BETWEEN REALITY AND IllUSION

What is the boundary between reality and illusion? We tend to regard reality and illusion as two opposing concepts and use them to determine each other: Reality is not illusion, and illusion is entirely different from reality, or, rather, it is diametrically opposed to reality. In this way, we understand the two as opposites. However, if we only think of them as a pair, we place ourselves in an uncomfortable situation when we try to understand reality and illusion separately. It becomes obvious that neither reality nor illusion can be delineated solely in terms of the other. If we want to examine this idea further, we had better begin with trying to define reality and illusion. We may find it difficult to define reality, since we live in it everyday and cannot find an external point from which we may observe it. As far as illusion, we experience it in specific situations, such as in the theatre or during sleep. But it should be noted that illusion is composed of various images that are necessarily drawing from reality. Illusion cannot exist independently of reality. Imagination does not construct illusion alone. Rather, illusion is also a phenomenon involving our perception of reality, whether it is a "true" representation of reality or not. Our belief that we live in reality is natural and almost self-evident. We believe that reality is based on material fact, even though we feel some sense of doubt. Even if we admit reality is based on physical objects, can it be completely reduced to them? Today it is rare to experience unadulterated reality directly. Through projected images, illusion permeates into and is mingled with reality, blurring any potential borders between them. This is the world we live in.