The quote “Realize all this as illusion, realise that within the illusion is the Real” by Swami Vivekananda essentially conveys a profound philosophical concept found in many Eastern philosophies. The first part of the quote, “Realize all this as illusion,” suggests that our perception of reality — what we see, hear, feel or think — may not be an accurate reflection of what truly is. It suggests that our understanding and interpretation of life are often distorted by our personal biases, prejudices and limited perspectives.
The second part of the quote, “realise that within the illusion is the Real,” implies a deeper truth hidden beneath these illusions. This could mean different things to different people: for some it might signify an underlying spiritual or divine reality; for others it could represent fundamental truths about human nature and existence.
In today’s world where we are constantly bombarded with information from various sources such as social media and news outlets which often present skewed or biased views on events and issues, this quote serves as a reminder to question our perceived realities. It encourages us to look beyond surface appearances to discover deeper truths.
In terms of personal development, one can apply this idea by being more introspective and reflective about their beliefs and assumptions. By acknowledging that one’s understanding might be flawed or incomplete (an ‘illusion’), they can strive towards gaining deeper insights (‘the Real’) through open-mindedness, continuous learning and seeking diverse perspectives.
Moreover in today’s fast-paced world where external achievements like wealth & fame are highly valued but often ephemeral (illusion), it also reminds us to focus on inner values like integrity & compassion (the real), which provide lasting contentment & fulfillment.
