Maya is often described as a veil of ignorance or illusion that prevents us from seeing the true nature of reality. This veil is created by our own minds and is based on our limited perceptions and understanding of the world.

Maya is not the opposite of Brahman, but rather an aspect of Brahman. Brahman is the ultimate reality, the source of all existence, and Maya is the power that creates the illusion of separation and diversity in the universe.

Maya distorts our perception of the world and makes us see it as separate and divided, when in reality it is a unified whole. Maya also makes us believe that the world is real and permanent, when in reality it is constantly changing and impermanent.

The goal of spiritual practice in Advaita Vedanta is to attain liberation from Maya, realize the true nature of Brahman, and merge with Brahman. This is achieved through self-inquiry, meditation, and the cultivation of wisdom and detachment.

The concept of Maya is a fundamental concept in Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism, and Jainism. In each of these traditions, Maya is understood as a veil of ignorance or illusion that obscures the true nature of reality.