Deepa Padhi – India
As Is The Perception, So Is The Creation
The Sanskrit aphorism Yatha Dristi Tatha Srusti expresses a profound philosophical and spiritual truth that has been central to Indian thought for centuries. It means ‘as is the perception so is the creation’. From a deeper standpoint ,the saying suggests that the reality experienced by an individual is shaped not merely by external circumstances but by inner perception and awareness. It emphasizes the intimate connection between the mind and the world it perceives.
Philosophically this idea aligns closely with the concept that reality is not entirely objective. Advaita Vedanta argues that the world as we experience it, is influenced by Ignorance(Avidya) and ( Maya) illusion. According to this view, the mind plays a central role in constructing reality. What we perceive as reality is filtered through personal beliefs, conditioning and mental impressions. Thus the proverb suggests that the world one experiences is a reflection of one’s mental frame-work rather than an absolute independent reality.
The author, Deepa Padhi, Vice-President of the Theosophical Society, lecturing during an annual International Convention in Adyar
A practical example can be given to explain it. Two travelers arrived at a bustling town after a long journey. The first traveler looked around and found it chaotic. Crowded streets, noisy markets. He muttered, ‘What a terrible place ! So much of noise, one cannot sit here in peace. I must leave this place immediately.’
The second traveler looked at the same street and saw vibrant life; sellers offering colorful goods to the customers, children playing and laughing ,neighbors helping each other. He smiled – ‘What a wonderful place ! So much energy, so much joy. I’ll stay here.’ Both saw the same town but their vision (dristi) shaped their world(sristi).
From this perspective, suffering and happiness are not imposed by the world itself but arise from how the mind interprets experiences. Two individuals may be facing the same situation, yet the responses differ because of their differing perceptions. Spirituality, therefore, emphasizes on self-enquiry and clarity of perception as the path to wisdom. When our perception is clouded by our ignorance, fear, attachment, the world appears hostile and chaotic. When perception is purified through understanding and reflection, the same world appears meaningful and harmonious.
Spiritually, Yatha Dristi Tatha Sristi points towards the transformative power of consciousness. Many spiritual traditions teach that the outer world is a projection of the inner self. In this sense ,changing the world begins with changing one’s perception. Practices such as meditation, mindfulness and self-discipline are meant to refine perception and elevate awareness. As spiritual awareness deepens, individuals begin to experience unity rather than separation, peace rather than conflict. The Upanishads believe that the same consciousness pervades both the observer and the observed. When one realizes this unity, the distinction between the self and the world disappears. At this stage the world is no longer seen as something external to be feared or controlled but as an expression of the same reality. Thus a transformed perception leads to a transformed experience of existence.
Theosophy believes that the universe is not merely material but a manifestation of thought, karma and consciousness. Human beings perceive the world through layers of vehicles –physical, astral and mental. Therefore, the world we experience is shaped by our state of consciousness and karma. According to Theosophy, each person perceives a different astral and mental atmosphere. Higher perception reveals unity in diversity. According to Theosophy, our present perceptions are conditioned by our past karmas. Our thought-forms create mental environments. Madam Blavatsky says- ‘Man is his own lawgiver, the creator of himself.’ Karma is created by unconscious reactions(ignorance). Reincarnation continues with those reactions as tendencies. Only conscious perception can break the chain. Annie Besant used to advise to watch thoughts, purify motives, and remain aligned with the higher manas (Higher Mind).When perception becomes clear and rises, the world appears meaningful. Life becomes lighter and easier. Each day lived with such awareness can shorten the journey of many lifetimes.
This proverb also has an ethical dimension. Spiritually evolved individuals cultivate compassion, humility and detachment. Such qualities arise from a purified vision of life.
In modern times, the philosophical and spiritual relevance of the proverb remains significant. In an age of material progress and mental unrest, the saying reminds individuals to turn inward. External achievements alone cannot guarantee peace; inner clarity and purity are essential. By refining one’s perception through wisdom and self-awareness, one can experience balance even amidst uncertainty and chaos.
In conclusion:
Yatha Dristi Tatha Sristi ,is not merely a proverb but a guiding principle for philosophical reflection and spiritual growth. It teaches that reality is shaped by consciousness and that consciousness is within. By cultivating a higher vision rooted in understanding and awareness, individuals can experience a world that reflects harmony, meaning and inner peace. The proverb helps the humanity to realize that the key to changing the world lies in changing the way it is perceived.