For any Hindus or those knowledgable about Hinduism: what is the purpose of the Veil of Maya?

Question

If Brahman is omnibenevolent, why would He create the Veil of Maya to disguise the true nature of the Universe from us?

Or, in other words, why does He allow avidya (ignorance) to exist? Why aren't we all born into an automatic state of moksha?

PS I really don't need any answers saying 'I dont know lol' or 'its bcos Brahman is not the true God he is satan and hes given u ignorance'

Answer 1

I'm not a Hindu, but I respect there wisdom. I think maybe things {the veil of maya} is the enlightenment of Brahman. Also if beings were always in moksha they would not know where they were. So in a way things are also the enlightenment of ones self. Thank you for the question.

Answer 2

Life is often mysterious; apparently without reasons and explanations for many events. Is this true? Perhaps so, but only in the eyes and mind of the beholder. Is there any wisdom and knowledge that can throw complete light on the mystery of Life?
The ancient Vedic scripture Bhagavad Gita contains knowledge of all human experiences from the remote past into the infinite future. There is no situation in reality that is not described nor explained. Truly, the Gita is the source of Absolute Knowledge. The author attempts to simplify the mystery of the Bhagavad Gita and urges the reader to experience the Absolute Truth of existence. The author, a practicing doctor has integrated spiritual healing into clinical practice and encourages everyone to realize his true identity. Medical and nursing students, practicing doctors and patients will benefit infinitely from applying the principles of the Bhagavad Gita.
During the course of this lecture series, you will be lead to the path of devotional service and the holistic way of spiritual living. Holistic living consists of eating sattvic food, conquering and channeling inner desires and following the instructions of the Supreme Lord.
Lord Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is He who spoke the Bhagavad Gita to his very dear friend Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna was overwhelmed by grief at the prospect of fighting his own relatives in the war. Totally confused, he turned to Lord Krishna and beseeched him with his inner feelings.
Krishna then revealed his true form and strength and assured him of total protection if he became his surrendered devotee. All of us experience fear, confusion, anger, frustration, sadness and many other complex emotions. What is the source of these emotions? Krishna clearly explains in the Bhagavad Gita that he is the cause and remedy of all things; pleasant and unpleasant. Therefore by his causeless mercy He gives us the instructions through which we can free ourselves from the darkest hell of existence in the material world.
Mahabharatha represents the warring of the materialistic and spiritual aspects of human nature and truly speaking describes the constant battle of feelings and thoughts that go on within the mind. Make Krishna the ultimate goal of your Life and you will experience eternal joy and bliss!

Lord Krishna is the creator of all living beings. Our life is dependent upon the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead at all times. From Krishna comes all the energy that we experience everyday. For example, the bright sunlight and the cool breeze are emanating from Lord Krishna. Everyday we lose energy in the form of various physical and mental activities. He is replenishing the lost energy.
What we are not aware is the fact that loss of vitality and fatigue is due primarily to discharge of emotional energy. Emotions drain us of energy. Negative emotions leave us tired, confused and in despair. Positive emotions charge us with vibrant energy and leave us healthy, clear in thinking and brimming with vitality and enthusiasm. Connect to Krishna and experience eternal joy and bliss!

Lord Krishna resides within our hearts. It is his spark that ignites the soul within us and keeps us all alive and happy. We have forgotten the supreme controller as we have been conditioned to accept the material world as containing everything that we need. How far is this true? Ask yourself these questions? What is responsible for the universal miseries of existence- birth, disease, old age and death? What is the cause of other forms of distress- lack of education, failures in business and career, poor results inspite of efforts and all other unpleasant experiences that go to form every day events in our lives. The Gita clearly states that the principal cause of all miseries is forgetfulness of Lord Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead. Lord Krishna appears periodically as an incarnation to revive the glories of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and teach us the right way of living.

The fundamental question that emerges in our quest for understanding any subject is how and where do I begin? So, how do I relate to Krishna? Since Krishna resides within our hearts it is very easy to relate to him. First, remove the layers of dirt and dust that prevent you from seeing this reality. Become pure in thoughts and feelings. Lord Krishna relates instantly to anyone who wishes to do so. Therefore become a devotee to re-establish lost connections. Listen attentively to his devotees and participate in-group activities. While you can perform devotional service independently, it is easier and motivating to do it as a group. Become aware of his strengths to be convinced of his stature and power. You do this by listening, reading and discussing the Srimad Bhagavatam, the epic compilation of the experiences of the devotees of the Lord. Constantly focus on the lord within you and endeavor to apply the principles of devotional service regularly. You will see the fruits emerging spontaneously.
Our constitutional position is as a devotee of Krishna. However, we are not aware of this fact and therefore by default assume the position of a non-devotee. The very birth in this world indicates that we have forgotten our real position. We have forgotten that there is a real spiritual world in the spiritual sky. A devotee of Krishna comes to realize that everything including his own body is the property of Krishna and therefore it should be used in Krishna's service. Dovetail all daily activities with that of Lord Krishna. Act in a purified state following the instructions of the Lord. This will free you from all anxieties and suffering. Pleased by the service of his devotee, the Supreme Personality of Godhead reveals his form and opulences.

We can develop different relationships with Lord Krishna. The pastimes of the Lord with the gopis of Vrindavana describe the relationship as a conjugal lover. In any dimension the nature of relationship is determined by the time period in your life, when your dormant spiritual energy is awakened and you begin to realize your true nature.

When a child is born who displays natural attraction for music, art and performing sadhanas, Know that you should relate to Krishna as a parent devotee. Relate to all as a friend by urging one and all to become Krishna Conscious. Dovetail all your daily material activities with that of Krishna. This way you will remember him all the time.

Arjuna was in all kinds of difficulties during the Kurukshetra war and his state actually reflects our state at all times. The message of the Gita is very clear. At all times we should seek the help of The Supreme Personality of Godhead to solve our life problems. Arjuna asks questions that accurately define our state. We also should ask questions to the Supreme Personality of Godhead in a manner similar to Arjuna and receive the benediction of the Lord. It is essential to develop the qualities of Arjuna to be able to understand and receive the instructions clearly. The purpose of the Gita is very clear. It is to remind us of the major purpose we have to create for our lives. It is one of the following.

1. To deliver mankind from all difficulties
2. To free mankind from all anxieties
3. To relieve mankind of all sufferings
4. To instruct mankind of his mission
5. To protect mankind from evil

Ishvara is the supreme controller and we as Jivas are the controlled beings. However, in the conditioned state that we are born in we do not have this fundamental realization. This is referred to as maya or illusion. Hence we attempt to go through life using finite intelligence, which of course is incomplete.

As time elapses we begin to feel anxiety and tension over our existing state and this continues unabated until we choose to seek the help of the Supreme Controller.

Karma refers to the accumulated effects of all activities we have performed in the past. Reactions to activities in the conditioned state are unpleasant and leave a permanent residue. One such residue is various forms of physical and mental disease. Therefore, if you have to heal a diseased person he should endeavor to remove the veil of maya or illusion alongside the taking of medicines. Devotional service is a simple process of erasing the maya and creating an internal environment of health and well being. Medicines taken will have a better result and this is the holistic approach to healing advocated by The Clinic for Holistic Healing.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead is the ultimate source of all energy including life energy. . mayadhyakshena prakrith suyate sa-characharam." This material nature is working under my direction."

This is understood when we contemplate on the nature of life. What is the element that is missing in a dead body? There is no knowledge about this element in medical science or technology. Developing a state of mind that begins to inquire about every event that either happens to us or surrounds us in a spirit of surrender leads us directly to the source of Absolute Knowledge. Empowerment results once you acquire Absolute Knowledge.

Every man, woman and child is under the control of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna. When you begin to see the Lord residing in the hearts of every person, you can actually hear the Lord speaking to you!

Emphatically, Lord Krishna declares: sarva -yonishu…aham bija-pradah pita:" I am the father of all"

Answer 3

Maya (Sanskrit माया māyā, from mā "not" and yā "this"), in Hinduism, is a term describing many things. Maya is the phenomenal world of separate objects and people, which creates for some the illusion that it is the only reality. For the mystics this manifestation is real, but it is a fleeting reality; it is a mistake, although a natural one, to believe that maya represents a fundamental reality. Each person, each physical object, from the perspective of eternity is like a brief, disturbed drop of water from an unbounded ocean. The goal of enlightenment is to understand this —more precisely, to experience this: to see intuitively that the distinction between the self and the universe is a false dichotomy. The distinction between consciousness and physical matter, between mind and body (refer bodymind), is the result of an unenlightened perspective. Perhaps the key to understanding it is best put by George Harrison, the Beatle in his song Beware of Darkness where he famously sings "Beware of Maya"

Contents [hide]
1 Maya in Hinduism
1.1 Maya in Hindu philosophy
1.2 Understanding Maya through Bhagavad Gita verses
1.3 Maya in Hindu Mythology
1.4 Maya as the Goddess
2 Maya in Buddhism
3 Concepts analogous to maya in other religions
4 See also
5 External links



[edit] Maya in Hinduism
In Hinduism, Maya must be seen through in order to achieve moksha (liberation of the soul from the cycle of death and rebirth) - ahamkar (ego-consciousness) and karma are seen as part of the binding forces of Maya. Maya is seen as the phenomenal universe, a lesser reality-lens superimposed on the one Brahman that leads us to think of the phenomenal cosmos as real. Maya is also visualized as part of the Divine Mother (Devi) concept of Hinduism. In the Hindu scripture 'Devi Mahatmyam,' Mahamaya (Great Maya) is said to cover Vishnu's eyes in Yoganidra (Divine Sleep) during cycles of existence when all is resolved into one. By exhorting Mahamaya to release Her illusory hold on Vishnu, Brahma is able to bring Vishnu to aid him in killing two demons, Madhu and Kaitabh, who have manifested from Vishnu's sleeping form. Shri Ramakrishna often spoke of Mother Maya and combined deep Hindu allegory with the idea that Maya is a lesser reality that must be overcome so that one is able to realize his or her true Self.


[edit] Maya in Hindu philosophy
In Advaita Vedanta philosophy, maya is the limited, purely physical and mental reality in which our everyday consciousness has become entangled. Maya is believed to be an illusion, a veiling of the true, unitary Self—the Cosmic Spirit also known as Brahman. The concept of Maya was expounded in the Hindu scriptures known as the Upanishads. Many philosophies or religions seek to "pierce the veil" in order to glimpse the transcendent truth, from which the illusion of a physical reality springs, drawing from the idea that first came to life in the Hindu stream of Vedanta. Maya is neither true nor untrue. Since Brahman is the only truth, Maya cannot be true. Since Maya causes the material world to be seen, it cannot be untrue. Hence, Maya is described as indescribable. She has two principle functions—one is to cover up Brahman and hide it from our mind. The other is to present the material world instead of Brahman. She is destructible. Consider an illusion of a rope being confused as a snake in the darkness. Just as this illusion gets destroyed when true knowledge of the rope is perceived, similarly, Maya gets destroyed for a person when they perceive Brahman with transendental knowledge. A metaphor is also given—when the reflection of Brahman falls on Maya, Brahman appears as God (the Supreme Lord). In the pragmatic level, where the world is regarded as true, Maya becomes the divine magical power of the Supreme Lord, to create and rule the world. Maya is God's pious servant. God is not bound by Maya, just as a magician is not illusioned by their own magic. Hence, God is Bliss. However, unenlightened jiva are the servants of Maya, hence they are in misery.

In Hinduism, Maya must be seen through in order to achieve moksha (liberation of the soul from the cycle samsara) —ahamkar (ego-consciousness) and karma are seen as part of the binding forces of Maya. Maya is seen as the phenomenal universe, a lesser reality-lens superimposed on the one Brahman that leads us to think of the phenomenal cosmos as real.

By Sri Sankaracharya

The Supreme Self (or Ultimate Reality) who is Pure Consciousness perceived Himself by Selfhood (i.e. Existence with "I"-Consciousness). He became endowed with the name "I". From that arose the basis of difference.
He exists verily in two parts, on account of which, the two could become husband and wife. Therefore, this space is ever filled up completely by the woman (or the feminine principle) surely.
And He, this Supreme Self thought (or reflected). Thence, human beings were born. Thus say the Upanishads through the statement of sage Yajnavalkya to his wife.
From the experience of bliss for a long time, there arose in the Supreme Self a certain state like deep sleep. From that (state) Maya (or the illusive power of the Supreme Self) was born just as a dream arises in sleep.
This Maya is without the characteristics of (or different from) Reality or unreality, without beginning and dependent on the Reality that is the Supreme Self. She, who is of the form of the Three Guna (qualities or energies of Nature) brings forth the Universe with movable and immovable (objects).
As for Maya, it is invisible (or not experienced by the senses). How can it produce a thing that is visible (or experienced by the senses)? How is a visible piece of cloth produced here by threads of invisible nature?
As there is the emission of the generative fluid on to a good garment on account of the experience of copulation in a dream, the pollution of the garment is seen as real on waking while the copulation was not true, the man in the dream was real (while) the woman was unreal and the union of the two was false (but), the emission of the generative fluid was real, so does it occur even in the matter in hand.
Thus Maya is invisible (or beyond sense-perception). (But) this universe which is its effect, is visible (or perceived by the senses). This would be Maya which, on its part, becomes the producer of joy by its own destruction.
Like night (or darkness) Maya is extremely insurmountable (or extremely difficult to be understood). Its nature is not perceived here. Even as it is being observed carefully (or being investigated) by sages, it vanishes like lightning.
Maya (the illusive power) is what is obtained in Brahman (or the Ultimate Reality). Avidya (or nescience or spiritual ignorance) is said to be dependent on Jiva (the individual soul or individualised consciousness). Mind is the knot which joins Consciousness and matter.
Space enclosed by a pot, or a jar or a hut or a wall has their several appellations (eg.,pot space, jar space etc.). Like that, Consciousness (or the Self) covered here by Avidya (or nescience) is spoken of as jiva (the individual soul).
Objection: How indeed could ignorance become a covering (or an obscure factor) for Brahman (or the Supreme Spirit) who is Pure Consciousness, as if the darkness arising from the night (could become a concealing factor) for the sun which is self-luminous?
As the sun is hidden by clouds produced by the solar rays but surely, the character of the day is not hidden by those modified dense collection of clouds, so the Self, though pure, (or undefiled) is veiled for a long time by ignorance. But its power of Consciousness in living beings, which is established in this world, is not veiled.

[edit] Understanding Maya through Bhagavad Gita verses
Bhagavad Gita, Ch.14, Verse 3. "My womb is the great Nature (Prakriti or MAYA). In that I place the germ (embryo of life). Thence is the birth of all beings".

Bhagavad Gita, Ch. 14, Verse 4 "Whatever forms are born, O Arjuna, in any womb whatsoever, the great Brahma (Nature) is their womb and I am the seed-giving father."

Explanation: Prakriti (Nature), made up of the three qualities (Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas), is the material cause of all beings.

In the great Prakriti, I place the seed for the birth of Brahma (the creator, also known as Hiranyagarbha, or Ishwar, or the conditioned Brahman); and the seed gives birth to all beings. The birth of Brahma (the creator) gives rise to the birth of beings.

The primordial Nature (prakriti) gives birth to Brahma, who creates all beings.

(I am the father; the primordial Nature is the mother).

Bhagavad Gita, Ch.13, verse 26. "Wherever a being is born, whether unmoving or moving, know thou Arjuna, that it is from the union between the field and the knower of the field". (Purusha is the knower of the field; Prakriti is the field; Shiva is another name for the knower of the field and Shakti is the field; Spirit is another name for the knower of the field and Matter (Prakriti) is the field).

Bhagavad Gita, Ch. 7, Verse 4. "I am endowed with two Shaktis, namely the superior and the inferior natures; the field and its knower (spirit is the knower of the field; matter is the field.) I unite these two".

Bhagavad Gita Ch.7, Verse 6. "Know these two- my higher and lower natures- as the womb of all beings. Therefore, I am the source and dissolution of the whole universe".

Bhagavad Gita, Ch.13, Verse 29. "He sees, who sees that all actions are performed by nature alone, and that the Self is action less".

(The Self is the silent witness).

Bhagavad Gita, Ch.9, Verse 17. "I am the father of this world, the mother, the dispenser of the fruits of actions and the grandfather; the one thing to be known, the purifier, the sacred monosyllable (AUM), and also the Rg, the Sama and the Yajur Vedas".


[edit] Maya in Hindu Mythology
Maya is also the name of an Asura, who was the father-in-law of the Lord of Lanka, Ravana and the father of Mandodari. He is the archnemesis of Vishwakarma, the celestial architect of the Gods. His knowledge and skills are compatible with Vishwakarma. When Lanka was destroyed by Hanuman, it was the King of Demons, Maya, who had re-installed the beauty of that Island Kingdom.


[edit] Maya as the Goddess
In Hinduism, Maya is also seen as a form of Laksmi, a Divine Goddess. Her most famous explication is seen in the Devi Mahatmyam, where she is known as Mahamaya.

Essentially, Mahamaya (great Maya) both blinds us in delusion (moha) and has the power to free us from it. Maya, superimposed on Brahman, the one divine ground and essence of monist Hinduism, is envisioned as one with Laxmi, Durga, etc. A great modern (19th century) Hindu sage who often spoke of Maya as being the same as the Shakti principle of Hinduism was Shri Ramakrishna.

In the Hindu scripture 'Devi Mahatmyam,' Mahamaya (Great Maya) is said to cover Vishnu's eyes in Yoganidra (Divine Sleep) during cycles of existence when all is resolved into one. By exhorting Mahamaya to release Her illusory hold on Vishnu, Brahma is able to bring Vishnu to aid him in killing two demons, Madhu and Kaitabh, who have manifested from Vishnu's sleeping form. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa often spoke of Mother Maya and combined deep Hindu allegory with the idea that Maya is a lesser reality that must be overcome so that one is able to realize his or her true Self.





[edit] Maya in Buddhism
Buddhism has long posited that reality is illusory, as a dream (see Reality in Buddhism).


[edit] Concepts analogous to maya in other religions
Some dialogues of Plato also contain ideas reminiscent of maya, especially the famous "Allegory of the cave".

Arthur Schopenhauer uses the term "Veil of Maya" to describe his view of The World as Will and Representation.

A Course in Miracles regards the perceptual world as an illusion. Its metaphysics comes close to Advaita Vedanta.

Christian Science teaches that the physical world is "error" and the reality is actually entirely spiritual.

MMORPG or Massively Online Role Playing Games in general and Second Life in particular are contemporary technologies that, in a sense, are analogous to the concept of illusory Maya. These real technologies, along with the fictional idea concept shown in the movie The Matrix could be a stunning realisation of Sankara's concept of Maya. See Are You Real for a humorous approach