Miscellaneous - Religion   

Effects of Maya

CHENNAI: The greatest challenge for the Jivatma in its ultimate quest for liberation is the powerful sway of Maya that easily deludes and distracts one's efforts.

The exposition on Bhakti, Maya, Karma, etc., by the group of nine sages (Navayogis) who enlightened the assembly at the court of King Nimi during a session on scriptural discussion (in the eleventh book of the Bhagavata Purana) is a brilliant summing up of the spiritual thought that runs through the whole text, said Sri O. R. Devanathan in a lecture. The Jivatma is shown the path of Bhakti that is capable of ripping apart the veil of Maya and revealing the Supreme Being to the sincere devotee.

Yogi Antariksha describes the Lord's Maya as the cause of creation, preservation and dissolution of the entire universe with all its beings animate and inanimate. The three gunas, Satva, Rajas and Tamas, are also a result of the Maya.

Sage Prabuddha explains that Maya is not easily overcome especially for those who have not conquered the senses. Embodied souls, cast into the wheel of Samsara and forced to enjoy and suffer alternately by virtue of their past deeds, have to yearn to get out of this endless cycle of births. Since nothing is permanent (neither joy from worldly possessions nor sorrow from loss of them or the heavenly realms attained as a result of past deeds, etc.) one has to develop one's spiritual nature and learn to worship the Lord with sincere devotion.

Cultivating kindness and friendliness towards one and all while learning to be humble at all times, practising Ahimsa in one's day-to-day living and maintaining equanimity of mind when confronted with joy or sorrow — are the guidelines suggested that can help an individual overcome the effects of Maya. The disciple keen to gain the knowledge of the Absolute is advised to render wholehearted service to the preceptor.

The compelling force of the illusory effect is deceptive enough to mask its momentary nature, enticing the Jivatma to mistake it as something permanent.

To counter this attraction towards worldly life caused by Maya, one should strive to gain knowledge of the Supreme Being and one's own Atma. This can be achieved by showing devotion to the Lord.

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