Maya means an illusion and invites us to take a refreshing new perspective over a very sensitive topic – the sense of self. If you sit still and simply try to let thoughts, emotions, and sensations come and go without actively engaging in thinking or evaluating what you feel, you might passively observe the so-called “flow of consciousness”. It is similar to a 3D movie that streams through the head uninterrupted. On one hand, this flow gives you a sense of very personal involvement in life: “I think, I like, I love.” On the other hand, it gives you a feeling of separation: “they do it to me”, “you and me”, “their opinion and my opinion.”

If you go on and perform this mindful observation more or less regularly, you might begin noticing one surprising feature; all that you experience as “your inner personal world” or seemingly solid “self” is just a row of small separated events: thoughts, sensations, and emotions.

Moreover, mental events and sensations come and go, and appear and disappear without any effort; the same can be said for when we breathe; our diaphragm tightens and relaxes without our conscious engagement or control.

Indeed, “the flow of consciousness” is similar to a rainfall of mental events and physical reactions. Furthermore, it seems that there is no single “control room” that rules the flow of consciousness. It is Interesting to note that modern neuroscientists support the opinion that there is no “creator” or “author” of our thoughts.

It is a waste of time to cling to the solid self and argue with others that we are right and they are wrong. It is better to cultivate mental flexibility and search for compromise and consensus. The idea of an illusory solid self or Maya gives us a glimpse into our mental flexibility and internal freedom. We do not have to be suspicious protectors with a solid persona in a hostile world, instead we are free creators of our own ways to engage with all facets of life.