Is it possible for humans to perceive reality? That raises the issue: what is reality? How will we recognise reality?
I am reminded of my own question throughout my life: how do I know what I know? Both Hinduism and Plato (representing one of the philosophical paradigms of the West) are not encouraging: reality is seemingly shrouded.
Hinduism does, however, offer a pathway – deep meditation. Yet, the report of Paramahansa Yogananda of his spiritual experience is confounding. Is a similar experience available to an ordinary person like me?
Drawing upon both my personal experiences with humanity, and a lot of reading, I am inclined to say that:
- we each have a unique perception of reality
- our perceptions are influenced mainly by exposures during this life
- these exposures would have a cumulative framework of reference
- our interpretations or registers of such exposures probably (should?) reflect what our souls tell us (in some subtle way)
- there may be an etheric veil between human perceptions and that which is perceived
- that what we perceive may only be a projection of what is – if it is tangible
- if reality is not material but ethereal, do we have the necessary facility to ‘capture’ it?
- would it matter were conceptions of apparent reality to be variable within normal human relations?
- material reality may require agreement for safety, sanity, scientific research, etc, leaving the ephemeral to those who could take us beyond the level of existence as we know it
- perceptions of reality may require use of the ‘third eye’
- if that is successful, how does mankind or the individual benefit while on Earth?
- if reincarnation is to allow us to purify our individual souls to enable us to return the the Ocean of Consciousness from which we arose, would that not be the aspect of reality that is relevant to us Earthlings?
Yet, the search for understanding of the meaning of existence must continue. Perhaps that is reality.
RAJA ARASA RATNAM 