Lead us from the false to the real is a profound saying, chant, or prayer that deserves closer examination. At a surface level, it might seem like a simple request—asking to be brought into a state of reality. But a deeper look reveals a more profound implication: we are acknowledging that the state most people live in is false, and we are seeking to find what is real. Essentially, this statement suggests that the non-dual state is real, while the dual state is false.
How does this understanding help us? This is why nonduality offers such a powerful lens to address the human condition. It simplifies the complexity of our struggles, reminding us that the solution lies not in overthinking but in letting go.
So, what is reality? What is the “real”? Shanti, Shanti—peace. Reality cannot truly be defined. It is simply there. When you wake up in the morning, you wake up into reality. Even while you sleep, you are sleeping in reality. Everything we do happens within this thing we call reality. But here’s the catch: reality is just a word. It can mean anything depending on who uses it. This is where communication often breaks down—because everyone interprets words like “reality” differently.
Instead of clinging to definitions, consider reality as the space beyond words, where no explanations are necessary. Imagine sitting by a pristine mountain stream. The air is crisp, birds are singing, the water flows gently, and you’re simply there, listening. In that moment, your thoughts quiet down, and you notice what’s actually happening. Nothing has changed externally—it’s just that you’ve become still enough to perceive reality as it is.
Even when your mind is noisy with worry, reality remains unchanged. Worry alters nothing, and yet it consumes so much of our mental energy. On the other hand, when you live in a state of reality, even worry becomes purposeful—a part of actively addressing and solving problems. However, whether you’re worrying or not, you are still grounded in the same reality. The difference lies in whether you notice it.
When we say, Lead us from the false to the real, it can feel like an impossible task. But in truth, it’s simple: the moment you stop imagining your reality to be something it’s not, you’re already in reality. No matter how elaborate your illusions, reality remains unchanged. Consider a common story trope—a character loses their job but pretends to go to work every day. Their partner believes the illusion, but the reality—that they are unemployed—persists. Similarly, reality is always present, whether or not we choose to see it.
Sometimes, transitioning from the false to the real feels painful, especially if we believe we’ve been deceived. But nonduality reveals a deeper truth: the only one deceiving us is ourselves. Once we stop fooling ourselves, we are immediately in the real.
Here’s an important caveat: rejecting everything as false without changing your worldview can lead to nihilism—a state of negativity and selfishness. That’s not the goal. When you truly see beyond your illusions, you discover an interconnected and beautiful reality. The illusions we cling to often feel like safety nets, but they are the sources of our pain. Letting go of them reveals the real—a state of profound connection and trust.
The real is abundant and interconnected; it has to be, or life couldn’t exist. Your reality isn’t separate from mine. We may believe that everyone lives in their own world, but in truth, we all share the same world. By stepping into the real, we move beyond separateness into a shared space of connection and collaboration.
Finally, the human brain is uniquely wired to perceive this beauty and interconnectedness. Our capacity for awareness allows us to participate in the harmony of life. When we quiet the chatter of our minds—the endless words and judgments—we find ourselves together in an interconnected field of harmony.
Lead us from the false to the real is not just a personal aspiration. It’s a collective calling—a journey for everyone and everything. It’s an invitation to step out of separateness and into a shared reality, a field of beauty, trust, and connection.