The mind is one of the most complex and intriguing parts of human psychology, also known as “the seat of consciousness”. It allows us to have thoughts, feelings, etc. These thoughts, feelings, and emotions lead to the formation of impressions in one’s mind. All our association since childhood, day-to-day thoughts, likes - dislikes, and dualities, tend to create impressions in our mind, which eventually forms into tendencies. They govern our behaviour patterns and reactions to specific circumstances and emotional reactions.
These impressions are what determine our perception of things, people, circumstances, etc. Hence; our perception is biased and not true, whether knowingly or unknowingly it affects our outlook. Therefore, there are three truths, yours, mine, and the truth. Is my perception the only truth? How do I know what I see and understand is the truth? Do my perception and prejudice alter the reality for me? If so, then how do I perceive things in their original state, as it is, the truth? Can it even be done? These are a few questions a man must ponder upon if one wishes to experience things as they are. Having an unbiased perspective can evolve a person individually, and indirectly people around them.
The image above is a symbolic state of our mind. The structure (lotus temple) is self, through which we perceive ourselves and the outer world; the lake is our consciousness and the lotus signifies knowledge/ wisdom. When the flow in consciousness is disturbed, i.e., it is not in a steady state and/or too many thoughts are flowing, will result in cluttered and biased consciousness.
The consciousness is like an empty canvas, which records all our thoughts and impressions. If our consciousness is chaotic and agitated, it will inevitably give us a biased view of the outer world.
It is like looking for an image in disturbed waters, the image will be blurred and maybe totally distorted, depending upon the level of disturbance in the water. Another analogy is, that it’s like wearing green-shaded goggles, you will inevitably see the whole world in a greenish shade.
On the other hand, if the water is calm, with no ripples, we would see a clear image. Hence, our consciousness will see the inner and outer world as it is, only when it is calm and serene, with no disturbances at all. But the ask is humongous, the task ahead of the human race is not merely a lake to subdue, but we must attempt to calm the infinite ocean of consciousness and must ensure there are no waves in it. Because, the slightest disturbance will result in gigantic ripples, which travel throughout the infinite ocean of consciousness, and will hamper our goal to see the reality. Hence, it might not be possible to attain such heights individually, therefore, we must stand united against the darkness of one’s mind, and pursue knowledge and true perception as one, only then there is the hope of achieving true unity and peace in this world because only through wisdom and knowledge can we hope to evolve our perspective to the highest level possible.