Question: Is there no difference between waking and dream?
 
 One should consider the universe to be like a dream. Except that waking
 is long and dreams are short, there is no difference [between the two 
states]. To the extent to which all the events which happen while one is
 awake appear to be real, to that same 
extent even the events that happen in dreams appear at that time to be 
real. In dreams, the mind assumes another body. In both the dream and 
the waking [states] thoughts and names-and-forms come into existence 
simultaneously.
 
 There are not two minds, one good and another 
evil. The mind is only one. It is only the vasanas that are either 
auspicious or inauspicious. When the mind is under the influence of 
auspicious tendencies, it is called a good mind, and when it is under 
the influence of inauspicious tendencies, a bad mind. However evil 
people may appear, one should not hate them. Likes and dislikes are both
 to be disliked. One should not allow the mind to dwell much on worldly 
matters. As far as possible, one should not interfere in the affairs of 
others. All that one gives to others, one gives only to oneself. If this
 truth is known, who indeed will not give to others? If the individual 
self rises, all will rise. If the individual self subsides, all will
 subside. To the extent that we behave with humility, to that extent 
will good result. If one can continuously control the mind, one can live
 anywhere.
 
 ~RAMANA MAHARSHI
 
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