maya
n. uncountablen. the idea in Indian philosophy that the world we see is an illusion. It suggests that what we think is real is actually hiding a deeper truth.
n. the power by which the universe becomes manifest; the illusion or appearance of the phenomenal world. In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, it refers to the veil that prevents humans from perceiving the ultimate reality.
In some traditions, the physical world is seen as maya.
The philosopher argued that our attachment to material wealth is a result of being trapped in maya.
Advaita Vedanta teaches that through meditation and wisdom, one can pierce the veil of maya to realise the fundamental unity of the self with the absolute.
Borrowed from Spanish maya, from Yucatec Maya mayab (“flat”), a self-designation of the northern Maya for themselves, in the form maya’ found in compounds and phrases e.g. maya’ wíinik (“Maya man”).
From Maria, ultimately from Hebrew, and from Maia, from Latin.
Transliteration of Sanskrit माया (māyā).
Transliteration of Sanskrit माया (māyā́) or Pali Māyā.
Usually capitalised when referring to the specific philosophical concept; often preceded by the definite article.