All is illusion


“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”
~Albert Einstein

Today I was thinking about the concept of no self (anatta). And although I believe it is more of a reality than a concept, I have no first hand knowledge of this yet. So to me, it is a concept.
And as hard as I try to see that this is in fact the truth, my delusions (moha) persist and I remain thinking that I am separate from the World. Ego can seem to be a real monkey on my back sometimes!
But I am however beginning to see that this may be like a dog chasing its tail. Round and round I go, never accepting that the tail is not separate. I believe that this too is the World, and this is samsara. Even karma, I believe, ceases to exist once we escape this ignorant (unskilled) state.
But then I am probably taking this a bit too far, as I am talking about becoming a Bodhisattva or Arahat.
And usually, when I think about that, I feel as though it is a pipe dream to reach for any level of enlightenment.
But why not? What or who is stopping me? And the same applies to each of you who are reading this!
Do any of you feel you have more wisdom and mindfulness than you have had previously in your life? Is your mind more open and compassionate than it ever was before? Do you view others with more equanimity and show them loving kindness in ways that you had not done in the past?
If you can answer yes to any of these, then you are on your way to enlightenment. Yes, you are still chasing your tail, but it does not seem quite as fascinating as it used to. You are in the process of awakening. Like a Lotus flower being bathed in Sunlight, continue to allow loving kindness to open your heart and mind.

So have I gained complete understanding about no self, or see how deeply all things and all beings are connected?
Sadly the answer is no. But the dhamma teaches me to be patient, and kind to the self. Mindful and diligent.
Good for you that you have come so far on that path, and that you each have so much love for others. You inspire and teach me every day. And I see that this too is the dhamma, the truth (sacca).

May you be well, happy and peaceful.