Maya had an old soul.
In religious practice and philosophy connected to Sikhism, Hinduism and Sufism and other related beliefs, there is an idea that one must give up the illusion of the material, dualistic world to know truth, to connect with the supreme consciousness, or god. This illusion is known as Maya.
But Maya is not just a bunch of stuff that isn’t really there. Maya is the veiling power of the supreme consciousness. Maya is also described as the illusion of life. In other words: do you know you are dreaming if you do not wake up?
Meditation, yoga and chanting are all practices that lift the veil of Maya.
And why lift the veil? Because unity with the divine is the goal. Grooving with the ultimate interconnectedness of everything is much better than the selfish pursuit of material gain. But herein lies a paradox, for it is only the self that can lead one beyond the veil of Maya.
It is sometimes said that when the supreme consciousness first manifested, it manifested Maya as its shadow. Enlightenment is only possible because there IS a veil to lift between our consciousness and the divine truth. Were it not there, we would not have the opportunity for the sweet sweet rapture of knowing oneness. We would already BE oneness, without Maya.
And of course, you knew all this! You were an avid reader, a Buddhist, a smartypants and you had such a huge, bright spirit. So even in the hurt and shock of the aftermath of your well timed exit I have to smile. For here we are saying goodbye to Maya. Speaking in low voices and trying to understand why Maya couldn’t get the support she needed. Cuddling under blankets against the cold November air and asking each other: why couldn’t Maya see her own beautiful light?
I am smiling because you have left us with a spell on our lips for opening the magic door.
Thank you Maya. For many things but especially your courage. I am glad I knew you. And I know in my heart your return to the light was swift and sure.
This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet. –Rumi
