The Dream of the Dream

Have you ever felt like everything around you is just a fleeting moment, a passing illusion? What if the reality we live in is more like a dream, and our true essence lies beyond this physical body and material world? In the teachings of many spiritual traditions, including Sikhism, this world is often compared to a dream—an experience that we must awaken from to realise our true self.

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O my mind, you are the embodiment of the Divine Light - recognise your own origin.

The Illusion of the World

In Sikhism, Guru Nanak emphasized that the material world (Maya) is an illusion that distracts us from our true purpose. He compared our attachment to worldly desires and achievements to being lost in a dream. We chase success, possessions, and recognition, forgetting that these are temporary and ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of existence.

Like dreams, our experiences in this world are fleeting. The wealth, power, and status we seek are illusions that fade away, leaving us disconnected from our true self—the soul, which is eternal and divine.

Beyond the Physical Body

We often identify ourselves with our physical appearance, roles, or achievements. But these are just layers of the dream. Our true self is not our bod but the soul within—a spark of the divine energy that connects all living beings.

Recognising this deeper self means seeing beyond external identities. We are not just individuals; we are part of a universal consciousness, connected to the One Supreme Source. Understanding this can free us from the cycles of desire, fear, and suffering.

Awakening to Reality

In Sikh philosophy, the journey toward self-realisation involves breaking free from ego (Haumai) and illusion. Ego makes us believe we are separate and superior from others, leading to attachment and suffering. The true self is revealed when we quiet the ego and realise our oneness with the Divine. This awakening is not about escaping life but living with a higher awareness.

"The soul is like a wave of the ocean; it rises and merges back into the ocean. Recognise this oneness." — Guru Arjan Dev Ji

We must practice spirituality and mindfulness to stabilise ourselves from the effects of Maya. Just like frozen ocean don't have waves it is still and calm. We have to freeze ourselves by breaking free ourselves from ego and false identity of ourselves.

How to Awaken: Practical Steps

1. Meditation and Simran (Remembrance):?Regularly meditate and remember who we are truly and identify the divine will (The Hukam). And then practice to align our actions with the divine will, this calms the mind and helps us connect with our true self.
2. Detach from Materialism:?Recognise that material possessions and achievements are temporary. Focus on inner growth and self-awareness.
3. Practice Humility and Compassion:?See the divine in every being. Treat others with kindness and respect, acknowledging that we are all connected.
4. Self-Reflection:?Regularly reflect on your thoughts and actions. Are they driven by ego or by love and awareness?

The Bigger Picture

When we see the world as a dream, we understand that our ultimate goal is not to gather wealth or status but to awaken to our true self. This perspective doesn’t mean we should ignore our responsibilities or relationships; instead, we should live with a deeper awareness, knowing that the essence of life lies beyond the material.

"The dream of the world disappears when we awaken to the truth within."

Conclusion

The world is a beautiful yet temporary illusion, a dream that holds lessons for our soul's journey. By looking beyond appearances and connecting with our true self, we can experience life in its purest form. Let’s wake up from the dream of desires and ego and step into the reality of oneness, love, and divine connection.

Are you ready to look beyond the dream and discover who you truly are?

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