Source Video: Is This World Real? – Swami Mukundananda
Introduction: The Ancient Question Revisited
“Is this world real?”
This question has challenged the greatest minds—from ancient seers in India to modern scientists and Western philosophers. Is what we perceive around us actually real, or is it merely a grand illusion—a projection of our minds?
In Chapter 2, Verse 16 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Shree Krishna provides a profound insight into this question during his discourse with Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
📖 Sanskrit Verse – Bhagavad Gita 2.16
नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सत: |
उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभि: || 2.16 ||
Translation:
Of the transient, there is no endurance; and of the eternal, there is no cessation. This truth has been perceived by the seers who have studied the nature of both.
In his commentary, Swami Mukundananda unpacks this verse with clarity, offering a beautiful blend of Vedic wisdom, devotional insights, and modern analogies to help us gain a deeper understanding of what is real and what is illusion.
What Does “Real” Actually Mean?
Lord Krishna’s statement is simple but revolutionary:
- That which truly exists (Sat) is eternal and unchanging.
- That which is unreal (Asat) is impermanent and fleeting.
So when we ask, “Is this world real?”, Krishna points us toward this key distinction:
“Reality is determined not by perception, but by permanence.”
🎭 The Nature of Happiness and Illusion
Swami Mukundananda introduces the idea of temporary happiness versus eternal bliss using a real-life example:
Someone says, “Swamiji, I had a gala time yesterday!”
But today, they are sick, frustrated, and unhappy.
This illustrates that:
- Temporary joys are fleeting.
- True happiness (Ananda) is unchanging, unending, and independent of external factors.
🧘♂️ Definition from Scriptures:
“Bliss is that which always remains. That which comes and goes is not bliss.”
🌿 Guru Nanak’s Response to Babur
When the Mughal Emperor Babur offered a cup of bhang (opium) to Guru Nanak, the saint declined, saying:
“The intoxication from God's name stays with me forever. Intoxication from bhang disappears by morning.”
✅ Takeaway:
Seek the kind of happiness that is eternal—not one that ends with a hangover.
📽️ The Cinema Hall Analogy – Why the World Feels Real
Swamiji compares our perception of the world to watching a movie:
- When the first films were shown in India, people cried during tragedies and cheered during climaxes, believing it to be real.
- Similarly, we treat temporary experiences as permanent realities, forgetting that they, too, will pass.
🎬 Illusion ≠ Reality
Even though your emotions during the film feel real, the scenes are not.
Just like that, the experiences of life can feel intense—but they are not permanent.
🔍 The Philosophical Debate: Is the World Real?
This leads to a major Vedantic debate—a subject that has been studied for centuries.
🧘♂️ Advaita Vedanta (Shankaracharya)
- Declares the world is Mithya (illusory).
- Like a dream, created by your mind.
- Quote: “Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya”
“Brahman is real; the world is an illusion.”
According to this view:
- The world does not independently exist.
- It is a projection, much like a dream you have during sleep.
🛕 Vaishnava Acharyas' View
Saints like:
- Jagadguru Madhvacharya (Dvaita)
- Ramanujacharya (Vishishtadvaita)
- Vallabhacharya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Nimbarkacharya
...argue that the world does exist but is Asat—not illusory, just impermanent.
“If the world is just your mind’s creation, then why are we all experiencing the same universe?”
🔁 Reconciliation: Swami Kripaluji Maharaj
He beautifully resolves the conflict:
“There are two worlds.”
- External World – Created by God. Exists for all.
- Internal World – Created by your mind. Unique to you.
Hence, the external world is Real as it's created by God, while the internal world created by our own mind is Unreal.
The Two Worlds: External vs. Internal
1. 🌍 External World (Sat-asat)
- Created by God.
- Same for all (e.g., the sun, nature, your car).
- It is temporary (Asat) but real.
2. 🧠 Internal World (Mithya)
- Made up of your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and biases.
- Changes from person to person.
- Illusory, like a dream.
Example: A New Car
- You buy a new Cadillac — you feel joy.
- Your neighbor feels jealousy.
- The car is real and external.
- The joy or envy is internal and subjective.
💭 The Root of Misery Lies Within
Most people believe suffering is caused by the world.
But Swamiji emphasizes:
“The misery we experience is due to our own internal world — not the external one.”
We blame:
- Our spouse
- Our job
- The government
- Even Kaliyuga!
But in truth:
📜 Maitri Upanishad says:
“Chittam eva hi samsaraḥ, tat prayetnena shodhayet”
“The mind alone is the cause of bondage. Purify it to be free.”
🧘♂️ How to Transcend the Inner Illusion
To be free from suffering:
✅ Steps to Cleanse the Internal World:
- Recognize the root of pain lies within.
- Meditate on the eternal truth (Brahman or God).
- Detach from temporary pleasures and pains.
- Develop love for Shree Krishna – the eternal source of joy.
👑 Saints Who Lived in the World but Remained Liberated:
- King Janak
- Prahlad
- Dhruva
They had families, duties, and kingdoms—but no internal bondage.
“When the internal world no longer binds you, the external world becomes harmless.”
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❓ FAQs – Is This World Real?
🔸 Q1. Is the world illusion or reality according to the Bhagavad Gita?
A: It is not illusion (Mithya), but temporary (Asat). Shree Krishna says, “That which is real always exists. The unreal has no endurance.”
🔸 Q2. Why do we suffer if the world is created by God?
A: Suffering arises not from the external world but from our own internal reactions. The world is a tool for growth, not a punishment.
🔸 Q3. How can we attain eternal happiness?
A: By shifting from external dependence to internal purification. Only union with the Divine brings eternal bliss.
🔸 Q4. What is the role of the mind in our suffering?
A: The mind creates attachments, judgments, and false expectations. Purify the mind to transcend suffering.
🔸 Q5. Can one live in the world and still be spiritual?
A: Absolutely. The Gita encourages Karma Yoga—living in the world with detachment and devotion.
📌 Key Lessons Summarized
- The world is real, but temporary.
- The mind is the source of illusion and suffering.
- Bliss lies in eternity, not ephemeral pleasures.
- Cleanse the mind, and you will see reality clearly.
- God's creation is perfect; we must fix our perception.
📚 References & Resources
- 📘 Bhagavad Gita - Read here
- 📺 Swami Mukundananda YouTube Channel
- 🕉️ Vedanta texts on Sat, Asat, Mithya
- 📜 Upanishads – Maitri Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishad
- 🎓 Philosophers: Shankaracharya, Madhvacharya, Kripaluji Maharaj
🌺 Final Thoughts: The Real Journey Begins Within
So, is this world real?
✅ Yes—but it's changing, temporary, and not the source of true happiness.
To live in peace and joy, shift focus from:
❌ What’s outside of you
✅ To what’s inside of you
“When your inner world is divine, the outer world becomes a playground—not a prison.