The Power of Illusion-Maya and it's Perception

   Vedanta (the last of Vedas) teaches that Brahman (the ultimate reality) is synonymous with existence and becomes manifest as the entire creation, inclusive of its infinite variety in terms of name, form, purpose and utility value.

   This is through the power of Maya Shakti (the goddess of illusion) and when creation is dissolved this Maya (illusion) is also no more. But this truth is not felt and believed generally when one sees only the gross and subtle aspects in creation as existing and not Brahman or Existence that supports all.

   Our knowledge is defined by the world and the differences in it. Maya Shakti plays on individual perceptions regarding the world, Vedanta and esoteric matters, leaving one baffled about the real and the unreal.

   The concept of Existence and the role of Maya to make clear the truth of the progress and process of creation.

Sat (a thing that is unchangeable) is the prime substance. Space or ether, wind, water, fire and earth are all derived from Existence or Sat, but this truth is eclipsed when each of these elements appears to possess an independent entity and existence of their own.

How does one substance morph into another? Though the process by which milk turns into curd is not visible to the eye, the change is accepted after it has taken place. The pot analogy needs to be repeatedly analysed as it helps to understand the relationship between the cause and effect in creation. Mud is the basic material for making various objects such as pot, lamp, etc. So too, many an item of jewellery is made from gold.


In these examples, the cause and effect of change, from mud to pot or from gold to a ring, is acceptable. While the pot can be broken or the ring can be melted when they lose their distinctive form and functional worth, the base material is not affected.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Interpreting Investment Risk

   The business of investing is all about predicting the future. When an investor endeavours to predict the unknown and when his thoughts and actions influence the outcome of events, it involves taking risk.    Most times, retail investors flit from being risk averse to being risk-seeking individuals. Conventional wisdom is that when the indices are constantly moving up in the midst of a raging bull market, an investment in stocks is considered least risky. When the markets face correction and move downwards, everyone panics and presses the ‘sell’ button. Stocks are then considered risky assets.    Sadly, as most serious, value investors are aware, the converse is true. Risk is at its lowest when markets are in free fall and is at its peak when markets defy gravity. We must understand that risk is being accumulated as the markets move up and come down when markets collapse.                         ...
Read more

The Slovenian Eco Hero who crashed the Cement Giant

   When he saw swallows nesting in the barn for the first time in almost two decades, Slovenian farmer Uros Macerl felt vindicated. His exhausting battle against a polluting industrial giant had been worthwhile.    A role model to some, an “eco-terrorist” to others, Mr. Macerl recently picked up one of the world’s most prestigious environmental awards for shutting down a cement plant owned by French corporation Lafarge in Trbovlje region in 2015.    The 48-year-old flew to New York to receive the U.S. Goldman Prize, which honours “environmental heroes” for their efforts to protect nature, often at great personal expense. In Mr. Macerl’s case, the 13-year fight cost him his marriage. “I’ve paid a high toll with my family... but it also taught my children the struggle was worth it,” the father of three said.                                        Black Snow ...
Read more