Aavarana

Aavarana, in Sanskrit and various Indic languages, translates to "covering," "veil," "concealment," "enclosure," or "obstacle." It refers to something that obscures, hides, or prevents the perception of reality, truth, or the true nature of something.

In philosophical and spiritual contexts, particularly within Vedanta and other schools of Hindu philosophy, aavarana represents the veiling power of maya (illusion). Maya, through its aavarana shakti (veiling power), conceals the true nature of Brahman (the ultimate reality) and projects the perceived world of duality and differentiation. This veiling prevents individuals from realizing their inherent oneness with Brahman.

Aavarana is often discussed in conjunction with vikshepa (projection), the other aspect of maya. While aavarana conceals the truth, vikshepa distorts it by projecting a false reality. Together, they create the illusion of a separate, independent world.

Overcoming aavarana is a central goal of spiritual practice in many Indic traditions. Practices like meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion are employed to remove the veils of ignorance and realize the true Self (Atman) as identical to Brahman. By transcending aavarana, one attains liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.

Beyond its philosophical usage, aavarana can also refer to physical coverings or barriers, such as clothing, shields, or any object that obscures or protects something. However, its most significant and nuanced meaning lies in its application to spiritual and metaphysical concepts.