One of the most important inspirations from the Gita is vested in this verse. Maya i. e. illusion has been described as divine and at the same time is said to be hard to Mum maya' This is My maya. Absolutely different from it...of threefold attributes (satoguna, rajoguna and tamoguna)! Difficult it is to cross over; as the being keeps himself limited to these three attributes only; taking these three attributes and their actions and the apparent momentary pleasures derived from them as real. He does not bother to think of the supreme happiness and joy which lies beyond it. In the words of caution of saint Kabir:

This maya causes the being to be entangled in the ups and downs of the world. The being is unable to think beyond. The one whose maya it is-the thought does not go there. With great dexerity of expression the Blessed Lord has used the word 'maya' (illusion) with the word 'mum' (Mine). Maya is of the Lord but no-one gives attention to this fact whereas the means to cross over the maya is also one only.

We are caught in 'I' and 'mine' and still plead that it is maya which has entangled us. The mesh of maya is very threatening. Even the greatest of the yogis could not grapple with it. Maya traps everyone. Such statements we keep on making but we do not devise methods to cross over maya. The situation demands deliberation. 'Iness' and 'myness' is maya itself.

The being gets entangled by the feeling of 'Iness' and 'myness'. Building, shop, home, family and trade are not comprised of maya (illusion); the relationship of Iness and Myness with them is maya (illusion). Convert 'T' and 'mine' to 'you' and 'yours'; this is true surrender or refuge.

'Mameva ye prapadyante mayametam taranti te'-The Blessed Lord says-Parth! The one who seeks my refuge, just my refuge (mameva), only My refuge 'mamekam sharanam vraja' (Gita 18/66) he is able to overcome maya (illusion). In simple terms understand this-'T' and 'mine' is maya and 'you' and 'yours' is self-surrender. I am not of the world; I belong to the Lord, whatever possessions are mine they belong not to me but to the Lord; acknowledging this abide in the world, utilise the world-you will be saved from the bondage of maya. Learn to live mentally close to the Lord. The mind should carry emotions only for Him. Protect yourself from arrogance and attachment; it will take you away from the Lord, will entangle you in the world, will put you in bondage. You will get trapped in the mesh of maya. Observe a fisherman throwing the net in the water to catch the fish! Several fish get trapped in his net. But some clever fish cames close to the feet of the fisherman; they did not get trapped in the net! Transact in the world, but taking inspiration from this verse of the Gita, become skilful and clever enough to this extent. Mentally, bow down at the lotus feet of the Lord; become close to Him; distance from Him will cause one to get entangled in the net of maya; if you are close to the Lord you will remain protected from this net; this is good and, in fact, practical skilfulness and cleverness too.

When such is the state then why all do not accept the refuge in the Lord; this fact is being clarified in the following verse-