135. Yoga-Maya: The Illusion

Krishna says his lower nature (apara-prakriti) is manifested (man) and higher nature (para-prakriti) is the life-element which is unmanifested. He says that ‘yoga-maya’ (illusion born out of three gunas) separates them and prevents us from knowing Him (Paramatma) as unborn, imperishable (7.25), and knower of past, present and future (7.26). Yoga-maya is like being in a room full of mirrors, each reflecting us and making it impossible for us to see what lies beyond. This inability limits us to conclude that every entity is ‘manifested’ without realising the life-element behind everyone and Krishna calls this foolish (7.24). This is nothing but man-man interaction with disregard to Paramatma which is the path of demons (7.15).

Electricity (energy) flows from a higher voltage point to a lower voltage point energising electrical appliances along the way. Metaphorically, if we take Paramatma as a point of infinite voltage, the energy flow is nothing but the blessings we receive through the cable of shraddha. These blessings fulfill our desires, representing a man-Paramatma interaction.

It is a state of equilibrium (bliss) when both points have the same voltage and the same is reflected when Krishna says that I consider ‘jnani’ as ‘Myself’. With yukta-atma (steadfast in atma), he is established in Me alone as the Supreme Goal (7.18). Such a man of wisdom reaches Me realising that all is Vasudeva (all pervading). Such a great soul is difficult to find (7.19). Essentially, the jnani overcomes the ‘yoga-maya’ using the same blessings of Paramatma and blissfully realises that all is Vasudeva.

Usually, our goals in the material world involve gathering or filling. But the goal of Paramatma involves emptying ourselves and shedding our sense of attachment, aversion and hatred like dissolving of a salt doll to become the ocean itself.


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