The Study of Celestial Mechanics and Celestial Dynamics – The Discovery of a Creative Force spinning the cobwebs of Illusion
Maya (Sanskrit: māyā, माया) is a foundational concept in Indian philosophies, most prominently translated as “illusion,” “magic,” or “the creative force.” At its core, Maya describes the cosmic force that presents the absolute, unchanging reality as the changing, diverse, and material universe we experience.
The concept shifts significantly depending on the historical and philosophical context:
1. Etymology and Original Meaning
The word originates from the Sanskrit root mā, which means “to measure,” “to form,” or “to give shape.”
Early Vedic Texts: In ancient texts like the Rigveda, Maya did not mean a “fake” illusion. Instead, it referred to a divine creative power or extraordinary capacity used by gods to bring the physical world into visible form.
2. The Philosophy of Vedanta (Advaita)
In later philosophical schools, particularly Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), Maya took on its most famous meaning as a cosmic veil or ignorance.
The Cosmic Illusion: It is the power that makes the singular, infinite reality (Brahman) appear as millions of separate objects, people, and things.
The Rope and Snake Metaphor: Scholars like Adi Shankara explained Maya using the classic analogy of a person mistaking a coiled rope for a snake in the dark. The “snake” (the material world) isn’t entirely non-existent; it is a real experience born of a misperceived reality (the rope/Brahman). Once you shine a light, the illusion of the snake vanishes.
Psychological Ignorance (Avidya): On a personal level, Maya acts as the ego and attachment that keeps humans blind to their true divine nature (Atman), trapping them in the cycle of suffering and rebirth (Samsara).
3. Meanings across Other Traditions
Buddhism: Maya refers to deceit, emptiness, or a magic show, emphasizing that all worldly things are interdependent and lack a solid, permanent essence. (Separately, Māyādevī is also the name of the historical mother of Gautama Buddha).
Jainism: It is categorized as a form of deceit or passion that binds negative karma to the soul.
Summary of what Maya is not
In Indian philosophy, saying the world is “Maya” doesn’t mean the physical world is literally non-existent or a holographic matrix hallucination. Rather, it means the world is impermanent, constantly changing, and fundamentally misunderstood when we mistake it for the ultimate, absolute truth.
The Doctrine of Creation and Creative Potency called Maya:
‘RAAS LEELA’-LORD KRISHNA IN VRINDAVAN DANCING WITH GOPIS, SIMULTANEOUSLY ONE AND DIFFERENT-A MANIFESTATION OF CREATIVE ENERGY AND CREATIVE POTENCY CALLED MAYA
The term creation refers to the beginning of things and it helps man to specify his place in the universe and serves as a basis for the orientation of man in the world. The ideas about creation impact our culture in a very significant manner and shape man’s identity.
Krishna Consciousness – Defining Indian Identity
Krishna is known from the descriptions given in the Indian epic poems of Bhagavata Purana, Mahabharat, and The Bhagavad Gita (The Lord’s Song).
Jayadeva (late 12th century), the author of celebrated Sanskrit poem ‘Gita Govinda’ (“Song of Cowherd”), described Lord Krishna’s delightful and enchanting pastimes, His playful activities are popularly known as “Raas Leela.” Jayadeva used the Sanskrit word “Adbhuta” (an amazing feat) to narrate the mystical ability of Krishna to present Himself in several different forms at one and the same time. Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda gives the readers a sense of joy and the devotional service to Lord Krishna gives a chance to experience a sense of sweetness which is called Madhurya in the Sanskrit Language.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (16th century) established the sublime doctrine of Krishna: ‘Simultaneously One and Different’. He promoted devotion to Krishna and I claim that ‘Krishna Consciousness’ defines my Indian Identity.
Lord Krishna – The Cause of all Causes (The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 7, The Yoga of Wisdom, The Knowledge of Absolute, Verse 19):
Lord Krishna is the primary cause of all material manifestations. The Sanskrit word ‘Maya’ describes the creative energy or potency of Lord Krishna (Bhagavad Gita 7:25).
Maya is the governing principle of the material manifestation of the universe and all that it contains. Krishna described Himself as the Supreme Lord, as the governing principle of material manifestation (Bhagavad Gita 7:30).
The creative energy works on three different levels. 1. Material creation leads to the creation of the total material energy known by the Sanskrit word ‘Maha Tattva’. 2. The creative principle enters into all the universes to create diversities in each of them. The fundamental particles that constitute matter have varying characteristics and properties. The individual variations are an attribute of a creative process. 3. The creative force is diffused as the all-pervading Supersoul in all the universes and is known by the Sanskrit word ‘Paramatma’. It is present even in atoms.
The material universe is a manifestation of the energy of the Lord. All the activities of the material world are directed by the above mentioned three forms of creative energy. However, a distinction could be made between non-living matter and the living entities. It may be said that the living entities are the manifestation of superior energy as they exist by exploiting the products of the gross and subtle inferior energy that manifests as matter (Bhagavad Gita 7:5).
Krishna consciousness is active in every sphere. Earth, water, fire, air, and every active principle, all chemicals, and all material elements are due to Krishna (Bhagavad Gita 7:4).
He is the origin and dissolution of all that is material and all that is spiritual in this world (Bhagavad Gita 7:6).
He is the original fragrance of this earth, He is the light in the fire, and He is the life of all that lives (Bhagavad Gita 7:9).
He is the taste of water, the light of the sun and the moon, and He is the syllable’ AUM’, He is the sound in ether, and He is the ability in man (Bhagavad Gita 7:8).
Lord Krishna is the original seed of all existences (Bhagavad Gita 7:10).
Most interestingly, a similar claim is made in the Gospel According to Apostle John. The Book of John, chapter 1, verse 3 states, “All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made.” The Bhagavad Gita describes Lord Krishna as the Controller, and all living entities are controlled by Him.
The Diverse Energies of the Lord:
All states or modes of existence such as goodness, passion, and ignorance are manifestations of His energy (Bhagavad Gita 7:12). The material nature is known by the Sanskrit word ‘Prakriti’, and all living entities are viewed as the multi energies of Krishna.
The difference lies in the quantity of energy that they contain. Energies are always controlled by the ‘Energetic’, the true source of energy. As such living entities are always controlled and they have no independent existence. While Krishna is everything, but He is independent. He is not controlled by the modes of this material nature (Bhagavad Gita 7:12).
Humans exist by drawing energy from material nature and Krishna has no such dependence. Human life is a manifestation of the creative power and energy and the existence is dependent on the five life-giving forces contained in the material nature. Sun and moon are seen as components of the sky. They control the biological rhythms of all living creatures. The energy from Sun is trapped by the plants and is converted into complex compounds by a process known as photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is also the source of stored energies such as coal, fossil fuels, and natural gas. The Earth and its atmosphere provide all the nutrients (directly or indirectly via the mechanism of the food chains), the minerals, and the elements that are important for the structures and functioning of living entities. Water is the chief ingredient of living organisms. The act of breathing, the mechanism of respiration is an important physiological mechanism for living cells. The ability to use wind/air to a great extent defines the living process. Respiration is the process by which the cells generate energy for their activities. Fire provides the heat and energy for all metabolic activities and we exist by burning sugars and other energy providing sources.
Nature (Five Life Giving Energies) supports life and it helps to bring forth new members from preexisting forms of life but can not generate new beings on its own. Life can not begin spontaneously without the intervention of a creative force/energy.
What is Creativity?
Creative power is the power that is able to bring forth new beings. Creativity is the ability to make or otherwise bring into existence something new. The single most important element in the creative process is believed to be originality or uniqueness. Nature (Five Life Giving Energies) helps in the process of replication/reproduction and sustains life. As per the Biogenetic Law, a species breeds to produce its own kind. Creativity imparts that label of distinctiveness by causing individualistic variations.
Krishna is the personification of that creative energy and the beautiful paintings of ‘Raas Leela’ are an example of His ability to be one and different at the same time.
Natural Order – The Cycle of Creation and Dissolution
The Phenomenon of Extinction or Dissolution:
Alpha Orionis, or Betelgeuse is the largest and brightest Star visible to the naked eye near the Constellation of Orion. This mammoth star is slowly evaporating. This massive star is shedding weight and is near end of its life. This red Supergiant star is about 430 light years distant. If this star is now placed at the center of our Solar system, its plume would extend past the orbit of planet Jupiter. Sun towards the end of its life would also evaporate and its expanding plume would totally wipeout all living entities on planet Earth. When we speak about human existence, we need to understand man as a biological species. Like all other living creatures of this planet Earth, man is a mortal being. Whosoever had arrived on this planet, must also depart. Extinction is not merely a past geological event. The reign of Dinosaurs upon Earth ended 65 million years ago and it is marked as Cretaceous-Tertiary Extinction Event or K-T Event. Apart from Cosmic Radiation, and Massive Collision events involving asteroids, comets, or other heavenly bodies, there are biological factors involved in the phenomenon of Extinction. Man’s existence depends upon an orderly functioning of the universe. The existence of the Individual (microcosm) is linked to the existence of Cosmos (macrocosm).
Is Man Born Free?
In the Sanskrit literature, the word ‘Daivam’ describes ‘Fate’. It conveys the sense of belief in God as the ‘Prime Cause’. If God is in control, man is not free to act as he pleases even in his own defense. We may not be able to conduct experiments and scientifically establish the fact that God is in control. What we clearly understand is that the man cannot govern or rule the cells that constitute his body and define his physical existence.
Man is not an independent living entity. Man’s dependence upon external sources of energy, and the biological phenomenon of ‘cellular autonomy’ would not permit man to act as he pleases. Man is not in control of his existence. Man’s capacity to defend his own existence is limited and he continuously faces challenges to his existence from several different directions. If man is truly free, the Universe, the World, and the Society can place no constraints on him. Man is tied down, he is born in shackles without Freedom.
The Four Fundamental Forces:
The orderly functioning of the universe demands the synchronization of the Fundamental Forces that operate the Universal Order. If there is no ‘Order’, the resulting ‘Chaos’ , or extreme disorder would destroy all living entities. In Physical Science, the Four Fundamental Forces that operate in Nature are described; 1. The Strong Nuclear Force, 2. The Weak Nuclear Force, 3. The Electromagnetic Force, and 4. The Gravitational Force. While these Forces operate all reactions with matter in Nature, we need a Creative Force or Creative Energy to bring into existence each individual living entity which enables the entity to exist in nature as an ‘Individual’ and to live by exploiting other forms of Energy provided by the material Nature known as Prakriti. In the Sanskrit language this Creative Force or Energy is named as ‘Maya’ and hence the phenomenal Universe is a manifestation of ‘Maya’. However, the living entities and all other created entities have no ability of their own to fully defend their state of existence. In the Sanskrit language the word ‘Krupa’ describes the great and powerful Force of ‘Daya’, ‘Karuna’ or Compassion, Mercy, Grace, and Kindness that sustains, protects and preserves existence of life. ‘Krupa’ is a great and magnificent Force which enables man to overcome difficulties, get over obstacles and face huge challenges. The Controller of ‘Krupa’ exists in a state of complete, and perfect ‘Bliss’ called ‘Ananda’. The thought of ‘Krupa’ delights human mind and is associated with a sensation of Sweetness and it visually brings the Joy of Spring Season described as ‘Vasant’ or ‘Basant’which symbolizes creation and rejuvenation. Krupa being Sweet like nectar and honey; when we seek Mercy and Grace; when we ask for Compassion, and Kindness; it not only provides peace and a sense of tranquility, but also it imparts a sense of pure joy.
A hymn to seek ‘Krupa’ – A Force to Preserve and Protect Human Existence:
Muukam karoti Vachaalam, pangum langhayate girim,
Yat Krupaa ta Maham Vande Paramaananda Madhavam.
I pay obeisance (Vande) to Eternally Blissful (Paramaananda) Madhava whose Compassion or Krupa is boundless (Maham) and with His Mercy a mute person (Muukam) can be transformed into an eloquent speaker (Vachaalam) and a physically challenged person (Pangum) can easily cross over (langhayate) the mountains (girim). This hymn beautifully connects the problems of human condition, the physical limitations imposed upon our fragile state of existence, with a limitless source of energy known as Krupa which is the manifestation of Madhava who brings the Joy of Spring Season and symbolizes sweetness, sugar, honey, or ‘Madhu’, and is constantly accompanied by this energy or Shakti which assumes the form of Radha or Madhavi or Lakshmi.
Seek The Experience of ‘Madhurya’:
We need to constantly remind ourselves about the transient, ephemeral, and fleeting nature of human existence. In our life’s journey, we tend to follow an easy course and tend to avoid facing obstacles. Very often, we behave like a physically challenged person and act as if physically incapacitated due to fear, doubt, and a lack of resolve or indecisiveness. Sometimes, difficulties arise without any prior warning and overwhelm our existence. Many of us remain mute or cannot speak up bacause of a sense of fear or because of sheer ignorance. We may not be simply aware of the dangers that may threaten our existence. We should seek the Force of Krupa that brings a sense of Joy and imparts the taste of Sweetness known as ‘Madhurya’.
Maya – The Concept of a Fifth Fundamental Force Operating the Magic of Creation
Man has already discovered numerous exoplanets outside our Solar System. Some of these exoplanets are described as ‘Earth-Like’ and even thought of as potentially habitable.
In my analysis, the known Fundamental Force Gravitation can only account for the revolving orbits or orbital motions of planets around their Sun and not of their Individualistic Rotational Spins. I am introducing the term “Maya” described in the Sanskrit language to formulate it as the creative force directing Celestial Mechanics which impart the initial momentums resulting in the varying rotational spin characteristics of all the known planets.
To create original, new, one of its own kind of celestial objects, Lord God Creator could be applying the creative force called “Maya” to impart varying amounts of momentum to new planets as they are born to begin their varying rotational spins. No two planets are alike when we compare their rotational spins.
Dr. Rudranarasimham, Rebbapragada, B.Sc., M.B.B.S.,
Father’s Name: R. Suryanarayana Murty, M.A., B.Ed.,
Sri Venkateswara University, M.B.B.S. Class of April, 1970
Andhra Pradesh Medical Council Medical Registration Number: AMC5282; Date of Registration: September 16, 1971
NASA Discovers 3 New Worlds 73 Light-Years Away: Are They Potentially Habitable?
Clipped from: https://www.ibtimes.com/nasa-discovers-3-new-worlds-73-light-years-away-are-they-potentially-habitable-2809788
Scientists from NASA have discovered three new alien planets orbiting a distant host star. According to their discovery, one of the planets could be habitable due to its environmental condition.
Using the space agency’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), scientists discovered a small system of planets and catalogued it into their TESS Object of Interest (TOI) program.
At the center of this system is an M3-type of dwarf star known as TOI 270. According to the scientists, the star is about 40 percent smaller than the Sun and is located about 73 light-years away. Orbiting around the star are three planets known as TOI 270 B, TOI 270 C and TOI 270 D.
The scientists noted that the conditions within these planets vary depending on their distance from TOI 270.
“This system is exactly what TESS was designed to find – small, temperate planets that pass or transit, in front of an inactive host star, one lacking excessive stellar activity, such as flares,” lead researcher Maximilian Gunther of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said in a statement.
“This star is quiet and very close to us, and therefore much brighter than the host stars of comparable systems,” he added. “With extended follow-up observations, we’ll soon be able to determine the make-up of these worlds, establish if atmospheres are present and what gases they contain and more.”
The planet TOI 270 B orbits closest to the host star and is about 25% larger than Earth. Due to its close proximity to TOI 270, scientists believe it has oven-like conditions and has an equilibrium temperature of around 490 degrees Fahrenheit.
The other two planets are about twice as big as Earth. Of the two, the planet farthest from the star, known as TOI 270 D, has the lowest temperature. Scientists estimated that it has an equilibrium temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scientists believe that further studies on this planet will reveal more helpful information regarding its environmental conditions. These future observations could also reveal if the planet is habitable.
“TOI 270 is perfectly situated in the sky for studying the atmosphere of its outer planets with NASA’s future James Webb Space Telescope,” the study’s co-author Adina Feinstein of the University of Chicago said.
“It would be observable by Webb for over half a year, which could allow for really interesting comparison studies between the atmospheres of TOI 270 C and D,” she added.
The findings of the scientists were detailed in a new study published in Nature Astronomy.
This infographic illustrates key features of the TOI 270 system, located about 73 light-years away in the southern constellation Pictor. The three known planets were discovered by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite through periodic dips in starlight caused by each orbiting world. Insets show information about the planets, including their relative sizes, and how they compare to Earth. Temperatures given for TOI 270’s planets are equilibrium temperatures, calculated without the warming effects of any possible atmospheres.
Photo: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/Scott Wiessinger
