If you move your hand under a lamp, the shadow will follow, mimicking the hand’s movement. Though the shadow resembles the hand, it lacks substance. Similarly, the material world is often compared to the shadow of the spiritual realm. The Vedas describe the material world as a “distorted reflection” of the spiritual world. While it’s a reflection, it is not imaginary—though some may believe we’re merely part of someone else’s dream. The real misconception is that, under the influence of illusion (maya), we imagine this material world to be eternal, when in fact, it is temporary. Spiritual energy, on the other hand, is eternal and full of bliss and knowledge (sat, cit, ananda). The Vedas teach that in the spiritual realm, dualities like heat and cold, happiness and distress, do not exist. Time, too, has no effect—there is neither beginning nor end.
If we seek true reality, we will avoid being caught up in the temporary pleasures of the material world. Before embarking on a spiritual path, it’s essential to understand that we cannot find lasting happiness in a world that is impermanent, though we endlessly strive to do so.