Mastering Maya?

WHILE BROWSING recently at the Clarkston, Michigan, public library, out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw a book called Mastering Maya. I may have done a double take as I thought, "Did I really see what I thought I saw?"

But I did see it. Of course, I at once marveled and chuckled at the title. "Maya" used here is the name of a software program used to generate 3D animation and effects for the entertainment industry. I'd never heard of the application before.

I was especially amused by these phrases in the forward:

"Welcome to the wonderful world of Maya."

"You are led through lessons that will reinforce your knowledge of each of the various aspects of Maya."

"It will be time to meet others who share your enthusiasm for Maya."

The first verse I thought of after encountering the book:

daivi hy esa guna-mayi
mama maya duratyaya
mam eve ye prapadyante
mayam etam taranti te

"This divine energy of Mine [mama maya], consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it." (Bhagavad-gita 7.14)

"Mayesvara" came to mind next. It's a name of Krsna meaning "Controller of Maya."

I've heard that Srila Prabhupada said his disciples didn't fear Maya enough.

I looked in the "Maya" chapter of Vaisnava Verse Book and thought this verse might be most appropriate to this book:

"The external potency Maya, who is of the nature of the shadow of the cit potency, is worshipped by all people as Durga, the creating, preserving, and destroying agent of this mundane world. I adore the primeval Lord Govinda, in accordance with whose will Durga conducts herself." (Brahma-samhita 5.44)

Bob Roberts