What is Maya, and how does it cause bondage and liberation?

As explained in Chapter 50, Maya is a supreme, indescribable illusion of name and form that is very difficult to overcome. Its dwelling place is in the pulse of imagination itself. The text states that the states of both bondage and liberation are born from this imagination, which is the field of Maya's activity. Maya has two ancient powers: one leads to the state of bondage, which is associated with 'Avidya' (ignorance) and the attitude of being a sinner. The second power leads to liberation from that bondage, which is associated with 'Vidya' (knowledge) and the realization that 'I am Brahman'. Therefore, bondage and liberation are two sides of Maya's influence, determined by whether one is operating from a state of ignorance or true knowledge.