D-034: Maya

Definition

In Advaita/Vedanta usage, māyā refers to the explanatory principle of appearance/illusion by which multiplicity is presented relative to non-dual Brahman.

Notes / clarification

Reference definitions

  • Primary excerpt: E-011 (SEP: Shankara)

Non-examples (to prevent equivocation)

  • Not the claim that experiences are literally nonexistent; it is a claim about appearance/ontological status.

Used by

Definition (vault-use)

In Advaita/Vedanta usage, māyā refers to the explanatory principle of appearance/illusion by which multiplicity is presented relative to non-dual Brahman.