BACKGROUND

A Vedantist and a guest were sitting in the backyard of the Vedantist's home. The Vedantist was talking about the necessity of a background for the perception of any figure.  He said to his guest, "Against what background do you see those flowers?"  His guest said, "Against the background of the hedge."  The Vedantist then said, "Against what background do you see the hedge?"  His guest said, "Against the background of the hills."  The Vedantist said, "And against what background do you see the hills?"  His guest said, "Against the background of the sky."  The Vedantist then said, "Against what background do you see the sky?'  His guest fell silent.  The Vedantist said, finally, "The background of consciousness."