Liberation Means Becoming Free from Clutches of Māyā
The conditioned soul is tightly bound by the stringent laws of material nature, known as māyā or illusion. This force is so strong that it covers the living entity's true identity, making them identify with the body and its designations. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that trying to overcome māyā by one's own strength is impossible. However, there is a simple scientific process to attain freedom: surrender to Kṛṣṇa. This article explores the dynamics of this struggle and the ultimate victory of the devotee over the illusory energy.
Definition of Liberation
Commonly, liberation (mukti) is misunderstood as merging into the existence of the Absolute or becoming void. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that true liberation is a state of activity. It means stopping the service of the senses and beginning the service of the Lord. As soon as one agrees to serve Kṛṣṇa, they are immediately transferred from the jurisdiction of māyā to the internal spiritual energy.
- Liberation from Maya means engaging himself in the service of the Lord. So one should strive to become a servant of the Supreme, and in that position he is automatically liberated and free from the clutches of Maya.
- To become free from maya is very easy provided one understands Krsna. And as soon as he understands Krsna, he understands his duty, that "My duty is to serve Krsna." That is called bhakti.
Kṛṣṇa: The Sun that Dispels Darkness
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently uses the analogy of the sun and darkness to describe the relationship between Kṛṣṇa and māyā. Darkness has no independent existence; it is simply the absence of light. Similarly, māyā is the absence of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. When one keeps Kṛṣṇa prominent in the heart through chanting and devotional service, māyā cannot approach, just as shadows cannot exist in direct sunlight.
- If you stick to these principles with determination, then you will become free from all attachment to maya, by Krishna's Grace. The example is that when the sun is in the sky, there is no question of darkness.
- If one wants to be free from the influence of maya, the illusory energy, one must become Krsna conscious and always keep Krsna prominent within the core of his heart.
Fallacy of "I am God"
A major obstacle to becoming free from māyā is the false philosophy that the living entity is God but has temporarily forgotten. Śrīla Prabhupāda exposes the flaw in this logic: if God is Supreme, how can He be covered by illusion? If māyā can cover God, then māyā is greater than God. This argument proves that the living entity is minute and prone to illusion, whereas Kṛṣṇa is the controller of illusion.
- Mayavada philosophy, that "At the present moment, I am under the control of maya, but as soon as I become free from the control of maya, then I become the Supreme," therefore they cannot answer - If you are Supreme, why you are under the clutches of maya.
- Mayavadi theory is, "I am Krsna. I am God. Now I am overpowered by maya, & as soon as I become free from maya, again I become Krsna." But question is, - If you are Krsna or God, then why you became under the control of maya? What kind of God you are.
Freedom from False Designations
Illusion manifests as false ego—identifying the self with the body. People proudly identify as "American," "Indian," "Hindu," or "Muslim," thinking these labels define them. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that these designations are actually the ropes of māyā. To become free means to understand that one is a pure spirit soul, a servant of Kṛṣṇa, beyond all national and religious labels.
Conclusion
The clutches of māyā are strong, but the mercy of Kṛṣṇa is stronger. By taking shelter of the Lord through the process of bhakti-yoga, anyone can cut the knots of attachment. This freedom is the prerequisite for real peace and happiness. As Śrīla Prabhupāda urges, we should take this opportunity to become free once and for all, "My request is that you please take this Krsna Consciousness Movement very seriously. It is a great opportunity to become free once and for all from the clutches of Maya. Maya is very strong, but by taking shelter of Krsna, Maya cannot reach us."
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Becoming Free From Clutches of Maya. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.