The concept of "Atma Maya" in the Bhagavad Gita is a profound and intricate aspect of Hindu philosophy, particularly in understanding the divine nature of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita 4.6, Bhagavan Sri Krishna explains the manifestation of his divine self into the human form through the utilization of his inherent mysterious power, Atma Maya.
Despite being unborn and eternal, Krishna chooses to
incarnate through his "prakriti," the fundamental cosmic nature
consisting of the three gunas - sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas
(ignorance). Prakriti, often referred to as maya, serves as the essential
matrix from which the entire universe emanates. In this context, maya is
interpreted as illusion, illusory, or mysterious power.
The incarnation of God, as elucidated in the Bhagavad Gita,
differs significantly from the rebirth of ordinary beings. Unlike ordinary
jivas who are subject to the cycle of birth and suffering due to their past
karma, Krishna's incarnation is a conscious and voluntary act. He chooses to
take on a human form to restore and uphold dharma (righteousness) by
annihilating the wicked and safeguarding the virtuous.
"Atma Maya" is the inherent mysterious power
possessed by the divine, allowing Krishna to manifest in the material world
according to his divine will. This power is not constrained by the laws of
karma or the cycle of birth and death that govern ordinary beings. Instead, it
is a demonstration of Krishna's transcendental nature, showcasing his
sovereignty over the cosmic order and his ability to act beyond the limitations
of the material realm.
In summary, the concept of "Atma Maya" in the
Bhagavad Gita highlights the divine, mysterious power inherent in Bhagavan Sri
Krishna, enabling him to manifest in the human form at will for the purpose of
upholding righteousness and cosmic balance. This notion underscores the
transcendental nature of the divine and provides insights into the profound
philosophy of the Gita.