Contemporary scholarly and practical interpretations for modern seekers.
Swami Chinmayananda
# BG 2.16 — The Distinction Between the Real and the Unreal
In the Vedantic scriptures, the discrimination between the Real and the Unreal is conducted with utmost scientific precision. Our philosophical tradition provides definitions for both. The Unreal is that which had no existence in the past and shall have none in the future, yet appears to exist in the present. In the language of the Mandukya Karika, that which has no existence at its beginning and end does not truly exist even in the present. Objects that appear before us, though illusory, are nonetheless regarded as real in conventional understanding. Naturally, the Real is that which remains eternally unchanging throughout past, present, and future—all three dimensions of time. In ordinary experience, if a person mistakes a pillar for a ghost, the ghost is deemed unreal from the pillar's perspective, for the ghost is impermanent and vanishes upon recognition of the pillar. Similarly, upon waking from sleep, we feel no concern for the children of our dream, for awakening reveals the illusory nature of the dream. Though the dream appeared real, it was false. Therefore, only that which remains uncontradicted throughout all three periods of time is called the Real.
Our life is confined within these three inert instruments—body, mind, and intellect—for the experiences derived through them of external objects, feelings, and thoughts are momentary. Constant transformation occurs within all three. The cessation of one state is the birth of another. By definition, all these are unreal. Yet is there not something Real behind them? There is no doubt that the countless changes occurring in objects require some unchanging substratum, some eternal support. To hold together the innumerable experiences occurring at the levels of body, mind, and intellect, and to grant the experience of one complete life, there must surely be an eternal, immutable Real substance as the foundation.
Within us exists something like a single thread that holds precious gems—something that, amidst all changes, binds together diverse experiences into one coherence. Upon subtle reflection, this knowledge shall dawn: that something is the consciousness-nature of one's own Self, the atman. The countless experiences that have been illumined—none of these experiences is the atman itself. Life, which is a stream of experiences, becomes possible only through this consciousness. It is this consciousness that illumines the experiences of childhood, youth, and old age. Experiences come and go. That consciousness through which I have known all things, without which I have no existence whatsoever—that consciousness, the atman, is free from birth and death, eternal, the true Real.
The seers of Truth recognize the essence of both—the Real and the Unreal, the atman and the non-atman. From the mysterious union of these two, this wondrous universe arises.
Now, what is that eternal Real substance? Listen.
This interpretation draws on a specific tradition and may not represent the view of any single school. For authoritative guidance within a specific tradition, seek a qualified teacher.