Midhya

Midhya (Sanskrit: मिथ्या) is a key concept in Advaita Vedanta philosophy, often translated as "false," "illusory," "unreal," or "apparent." It refers to something that appears to be real but is ultimately not ultimately real or absolutely real. It signifies a state of existence that is neither completely real nor completely unreal, occupying a middle ground.

In Advaita Vedanta, the only absolute reality is Brahman, the unchanging, eternal, and infinite principle. The world that we perceive, with its diversity and change, is considered midhya. This doesn't mean the world is a complete illusion, like a dream that vanishes without a trace. Instead, it means that the world's reality is dependent on Brahman. It borrows its existence from Brahman and has no independent existence of its own.

The analogy of a rope mistaken for a snake is often used to illustrate midhya. The snake appears real to the observer, causing fear and anxiety. However, upon closer examination, it is realized that the snake is nothing more than a rope. The appearance of the snake is midhya; it is an illusion superimposed upon the real rope. Similarly, the world is an appearance superimposed upon Brahman.

The concept of midhya is not simply about perceiving things incorrectly. It's about understanding the fundamental nature of reality. Recognizing the world as midhya is a step towards realizing the ultimate truth of Brahman and achieving liberation (moksha). It involves dispassionately observing the world without being attached to its fleeting and impermanent nature. While the world has practical or empirical reality (vyavaharika satya), it lacks ultimate or transcendental reality (paramarthika satya). Understanding midhya is crucial in distinguishing between what is ultimately real and what is relatively real within the framework of Advaita Vedanta.