At times we feel that sense objects really exist, at other times that they are merely ideas. Why does one and the same thing appear so different on different occasions?

WORDS OF SRI ANANDAMAYI MA-10

QUESTION. : At times we feel that sense objects really exist, at other times that they are merely ideas. Why does one and the same thing appear so different on different occasions?

SRI MA: Because you are in the grip of time.

You have not yet reached the state where everything is perceived as the Self * (*A play upon words: samaya and svamayi sound alike. samaya - time; svamayi - ‘permeated by Self’) alone, have you?

Herein lies the solution of the whole problem.

To feel as you do is good, since your feeling is related to the Supreme Quest; for nothing is ever wasted. What you have realized even for a second will, at some time or other, bear fruit.

Thus, what water, air, the sky, etc. are, and hence what creation is, the knowledge of the real character of each element (tattva) will flash into your consciousness one by one-just like buds bursting open.

Flowers and fruit come into existence only because they are potentially contained in the tree. Therefore you should aim at realizing the One Supreme Element (Tattva) that will throw light on all elements.

You asked about sense objects: an object of sense visaya,( - sense object, vis -poison, ha - ‘is’) is that which contains poison, is full of harm and drags man towards death. But freedom from the world of sense objects (nirvisaya) - where no trace of poison remains - means immortality.

QUESTION: Still, something of the burning pain of varagya is left over?

SRI MA: What is it that produces the sensation of burning?

A sore surely! Because of it there is inflammation ; but whose sore is it? Unless there is a sore, there can be no smarting. Therein lies the deception : so long as Reality is not revealed, the sore will persist. If the inflammation is a healing process, it is of course beneficent. A patient who becomes unconscious is not aware of his agony - you can see how man is drowned in pleasure, loss and affliction - this surely is not what is wanted! This is the way of the world with its never-ending uncertainties*( Sansara - world, sansaya - uncertainty.)

Can you tell why one feels anguish?

INQUIRER: One is pulled in two directions, towards God as well as towards sense enjoyment - this causes anguish.

SRI MA: You have a desire to give up, but you cannot let go; such is your problem. Let that desire awaken in your heart - its stirring signifies that the time is coming when you will be able to give up.

You obtain a coveted object, but still you are dissatisfied ; and if you fail to get it, you are also disappointed.

The disillusionment you experience at the fulfilment of your wish is wholesome; but the torment of the unfulfilled hankering after the things you could not secure, drives you towards which is of death, towards that misery.

Om Namah Shivay