THE Doctrine of Maya - HolyBooks.com

"""8oTHE DOCTRINE OF MAYAbetween the two Atmans begins to appear in theKathaka Up., and continues in some of the laterUpanisads. Even as early as in the Brh. Up. sometendencies towards this position are noticeable :At the bidding of this imperishable one, O Gargi,sun and moon are held asunder," etc.Brh. iii. 8. 9.Here within the heart is a cavity, therein he dwells,the lord of the Universe, the governor of the Universe,the chief of the Universe ;he is the bridge that holdsasunder these worlds, and prevents them from clashingtogether."Brh. iv. 4. 22.This isnot yet Theism, but a preparation to it.Real Theism begins with a contrast between Brahman and the individual Self. This first appears inthe Katha Up., where the distinction between thesetwo Atmans is likened to that between light andshadowRtam pibantau sukrtasya lokeguham pravistau parame parardhechayatapau brahmavido vadantipancagnayo ye ca trinaciketah."Katha i. 3. i.(Trans.}The two, enjoying the fruits of their good deeds, beinglodged in the cavity of the seat of the Supreme, the knowersof Brahman call shadow and light, as also do those who maintain five fires and have thrice propitiated the Naciketafire." Katha i. 3. i.The chief exponent at this level of thought istheSvetasvatara Up., in which though the original