Unbound-7

 

Maya = Tricks played by mind

This in my opinion is the most fascinating subject and if understood properly is the key to living an uncomplicated life. Shankara, writing a foreword to his commentaries on brahma sutras (rearranged knowledge from all upanishads in the form of aphorisms), also called adhyasa bhashya uses the highly debated doctrine of maya.

Put simply, this is pure mind science which helps in cultivation of mind. Possible that the same arguments are in Buddhism also. Allama prabhu, of lingayat sect, also has a vachana on this which says Maya is nothing but mind.Difference between human mind and minds of other sentient beings is the extraordinary quality of emotions.

Without human emotions there will be no human stories, no religion, no scriptures, no culture, no literature, no art. These emotions vary from person to person; cultures and religions play very dominant role. Though upanishads are about exploring one's own mind to understand reality of self according to Hinduism, and non self according to Buddhism; all arguments to explain self comes from external world. Famous example is that of rope and snake anology in twilight.

Maya works in two ways, veiling the reality and superimposition of previous situation on reality. In semidarkness a rope will be mistaken for a snake and when light is thrown on the area, clarity of rope being the reality dawns. Here correct unbiased knowledge is light, semidarkness has concealed the reality and human mind superimposes snake on this reality.

In our day to day lives, we don't understand reality and added to this, we superimpose our perceptions on this reality. To give present day examples, Mr Obama made nuclear deal with Iran and Mr Trump scrapped the same. Both are Americans and their perceptions are different. Another example is Mr Tump scrapping climate deal to make America great again, and I just can't understand how America can become great by disowning previous commitments. This non understanding of geopolitical realty is in essence Maya, in this particular case.

Perceptions differ from person to person and reality is never understood unless special efforts are consciously made. Perception is a product of human mind, while one has grown up with emotions and cultural biases. When disproportionate investment of emotions are made in a given situation and real world doesn't work accordingly, one will be upset and angry and loses rationality. When millions of people invest their emotions disproportionately in a place of worship or a scripture, harmony in society becomes the casualty. Religious place in reality may be a building of stones and wood and other materials; but by investing disproportionate emotions to the same leads to unwanted tensions in society.

Very interesting conclusion from upanishads is Aham Bahmasmi and Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma, which means self is brahman everything in this world is brahman (ultimate reality), and​ it's superimposition of its own interpretation, continuing with the doctrine of MAYA. Towards the end, shankara says, Personal God (Ishwara) and Maya operate together. Maya is the tool Ishwara uses to create this illusion called the world, like a magician. When once brahman (ultimate reality) is realised, both Ishwara and Maya vanish.

This is a highly poignant statement. Culture in which one belongs, superimposes on the mind all the wisdom, dogmas and superstitions, working at a subconscious level. How can there be so many personal Gods with different properties in the world? Personal God is a human cultural construct and he comes associated with all cultural beliefs, dogmas, superstitions and wisdom and the mind starts playing its tricks under their influence. Ultimate reality is free of dogmas and superstitions, it's pure infinite knowledge and the only truth, and this truth is universal. Once the mind undestands this reality, it frees itself from all dogmas and superstitions and personal biases, that particular individual looks at world with a different outlook. For him all are products of the universe, he does not feel separate from them, he is a totally free person, he enjoys a satsang as well as an azaan from a mosque and the sound of the church bell equally. This becoming free, smashing all barriers built by human civilizations, cultures, and personal biases , is ADWAITA (Not Two) and therefore MOKSHA (freedom).

Sadly all people don't realise this truth at the same time throughout the world, and fight amongst themselves in the name of religion, nation, culture etc and therefore the world is full of conflicts and sorrow at every level of human existence. From a neuroscience perspective, it has been proved that we are all in controlled hallucinations, we don't see reality as it is. In a nutshell all prevailing narratives, cultural, social, socio-economic, political, geo-political, economic etc at a collective level is MAYA and creates strong bonding.

Compared to Maya, family relationships are very weak bonding and a wise person deals with these judiciously. When one meditates it almost takes three to four years to get rid of Maya (rests only in the mind and not in reality), this happens when one reaches Ajna chakra; and this is actually purification of mind and the meditator will be able to enter samadhi; and therefore Mukti or Moksha. Alternatively, one can list out all narratives influencing his/her mind and work on the mind to eliminate them consciously. By being mindful even Arishadvargas can be ​conquered.

Nirvana

Central concept in Buddhism, it's often described as the ultimate goal of the Buddhist path. It signifies the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Here's a deeper look into the concept:

What is Nirvana?: Extinction of Suffering. Nirvana is often translated as "blowing out" or "quenching", symbolizing extinction of the fires of greed, hatred, and delusion that cause suffering.

Freedom from Rebirth: It's the liberation from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is seen as a source of suffering.

Ultimate Peace and Bliss: It's a state of profound peace, tranquility, and bliss, beyond the limitations of ordinary human experience.

The Path to Nirvana: The Noble Eightfold Path, outlined by the Buddha, is the practical guide to achieving Nirvana. It encompasses eight interconnected practices:

Right View: Understanding the Four Noble Truths and the nature of reality.

Right Intention: Cultivating pure intentions, free from greed, hatred, and delusion.

Right Speech: Speaking truthfully, kindly, and beneficially.

Right Action: Acting ethically and compassionately.

Right Livelihood: Engaging in honest and ethical work.

Right Effort: Striving to overcome negative states of mind and cultivate positive ones.

Right Mindfulness: Cultivating awareness of the present moment.

Right Concentration: Deepening meditation practice to achieve states of profound concentration.

Different Interpretations of Nirvana: There are various interpretations of Nirvana within different Buddhist traditions:

Theravada Buddhism: Views Nirvana as a state of complete cessation of suffering and the end of individual existence.

Mahayana Buddhism: Often interprets Nirvana as a state of enlightenment and compassion, where one can choose to remain in the world to help others attain liberation.

Beyond Description: The true nature of Nirvana is often said to be indescribable and beyond human comprehension. It's a state that can only be experienced directly through spiritual practice and realization.

In Essence, Nirvana represents the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, the cessation of suffering and the attainment of lasting peace and liberation. It's a profound concept, that has inspired countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.