Maya – The Illusion Society Creates and Sustains

Maya (माया) is a Hindi and Sanskrit term that translates to “illusion” in English. In spiritual and philosophical traditions, Maya refers to the deceptive nature of reality—where individuals are trapped in a cycle of desires, attachments, and material pursuits, believing them to be the ultimate source of happiness. In a more everyday sense, Maya manifests as wealth, possessions, love, and status—elements that bind human beings and distract them from the true essence of life: inner peace and happiness.
Despite the universal human pursuit of happiness, very few realize that they are conditioned to chase external validations rather than inner fulfilment. The illusion of Maya is not inherent but is cultivated and reinforced by society from the moment we are born. To break free from this illusion, one must first recognize its existence and understand the distinction between what is necessary for a functional life and what is mistakenly perceived as essential for happiness.
The Nature of Illusion and Conditioning by Society
A child is born as a blank slate, free from notions of wealth, status, or success. There is no inherent knowledge of what is good or bad, what to desire, or what to avoid. However, as the child grows, society—through parents, education, media, and cultural norms—imposes certain beliefs. From an early age, one is conditioned to equate success with material achievements:
- A well-paying job is considered more valuable than a stress-free life.
- A grand house and luxury items symbolize success, whereas inner peace is rarely celebrated.
- Social recognition, awards, and titles command admiration, but pure happiness and contentment are often ignored or dismissed.
This conditioning runs so deep that even those who recognize the illusion of Maya find it difficult to escape its influence. The world reinforces the belief that wealth, power, and prestige are the ultimate measures of a person’s worth, overshadowing the truth that happiness and peace of mind should be the real priorities.
The Inversion of Priorities – ‘Must Have’ vs. ‘Good to Have’
A fundamental flaw in human priorities is the misunderstanding between what is essential (must have) and what is desirable (good to have). For a fulfilling life, happiness, peace of mind, and a sense of inner well-being are must-haves, whereas wealth, status, and recognition are good to have. However, society operates in reverse—placing an exaggerated focus on accumulating external possessions while neglecting internal well-being.
If one has enough material resources to meet basic needs, that should be accepted as sufficient for functionality. However, instead of stopping at sufficiency, people continue to chase more—often at the cost of their happiness. Society, despite recognizing that wealth and recognition do not lead to inner peace and may instead fuel further desires for achievements and validation, still places undue importance on them, perpetuating an endless cycle of pursuit.
This illusion is further reinforced by the way success is measured. If an individual becomes wealthy, achieves a prestigious position, or wins an award, they are celebrated with admiration, applause, and social approval. But if someone simply attains a state of deep contentment and peace, rarely does society take notice or appreciate their success. This collective behaviour perpetuates the illusion, making people believe that material success is more valuable than true happiness.
Escaping the Illusion – A Conscious Shift in Perspective
Breaking free from Maya does not mean renouncing all material possessions or rejecting achievements. Instead, it requires a shift in mindset where material and external elements are pursued playfully rather than obsessively. If one chases success, wealth, or status while remaining detached and maintaining inner peace, there is no harm. Problems arise when these external factors become the primary source of one’s identity and self-worth.
To overcome Maya, one must:
1. Recognize the Illusion – Understand that wealth, love, and status are temporary and not the ultimate sources of happiness. True fulfilment comes from within.
2. Prioritize Inner Peace – Shift focus from external validation to internal well-being. Happiness should not be conditional on possessions or achievements.
3. Live with Awareness – Observe how society reinforces illusions and consciously choose not to be controlled by them.
4. Balance Functionality and Contentment – Acquire what is necessary for a comfortable life but do not let possessions define you.
5. Detach from Outcomes – Engage in work, relationships, and ambitions without becoming emotionally dependent on their results.
Conclusion
Maya is the fundamental illusion that keeps humanity trapped in an endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. Society conditions individuals to chase success, often at the cost of their true well-being. While possessions and achievements can enhance life, they should never be mistaken as the sources of lasting happiness.
Differently put, Maya, which is created by society and instilled in everyone born in its midst, makes us chase possessions and achievements in the false hope of finding mental peace and happiness. An ordinary individual remains ensnared by the tentacles of Maya throughout life, as society—meaning the people around us—continues to applaud achievements and successes, reinforcing an addictive pursuit of more. However, what society fails to recognize is the price an individual pays in terms of mental tension and agony while striving for success. Nor does it truly appreciate the deep mental peace of a genuinely happy person. In this way, society sustains Maya, ensuring that its illusion persists across generations.
The key to a fulfilling life lies in reversing misplaced priorities—placing inner peace and happiness at the centre while viewing external success as secondary. If wealth, love, and recognition come effortlessly as by-products of one’s actions, they can be embraced. However, one must never mistake them for the must-haves of life.
By understanding and breaking free from Maya, one can experience true freedom—where happiness is not dictated by external circumstances but flows naturally from within. But to do so, one must be courageous enough to move against the societal tide, as everyone around will speak a different language—one that glorifies external achievements over inner peace. Only those who dare to walk this path with conviction can achieve a state of true contentment, independent of the illusions that have plagued the human race for centuries.
Authored by: Om Jaiswani