The treasure I have found cannot be described in words, the mind cannot conceive of it.
Adi ShankaraRead
Like the appearance of silver in mother of pearl, the world seems real until the Self, the underlying reality, is realized.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The world appears authentic until one recognizes the deeper reality of the Self.
This quote by Adi Shankara highlights the philosophical perspective that our perception of the world is often an illusion, akin to the shiny outer appearance of silver on mother of pearl. The deeper significance lies in the awareness of the Self, which transcends material reality and leads to a true understanding of existence.
Themes
SelfRealityIllusionPhilosophyPerception
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of reality and perception.
More from Adi Shankara
All quotes βEven after the Truth has been realised, there remains that strong, obstinate impression that one is still an ego - the agent and experiencer. This has to be carefully removed by living in a state of constant identification with the supreme non-dual Self. Full Awakening is the eventual ceasing of all the mental impressions of being an ego.
Adi ShankaraRead
Give up identification with this mass of flesh as well as with what thinks it a mass. Both are intellectual imaginations. Recognise your true self as undifferentiated awareness, unaffected by time, past, present or future, and enter Peace.
Adi ShankaraRead
As gold purified in a furnace loses its impurities and achieves its own true nature, the mind gets rid of the impurities of the attributes of delusion, attachment and purity through meditation and attains Reality.
Adi ShankaraRead
But the jiva [living being] is endowed with ego and his knowledge is limited, whereas Ishwar is without ego and is omniscient.
Adi ShankaraRead
There is sorrow in finitude. The Self is beyond time, space and objects. It is infinite and hence of the nature of absolute happiness.
Adi ShankaraRead
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