5.3 Maya and the nature of reality in various schools

Maya, a key concept in Indian philosophy, explores the illusory nature of reality. It suggests that our perceived world is a veil hiding the true nature of existence, challenging our understanding of what's real and what's not.

Different schools interpret Maya differently. Advaita sees it as neither real nor unreal, Vishistadvaita as God's creative power, and Dvaita as a real divine force. These views shape how each school approaches spiritual liberation.

Maya: The Illusion of Reality

Fundamental Concept and Cosmic Power

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• Maya refers to illusory nature of phenomenal world and perception
• Creates appearance of duality and multiplicity in non-dual reality of Brahman
• Described as veil or cosmic illusion obscuring true nature of reality
• Closely linked to avidya (ignorance) causing human suffering and samsara (cycle of rebirth)
• Operates on cosmic level (creative power of Brahman) and individual level (source of misperception)
• Understanding and transcending Maya essential for achieving moksha (spiritual liberation)

Relationship to Perception and Reality

• Challenges apparent reality of physical world
• Suggests sensory perceptions may not reflect ultimate truth
• Implies material world and individual ego not ultimately real
• Encourages critical examination of personal beliefs, values, and attachments
• Underscores importance of viveka (discriminative wisdom) in spiritual practice
• Can lead to detachment from worldly concerns and reorientation towards spiritual goals

Maya in Advaita vs. Vishistadvaita vs. Dvaita

Advaita Vedanta Interpretation

• Views Maya as neither real nor unreal (anirvacaniya)
• Creates illusion of multiplicity in non-dual Brahman
• Has no independent existence
• Ultimately unreal when knowledge of Brahman attained
• Emphasizes ultimate unreality of Maya
• Liberation involves realizing illusory nature of Maya and true identity with Brahman

Vishistadvaita Perspective

• Interprets Maya as creative power of Brahman
• Real and inseparable from Brahman itself
• World viewed as real manifestation of Brahman
• Maya serves as medium through which Brahman expresses itself
• Considers Maya a real aspect of divine power
• Emphasizes devotion to God and understanding world as divine manifestation

Dvaita School Interpretation

• Considers Maya real power of God (Ishvara)
• Creates material world and individual souls
• Rejects idea of Maya as illusion
• Asserts world and individual souls eternally distinct from God
• Views Maya as real aspect of divine power
• Focuses on cultivating relationship with God while recognizing eternal distinctions

Implications of Maya for Liberation

Philosophical and Practical Consequences

• Challenges apparent reality of physical world
• Suggests sensory perceptions may not reflect ultimate truth
• Implies material world and individual ego not ultimately real
• Encourages critical examination of personal beliefs, values, and attachments
• Underscores importance of viveka (discriminative wisdom) in spiritual practice
• Can lead to detachment from worldly concerns and reorientation towards spiritual goals

Varied Approaches to Spiritual Liberation

• Advaita: Realizing illusory nature of Maya and true identity with Brahman
• Vishistadvaita: Devotion to God and understanding world as real divine manifestation
• Dvaita: Cultivating relationship with God while recognizing eternal distinctions
• Different interpretations lead to varied spiritual practices (meditation, devotional worship, ethical conduct)
• Concept extends to ethics and social behavior
• Challenges ultimate reality of individual identities and worldly achievements