Rama Distinguishes the Bound Jiva from the Lord of Maya
Aranya Kanda, Doha 15
Doha 15 · Movement 2 of 2
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The jiva is the one who does not know Maya, Ishvara, or its own true nature. Ignorance is therefore more than lack of information. It is the condition in which the bound being mistakes the field of appearance for the limit of itself.
Ishvara stands beyond all and directs Maya. The Lord gives bondage and liberation, holding the power before which the cosmic process moves. Maya does not command him; she receives command.
Rama's distinction answers Lakshmana without severing devotion from knowledge. To know the jiva is to recognize bondage and unknowing. To know Ishvara is to find the sovereign source from whom both release and the power of appearance proceed. The question of difference becomes a map leading the servant toward the Lord's feet.
The jiva wakes inside Maya, while Ishvara stands beyond her and turns the key of bondage and release.
Read the passage from the Manas
माया ईस न आपु कहुँ जान कहिअ सो जीव। बंध मोच्छ प्रद सर्बपर माया प्रेरक सीव।।15।।
One who knows neither Maya, nor Ishvara, nor his own true Self: that one is called jeeva, the bound soul. He who grants both bondage and liberation according to one's deeds, who stands beyond all yet directs Maya: He alone is Ishvara, the Supreme Lord.