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Inspirational

The Illusion of Dreams: A Modern Arjuna’s Struggle

"The Illusion of Dreams" is a soul-stirring philosophical tale that dives deep into the internal struggles of a modern-day student caught between the harshness of reality and the seductive pull of imagination. Through a heartfelt dialogue with Lord Krishna, the protagonist—an ordinary middle-class youth—wrestles with disappointment, shattered ambitions, and the burden of expectations. Living in dreams of success, wealth, and admiration, he finds temporary escape but ultimately becomes trapped in a cycle of distraction and disillusionment. As he pours his heart out to Krishna, a profound spiritual guidance emerges—not through rituals or miracles, but through truth, responsibility, and self-realization.

Jun 12, 2025  |   6 min read

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The Illusion of Dreams: A Modern Arjuna’s Struggle
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A human always dreams - about a world far from reality. Thinking of it, he smiles to himself, lost in his fantasies. Sometimes these fantasies come true - but not always. As life moves on, and new twists appear, the gap between imagination and reality widens. Then the person feels shocked, disheartened, cries, and after some time, forgets. Forgetting the past, leaving behind what was lost, he immerses himself in new dreams again.

He fails, he weeps, and once more he forgets and becomes the hero of another fantasy. If even one out of a hundred dreams comes true, he holds on to that one and feels happy his whole life - as if he already knew the rest wouldn't come true. True happiness strikes only when that one fantasy becomes reality. But when these fantasies keep hurting again and again, the person eventually gives up and says, "Now I have no hopes left. I don't feel like hoping anymore."

Does everyone have dreams? Yes, they do. But whose dreams come true? Maybe the ones who either don't fantasize at all or those who devote their whole life to making one dream real.

I too am human. How can I be different?

Today, as I write this, strange thoughts cross my mind. Since childhood, I have only lived in fantasies. Rejecting the real world, becoming the hero of my imaginary one, I wore my earphones and decorated my dreams. Now, slowly, all those dreams are being thrown into a garbage bin. Time is passing by, and one by one, my dreams are scattering. Yet, the foolish mind doesn't understand. Even after all its dreams are shattered, it still decorates a new one every day - a dream where I am the hero.

Even knowing that this dream too will end up in the trash like the others, the mind ignores it all. Maybe because it only wants to live in imagination - where no effort is needed, where everything is already perfect, exactly as we wish. The mind controls that world. It says what it wants, hears only what it likes in return. What a beautiful scene! A world where we are the rulers.

But it is a web of illusion - a trap. If one becomes caught in it, they go mad. Those who got trapped, were all ruined. Even though we know it's an illusion, we still can't save ourselves.

O Keshav,

Where should a defeated mind go? When it loses, where does it seek shelter? What should it do? These fantasies give it hope, the will to go forward. If it stops dreaming, how will it move ahead or find motivation?

But that is the irony. Man cannot escape this illusion. If only you stop imagining and start acting without worrying about the result, you will receive more than what you dreamt of. Dreams are robbing your rights, blinding you.

Think. Go back to your childhood. What did you want to be? You used to dream every day. Slowly, those dreams started pulling you back. You grew older, and the dreams of each age were never fulfilled. So, you felt hopeless and adjusted your dreams downward.

Let me give an example. A boy named Amit wanted to become a scientist in Class 5. Even in Class 10 and 12, he saw himself as a great scientist. But after Class 12, he couldn't clear JEE or any exam that could take him to that goal. He cried, was upset for some days, and then the illusion of fantasy covered him again. He forgot and began dreaming anew. He did B.Tech and thought of becoming a professor. But again, no good M.Tech college - no entrance cleared. Fantasies blinded him again. His dreams were stolen once more.

Then he dreamed of a bank job. And now, he's building a fantasy there. But if he still doesn't wake up, dreams will push him back again.

O Keshav, your words shake my heart. But you haven't answered me. If one doesn't dream, how will they work? How will they find motivation?

O Parth, think. Do your parents get motivation from imagination to do their duties? No. These are responsibilities - and for responsibilities, no motivation is needed. Dreams take us away from our duties. Slowly, they make responsibilities feel like burdens. Right now, studying and succeeding is your duty - not some fantasy.

You've forgotten your duty, and that's why you're lost. The day you start working with responsibility, you'll stop wasting time. Dreams don't scare us - everything is good in dreams, everything is in our favor. But responsibilities bring fear. That fear is what controls your mind.

O Parth, I work hard. Then why can't I become a topper? Why can't I become someone who is praised? Why am I not as good as others?

You ask this only when you've lost - only when your dreams break. Do you ask this question every day, with the same intensity? No. Then how can you become like them?

You're caught in illusion. Only you can save yourself.

So, Keshav, what should I do? Should I give up? I don't think I'm meant for this. I feel like crying.

O Parth, I understand your feelings. I understand your pain. Should I worship you, Keshav? Are you angry with me? If I worship you, will you make me successful?

O Parth, control yourself. You are not alone. Millions come to me every day with these same questions. But the truth is - I can only show the path. I cannot fight your battle.

Even in the Mahabharata, you had to fight your own war. You didn't worship me then. Yet, I stood by you - because I don't need worship or offerings. That's human illusion. I am with every soul in silence, in darkness, as a friend. I speak in that silence no one else can hear.

But sadly, only a few follow my path - and they succeed. The rest stay stuck in this illusion. Some blame me. Some become atheists. Still, I never leave anyone's side. I can only guide. I try to stop evil by bringing goodwill. But decisions are yours. I cannot change you.

People have made me more powerful than I am, but I am bound. I speak only through your mind, Parth. So listen to me - not the illusions.

Worship and devotion are traps. I never asked for them. But humans fall into this trap daily. It is desire that blinds them.

When they feel my presence, they begin worshipping me thinking it will bring rewards. But that's not how it works, Parth.

Now listen to me, Parth - the battle has begun. This is my Gita to you. Whenever you feel trapped, read this. And return to your battle - with full strength.

This battle isn't just yours. It's your parents', your future's.

Fight it with responsibility. Study. Don't make excuses. When you don't feel like studying, remember your duties. Know that somewhere, someone is working harder than you with a calm mind. If you waste your time in crying or comparing, you will lose.

When you feel like fantasizing or scrolling YouTube or watching Reels, remember my words. If you lose this battle, your dreams will remain dreams. Dreams that, as I told you, steal real happiness by throwing dust on it.

Every minute is valuable. Use it for practice. See where you're lacking. Study what you don't understand again and again. Leave nothing to luck. Luck always betrays. Everything comes only from hard work.

Don't forget, Parth. I am with you now. Just remember my words.

This study is your responsibility. This study is your battle.

Go now. Be victorious. Tathastu.

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Himanshi Bhadauria

Jun 12, 2025

Whoa, Amit Incredibly written and highly relatable. I wonder how peaceful and sorted it would be if we could just stick to it in our lives and live in the present.

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