<1>
Since the term Maya (illusion) has been introduced in these discussions, perhaps the following reflections on Maya may be of interest.

<2>
Ancient Hindu thinkers propounded a vision of reality that is very relevant in the context of discussing illusion. According to this, the essence of ultimate reality is normally veiled from our apprehension because of a number of constraining factors that are imposed on matter and mind. The result of all this is the creation of maya, a world of illusion to which normal human experience is inevitably subject.

<3>
In so far as maya is a veil that screens the true nature of reality from our apprehension, it may be regarded as something negative. However, maya it is not necessarily evil and hurtful, but enlightening and revelatory. Indeed, it serves us very well in the course of our lives, and is at the root of many of our enjoyments, institutions, intellectual exercises, and societal interactions. Certain aspects of maya have even helped us gain a deeper understanding (or visions of higher categories) of reality . Let us consider some of these.

<4>
Art is aesthetic maya. A great painting is an illusion which transports us to an aesthetic experience, as indeed is any work of art. It is the illusion that creates the artistic experience. As Goethe said, "The highest problem of every art is, by means of appearances, to produce the illusion of a
loftier reality."

<5>
Literature is emotional maya. It paints imaginary people and events in moving ways, it kindles our longing for justice, it allows us to express our capacities for anger and compassion, and it helps us in our search for the deeper truths regarding human nature. We know that not one page in a novel is true, yet great literature moves us profoundly, it touches our feelings and stirs our emotions.

<6>
Democracy, in principle, is a form of government in which every citizen has a say in the affairs of the nation. Communism is supposed to be the power of the people, the end of oppression, and the absence of exploitation. But we know only too well that these are not quite so in actuality. When examined through the microscope of critical analysis, political institutions are maya too. And yet, these political maya make millions of people feel they truly enjoy freedom and economic security.

<7>
History, in theory, is a record of major events that occurred in the past. In most instances, however, it is a narration of events that did not happen the way they are reported. The goal of history often is, intentionally or otherwise, to make a people feel good about their past. History is, in effect, a patriotic maya. It serves the important purpose of making a people feel good about themselves. It is necessary for a healthy self-image of a people.

<8>
Mythology is another grand maya that has played a role in human history. It speaks of gods and demons who never existed, in terms and language that are inspiring and fascinating. But mythologies also make a people good, creating in them, like history, the impression that their past was graced by majestic beings, by all powerful heroes and heroines who fought for the good and defeated the evil. Myths are thus inspirational maya.

<9>
Mathematics is logical maya. It gives us impeccable demonstrations of theorems, reveals the consistency of concepts, and takes us to abstract domains of sharp analysis. Yet, it has been shown that at the ultimate level, it is impossible to logically prove the basic propositions (the
inner consistency) of mathematical systems.

<10>
Religion is spiritual maya, creating the impression that we truly know about the nature and attributes of a divine principle. Yet, it gives meaning and purpose to life, and more importantly, it has been, and continues to be, the source of solace an psychological comfort to countless millions.

<11>
In mystical experience one sees visions of a reality that is probably the result of abnormal brain biochemistry. Mystical experience is a powerful a psychological maya which has nevertheless instigated affirmations and utterances that have transformed the lives and world views of many individuals and groups.

<12>
Philosophy is speculative maya, a play with concepts and ideas, creating systems in terms of which one tries to interpret in broad terms the nature of human thought, condition, and world views. With careful analysis and argumentation, however, every system of philosophy crumbles down.

<13>
Finally, we have science. Its goal is to reveal the true nature of physical reality. But science too is maya. The history of science shows that many past theories, explanations, and convictions of the scientific world were totally wrong. Science is fruitful maya. Its framework provides us with intellectual satisfactions, and with its results we are able to concoct a great many things to satisfy our need and greed.

<14>
Thus, not just individual lives but civilizations and institutions are based upon maya of all kinds. We are condemned or blessed to lead a life that is both distorted and enriched by a variety of maya.

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V. V. Raman
e-mail <VVRSPS@ritvax.isc.rit.edu>