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“Impermanence” (anicca) of Buddhism and
“Not real” (Maya) of the Vedic Dharma
In the Vedanta literature, in the Upanishads, and in the literature of the saints, this physical world is said to comprise both name and form, and is referred to as maya. Maya is understood to be illusory and not real, to be ever-changing, and dependent upon a higher reality. In the Chandogya Upanishad, Brhidarnyaka Upanishad, Mundaka Upanishad, and Prashna Upanishad it is repeatedly stated that the nature of the world is transitory, destructible, and not real. Therefore, we must seek for that essence which is constant, true and unchanging by transcending these realms of name and form."
The world of name and form is also described as avidya (ignorance) in the Katha and Mundaka Upanishads. In the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, the world is also described as illusory maya.
The Upanishads also explain the nature of atma:
The soul (atman), which is beyond name and form, is brimming with joy and tranquility. In its Turiyatita form (the fifth state—a state of cosmic consciousness; a state of unity with the source), atman is beyond good and evilo. (Teja bindu Upanishad)
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