If time is not real, then the dividing line between this world and eternity, between suffering and bliss, between good and evil, is also an illusion.
Interpretation
Time may be an illusion, suggesting that concepts like suffering and bliss are also subjective and interconnected.
Hermann Hesse's quote prompts a reflection on the nature of reality and time, suggesting that if time is not a definitive aspect of existence, then the distinctions we make between different states of beingβsuch as suffering and bliss or good and evilβare also artificial constructs of our perception. This perspective encourages deeper contemplation of how we categorize our experiences and the potential interconnectedness of seemingly opposing concepts.
In practice
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of existence and time.
I shall no longer be instructed by the Yoga Veda or the Aharva Veda, or the ascetics, or any other doctrine whatsoever. I shall learn from myself, be a pupil of myself; I shall get to know myself, the mystery of Siddhartha." He looked around as if he were seeing the world for the first time.
That is where my dearest and brightest dreams have ranged β to hear for the duration of a heartbeat the universe and the totality of life in its mysterious, innate harmony.
I, also, would like to look and smile, sit and walk like that, so free, so worthy, so restrained, so candid, so childlike and mysterious. A man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his Self. I also will conquer my Self.
You're quite right there," he said. "I have practiced abstinence myself for years, and had my time of fasting, too, but now I find myself once more beneath the sign of Aquarius, a dark and humid constellation.
I call that man awake who, with conscious knowledge and understanding, can perceive the deep unreasoning powers in his soul, his whole innermost strength, desire and weakness, and knows how to reckon with himself.
Despair is the result of each earnest attempt to go through life with virtue, justice and understanding, and to fulfill their requirements. Children live on one side of despair, the awakened on the other side.
The most important question we must ask ourselves is, 'Are we being good ancestors?'
In the immediate as well as the symbolic sense, in the physical as well as the intellectual sense, we are at any moment those who separate the connected, or connect the separate.
Home is where you hang your head.
Preach Christ or nothing: don't dispute or discuss except with your eye on the cross.
The word 'ivory' rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed. You would think they were praying to it. A taint of imbecile rapacity blew through it all, like a whiff from some corpse. By Jove! I've never seen anything so unreal in my life. And outside, the silent wilderness surrounding this cleared speck on the earth struck me as something great and invincible, like evil or truth, waiting patiently for the passing away of this fantastic invasion.
No reference is truly direct β every reference depends on some kind of coding scheme. It's just a question of how implicit it is.
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