Robert Wolfe - Awakening to Infinite Presence, 2016

Deconstruct the Constructor In answer to your first question, you should note (and ponder) Maharshi’s comment in your issue of Inner Directions: “There is no such thing as ‘realizing’ the Self.

How is one to real-ize, or ‘make real’, what is already real?”

From the standpoint of the jnani (enlightened), there is no one to whom “enlightenment” pertains; the jnani does not view him/herself as an individual. Where there is only That (by whatever name you call it), not any thing can be considered to be individuated (separate from other things).

From the standpoint of the so-called “unenlightened individual,” there is some “thing(s)” or condition apart from him/her. When this person discovers that they are nothing more than That—and That only—the ideas of “individual,” and an individual’s “enlightenment,” fall away entirely. Paradoxically, this is what is referred to as “enlightenment”!

So, enlightenment is an illusion, as far as the jnani is concerned. When the ajnani is no longer “in the dark,” it is an illusion to him/her also!

Second part of this question: How to tell “truth” from “illusion”? When you recognize that there is only That—all things are That—“truth” is that, and “illusion” is that too! Such distinctions—all distinctions—are ultimately meaningless. Even when you fall into deep sleep tonight, do you ponder the meaning of truth or illusion? No: they are then nonexistent, as are all 170