Vedanta - Discussion Forum I (introductory))

[Sunder]

<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->There is still a problem with the Kevala Advaita system. Is Maya Shakti real or unreal or anirvachaniya? We who come from the Shakta tradition will never accept that Mahamaya is anything other than Brahman. Sages and saints of the Shakta tradition are unanimous that MahaMaya is Brahman. <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


You make a valid point Gangajal ji. I too am a Shakthi Upasaka too. It is with the Mother's permission that we are able to even engage in discussion if she is anirvachaniyam or not. Maya cannot be defined, and it's origins cannot be debated. It is simply anirvachaniyam. The reason for calling her so is not lack of knowledge, but lack of faculties to explain it.

I too subscribe to the school that Maya is the power of Brahman. Like fire, and it's power to burn cannot be separated, Maya and Brahman are inseperable. It is called a <b>sesha-aseshi bhavam</b>. This does not mean Maya IS Brahman. A beautiful example is given in the Brahmasutra when explaining Neti Neti (I shall post the link soon.) The sutra says "Ubhaya Vyapadeshat thu Ahi Kundala Vath." i.e. Shruthi sometimes says Brahman and Jagath are same, and at other times it states they are different. To reconcile this, Bhadarayana says, the relationship of Brahman and Jeeva is like a Snake (Ahi) and it's coil (kundalam). A coiled snake is not two separate things. The snake is a snake. Coiling is it's nature. So also, Brahman, and it's power (maya) are no different. If Brahman is the snake, Maya is the coil. <!--emo&--><img src='style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> There is no other way to state it.

Because the Jeeva has identified itself with the body, and with a world of dualities, it expects (or even craves) that the Brahman is bound by dualities too. Relative realism cannot be called realism at all.

PS: If for no other reason, I encourage conducting and participating in such debates to revive back the Sanathana Dharmic way of 'debating out' and 'learning from' other systems. I am thoroughly enjoying this particular thread, and if one can start such discussions in their respective communities (like we here plan on doing it once in a while on a Friday night or Sat'day night.) Getting teenagers involved should be encouraged, as they have a natural tendency to debate, and at the same time learn in the process.