Maya is the mirror in which we can see Parabrahma. It is said like this in Devi Purana
vichitra kaaryakaranaa achintita phalapradaa
swpnendrajaalava lloke maayaa tena prakeertita!!
Maya does strange things. I gives results that are never sought. It is like a magic show. The shakti that came out of parabrahma is Maya. The whole creation is done by Maya. That is Divine mother Lalitha.
Maya is like moss floating on water. It goes away when you clean it. But emerges again gradually. Similarly, as long as you consciously strive for spiritual improvement, Maya disappears. But if you discontinue it comes back. If your mind is yearning for material possessions, that means Maya is back. A mind clear of Maya would think about Divine mother. That is why, Indian culture discourages material possessions and encourages spiritual activities.
Every being in this world is subject to Maya. Only Parabrahma is beyond Maya. It's like snake carrying poison in its fangs. That poison though it is with the snake never harms the snake. Maya disappears the moment you realize that you are under the influence of Maya. It has strange characteristic. It is with you as long as you are unaware of it. The moment you become aware, it disappears.
The sheath of Maya is separating the jeevatma and paramatma. When it disappears, the union of the two occurs. That is Moksha. Liberation. Maya is of two types:
- Vidya maya
- Avidya maya
Vidya maya takes you closer to God. It has two branches. 1.Wisdom 2.Ascetisim. Those who follow Vidya maya take refuge in God.
Avidya maya is sheer ignorance. It has 6 branches called Arishadvarga. They are Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada and Maatsarya. These are the seeds for I, me and mine. These make man selfish. Due to these, man gets attached to this world. It can be overcomed by following Vidya Maya.
You can't see the reflection of Sun and Moon in muddy waters. Similarly, as long as the thoughts of I, me and mine don't leave you, you cannot see the brilliance of the self luminous golden yellow star inside you.
