Concept of MAYA in Indian Philosophy and Sikh Religion

Abstract

In World Philosophy, Indian philosophy has an edge over Western philosophy. The concepts of Brahma and Maya occur only as concepts of Indian philosophy. The concept of Maya is a pillar of Advaita Vedanta which is an important component of Hindu philosophy. The historical development of this concept from the Vedic period to the Adi Shankracharya era has been discussed. Maya appears in all religious traditions of India. It has different connotations in Buddhism and the Sikh religion. In Advaita Vedanta, Maya is a representation of Brahman (God) in this world which makes its Reality appear as an illusion. Guru Nanak transforms the Vedantic concept of Reality in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) and proclaims that this World phenomenon is also real, not an illusion. A detailed study of the Maya concept in the Sikh religion is presented based on the writings of Sikh Gurus in the SGGS and its implications for Indian society.