Maya

"In the forest, when Rama, Sita and Lakshmana were walking, if we examine closely, we find that they are going forward in a single line, one behind the other. We can take our three fingers as the three members of the party. The first, the forefinger represents Ramachandra. As Rama is moving forward, behind Him is walking Sita. Behind Sita is Lakshmana. Here Rama is the Paramatma (Supreme Self), Sita represents Maya (illusion) and Lakshmana is typical of the jiva (individual self).

In this situation, when Lakshmana, the jiva, wants to have a look at Rama, the Paramatma, Sita, in the form of maya, is standing between them. What should Lakshmana do in that situation? Should he be arrogant to Sita and ask her to move away? That cannot be. If he does that, then Rama would not tolerate it. He should pray to Sita, 'Oh Mother, I want to have a vision of the Divine Paramatma. Please step aside for a moment and let me have a vision of the Paramatma.' If, on the other hand, he begins to argue with maya and commands her to step aside, then he will not be able to look at Ramachandra or have a vision of the Divine.


What does Sita or Maya represent in us?

Paramatma is always surrounded by Maya. He wears Maya as His body. Maya is part and parcel of Paramatma's body. No one will agree to remove or cut away part of His own body. Regard Sita as Maya. Through her and by praying to her, one should be able to get a vision of Rama, the Paramatma.

In this context, Sita is responsible for our inability to realize the true form of Paramatma. To be able to understand Him also, Sita will be the reason. As we have already said, man's mind alone is responsible for his liberation and for his bondage. Here, the aspect of maya is similar to the aspect of mind. Mind has got no special form of its own. It is our own illusion that takes the form of our mind."

 From ram charit manas book by S.P.Ojha

One day Lakshman asked Sri Ram that you are Lord of all. I know it well. But I am asking you like a human being. Please tell me the distinction between God and soul that lives that is Ishwar and Jeeva. Please also tell me what is Maya and what is knowledge? because by knowing this distinction I may be capable to worship more and more in your feet. Sri Ram said, well Laxman! I shall tell you in brief all about ur questions. I am very much pleased with your question because it is more benefical and useful for mankind. Please listen minutely. "It is mine and it is yours this is Maya. And this maya has controlled the whole universe and the whole generation. Whatever you see and think all that is Maya. The creature who leaves Maya asided and worships God whole heartedly he may be capable to get his mercy. The person who lives in this mortal world but wordly things cannot influence him,he is my true devotee and I love him most. So, I reside in that heart who remembers me by body,mind and soul." Hearing the words of Sri Ram about the way to Moksha, Lakshman bowed his head in the feet of Lord Ram and became very pleased. This preaching was not only for lakshman but for the welfare of thr whole worldy creatures.