How Do You Know?

The world around you is real enough. It’s visible, It’s tangible, it's a sensual feast that is available 24/7. And most of us do, to some extent or other, indulge in the world. And many seem content to do so; living lives in what are generally perceived to be normal ways. Some however do stop occasionally to reflect and review. They sometimes ask: “Is this all there is? Is 'that' world out there all there is?” It's a moment when they realize 'real' peace of mind and 'real' personal happiness cannot be found in that visible world… out there.

And so their journey to another world begins. A pilgrimage to a world within. An exploration of inner space, where nothing is visible, tangible, taste able or even smellable! They quickly discover there are 'ways in' to this parallel universe. Often referred to as meditation, contemplation, self-reflection, the highways into consciousness are designed to rotate attention 180 degrees to face inwards. With practice, patience and perseverance the inner eye begins to 'see' another world without looking, and the inner heart begins to feel another world without touching.

To the newly practicing meditator it truly does feel 'other worldly' for a while, but the habits of doubt and skepticism easily prevail. How do we know what is within us is real? What is reality in this silent yet busy inner space we call consciousness? We are all accustomed to having concrete solid proof of the 'real world' around us. We can see shape and form, feel hot and cold, know what it's like to travel to another country, and we can smell the smelliest and most fragrant of smells. It's all real. Isn't it? We never doubt the solid reality of our physical world.