The Illusion of Samsara: Reflections from Yoga Vāsiṣṭha

"The idea of a (live) snake in a picture of a snake ceases to be entertained when the truth is known, even if it continues to appear. Similarly, saṁsāra ceases to exist when the Truth is realized."
— Yoga Vāsiṣṭha

This profound metaphor from the Yoga Vāsiṣṭha beautifully illustrates the nature of illusion and truth. Just as one may mistake a painted snake for a real one—responding with fear or caution—so too do we mistake the appearances of the world (saṁsāra) as absolute reality.

But when we come to know the truth—that the snake is merely a picture, or that saṁsāra is a projection of the mind—the illusion loses its grip. Even if the image remains, the belief in its reality dissolves.

This is the power of realization: not the removal of appearances, but the transcendence of mistaken identity. In this way, liberation is not somewhere else—it is a shift in understanding.

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