Waking Up Slowly...

Know all things to be like this: A mirage, a cloud castle, a dream, an apparition, without essence, but with qualities that can be seen. Know all things to be like this: As the moon in a bright sky in some clear lake reflected, though to that lake the moon has never moved. Know all things to be like this: As an echo that derives from music, sounds, and weeping, Yet in that echo is no melody. Know all things to be like this: As a magician makes illusions of horses, oxen, carts and other things, nothing is as it appears. -- Samadhi Raja Sutra

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. -- Albert Einstein


For thousands of years the great teachers and mystics have repeatedly pointed out the dream-like nature of reality. As someone who has followed the Buddhist path over the last 13 or so years I have often come across teachings that allude directly or indirectly to the fact that there is something wrong with the way we understand this world. Buddhists call it 'delusion' -- the mis-understanding of the true nature of the world around us. I have to admit that while for many years I had an intellectual understanding of the concept, it is only over the last couple of years that I have begun to see exactly what this might mean.

It's only a glimpse. I don't pretend that I have any deep insight, but I do know that I am beginning to experience and understand a little of this true reality. I know that many of you are moving down this path of understanding, and I encourage you to join in and share your experiences on this blog.

Nobody can tell you how to wake up, or even tell you what it means to be awake. It's something we all must experience for ourselves. Hopefully, however, some of the ideas and stories here will help you on your own personal journey.

Chris.