Significance of Illusory potency
In Vaishnavism, Illusory potency, known as Maya, represents Bhagavan Shri Krishna's ability to create illusions that distract beings from true devotion and spiritual reality. This concept encompasses the forces that generate false perceptions, creating separation from one's true nature. Maya is described as a material energy that misleads individuals, akin to a magician's tricks, preventing them from recognizing the ultimate truth of existence. Ultimately, this illusory force creates a veil over reality, contrasting with the real manifestations of Bhagavan's internal potency.
Synonyms: Deceptive power
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Illusory potency'
Illusory potency in Hinduism, or Maya, represents the material energy creating illusions that mislead beings from their true spiritual essence. It contrasts with the real manifestations of Bhagavan, highlighting the deceptive nature of reality and the separation it causes.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to Bhagavati Vishnumaya, the cosmic illusion that bewilders beings in the material world.[1] (2) The divine energy associated with Maya, which creates a veil of illusion over reality, while being nondifferent from the spiritual potency.[2] (3) The magical aspect of Shri Krishna that bewildered the vraja-vasis, similar to a magician's tricks.[3] (4) A force that creates illusion and distracts beings from true devotion, described as the shadow of Vishnu’s energy.[4] (5) The inherent power of illusion that misleads people and causes them to misunderstand reality.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to the deceptive nature of material reality that can lead one away from true love for the Divine.[6] (2) The magical power or trickery that creates illusions, through which the Supreme Personality performs His pastimes.[7] (3) a term describing the divine energy that creates material illusion, leading to bewilderment.[8] (4) The power of deception or trickery that the Supreme Lord Krishna wields to influence the perception of reality.[9] (5) The power that creates illusions, causing confusion and bewilderment among living beings.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The deceptive power that creates illusions, suggesting a false sense of reality compared to the true nature of the Supersoul.[11]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Refers to the material world and its transient nature, which is often seen as deceptive in spiritual contexts.[12]