MANILA, Philippines?The great sages liken our condition in this material world to that of a man bitten by a poisonous snake. Due to the venom, we lie in a comatose state?unconscious and unaware of the realities around us. Delirium keeps us in the dark, unable to think and communicate clearly. We feel lifeless and miserable.

What is the equivalent of the snake that has caused us suffering? It is called maya, the illusory energy that covers natural wisdom and intelligence. It makes us see things in a different way. It makes us falsely believe there?s satisfaction and pleasure in material wealth. It clouds our vision.

The snake of the maya lures us into troublesome materialistic pursuits, as if they?re capable of leading us to heaven. Truth is, they?re only expressways to hell! As a result, we fall into the pit of ignorance and experience the emptiness of material existence.

Instinct makes us run away from snakes, knowing what a deadly bite can do to us. We always take extra precaution to avoid areas where they thrive. Unfortunately, we?re frequently insensitive to the dangerous lure and bite of the snake of the maya. Sometimes, we even drag others into its pit. We envy a politician for his power, wealth and popularity, but disregard his arrogance and corruption. That?s how deceptive illusory energy is!

Qualities

In India, mantras are used to help cure victims of snake bites. Similarly, freedom from illusory energy is achieved by chanting the names and qualities of the Supreme Being. Such prayerful chanting cuts the veil of illusion and counteracts the poisonous effects of materialism. Let?s rise from our comatose condition and enjoy an existence characterized by wisdom, satisfaction and peace!