Suppose we are lost in a risky territory with many invisible dangers such as concealed ditches and explosive mines. If we run recklessly through such territory, we will severely hurt ourselves. But if the fear of hurting ourselves paralyzes us, we will stay lost. 

Similar is our plight as human beings living in a world filled with illusions. These illusions may be natural, arising from the finite nature of our senses or the fallible nature of our mind — as when water bodies in a desert turn out to be mirages. Or these illusions may be intentional, having been created by those who want to profit from our false perceptions — as when consumer product ads promise us pleasure and prestige. If we are naive, we will suffer far more misery than what is necessary. That’s why a vital part of growing up is learning to doubt and to be cautious when investing our faith in anything or anyone. 

Nonetheless, something within us seeks a reality beyond illusion. Our soul — the essence of who we are — longs for the ultimate reality, because all souls belong to that reality (Bhagavad-gita 15.07). That ultimate reality is the all-attractive personal divinity, Krishna, who reigns supreme, beyond all delusions and doubts. As long as we are disconnected from him, we stay dissatisfied and distressed. 

How can we connect with him? By going beyond the twin obstacles of illusions and doubts: the illusions that arise from our mind and senses; and the doubts that arise on experiencing their capacity to delude us. Only when we go beyond doubting to a faith that is judicious and courageous and adventurous do we find lasting fulfillment. 

One-sentence summary:

Learn to doubt because our world is filled with illusions & learn to go beyond doubt because our soul seeks a reality beyond illusions.

Think it over:

  • What are the two kinds of illusions in this world?
  • Why do we need to learn to doubt?
  • Why do we need to learn to go beyond doubt?

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15.07: The living entities in this conditioned world are My eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life, they are struggling very hard with the six senses, which include the mind.

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