EY Kriya Philosophy

Living Vedanta Online

10 EY credit hours

3 Evenings 2.5 hrs.

2.5 hr homework

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Living Vedanta  Week 2

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Maya, Illusion

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-The cosmic illusion that veils the true nature of Reality

-Causes humans to mistake the transient for the Eternal

 

Jnana, knowledge and Self Realization

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-The path to understanding ones True Nature through knowledge, introspection and meditation.

-Realization that Atman and Brahman are One

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When we live life in discernment we are able to let go of attachments and yearning for illusions that will never fulfil the Soul.

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Maya Defined

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yogic perspective;

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Maya, literally "illusion" or "magic", has multiple meanings in Indian philosophies depending on the context. In later Vedic texts, māyā connotes a "magic show, an illusion where things appear to be present but are not what they seem" the principle which shows "attributeless Absolute" as having "attributes". Māyā also connotes that which "is constantly changing and thus is spiritually unreal" (in opposition to an unchanging Absolute, or Brahman), and therefore "conceals the true character of spiritual reality".

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In the Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy, māyā, "appearance", is "the powerful force that creates the cosmic illusion that the phenomenal world is real". In this nondualist school, māyā at the individual level appears as the lack of knowledge (avidyā) of the real Self, Atman-Brahman, mistakenly identifying with the body-mind complex and its entanglements.

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In Buddhist philosophy, māyā is one of twenty subsidiary unwholesome mental factors, responsible for deceit or concealment about the illusionary nature of things.[9][10]

In Hindu pantheon, the goddess Durga is seen as the embodiment of maya[11], as well as goddess Lakshmi[12][13]. Māyā was also the name of Gautama Buddha's mother.[14]

Etymology and terminology

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Maya a Sanskrit word with unclear etymology, probably comes from the root mā which means "to measure".

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From the Vedic period onwards, the word came to mean "illusion, unreality, deception, fraud, trick, sorcery, witchcraft and magic".

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According to William Mahony, the root of the word may be man- or "to think", implying the role of imagination in the creation of the world. In early Vedic usage, the term implies, states Mahony, "the wondrous and mysterious power to turn an idea into a physical reality".

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Jan Gonda considers the word related to mā, which means "mother",as  do Tracy Pintchman and Adrian Snodgrass, serving as an epithet for goddesses such as Lakshmi and Durga.

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Maya can refer to one or more types of illusion:

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1. Illusion of the permanence of this world. Everything, including cells, humans, and stars, follow their own cycle of death & rebirth.

2. Illusion that each individual is independent from the world/ecosystem. Reality as a living being is a facet of God experiencing other facets (living beings). This Ecosystem includes farmers, bus/train drivers, shopkeepers, software engineers, etc. who are all inter-dependent.

3. Illusion that our ever-evolving desires can be satisfied. We desire something and feel that we will be happy if that desire is fulfilled. But, when it is fulfilled, we desire something else.

 

 

Discussion on Maya, illusion.

 

What is the cosmic illusion that veils the True Nature of Reality?

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-The lack of knowledge (avidyā) of the real Self, Atman-Brahman, mistakenly identifying with the body-mind complex and its entanglements.

 

-Confusing the temporary vehicle of the body as the True Self.

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-The temporal illusions and distractions blocking and blinding one’s awareness of love, Self and True Reality

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-Believing oneself to be separate from all life

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-Believing you are a temporary fleeting form

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-Forgetting, losing temporary awareness of your Eternal True Nature beyond comprehension.

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-Not finding the stillness to feel deep within the Heart the True Nature and nectar of your Being, of all Beings.

 

 

Class Discussion on Maya creating inner transformations in our lives.

Example Inquiries:

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Take one or create your own.

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What beyond material desires can create authentic lasting happiness?

 

How can you learn more about the True Nature of your existence by investigating where Maya may play in your experiences, thinking, responses and actions?

 

Dirga and Lakshmi were Goddess’s of Maya, playing in the ever changing dimensions with full awareness of their permanent Divinity… how can you be a Dirga or Lakshmi in your life?

 

How can knowing more about Maya help you find more peace in everyday life?

 

How can exploring the possibility that our interpretations are at times exhibiting Maya expand our moment to moment experiences of life?

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What are some ways of using Maya to radiate Divine embodiment?

 

How can understanding more about where we may have blind spots improve our relationships, communications and daily habits and lifestyle?

Any other explorations that call to us…

 

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Jnana, knowledge and Self Realization

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-The path to understanding ones True Nature through knowledge, introspection and meditation.

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-Realization that Atman and Brahman are One

 Amongst the many paths up the yogic mountain of philosophies is Vedic and Vedantic scriptures. Veda and Vedanta include Jnana Yoga which illuminates a profound path involving deepening wisdom, activating self-inquiry, peak experiences and self-realization.

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With deep roots in the ancient wisdom of the Upanishads, Jnana Yoga calls to Souls to remember their unique genius God frequency and shine that radiance into the mystery of life.

 

The Essence of Jnana Yoga:

 

Jnana Yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom. When I first began to learn about Jnana Yoga I resisted the idea of gaining more knowledge, taking more courses, studying more books… sacred or not. Yet, I misunderstood the idea of knowledge and wisdom as gaining more intellectual information. I was burned out from studying information in college and at that moment I dreaded more study, so I avoided learning more about Jnana Yoga and focused on the fun stuff… Bhakti Yoga.

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Then as I traveled along my yogic path I discovered Jnana Yoga had much less to do with study and courses filled with intellectual information, but about Self Knowledge.

Knowing my own Self more deeply, loving my own Self more intimately and authentically.

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Self knowledge that cannot be written or described, explained or even studied in the traditional sense. This knowledge of Self occurs experientially, as felt sense, experience, deep connection and love. Awakening to an aspect of Self you never knew, awakening gifts you never knew you had, opening to more of your own genius, love… more of What you Truly Are through self-reflection, inner contemplation and meditation. This experience of Self doesn’t need to be in silent or still meditation, it can be walking, dancing, singing, experiencing the scent of a flower, living with present moment awareness.

 

I guess if we want to know ourselves better, know what it “FEELS” like to be us, we could spend some conscious, attentive alone time with ourselves. Isn’t that what you would do with anyone else you wanted to get to know better?

 

-Self inquiry; What am I, what distinguishes the parts of me that are changing and unchanging, temporary from the aspect of me that is ever-present and permanent?

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-Contemplation & Meditation; quieting the mind, finding more and more stillness so deeper Truths, insights and realizations can naturally arise and emerge from a deeper place within you.

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-Play & Spontaneity; Relaxing the nervous system, overwhelm and the burden of responsibility so that the playful child can emerge and the True Nature enjoyed through spontaneous joy of our Divine essence. Our inner child gets shut down from too much responsibility and feelings of survival. Providing space and time for you to be free of the burden of all that you need to do and give yourself permission to do what you love, play, sing, dance, swing, swim, howl at the moon.

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-Study; specific study of sacred spiritual texts of Upanishads, Vedanta, Patanjali’s Sutras. This also includes any intellectual study that inspires, nourishes and provides insights that lead to deeper self-realization. Personal choice is encouraged.

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-Renunciation; Jnana Yoga advocates a constant vigilance of releasing all illusions and mental disturbances in order to create space for deep inner realization. “Turning away” “Releasing” “Letting go” “Detach” “Eliminate” from mental negativities, egoic attachments and the lower mind, material/temporal desires that do not serve or align with your purpose and Truth.

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-Discernment; Becoming very clear about what is temporary and fleeting and what is permanent and eternal. When we live life in discernment, we are able to let go of attachments and yearning for illusions that will never fulfil the Soul. We become aware that material existence is impermanent and fleeting, therefore, bringing our attention, efforts and vigilance to the ever lasting qualities of our eternal Self, Soul.

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-Awareness; The only way to transform our Self is to become more and more self aware.

 

The Upanishads over and over again guide students to know Self as Atma and know the absolute and intrinsic oneness with cosmic consciousness, ultimate Reality, Brahman.

 

We will talk more in week three on the Vadaita Vedanta philosophy of non-dualism, that there is no real separation between Atman and Brahman.

 

Benefits of Jnana Yoga:

 

• Self-Realization: Jnana Yoga leads to self-realization – the direct understanding of one’s true nature as an immortal, divine being. This realization liberates individuals from the cycle of birth and death.

• Freedom from Illusion: Practitioners of Jnana Yoga transcend the illusion of the material world, gaining a clear understanding of the transient nature of phenomena and recognizing the underlying unity of existence.

• Inner Peace: The knowledge gained through Jnana Yoga brings profound inner peace, as seekers no longer identify with the fluctuations of the mind and emotions.

• Clarity of Thought: Jnana Yoga sharpens the intellect, enabling practitioners to think critically, analyze complex concepts, and discern truth from falsehood.

 

 

Examples for practicing Self Knowledge

 

Self-Inquiry & Reflection

Set a time every day for contemplation on the True Nature of Reality, the Self and your absolute Oneness with the Source of your existence and all of existence.

 

Contemplation and Meditation

Explore questions that stimulate introspection, Self Awareness and dismantle blocks to that awareness. Commit time to still the mind through your favorite form of meditate. Make regular mindfulness and stillness practices a part of your lifestyle.

 

Study Sacred Texts

Allow your heart to guide you to sacred texts yogic or otherwise. Apply the principles that inspire you. Keep taking EY Philosophy courses and other courses that call to you.

 

Mentors

Being open to the wisdom of mentors in your life. Praying for the perfect mentor to arrive at the perfect times throughout your life. It may be a guru from India, yet it may be a child, friend, spouse or enemy.

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Questions on Jnana Yoga for group discussion: 

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How can I apply Jnana yoga in my daily life?

 

How can Jnana yoga help me to realize my innate Divity?

 

Can practicing Jnana yoga help me have a more intimate connection with the God of my understanding?

 

How can introspection help bring awareness to and dissolve mental illusions?

 

How can the resolution of mental disturbances create a happier life and better relationships?

 

Why is Jnana Yoga called the path of wisdom?

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