माया
Maya
(māyā)Divine creative illusion; the power that makes the universe appear real and separate
Full Meaning
Māyā is not "illusion" in the sense of "not real." The world is real — māyā is the power that makes it appear to be the whole story. In Advaita Vedānta, māyā is the force that creates the appearance of separation between ātman and Brahman, individual and universal. Māyā is why we experience ourselves as separate beings rather than as expressions of one consciousness.
Etymology
From √mā — to measure, to create, to produce. The power of creation and measurement.
Usage in Sanskrit Texts
The Bhagavad Gita (7.14) says: "My divine māyā is difficult to overcome. Only those who surrender to me cross beyond it." Maya is not an enemy — it is the game of existence.
दैवी ह्येषा गुणमयी मम माया दुरत्यया — My divine maya, composed of three gunas, is very difficult to overcome. (Bhagavad Gita 7.14)
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