Maya and Five Kancukas

MAYA AND FIVE KANCUKAS

Now let us come to evolution of material universe. The power of consciousness to separate and divide is called Maya Shakti. This is the power to perceive differences. The term “Maya” means illusion. Here it is used to refer to the veiling or obscuring force of nature which creates a sense of differentiation. As such, it makes universal consciousness which is unity, appear as duality and multiplicity.

The products of Maya are the five kancukas or coverings which are KALAA (limitation of authorship or efficacy); VIDYA (limited knowledge); RAGA (from all satisfaction to feeling of interest and desire); KAALA (from eternity to limitation in respect of time i.e. past, present and future); and NIYATI (limitation in respect of cause and effect).