In our quest to uncover the essence of reality, we often encounter two paths: one leads us through the vast landscapes of the mind, body, and sensations; the other transcends these and draws us into the unchanging, boundless consciousness. The former is a world of variations and temporality, while the latter is the Ultimate Reality, the essence of all things—pure, eternal, and unyielding to change. Let’s delve into the profound differences between what is truly real and what is merely apparent.
Real vs. Apparent
Reality, or what we call Truth, is unchanging, indivisible, and beyond objectification. It is the same for all, untouched by the perceptions or experiences unique to each individual. On the other hand, that which is apparent—our minds, bodies, feelings, thoughts, and sensory experiences—is unique for each one of us, constantly shifting, and dependent on individual perception.
- Mind – Different for each person, shaped by experiences, knowledge, and personal conditioning.
- Body – Varies from one to another, with physical differences highlighting the individuality of apparent forms.
- Feelings and Thoughts – Fluid, subjective, and deeply personal. They arise and pass, influenced by circumstances and states of mind.
These elements, though deeply intertwined with our identities, are not the true essence of who we are; they are instead representations, surfaces reflecting the Real underneath. The mind, just like color, taste, and temperature, is an object of experience and hence, apparent.
The Real: Consciousness and Awareness
The true essence is the unchanging consciousness within us. This awareness is the same for everyone, a unified field beyond divisions of form, perception, or experience. Unlike the mind, body, or emotions, consciousness is constant, uncolored by personal differences. It is the silent witness, observing but never being changed by what it observes.
This consciousness is the Ultimate Reality because it meets the criteria of what is real:
- Eternal: It does not perish; it remains even as the body ages and thoughts transform.
- Indivisible: It is whole and cannot be divided into parts.
- Unchanging: While our experiences and perceptions fluctuate, consciousness remains constant.
- Object-less: It cannot be seen, touched, or manipulated. Consciousness experiences objects but is not itself an object.
Apparent Experiences and the Real Consciousness
How, then, does consciousness interact with the world of apparent forms and experiences? It does not “interact” in the conventional sense. The mind, as an apparent object, perceives and processes sensory input, interpreting it as thoughts, feelings, and knowledge. However, consciousness remains the observer behind these processes, witnessing without attachment or change. While the mind can experience and interpret, it cannot fully realize the Ultimate Reality because it is still a part of the apparent.
The Nature of the Ultimate Reality
To understand Ultimate Reality, we must first shed the notion of it as an object or phenomenon that can be directly experienced or possessed. Ultimate Reality, or Truth, has the following qualities:
- Inviolable: It cannot be burned, cut, or destroyed.
- Beyond Gunas (Qualities): It is beyond the three modes of nature—Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva—meaning it is unaffected by darkness, activity, or harmony.
- Pure and Non-Attached: It is not dependent on any particular form or outcome.
- Blissful: Consciousness, in its purest form, is often associated with bliss because it exists beyond duality, beyond the turmoil of pleasure and pain.
Finite and Infinite: The Relationship of Objects to Reality
Finite objects exist within the realm of the infinite, arising and passing away like waves in the ocean. All temporary forms—body, mind, sensations—exist because there is an underlying reality, just as a movie screen exists as the foundation for the projected images. While the images move and change, the screen remains untouched. Similarly, consciousness is the foundation upon which all experience unfolds, and without it, no finite object could exist.
In our journey through life, we interact with the apparent world, often mistaking it for reality itself. But by realizing that our true nature is consciousness, and that this awareness is the common ground uniting all beings, we come closer to the Ultimate Reality—the eternal, unchanging truth that transcends all appearances.
Awakening to the Truth
The pursuit of this ultimate awareness is the path of spiritual awakening. Realizing that all finite forms depend on this infinite foundation opens us to a deeper sense of connectedness and peace. We understand that consciousness is beyond attachment, unaffected by the events and conditions of the apparent world. By recognizing the difference between what is real (unchanging consciousness) and what is apparent (changing forms), we transcend fear, attachment, and suffering, arriving at a state of blissful awareness.
This journey reminds us that while we may experience life through individual minds, bodies, and senses, our core—our consciousness—is the same, indestructible, and infinite. In understanding this, we align ourselves with the Ultimate Reality, embracing the truth that we are one with the boundless awareness that pervades all existence.
