Maya
Maya
(Sanscrit, Illusion) is a term applied by the Hindus, in a philosophical or mystical sense, to that power which caused or created the visible phenomena of the universe. The Hindu, like Berkeley and other European philosophers, assumes that external objects have no absolute existence, but that they are mere impressions on the mind. Maya, in Hindu theology, is, according to some, that mighty goddess the wife or consort of Brahma. See Moor, Hindu Mythology, s.v.; Wilson, Sanscrit Dictionary, s.v.; Thomas, Dict. Biog. and Mythol. s.v.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Maya
(Skr.) The power of obscuring or state producing error and illusion; the “veil” covering reality, the experience of manifoldness when only the One is real; natura naturans; appearance or phenomenon, as opposed to reality and noumenon. A condition generally acknowledged in Indian philosophy and popular Hindu thinking due to the ascendency of the Vedanta (q.v.) which can be overcome principally by knowledge or insight. See Jnana. — K.F.L.