Verses: 108-109
Class starts with seven questions from the student, and then bondage is discussed in depth: (1) What is this bondage? (2) How does it come about? (3) How does it exist and what sustains it? (4) How do we come out of it? (5) What is anatman? (6) What is the supreme Atman? (7) How do we differentiate between atman and anatman?
Maya is real for someone in ignorance – rope/snake analogy is provided. Snake exists only as long as there is not enough light – when light is brought, the snake idea disappears and only rope remains.
Maya operates with two powers: Avarana-shakti, which conceals the reality and Vikshepa-shakti, which projects something false.
Mandukya-Karika II - verse 32 is discussed.
Seven-Anupapatti’s of Ramanujacharya on Avidya (Maya) are discussed.
Creation is discussed as “leela” (sport) of God.
Maya is “anadi” (without a beginning), but not “anantha” (it is not eternal). It functions at the level of three gunas: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Maya can only be inferred by tracing from effect to cause.
Vedanta’s criteria for “sat” are discussed: (1) It should remain without change in the past, present and future – both time and space. (2) It should stay the same in waking, dream and deep sleep states.
Maya is not “sat”. It is not the Absolute Reality. It changes – therefore, it is relative. Maya is not “asat” either, as it is not Absolutely unreal.
Because, if Maya were the same as Brahman it has no end. Then, there is no liberation from bondage. But if Maya were different from Brahman that would lead to duality. When you realize Brahman, what was hitherto perceived as Maya is now perceived as Brahman because then, the Reality is perceived devoid of names and forms, beyond nama and rupa.
The Real experience of Absolute Reality is beyond what is described in Mayavakyas. Mahavakyas are only an approximation of the highest transcendental experience.
Maya is neither different, nor non-different nor a combination of difference and non-difference.
All of us experience Maya in our everyday life. It is beyond logical comprehension, cannot be explained in words or cognized with the mind and is a great wonder.
Vedanta discusses not just the future of a seeker but also the past. Vivekachudamani starts with the rare privilege of human birth and the longing for liberation.
Vedanta is the result of inner contemplation. It begins with the inquiry at the effect level. Ancient sages then practiced spiritual disciplines and meditated to realize the Absolute Reality.
Creation is one spiritual family. When we hurt others, we hurt ourselves.
Swami Vivekananda clarified what Maya is. Maya is relativity, not an illusion. He asserted again and again that Maya is relativity, and not delusion or illusion.