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Question
Hello Alex
Recently I've been reading some texts by Charles Berner.
Quite often he mentioned that life is an illusion, an illusion of our consciousness.
I must tell you I don't get it.
I know it may be difficult or even impossible to explain, but could you try and tell me what he meant by saying this?
How is that possible that it is all an illusion of consciousness?
Thank you
I don't know anything about Charles Berner except what I just read on Wikipedia. You would have to study his teachings to know what he might have meant by that.
From a more Buddhist point of view, I'd suggest you try thinking about two things: firstly, all our experience (whatever might lie behind it) is a projection of our mind - I think that is beyond dispute. Secondly, this means that our experiences in life are *like* a dream or illusion. Whether in the last analysis there is something non-illusory within them is a more difficult question!
Do these lines of thought bring you at least a step forward? I hope so.
All the best
Alex W
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Answers by Expert:
Alex Wilding
Expertise
I have practiced and studied Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma traditions since the early 1970s, and have a good knowledge of theory, history and of the struggles of trying to practice the teachings, including meditation, while leading a normal, modern life. I am also available to provide background information for journalists.
Experience
I have been a practitioner since the early 1970s; have run a small Buddhist centre in the English Midlands and was vice-president of Kagyu Benchen Ling e.V. in Germany, for whom I managed three large Buddhist summer-camps. More importantly, I maintain a habit of personal practice.
I am the "owner" of the Kagyu list at Yahoo.
Education/Credentials
My first degree was an M.A. from Oxford. I later obtained a Master of Philosophy degree for a research thesis in "Initiation in Tibetan Buddhism" from Leicester University. I also have engineering and educational qualifications.
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