11.4 Maya and the levels of reality in Advaita philosophy

Advaita Vedanta's concept of Maya explains how we perceive a world of separate objects despite the ultimate reality of non-dual Brahman. It's like a magic trick that makes us see many things when there's really just one.

Understanding Maya is key to grasping Advaita's view of reality. The philosophy outlines three levels of reality: absolute, everyday, and illusory. Recognizing these levels helps us see through the illusion and move towards spiritual freedom.

Maya in Advaita Vedanta

Fundamental Concept and Nature of Maya

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• Maya represents illusory nature of phenomenal world and power concealing true reality
• Described as neither real nor unreal, indescribable (anirvacaniya) with paradoxical nature
• Responsible for appearance of duality and multiplicity, obscuring non-dual nature of Brahman
• Explains perception of separate objects and beings despite Advaitic assertion of only Brahman's reality
• Likened to veil or magic show creating illusion of separateness and plurality
• Understanding and transcending Maya crucial for spiritual liberation (moksha) in Advaita Vedanta

Analogies and Examples of Maya

• Rope mistaken for snake in dim light (illustrates misperception of reality)
• Mirage in desert (appears real but disappears upon closer inspection)
• Dreams during sleep (seem real while dreaming but illusory upon waking)
• Reflection in mirror (appears as separate entity but has no independent existence)
• Movie projected on screen (images seem real but are mere projections)

Levels of Reality in Advaita

Three Levels of Reality

• Paramarthika satya (absolute reality) represents highest level, non-dual Brahman as only true and unchanging existence
• Vyavaharika satya (empirical reality) encompasses everyday experience, physical world, and individual consciousness (jiva)
• Pratibhasika satya (illusory reality) refers to apparent reality like dreams or misperceptions with no lasting existence
• Hierarchical relationship between levels, paramarthika satya serves as foundation and source of other two levels
• Concept of sublation (badha) explains how higher levels negate or supersede lower levels upon realization

Examples and Applications

• Paramarthika satya compared to ocean, vyavaharika satya to waves, pratibhasika satya to foam
• Gold jewelry (vyavaharika) made from pure gold (paramarthika) with specific designs (pratibhasika)
• Waking state (vyavaharika) contrasted with dream state (pratibhasika) and deep sleep (closer to paramarthika)
• Rope-snake illusion revisited: rope (vyavaharika) mistaken for snake (pratibhasika) while true nature of reality (paramarthika) remains unchanged

Maya, Ignorance, and Liberation

Relationship between Maya and Ignorance

• Ignorance (avidya) closely related to Maya, perpetuates illusion through misunderstanding of reality
• Avidya causes superimposition (adhyasa) of false attributes onto non-dual Brahman
• Leads to perception of separate self and world
• Removal of ignorance through knowledge (vidya) primary means of attaining liberation (moksha)
• Maya serves as both cause of bondage and means of liberation, providing context for spiritual practice and self-inquiry

Path to Liberation

• Concept of vivarta (apparent transformation) explains Brahman's appearance as world through Maya without real change
• Liberation involves recognizing illusory nature of Maya and transcending limitations of individual consciousness
• Path often combines scriptural study, contemplation, and direct experience under guidance of qualified teacher
• Self-inquiry (atma-vichara) central practice for dispelling ignorance and realizing true nature
• Discrimination between real and unreal (viveka) helps overcome Maya's influence
• Detachment (vairagya) from worldly attachments aids in transcending illusory nature of phenomenal world