Reality is an illusion?

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Daffy
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Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2012 2:43 am

Reality is an illusion?

Post by Daffy »

I've heard of the Buddhist idea that reality is an illusion.

I read someone describe reality like this:

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Could it be that reality is not an illusion but that our version of reality is an illusion? In other words, none of us are perceiving reality for what it is but rather for what we wish it to be.
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This makes more sense to me. We're all human and each of us have a unique experience and view on reality.

But how can we possible escape this? How do you see reality for "what it is"? Even if you achieve enlightenment, aren't you still experiencing it from a human point of view, thus enlightenment was also an illusion?

See what I mean?

Thanks for the help with understanding this concept.
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robertk
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Re: Reality is an illusion?

Post by robertk »

Key first step in developing right view is learning what is reality and what is concept.
Try this book http://www.abhidhamma.org/sujin3.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
santa100
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Re: Reality is an illusion?

Post by santa100 »

Reality might be too broad a scope to be investigated. But this body can certainly be seen as "illusory", which means that it constantly changes (impermanent), impersonal (not self), and unsastifactory. The link below provides the same view under a scientific lense..

http://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... ck#p207443" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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retrofuturist
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Re: Reality is an illusion?

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings Daffy,

If you have the time to read it, I highly recommend...

Magic Of The Mind by Bhikkhu Nanananda
http://www.nibbanam.com/MagicOfMind.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

See also these two Amazon reviews that give additional context to what it's about: http://www.amazon.com/The-Magic-Mind-Ex ... 9552401356" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

:reading:

Metta,
Retro. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
danieLion
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Re: Reality is an illusion?

Post by danieLion »

robertk wrote:Key first step in developing right view is learning what is reality and what is concept.
Try this book http://www.abhidhamma.org/sujin3.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This author seems to be saying concepts arent real--right?
Daffy
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Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2012 2:43 am

Re: Reality is an illusion?

Post by Daffy »

Thanks everyone for the links. I will be reading them. :thanks:

When we say that this reality is an illusion, does this mean there exists a reality that is not an illusion?

In other words, if we're saying this reality is false, then that must mean that there is a reality that is true. A reality that is actually reality.

Correct? Perhaps the readings above will clarify. :reading:
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robertk
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Re: Reality is an illusion?

Post by robertk »

danieLion wrote:
robertk wrote:Key first step in developing right view is learning what is reality and what is concept.
Try this book http://www.abhidhamma.org/sujin3.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This author seems to be saying concepts arent real--right?
Yes concepts are only concepts , no reality. Unlike realities (paramattha dhammas)
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Ben
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Re: Reality is an illusion?

Post by Ben »

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