What is Maya? by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Maya is that which can be measured. The whole world can be measured, that is why it is Maya. All five elements – earth, water, fire, air and ether – can all be measured.

Question: Can space be measured?
Only in space can things be measured. Space is the first dimension of measurement.

Measurement is always relative and not absolute. For example, if something weights six pounds on earth, it will weigh only one pound on the moon. The light of the star you see today is not really today’s light. It has taken at least four years for the light to reach you. Both size and weight change in air, water and earth. So “measure” is illusory and not dependable. Your bones, skin, body, environment and the five elements can be measured; you can put a value, a quantity, to them. So, the whole world is Maya. All measurements only provide a relative understanding. Einstein’s theory of relativity correlates with the Advaita (non-dual) philosophy.

But what is not Maya? Everything that cannot be measured is not Maya. You cannot say one ounce of love, two ounces of peace and five kilograms of happiness. Can you be measured? It is not possible. Your body has weight, but not you. Truth cannot be measured, ananda – or joy – cannot be measured, and beauty cannot be measured. All these are part of consciousness or easwara – the Divine – and are called Mayi.

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