lives. Very few of them. Where is reality in their world? That pain or the that smile?
This led me to another aspect to think and ponder upon. The 'power of intent'.
One can make changes, cross that fine definitive line between perception and reality and lead a life which is more fulfilling. The power to change misery in to joy. Power to convert sorrow in to happiness. To convert tears in to laughter. Yet not forgetting the reality, that pain is inevitable. Just like death.
The important aspect here is that of self conciousness. Tricky word this conciousness is. Every time I used this word in my conversation or writing, people suddenly gave a unnecessary intellectual/philosophical 'high' importance to the event. Suddenly they start 'behaving' differently. Unfortunately so many spiritual teachers and gurus have used this terminology so loosely now that it has lost it's simple meaning.
The word conciousness once again takes you back to the fine definitive difference between reality and perception. So given the understanding of conciousness, in terms of understanding the reality versus perception, I find it is rather easier to work with ones own conciousness. For a moment, set aside the belief, the knowledge, the education, the opinion and the suggestions from outside, and you will see your own conciousness clearly. You will that distinctive fine line that separates your reality from your own perception.
Once you see this, you will also realise that your perception is also part of your reality. Mind boggling isn't it? Well I am still working on this concept and also on 'power of intent'. Someday soon I am sure I will have much clearer picture and much simpler words to express.
