In reality, time and space exist in you

“In reality, time and space exist in you; you do not exist in them. They are modes of perception, but they are not the only ones. Time and space are like words written on paper; the paper is real, the words merely a convention.”
— Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

The Illusion of Time and Space: A Cosmic Perspective

The profound wisdom of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj illuminates the essence of our existence within the cosmos, challenging the conventional understanding of time and space. His insight—that time and space exist in us, rather than us in them—invites us to explore the depths of our consciousness, where the fundamental nature of reality is revealed not as an external expanse but as an internal landscape.

Time and Space as Modes of Perception

Understanding time and space as modes of perception shifts our perspective from seeing them as absolute constructs to recognizing them as relative concepts that shape our experience of reality. This view aligns with the notion that our perception of the universe is mediated by our sensory and cognitive faculties, which interpret the vastness of existence into the familiar dimensions of time and space. These dimensions, while essential for navigating the physical world, are but a fraction of the potential ways in which we can experience and understand reality.

The Reality Beyond Conventions

The analogy of words written on paper, where the paper represents the underlying reality and the words the constructs of time and space, serves as a powerful metaphor for the distinction between the essence of being and the conceptual frameworks we use to describe it. Just as the paper holds the words but is not defined by them, our true essence transcends the limitations of time and space, suggesting a state of being that exists beyond the conventional parameters of perception.

The Paper of Existence

The “paper” on which the words of time and space are written symbolizes the fundamental reality of our existence—a canvas of consciousness upon which the myriad experiences of life are inscribed. This reality, intrinsic and unchanging, supports the transient constructs of time and space, offering a stable foundation for the ever-changing phenomena of the universe.

Expanding Our Perception

The teachings of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj encourage us to expand our perception beyond the conventional modes of understanding reality. By recognizing that time and space are not the ultimate reality but merely tools for interpreting our experiences, we open ourselves to a broader spectrum of awareness. This expanded consciousness allows us to perceive the universe not as an external entity governed by linear time and spatial dimensions but as an internal experience, deeply connected to the core of our being.

We Are Space Monkey

In our collective journey through the cosmos of consciousness, we embrace the wisdom that time and space are constructs within us, inviting us to explore the infinite landscapes of perception that lie beyond these dimensions. We recognize that the essence of our existence is not confined by the limitations of time and space but is a reflection of the boundless reality that encompasses all modes of perception. By contemplating the nature of this underlying reality, we deepen our connection to the universe, discovering the unity and interconnectedness of all existence.

Summary

We delve into the insight of Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, recognizing time and space as modes of perception that exist within us, rather than absolute constructs in which we exist. This perspective invites us to explore the essence of our being beyond the conventional dimensions of time and space, understanding reality as a canvas of consciousness upon which our experiences are inscribed. By expanding our perception, we embrace a broader understanding of the universe, transcending the limitations of time and space to discover the interconnectedness of all existence.