Chapter 50 explains that Avidya, or the Worldly Illusion, is the cause of things appearing as something other than what they truly are. It provides several powerful analogies to illustrate this point. For instance, it mentions how a rope can be mistaken for a snake, how a shell can appear to contain silver, or how the sun's rays can create the illusion of a mirage. Another vivid example given is how whirling a lit firebrand creates the illusion of a continuous circle of fire (Agni-kankan), even though the circle itself does not exist. The text states this is the play of Maya, which can delude even the wise.
How does Chapter 50 use analogies to explain the illusory nature of Maya or Avidya?
📖 Chapter 50