What is Illusion? A Simple Understanding
Illusion does not mean the world is false — it means we see it in the wrong way. When we mistake the temporary as eternal, identify with the body instead of the soul, and forget our true relationship with the Supreme, we live in illusion. Real freedom comes when we see ourselves as eternal souls.
Many people say, “The world is an illusion.” But is that really true? If the world is created by the Supreme, how can it be false? The truth is — the world is real, but the way we see and relate to it often becomes illusion. Let’s understand this step by step.
Illusion (Māyā)
The material world is not false; it is real. The problem begins with how we look at it. Illusion means seeing things in the wrong way. It happens when:
- We mistake the temporary for the eternal.
- We believe this body is our true self.
- We think that things which belong to the Supreme are actually ours.
Illusion does not mean that the world or our body do not exist. It means that we take them to be the ultimate truth and cling to them as if they are permanent — even though they are passing.
Body–Soul Confusion
Illusion truly begins when we think, “I am this body.” From this one mistake, so many false identities arise: “my family, my house, my money, my country.”
But the body is temporary — it appears at birth and disappears at death. The soul, however, is eternal. It never takes birth and it never dies. When we identify with the body, we live in illusion. When we identify as the eternal soul, we see the truth.
The Real Identity
Our true identity is beyond the body. The soul is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. Forgetting this truth, we live in illusion. Remembering this truth, we live in reality.
The soul has an eternal relationship with the Supreme. When we revive that relationship — through remembrance, chanting of divine names, and service — our life becomes meaningful. We no longer cling to temporary things, but live in the joy of eternal truth.
Conclusion
Illusion is not about denying the world, but about correcting our vision. The world is real, but our false identification makes us live in a dream. By realizing that we are eternal souls, connected to the Supreme, we move out of illusion and step into true knowledge and everlasting happiness.
