Illusion or Reality, what do you see?

We live in an incredible yet challenging time, with more information at our fingertips than ever before. However, having so many options often leaves us unsure about what we really want. Every day, we're hit with pictures of the "perfect life," quick-fix happiness tips, and so-called inspiring goals, and they often just leave us feeling empty.

We rarely stop to question the foundations of our lives: Who decided what life should be like? Why do we label certain things as "normal," "successful," or "happy"? Are these values really based on genuine wisdom, or are they just made-up ideas to keep us in line and sell us stuff?

Illusion in Vedic Philosophy

In Vedic philosophy, the concept of Maya represents the energy of illusion that conceals the truth. Maya is not always frightening; she often appears attractive and comforting, leading us to believe that the material world is all there is. She deceives us into thinking that happiness can be purchased, achieved through status, or gained through recognition.

As Rami Bleckt used to say:

“Illusion is everything that takes us away from our true Self — from the soul.”

Adopting others' goals and standards can create misleading illusions, leading us away from our true path. We often go after these expectations set by others without stopping to ask, "What do I really want deep down?"

What Makes Us Trust Our Perception of the World?

When we're kids, we pick up on all these rules society throws at us without really questioning them. Even though we're born free, we end up following these unspoken expectations. We hear stuff like “Get good grades to succeed,” “Work hard for happiness,” and “Find the perfect partner for true love.” We stick to these ideas because everyone else does, not because they're necessarily true. Still, we just keep going along with it all.

Everyday Misconceptions We All Have

A lot of today's food looks great but lacks real energy, packed with artificial stuff that weakens us. What we eat affects both our body and mind, and real health comes from nature, not pills. Our bodies deserve fresh, natural food, not fake substitutes.

Alcohol and cigarettes are sold as symbols of the good life, but they just give temporary relief and add stress and dependency. These habits trap us while pretending to be fun.

Kids get sucked into a virtual world where happiness is all about the number of likes. It's up to parents and mentors to teach real values by example, not control, showing them the importance of quiet, connection, and truth.

The idea that someone else can make us happy is a myth. We often look for someone to fill our emptiness, but love needs to be alive within us first before we can share it with others.

Recognizing an Illusion

Illusions are like attention seekers, always wanting to be noticed and validated. They're in those ads that promise happiness if you buy something new, in social media feeds showing off perfect lives, and in that little voice telling you you're not enough without achievements or stuff.

But illusions don't last. What seemed super important yesterday, like a new car or phone, soon loses its charm, leaving you wanting the next big thing.

Illusions feed the ego, not the soul. The ego craves attention, comparison, and approval, while the soul just wants peace, authenticity, and a deeper connection with something greater.

Recognizing the Real Thing

Truth—the real thing—is calm and obvious, just like a sunrise that doesn't need any hype. When you come across it, your heart just knows. Truth is timeless; things like love, compassion, and kindness were valued ages ago and will still be cherished down the line. It clicks with your heart, bringing peace, warmth, and a sense of openness, without any fear or stress.

How to Free Yourself from Illusion:

This journey is more about slowly waking up rather than making a sudden shift.

Start by questioning the things you’ve always believed: Who decided they were true? Why do you believe them? Do they make you genuinely happy or just comfortable?

Many so-called "truths" start to fall apart when you gently question them. Learn to listen to your heart; your mind can be loud and demanding, but your soul speaks softly. Vedic wisdom suggests that the mind's voice is pushy and scary, while the soul's is calm and clear. Look to sources of light, like the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Holy Bible, to help guide you through the dark.

Pay attention to how you feel; illusions leave you restless, while the truth brings peace and relief. Don’t be afraid of disappointment; waking up from illusions can be tough, but it lets the light shine through the cracks.

Summary

The text is already grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. Here it is unchanged: You've got to get back to being yourself and stop living according to what others expect. Wake up and start living your own life. We've been tricked by fake ideas of happiness, confusing harmful stuff for relaxation and buying into illusions. To find a new way, you've got to courageously see the truth: happiness can't be bought, real life doesn't need fancy packaging, and deep down, you know what's real. As Rami Bleckt says, true freedom isn't about having everything but seeing through the illusions. It's time to ditch the easy lies, face the truth even if it means changing, and realize that the answers are within you. Open your eyes to spot where the illusion ends and the truth begins.