If time is not real, then the dividing line between this world and eternity, between suffering and bliss, between good and evil, is also an illusion.
Interpretation
Time may be an illusion, suggesting that concepts like suffering and bliss are also subjective and interconnected.
Hermann Hesse's quote prompts a reflection on the nature of reality and time, suggesting that if time is not a definitive aspect of existence, then the distinctions we make between different states of beingβsuch as suffering and bliss or good and evilβare also artificial constructs of our perception. This perspective encourages deeper contemplation of how we categorize our experiences and the potential interconnectedness of seemingly opposing concepts.
In practice
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of existence and time.
I shall no longer be instructed by the Yoga Veda or the Aharva Veda, or the ascetics, or any other doctrine whatsoever. I shall learn from myself, be a pupil of myself; I shall get to know myself, the mystery of Siddhartha." He looked around as if he were seeing the world for the first time.
That is where my dearest and brightest dreams have ranged β to hear for the duration of a heartbeat the universe and the totality of life in its mysterious, innate harmony.
I, also, would like to look and smile, sit and walk like that, so free, so worthy, so restrained, so candid, so childlike and mysterious. A man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his Self. I also will conquer my Self.
You're quite right there," he said. "I have practiced abstinence myself for years, and had my time of fasting, too, but now I find myself once more beneath the sign of Aquarius, a dark and humid constellation.
I call that man awake who, with conscious knowledge and understanding, can perceive the deep unreasoning powers in his soul, his whole innermost strength, desire and weakness, and knows how to reckon with himself.
Despair is the result of each earnest attempt to go through life with virtue, justice and understanding, and to fulfill their requirements. Children live on one side of despair, the awakened on the other side.
Life itself is but the shadow of death, and souls departed but the shadows of the living.
Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.
Much of spiritual life is self-acceptance, maybe all of it.
Words are coin. Words alienate. Language is no medium for desire. Desire is rapture, not exchange.
My reality needs imagination like a bulb needs a socket. My imagination needs reality like a blind man needs a cane.
Any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still know where his towel is is clearly a man to be reckoned with.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.