Reality Appears Diverse

Gold is the substratum on which ornaments are superimposed. Gold alone manifests as various ornaments. The ignorant tend to overlook the substratum as they focus on names and forms. Similarly, the world is simply a superimposition on the eternal, all-pervading Brahman. This apparent diversity of Brahman occurs because of Its association with Upadhis (limiting adjuncts), just as colourless light passing through a glass prism separates into vibgyoric colours. All-pervading space is one and undivided. But it appears diverse due to Upadhis. When Upadhis are destroyed, the unity of space is clearly recognized. Hence, space is compared to Reality.