Illusion

Illusion: A thought, object, or event that is perceived differently than what is expected.

It is a common mistake to think of an illusion as something that is not real.

The statement, “life is an illusion” does not mean that life is not real. To think that life is an illusion and therefore does not matter is a mistake. To think that life is exactly as we perceive it is also a mistake.

If how we perceive life is a mistake, than how do we know the correct way to respond to life?

One way to respond that may reduce anxiety is to accept the idea that it is okay to not know how things are exactly. Instead it may be beneficial to adopt the idea that we can love others without expectations and respond to people and the world around us with kindness without expectations. In this way we have the greatest opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives’.

To “know” that we don’t know, is freedom. It allows for any possibility. To “know” without the possibility of being wrong, forces a wedge between people. A wedge doesn’t allow for any freedom of movement or further dialog.

It is very common for two people to disagree and not allow that the other person has any possibility of being right. It can be at the very least disagreeable for both parties involved. To agree to disagree may allow for some level of comfort. To accept the idea that I might not understand the reason that the other person disagrees, and also to let go of the idea that I am right allows me to respond with kindness instead of indifference.

How should I respond to violence?

Remember, just because we accept the idea that we may not perceive things exactly as they are, it doesn’t mean that the way things are, are without consequences. Consequences may not be exactly as we perceive them either, but perceived or not consequences are real. Everything is “real”. Real just may not be how we perceive it.

To respond to violence with violence may be the only response that we know. It is important to know that even though we may respond with violence, we should also not hold on to the possibility that we are absolutely correct in our response.

When violence occurs and I win and the other person loses, isn’t this the desired result?

It may be the desired result at the time, but it would not be wise to hold on to the idea that the desired result is right or the only way. Letting go of right and wrong can be the only correct response to not having the complete picture or perception of all of reality and it’s causes and effects.
That is why it is so important to practice kindness. Kindness by its very nature allows for many possibilities. Hatred allows for very few.

How does this way of thinking (or not thinking) stop violence?

Kindness does not stop violence. It does however allow for more possible outcomes than violence. Violence is nearly always met with violence. Again, kindness by its very nature allows for many possibilities. Hatred allows for very few.