The world is indeed a mixture of truth and make-believe. Discard

Listen, O children of wisdom, for the words of Ramakrishna resonate deeply in the hearts of all those who seek the truth beyond the illusions of the world. He said, "The world is indeed a mixture of truth and make-believe. Discard the make-believe and take the truth." These words call us to recognize that the world in which we live is often shrouded in illusion, and that beneath the surface of appearances lies a deeper, more profound truth. Ramakrishna speaks of the importance of discerning the truth, of rejecting the falsehoods and pretensions that cloud our vision, and instead, seeking out the essence of reality itself.

What is truth, O seekers, if not the very foundation of existence? Truth is that which is unchanging, eternal, and pure. It is not affected by the shifting tides of time, nor is it shaped by human desires or fears. Truth stands firm in the face of all challenges and illusions. But make-believe, the fabrications and stories we tell ourselves, is the very thing that binds us in confusion and ignorance. Ramakrishna urges us to discard the make-believe, to strip away the falsehoods that we cling to, whether they be our misconceptions about the world, the illusions we create to protect our egos, or the deceptive narratives we believe to be true.

Consider, O children, the ancient story of the Buddha, who, upon seeking enlightenment, realized that the world is filled with suffering, caused by attachment, ignorance, and the pursuit of fleeting desires. The Buddha's awakening came when he rejected the illusion of pleasure and comfort, understanding that they were only temporary and deceptive. He saw through the make-believe of the world, the belief that happiness could be found in material possessions or the endless pursuit of pleasure. Instead, he turned towards the truth of the impermanent nature of existence, and the path to liberation lay in understanding this truth and detaching from the false constructs of the world. Through this clarity, he found peace and enlightenment, and his teachings continue to guide us toward the truth beyond illusion.

In the same vein, think of the philosopher Socrates, who, too, sought to peel back the layers of illusion and reach the core of reality. He famously declared, "The unexamined life is not worth living." For Socrates, the life of superficial comfort, filled with make-believe and unquestioned assumptions, was not worth living. To Socrates, truth was to be found not in accepting things at face value, but in questioning everything, seeking to understand the deeper meanings of the world. He called his fellow Athenians to cast aside their false beliefs and to embrace a life of examination and truth. Socrates’ life and his death serve as a reminder that it is through the rejection of illusion that we come to understand what is truly real and important.

But what of the world today, O children? Do we not see that the world still thrives on make-believe? In our pursuit of wealth, status, and external validation, we often clothe ourselves in illusions, seeking approval from others or attaching our self-worth to things that are fleeting. The modern world is full of distractions, false promises, and empty pursuits, yet we often fail to see through the veil of make-believe. We are bombarded with advertisements, social media, and messages that promise us happiness and success if we only buy into their version of reality. But these are mere illusions, fleeting and deceptive, that keep us from seeking the deeper truths of existence.

Ramakrishna's call to discard the make-believe and to embrace the truth is more urgent than ever. In a world that constantly pulls us towards superficial goals, we must remind ourselves to seek the deeper truths — those that lie beyond the surface, those that speak to the eternal, the authentic, and the real. Truth is not found in external validation, nor is it hidden in the transient pleasures of life. It is found within, in understanding our true nature, in seeing through the illusions of the ego, and in embracing the inner wisdom that connects us to the universe. This truth, though often hidden beneath layers of make-believe, is always available to us when we are willing to let go of the illusions that cloud our vision.

Thus, O children, the lesson is clear: discard the make-believe and seek the truth. In your life, question the illusions that are presented to you, whether they be the false narratives of success, the illusions of material wealth, or the fleeting promises of external happiness. Instead, turn inward, and seek the truths that reside deep within your own being. Live not for the fleeting pleasures of the world, but for the deeper truths that bring lasting peace and understanding. Let the wisdom of Ramakrishna guide you, for in the pursuit of truth, you will find the strength to face the illusions of the world and the clarity to walk a path of wisdom and purpose.

In your journey, O children, remember that the truth, though at times hidden beneath the veils of illusion, will always be clear and unwavering when you choose to seek it. Discard the make-believe, and let the truth guide you as you navigate the complexities of life. In this pursuit, you will find the strength, the clarity, and the peace that come from living in alignment with the deeper reality of existence. And in this, you will find freedom, not just from the world’s illusions, but from the inner shackles of ignorance and misunderstanding. Live in truth, for only in truth will you find the meaning and fulfillment you seek.