The teachings in Chapter 50 point to several common delusions stemming from Maya, or Avidya, which obstruct happiness and true knowledge. One major delusion is the identification with the physical self, expressed as "I am the body." Another is attachment to possessions and relationships, such as thinking "mine are wife and home," which is called a vain effort. The text also highlights intellectual pride as a form of Maya, where one boasts of being "Skilled in scriptures, possessing genius, there is no other equal to me." This great pride is explicitly stated to be a cause for dissatisfaction, and these various ropes of thirst and delusion must be removed for knowledge to arise.
What kind of everyday delusions does the text say are caused by Maya and prevent happiness?
📖 Chapter 50