For this discussion, the meaning of darshan that I'm referring to is the spiritual energy surrounding a holy person, a temple, etc. and not the other common meaning of 'sight'.
I've tried, but perhaps all efforts are futile, because it's like trying to explain an experience that the other person hasn't had. So I use analogies, and they often don't work.
One analogy is like scent. I get hungry because Boss is cookin' up some really good rice and curry. So I go to the kitchen to check it out, and she says it'll be another 20 minutes, which only makes me hungrier.
Another analogy is fresh air, or moisture in the air. You go for a walk in a forest, and it feels good. You're not really aware of why or how but when you come out of that forest back onto the polluted streets of the city, you do notice a palpable letdown.
Another analogy is pheromones, particularly those causing arousal. I remember watching the boys 'hover' around a girl in grade 9. She had them hooked, and she didn't have to do anything, say anything, but just stand around looking pretty. Innocent creatures, they were hooked. She could have said, 'Would you carry my books?" and several volunteers would have jumped at the opportunity.
So when I try to explain darshan in this way, I get ... "Oh that's all in your imagination. There is no God, Whatever it is can't give off some sort of energy. It's a load of BS!"
So ... other than waiting for that person to have that experience, is there any possible way it could be explained. Have you ever been able to convince anyone?
People without said experience, or atheists, need not answer.
I've tried, but perhaps all efforts are futile, because it's like trying to explain an experience that the other person hasn't had. So I use analogies, and they often don't work.
One analogy is like scent. I get hungry because Boss is cookin' up some really good rice and curry. So I go to the kitchen to check it out, and she says it'll be another 20 minutes, which only makes me hungrier.
Another analogy is fresh air, or moisture in the air. You go for a walk in a forest, and it feels good. You're not really aware of why or how but when you come out of that forest back onto the polluted streets of the city, you do notice a palpable letdown.
Another analogy is pheromones, particularly those causing arousal. I remember watching the boys 'hover' around a girl in grade 9. She had them hooked, and she didn't have to do anything, say anything, but just stand around looking pretty. Innocent creatures, they were hooked. She could have said, 'Would you carry my books?" and several volunteers would have jumped at the opportunity.
So when I try to explain darshan in this way, I get ... "Oh that's all in your imagination. There is no God, Whatever it is can't give off some sort of energy. It's a load of BS!"
So ... other than waiting for that person to have that experience, is there any possible way it could be explained. Have you ever been able to convince anyone?
People without said experience, or atheists, need not answer.