Significance of Maya
Synonyms: Mayan, Indigenous people, Ancient civilization, Maya civilization
In Dutch: Maya; In German: Maya; In Finnish: Maya; In Spanish: Maya; In Swedish: Maya; In Malay: Maya; In French: Maya
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Maya'
Maya in Buddhism embodies the concept of illusion, highlighting the deceptive nature of reality and the material world, which obstructs true understanding. It also refers to Siddhartha's mother, symbolizing virtue and significance in Buddhist teachings.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The concept of illusion or the deceptive nature of appearances in the phenomenal world.[1] (2) Illusion or appearance that obscures the true nature of reality; often used in Buddhism to explain the delusive nature of the material world.[2] (3) A term commonly used in Buddhist philosophy to denote the illusory nature of the world, emphasizing its transient and deceptive qualities.[3] (4) The concept of illusion or the deceptive quality of reality that obstructs clear understanding.[4] (5) The illusionary nature of phenomena, which leads beings to misperceive reality and cling to transient forms.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term representing illusion or magic, one of the analogies used to describe the non-reality of dharmas.[6] (2) A term that corresponds to 'me' in Pali, representing the individual endowed with auditory consciousness within the context of Buddhist teachings.[7]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The most beautiful and pre-eminent daughter of Subhuti, sought by King Shuddhodana for marriage.[8] (2) The chief queen of King Shuddhodana and the mother of Siddhartha Gautama, known for her virtuous qualities.[9]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The mother of Siddhartha, who died seven days after his birth.[10]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The concept of illusion or the nature of reality often discussed within Tibetan Buddhist teachings.[11] (2) A philosophical concept possibly related to the nature of reality, studied by the protagonist at a young age.[12] (3) A specific study that jo bsod undertook during his educational journey.[13] (4) A concept in Buddhism referring to the illusionary nature of the material world, which mid la engaged in understanding.[14]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) This is the concept of illusion or deceit, akin to a magician's trick, where one pretends to be without faults or conceals true nature.[15] (2) Illusions or deceptive strategies that are employed by Queen Magandi in her schemes against others.[16]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The mother of the Buddha, believed by the elder princess to have been born due to her offering to the Dasabala.[17]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The figure associated with Buddha's conception, featured in a dream referenced in the texts, indicating her significance in Buddha's lineage.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Maya'
Maya in Hinduism signifies the illusion or cosmic force that influences both spiritual and material experiences. It represents the deceptive nature of reality, obscuring true existence and binding individuals to the material world, leading to misperceptions of Brahman.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to illusion or magical power in Hindu philosophy, associated here with the Devi’s formidable presence in battle.[19] (2) Referring to the divine illusion of creation; in this context, it represents the aspect of Vishnu and shashthi's attributes.[20] (3) The cosmic illusion that conceals the true nature of reality.[21] (4) The concept of illusion or divine magic in Hindu philosophy, referred to in the context of the Devi's power to distract Nahusha.[22] (5) Refers to the divine illusion or power of creation, associated with the Devi Bhagavati, which influences all beings.[23]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The illusionary power that creates the perception of duality and separateness in the universe, leading to Ahamkara and ignorance.[24] (2) The illusory nature of the material world that deceives individuals into thinking of it as real.[25] (3) The concept of illusion or the deceptive nature of the world, which is transcended in higher states of realization.[26] (4) The illusion that binds individuals to the cycle of worldly existence and distracts them from attaining liberation.[27] (5) The illusion or divine energy that creates the perception of duality and manifests the physical world.[28]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The illusory forces or phenomena that cover the true nature of reality, resulting in the perception of duality and the material world.[29] (2) The concept of illusion in Vedic philosophy, often referred to in discussions about reality and existence, particularly in relation to Shamkara's teachings.[30] (3) The concept of illusion or the physical world that distracts individuals from realizing the true nature of reality.[31] (4) Often equated with illusion, Maya in Vedanta signifies the way in which the perceptible world obscures the understanding of true reality.[32] (5) The conceptualization of illusory reality in the context of spiritual knowledge, significant in the transition from Upanishadic thought to that of the Gita.[33]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A powerful entity that exists in physical form, known for inflicting delusion and aiding the sages.[34] (2) The power of deception used by Tamas to manifest as a beautiful maiden to distract King Dhanvantari.[35] (3) The illusionary power that allows the sinful Rakshasa to deceive and consume others, representing the theme of illusion in the narrative.[36]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The concept of illusion, which is personified by Shamvara’s creation of deceptive forms to confuse his opponent.[37] (2) Celestial illusion; Krishna is referred to as following this force.[38] (3) The illusion or deceptive influence, which played a role in Indra's perception and situation regarding his son Satakratu.[39]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The illusionary power that governs the material world, through which Vishnu descends to Earth in a dwarf form.[40] (2) The pervading force of illusion that prevents Jiva from seeing Parama.[41]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A concept representing illusion; Mohini, the enchanting woman created from Maya, plays a pivotal role in securing the nectar.[42] (2) The magician of great powers responsible for constructing the golden grove.[43]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The demon who constructs the magical palace for the Pandavas.[44]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The illusion or complexity of the material world that binds individuals, which can be transcended through devotion.[45]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Described as illusion in the context of the Bhagavata, this concept is central to the discussions of active creation and reality within the Puranic framework.[46]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The illusory energy that veils spiritual reality, causing individuals to focus on false identities and material gains.[47] (2) The illusory energy that creates the material world, which devotees aim to transcend through sincere devotional practice.[48] (3) The illusory energy that binds conditioned souls to material existence and distracts them from their true spiritual identity.[49] (4) The illusory energy of the Supreme Lord that induces bewilderment and a false sense of self in living entities.[50] (5) The illusory energy controlled by the Supreme Lord, which can lead individuals to develop false pride.[51]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The illusionary energy that may affect one's desires and perceptions, although not referenced directly in the text.[52] (2) The agent of illusory energy that bewildered individuals, causing delusions about one's status and abilities.[53] (3) The illusory potency that creates the false sense of happiness and sorrow, which does not exist in Vaikuntha.[54] (4) The illusion that binds individuals to material reality, hindering true understanding.[55] (5) The energy of illusion created by Krishna that causes forgetfulness of one's true nature as being part of the Supreme Lord.[56]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The illusionary energy that distracts souls from recognizing their true divine nature and the reality of the Supreme.[57] (2) The illusory energy that stops individuals from realizing the true nature of the Supreme Lord and His devotional relationships.[58] (3) The illusory energy of the material world, which cannot be overcome without divine intervention.[59] (4) A concept referring to illusion or the material energy that bewilders individuals, of which the Lord is the master.[60] (5) The illusion or deceptive nature of the material world, which affects the perceptions and beliefs of people.[61]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A term used to denote a second form of the goddess of fortune, or the illusory energy connected with Lord Vishnu.[62] (2) Illusory energy that causes the soul to forget its true nature and relationship with the divine.[63] (3) The illusory energy that causes forgetfulness of Krishna, resulting in happiness and suffering for many lives.[64] (4) The illusory energy that covers the true identity of the soul as an eternal servant of Lord Krishna.[65] (5) The illusory energy of the Lord, which causes living entities to forget their true identity and constitutional position as servants of the Lord.[66]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The illusory energy that creates the perception of duality and material existence, causing living entities to forget their spiritual nature.[67] (2) The illusory energy of the material world that the holy name is devoid of and unaffected by.[68] (3) The illusory energy that confuses living entities and causes them to identify with material existence.[69] (4) illusion; the external potency of the Supreme Lord.[70] (5) The illusory energy that causes bondage in material existence, which a sadhaka aims to conquer through devotion.[71]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Represents the goddess who is identified with the daughter of Nanda and Yashoda, symbolizing illusion or divine power.[72] (2) Refers to illusion or the concept of deceptive appearances in the material world, often used to explain the nature of reality in Hindu philosophy.[73] (3) Maya is identified as one of the divine beings in the passage.[74] (4) The name of the daughter in the verse, who is considered an eternal goddess in Hindu philosophy.[75]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The illusory nature of the material world which distracts individuals from spiritual truths.[76] (2) The cosmic illusion that obscures true understanding, representing distractions and challenges on the path to realization.[77] (3) The illusion or deceptive appearance of the material world that distracts beings from enlightenment.[78] (4) The illusive external potency of Sri Vishnu, responsible for creating the appearance of the material world and individual identity.[79]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The material energy of Godhead, through which individual souls experience bondage.[80] (2) The illusory energy of God that can mislead souls away from the truth of divine existence.[81] (3) The divine energy that creates illusion and limits understanding, preventing individuals from recognizing the ultimate reality.[82] (4) The illusionary energy that governs the material condition of jivas, presenting a distorted perception of reality.[83]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Maya represents the illusion or material nature that conceals the true divine nature of the Almighty Lord, making it difficult for individuals to realize their spiritual path.[84] (2) The illusion or false reality set up by the divine that restricts true knowledge and liberation.[85] (3) Primordial matter that causes changes of state and leads to miseries while keeping its victims bound to the material world.[86]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Illusion or the deceptive power that creates distinctions and separations in the material world.[87] (2) The concept of illusion or the transient nature of the material world, understood as dependent on Cinmatra.[88] (3) The cosmic illusion or appearance that masks the true reality and is a vehicle for Paramatma.[89] (4) The illusion or deceptive nature of the world that conceals the ultimate reality of Brahman.[90] (5) The illusion or delusion that prevents realization of the true self.[91]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The illusionary force that creates the appearance of duality, causing the mind to act in a separate manner in both dream and waking states.[92] (2) Illusion or the deceptive phenomenon that creates the appearance of diversity in existence.[93] (3) A concept referring to illusion or the deceptive nature of reality, which is mentioned in the context of explaining the relationship between Reality and birth.[94] (4) The concept that explains the perceived universe and reality, which is only an illusion when one is in ignorance.[95] (5) The concept of illusion that does not exist from the standpoint of Reality, explained in Gaudapada's discussions.[96]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The concept representing the illusion of duality and the material world that distracts beings from realizing their true non-dual essence.[97] (2) The illusion or deceptive nature of reality that causes the misinterpretation of existence, leading to the false belief in birth and separation.[98] (3) Maya is the phenomenon that creates the illusion of separate consciousnesses, leading to the belief in individuality.[99] (4) The illusion that obscures the true nature of reality, leading to the misperception of separateness and individuality.[100] (5) The concept of illusion that leads to the forgetting of true knowledge and understanding of existence.[101]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Described as a divine purpose or the knowledge of the Divine Being, which helps manifest the higher Self for the protection of devotees.[102] (2) The concept of illusion or deception regarding reality, often contrasted with the true essence of Brahman.[103] (3) The term denoting the illusory or wondrous nature of things that are created or perceived, often associated with the Supreme Person.[104] (4) The concept of illusion or the transformative power of the divine that binds individuals.[105] (5) The illusory power that causes Brahman, pure intelligence, to appear as a manifold world of distinction.[106]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Maya is to be understood as representing abundance, which is supported by the understanding that Scripture declares Brahman as the source of joy.[107] (2) Maya consists of name and form presented by Nescience, and the Lord is fictitiously connected with Maya, which helps reconcile motion with the doctrine of an all-knowing first cause.[108] (3) This is the cause of the perception of qualities in beings, as explained by Narayana to Narada, representing a form of illusion, according to the text.[109] (4) This is the principle of illusion, by the association with which the highest Brahman appears as the lower Brahman or Ishvara, and the text asks whether the Sutras afford any evidence of their author having held this doctrine.[110] (5) The illusion or creative power associated with the highest Lord, allowing him to assume forms to engage with worshippers.[111]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A concept signifying illusion or appearance, which plays a role in the perception of Brahman as a cause despite its true nature.[112] (2) A concept representing the illusion or magical power that creates the universe and causes beings to perceive reality as it does.[113] (3) The illusion or energy that causes Brahman to appear with desires and multiple forms, despite its true nature being singular.[114] (4) The concept of illusion in Advaita philosophy that accounts for the perceived world as an appearance of the ultimate reality, Brahman.[115] (5) The illusion or cosmic power that allows the Self to manifest the material world and its elements.[116]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The illusion or cosmic force that obscures the true nature of reality, leading to misconceptions about Brahman.[117] (2) The illusion or creative power of Brahman that manifests the universe and veils the true nature of reality.[118] (3) The concept associated with illusion or the creative power of Brahman, enabling the differentiation of the universe from its source.[119] (4) The mystical power of Brahman essentially responsible for the illusion of the universe's diversity.[120]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) In Vedanta, considered a dependent power of Brahman that differs from the independent Pradhana in Sankhya philosophy.[121] (2) The concept of illusion in Sankara's philosophy, describing the deceptive nature of the sensory world that obscures the true understanding of Brahman.[122] (3) The illusion or apparent reality that causes the perception of multiplicity in the world, distinct from Brahman.[123]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Maya is the concept that creates the conditions of bondage and liberation, indicating the illusory nature of these experiences in relation to the true self.[124] (2) The illusion or appearance that creates the perception of Bondage and Liberation.[125]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The divine power of illusion created by the Lord, which causes delusion about self-identity and ownership.[126]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) An error with a semblance of truth, often translated as 'illusion,' which distorts the perception of reality.[127]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) A concept that represents the illusionary nature of the world, considered real yet not absolute in Brahmanism.[128] (2) The illusion that obscures the knowledge of the true identity of the human spirit with the Divine Spirit.[129] (3) The illusory force that creates the perception of diversity in the universe, obscuring the true nature of reality as oneness.[130] (4) The concept of illusion or cosmic power that creates the experience of the material world as distinct from the ultimate reality.[131] (5) A concept of illusion or non-reality which is seen as an unreal aspect of the phenomenal world.[132]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The excellent power that maintains the existence of all living beings.[133] (2) The concept referring to the power that can achieve what is considered impossible, embodied by the divine feminine forces.[134] (3) The illusion or cosmic force that surrounds and influences the spiritual and material experiences of existence.[135] (4) The illusion or ignorance that binds individuals; freedom from this leads to lack of sorrow.[136]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The illusory aspect of reality that creates a sense of separation from the Atman and complicates understanding of existence.[137]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Concept indicating the illusion or deceptive nature of the phenomenal world, often discussed in the context of Yoga and Vedanta.[138]
From: Paduka-panchaka (the five-fold footstool)
(1) The illusion or deceptive nature of the material world, impacting one's spiritual journey in Samsara.[139]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A powerful figure who uses magic and aids Suryaprabha by revealing truths and guiding him through challenges.[140] (2) A noted topic in the present volume, possibly referring to illusion or magical powers.[141] (3) The illusion that binds beings in the cycle of life, as explained by Brahmadandin to Vimalabuddhi.[142] (4) A character referred to in the Ocean of Story, synonymous with the Asura and involved in the transmission of magical knowledge.[143] (5) The king of the Danavas who engages with the gods and the other characters and symbolizes the duality of power between Asuras and Devas.[144]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) In the context of temple architecture, it refers to the concept that encompasses the creation and the pervading essence of the universe as understood in Hindu philosophy.[145] (2) A demon-architect linked with legendary construction feats, known for creating elaborate assembly halls in the tales of Indian mythology.[146]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) Refers to illusion, often associated with ignorance and the deceptive nature of the empirical world.[147] (2) The divine energy through which the world is contained and manifests, emphasized as crucial in the cyclical nature of existence.[148]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The illusion or divine power that causes attachment and bondage, making individuals forget their true essence.[149]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A reference to a traditional method or person associated with the preparation of strong metallic cement.[150]
Jain concept of 'Maya'
In Jainism, the term Maya (मय) interpreted as "camel" could symbolize the burdens or illusions that obscure spiritual truth, linking physical existence to the need for enlightenment and detachment from material desires.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) (मय, maya), means camel.[151]
The concept of Maya in local and regional sources
The term "Maya" encompasses the illusionary aspect of reality, depicted in various philosophical contexts, particularly in Hindu philosophy. It represents energy, differentiation, and the deceptive nature of existence, obscuring true perception and the understanding of oneness.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is referring to the idea of motion and change, and that the very idea of it is all Maya, and they are like spots in the object-glass of a telescope, yet it is the light of the sun that shows us the spots.[152] (2) The perfect one knows that this world is Maya, which is the world, and is not troubled by it, indicating the nature of the world as mere child's play.[153] (3) This is the realm where cosmology and other phenomena exist, according to the Advaitist, and it is where questions of "why" are asked.[154] (4) This is the term for the force that creates the illusion of individuality and separation, the veil that obscures the underlying unity of existence, giving rise to differences.[155] (5) Maya is a veil, and realizing the Truth is the only way to get beyond the veil, indicating that it obscures the true nature of reality and prevents spiritual liberation.[156]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) In Advaita philosophy, Maya refers to the illusion that veils the true nature of reality.[157] (2) A concept that implies the misperception or misvaluation of reality, leading to illusions about objects, beings, and events.[158] (3) A concept relating to the illusory nature of reality that Malraux navigated through in his literary and philosophical discourse.[159] (4) A concept in Indian philosophy representing the illusionary aspect of the material world that transcends physical reality.[160] (5) Explored in the text from three different levels, pertaining to the concept of illusion in Advaita philosophy.[161]
From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages
(1) Maya is the Oj term, which translates to illusion, and it refers to something that is not real, it is also known as fantasy.[162]