Square 2: Illusion (Maya) – Seeing Through the Veil

The second square of your Leela journey, Maya, invites you to look deeply into the illusions that shape your perception of reality. At this early stage of the journey, Maya challenges you to distinguish between appearance and truth, illusion and reality.

What is Maya?

In Sanskrit, Maya translates as "illusion" or "magic." It's the cosmic force that makes the transient world appear permanent, causing confusion between the eternal spirit and temporary matter. In Leela, Maya represents the powerful illusion of the material world, enticing us to believe that our happiness and identity depend solely on external circumstances.

Maya is both captivating and deceptive, drawing you deeper into the drama of life while hiding the deeper truths beneath.

Symbolism of Maya in Leela

The Illusion square encourages you to:

Recognize Temporary Reality: Understand that the world of forms, possessions, and status is transient and subject to constant change.
Question Perception: Realize how easily your senses and mind can be deceived by appearances.
Cultivate Discernment: Learn to see clearly, distinguishing between what truly matters and what only appears to matter.

Encountering Maya is a critical moment—it's your opportunity to awaken from the dreamlike confusion that keeps many stuck in endless cycles of dissatisfaction and suffering.

Key Insights from Maya

Reflecting deeply on Maya provides valuable wisdom:

Life's Impermanence: Nothing material is permanent; seeking security or identity solely in possessions, roles, or temporary conditions leads to disappointment.
Inner vs. Outer World: True fulfillment and joy come from within; external circumstances have limited power to grant lasting happiness.
Awakening through Awareness: Becoming aware of Maya is the first step toward liberation, as you realize the need to look deeper into the spiritual truths beneath surface realities.

Reflective Exercise: Seeing Beyond Illusion

Take a quiet moment to reflect:

Find a comfortable sitting position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath.
Recall a situation in your life where your perception was proven incorrect, or where something you deeply desired turned out differently from your expectations.
Ask yourself:

"In what ways is Maya affecting my life right now? Am I holding onto illusions or misperceptions about happiness or success?"
Gently observe any feelings or insights that arise without judgment.

Journal Prompt for Maya:

When have you experienced the illusion of Maya—realizing that something you pursued wasn't as fulfilling as you'd imagined?
What illusions might you currently be holding onto about happiness, relationships, or self-worth?
How can you cultivate greater discernment to see beyond appearances and connect with deeper truths?

Moving Forward in the Game

As you continue your journey through Leela, allow the wisdom of Maya to strengthen your clarity and discernment. Understand that the path to freedom begins with seeing through illusions and embracing truth—setting the stage for overcoming deeper emotional reactions such as anger, which you'll encounter in the next square.

Roll the dice again, eyes open and heart clear.

Square Navigation

Current Position

Current Square: 2 - Illusion (Maya)
Chakra: Muladhara (Root Chakra)
Previous: Square 1: Genesis (Janma)
Next: Square 3: Anger (Krodh)

Muladhara Chakra Squares

Progress Through the Game

Current Position: Square 2 of 72
Current Chakra: Muladhara (1 of 8)
Chakra Progress: 2/9 Squares

Roll the dice again, eyes open and heart clear.

Namaste.