'Serpent and the Rope'

 The illusory nature of the gross physical objective world is explained with an oft-quoted 'serpent and the snake' illustration. Here, the world is appearing like a snake on the rope that is 'brahmn'. This brahmn is real and the world appears on it like a snake in the dark (ignorance). The moment light falls on it, knowledge dawns as to the reality, the snake disappears and along with it the fear! What creates the illusion is not the rope appearing like snake, but it is the mind that is preoccupied with fear for the snake as also the darkness! Our ignorance as the reality of our existence, the true nature of this ever-changing gross objective world is the main cause of all our troubles and turmoil. Why not we realize the true nature of our existence as also the reality of the world?

  It is not that easy to realize either the true nature of the world, or the reality of our own existence. This requires the help of a learned sage. It also requires a level of certain understanding and renunciation. Unless we develop a distaste, an averse, a dislike toward the objects that come within the grip of time space and causality or niyati (maya) we will not stop desiring for the sense-objects. We will not realize the fact that we live in an ever-changing objective world. The mind is the culprit. It creates an illusion and make the senses run after the insatiable objects. The more we desire for things, objects of the world toward which the senses run, the more disappointment we experience at the end. There always exists a gap, an interval, between the time we desire for objects and the time we get them. This gap takes away the sheen! There is no glamor or interest left after one gets what one desires! We have seen the tragic end of the rich and the powerful. We run after wealth, fame, and worldly accolades and finally feel disappointed even after getting what we wanted. 

  What is the cure for the illness of this woldly existence. Sage Vasishtha advises Rama to develop a sense of renunciation. He says the world is what you think of. It is made of five elements. Remember whatever is made of parts disappear the moment parts fall off. The gross elemental body is no exception to this rule. Don't think this world is real. It is always waning. I is like the waves that comepete to reach as far as the land as possible and retreat! The calm and quiet sea is real, not the waves, the ebb and fall of the competing waves influenced by the wind! When the 'Knowledge of the Self' dawns, the illusory world disappears. When we realize that soul (Atman) is real and the superimposed organic body is not real since it is subject to wearing out, death, decay, and finally vanish into dust.