The Eternal Question: Who Are We?

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one,” said Albert Einstein, capturing the enigma of existence in a single stroke of insight. What is this “reality” we so deeply believe in? Are we truly free in our decisions, or are we bound by forces beyond comprehension? As we unravel these profound questions, let us embark on a journey through ancient wisdom, philosophical musings, and contemporary reflections.

The Nature of Reality

Indian mystic and philosopher Sri Aurobindo once wrote, “The reality of the universe is not the physical form but the universal consciousness that manifests in the physical world.” His words urge us to look beyond the tangible and into the realm of the infinite. Reality, as most of us perceive it, is constructed by the mind—a series of patterns, thoughts, and interpretations layered upon a deeper, ineffable truth.

The ancient Indian scripture Mandukya Upanishad delves into this further, describing reality as having four states: waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the ultimate consciousness (Turiya), a state of pure awareness beyond dualities. It is in this state that one experiences the true nature of reality—unfragmented by illusions or ego.

The Question of Free Will

The Buddha, known for his profound insights into the nature of the mind, once posed a question to his disciples during a discussion about awareness and choice. He asked them, “When you blink your eyes, do you choose to do so?”

One of the disciples replied, “No, it happens naturally.”

The Buddha smiled and continued, “And yet, when you are mindful of your blinking, it slows down, and you can even stop it momentarily. This is the difference between acting unconsciously and acting with awareness. Most of what we do is like the blinking of our eyes—automatic, without thought. True freedom arises when we bring consciousness to these actions, but how often do we truly do that?”

This tale underscores a critical question: are our actions truly “free”? Neurologists and philosophers have long debated whether free will exists or if it is merely an illusion. As neuroscientist Sam Harris puts it, “You can do what you decide to do, but you cannot decide what you will decide to do.”

In India, philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti emphasized that “freedom is not the pursuit of desire; it is the state of mind where choice is unnecessary.” True freedom, he argued, comes not from acting on whims but from transcending the very need to act out of conditioning.

Consciousness: The Final Frontier

Consciousness, the silent witness to all experiences, remains one of humanity’s greatest mysteries. Who are we beyond our thoughts, desires, and bodies? As Rumi poetically said, “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”

Indian philosopher Adi Shankaracharya’s Advaita Vedanta asserts that the self (Atman) and the universal reality (Brahman) are one and the same. This non-dualistic view challenges the separation we perceive between ourselves and the universe. In Shankaracharya’s words: “Brahman is the only truth, the world is an illusion, and there is ultimately no difference between Brahman and the individual self.”

Modern thinkers like Alan Watts echo these sentiments, observing that “you are the universe experiencing itself.” The line between observer and observed, self and other, begins to blur when viewed through the lens of higher consciousness.

An Indian Perspective: Between Ancient and Modern

India’s rich philosophical tradition offers countless insights into consciousness and free will. Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet, captured this duality of freedom and constraint beautifully: “I exist because the infinite exists, and my freedom is but a part of its freedom.” His words remind us of the interplay between individual will and universal flow—a dance as old as time, the dance of Shiva.

Osho once remarked, “The moment you become aware of the mind, you are no longer a slave to it. Awareness is freedom.” This insight emphasizes that much of what we perceive as free will is, in fact, the mind’s automated responses. True freedom, according to Osho, lies in transcending the unconscious mind through awareness, where actions are no longer driven by reflex but by a deep harmony with existence.

The Interplay of Consciousness, Reality, and Will

So, where does this leave us? Is reality an illusion, free will a myth, and consciousness the only truth? Perhaps, as Buddha suggested, true freedom lies not in controlling our actions but in becoming aware of them. To live consciously is to step out of reflexive patterns, to embrace the present moment fully, and to see reality as it is—not as we wish it to be.

While free will may be debated, the act of living consciously remains an enduring responsibility—a Kartavya we owe ourselves and the universe.