What is Difference Between Perception and Interpretation.

According to dictionary perception means “the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.” We become aware of the external world through our five external senses. But we do not see things or events as they are.  

There is a part of our mind which interprets the meaning of events depending upon our previous experiences and  ideas. So what we experience is not the actual stimulus but the interpretation of stimulus which is provided to us by our mind. All this happens so fast, that we don’t even realize it, but what ever we experience, it is not the actual  perception but interpretation provided to us by our mind.

As Swami ji has often said “pain is inevitable but suffering is optional.” Because pain is due to actually perception of event like falling down the stairs and hurting ones leg, but suffering is due to thinking my leg will not heal, i wont be able to walk any more etc etc you now as the mind goes on because same thing happened to my that friend and look he is walking with a limp ever since and so the mind goes on and due to its wrong interpretation of events we suffer more than we feel the pain of actual fall. 

Thus we suffer more in life due to our wrong interpretation of events. 

Thank you and please give your comments.

Jai Shree Hari.