Back to all words

Maya

2 stages from Sanskrit to English.

Today it means In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, the illusory nature of the physical world that conceals ultimate reality.

Where does the word "maya" come from? It comes from Sanskrit maya, adopted directly into English (19th-20th c.).

1
Stage 1 of 2
maya
Sanskrit · ancient
"creative power; illusion"
originally meant 'wisdom, extraordinary power', later shifted to mean 'illusion'
2
Stage 2 of 2
maya
English · 19th-20th c.
"the illusory nature of the physical world"
adopted in English discussions of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom