The Illusion of Maya

Sham S. Misri

Once Sage Narada arrived in Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna, he was warmly welcomed by Krishna, who asked, "What brings you here, Narada?"

Narada replied, "Krishna, I wish to understand what Maya is. Can you explain it to me?"

With a mysterious smile, Krishna said, "Maya cannot be captured in words. The best way to know it is through experience. Come with me."

Krishna led Narada away from the city into a vast desert. Surprised, Narada questioned, "What does this desert have to do with Maya?"

"Patience, Narada. Just follow me," Krishna urged.

As they ventured deeper, both felt weary and thirsty. Krishna feigned distress, saying, "Narada, my throat is parched. Please, help me find water."

Narada took the bowl from Krishna, determined to find water, even as doubt lingered in his mind. After searching, he spotted a small hamlet beyond some sand dunes, a sign that water must be nearby.

Excited, he rushed to the village, where he encountered a beautiful young woman drawing water from a well. "Please, can you give me some water? I'm dying of thirst," Narada pleaded.

"Of course! It would be my pleasure," she replied, pouring water into his hands. Captivated by her beauty, Narada drank eagerly.

He followed her home, where he met her father, the village headman. "Are you the master of the house?" Narada asked.

"Yes, I am. What do you seek?" the headman replied.

"I wish to marry your daughter," Narada stated.

The headman considered him and agreed, saying, "But you must stay and settle with us."

"That’s fine; I have no family ties," Narada happily accepted.

The wedding took place, and Narada soon found himself taking on the responsibilities of the village after the headman passed away. He and his wife had four children, and Narada dedicated himself to raising them.

Time flew by until one day, a violent storm caused a flash flood. In a desperate bid for safety, Narada loaded his family onto a raft, but the raging waters overwhelmed them, drowning his wife and children. Heartbroken, Narada lamented, "Oh God! My life is meaningless now!"

Just then, he heard Krishna’s voice calling, "Narada! Did you bring me water?" Turning around, Narada saw Krishna standing there.

In despair, he cried, "Krishna! My wife and children have drowned! Please revive them!"

Krishna chuckled softly, "Narada, you never had a wife or children. That was merely Maya."

At that moment, Narada understood the truth: the world is an illusion, a web of Maya, and life is but a fleeting experience.