Our experience of the world is completely shaped by our mind. It creates the experiences of both our inner and outer worlds, making them inseparable.

In Buddhism, everything is interconnected, and nothing exists independently. Understanding this, we see that the boundaries we draw between ourselves and the world are not real. They are illusions created by our minds.

In the end, everything is a manifestation of consciousness. Infinite, formless consciousness is the essence of everything. In many spiritual traditions, consciousness is seen as the ultimate reality, transcending individual identities and forms. So when we say, “The world is in us,” we are recognizing the divine essence that is within us.

Consciousness and divine essence can be used interchangeably as they both refer to the fundamental, universal reality that is the source of all existence. Whether we speak of an infinite, aware consciousness or an intrinsic, sacred essence, we are pointing to the same ultimate truth.

When we realize that we are not separate from the divine, that it is the core of our being, it implies that the world, as an expression of the divine, is also within us. Every aspect of our existence, from the smallest thought to the grandest vision, is a reflection of this divine essence.

When we perceive the world through this lens, we start to see the divine in every person, every creature, and every part of nature. This perspective leads to compassion, a sense of magnanimity and generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of all.

Contemplating “the world is in us” in this way becomes a call to awaken to our true nature. It invites us to explore the depths of our consciousness, to find the divine within, and to live in harmony within the interconnected web of life. This journey is not just a personal one but a collective awakening that can transform how we live and relate to the world.