The Sanskrit word maya (measurement) refers to the world of shapes, experiences and calculated time. Vedanta (philosophy of oneness or end of knowledge) accords maya two powers: the power to veil or obscure (result of maya is avidya [ignorance]) and the power to generate or manifest. Maya is supposed to have given birth to the material universe and demonstrates its powers by means of the three gunas (natures) that veil the true character of Brahman which is absolute and unconditional. It causes one to appear as many and seems to make purna (the whole) into apurna (the not whole), the infinite into the finite, and the formless into forms. Maya shakthi is the deceptive power of illusion which veils consciousness and brings individuality. Maya shakthi can be expressed as the universal mind of the supreme being, which in the individual becomes a particularized mind, ego, and senses.

There have been conditions in my everyday life where I’ve felt that I’ve had a glimpse beyond the veil even if only for a split second. Memorable moments include situations where I’ve felt so much love for everyone and everything that my consciousness takes a brief trip to some higher pure realm and maya is no more. Other moments include particular long periods of concentration on the breath where the mind becomes so focused that nothing else exists in the conscious sphere and maya is forgotten. Too often, however, my samskaras get the best of me.

The sea of samskaras (impressions) refers to our tendencies and habits. Every action we perform creates a groove in the subtle atmosphere (a samskara) that represents unfulfilled desires and ambitions which must be overcome either in this life or another. Samskaras are transferred over from lifetime to lifetime, causing us to be drawn in certain directions for no obvious reason. We have actually created these situations for ourselves in order to learn particular lessons and evolve. Samskaras are built up by the continued action of thought waves, which in turn, create new thought waves. Our character is the total sum of our samskaras and can be adapted by the introduction of new thoughts and actions. When the body dies, the soul moves into the astral body and is guided by these impressions or seeds. All actions bind the soul to samsara (the wheel of birth and death).

Samsara (the wheel of life) refers to the process of birth, growth, and death. It means living in maya, which continues until the sadhaka (spiritual seeker) is liberated through union with the supreme consciousness. In cohesive samadhi, there are no longer any seeds present to give rise to thought. All traces, all samskaras, all memory is gone. The only way for man to dry up the ocean of his samskaras is to give up all thought of enjoying the fruits of his actions; to reduce sense pleasure. The sadhaka does not dabble about wondering where his or her samskaras come from; he or she accepts full responsibility and seeks illumination.

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