Observations placeholder
Shaivism - Concepts and symbols - Perceptions
Identifier
022557
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Alain Danielou – While the Gods Play
The principle of perception precedes the formation of what is perceived. The principle of the senses precedes the differentiation of the elements that are perceived. The perception, consciousness, and thought of living beings reflect the first aspect of universal being. They are mirrors in which the creator contemplates his work.
An unperceived universe does not exist, any more than a perception without an object does.
The world only exists to the extent that it is perceived. Aspects of the world perceived by senses other than our own, or according to other norms of time or dimension, appear completely different, and reflect other facets of the game of creation. The entity that thinks the world needs this mirror to give a visible reality to his dream. Different kinds of beings play this role at different levels. For this reason, multiple forms of plants, animals, men, spirits, and gods exist.