Let’s talk about Moh Maya—As we age, there’s an undeniable realisation that begins to surface—the idea that survival depends on money. From a young age, our society, and even our families, make us feel that we need money for happiness and fulfilment. The toys, the treats, the trips—all things that bring joy in childhood are tied to money. This early association grows deeper over time; the essentials for school, trips, transportation, and everything else gradually build a framework in our minds that our future hinges on financial success. And this dependency solidifies into a belief that “money” is the single most important pursuit.

Eventually, life becomes a planned chase for money—an invisible chain formed by this relentless attachment. We go to great lengths to earn, work harder, excel in our chosen paths, sometimes even stepping into high-risk ventures. This attachment, this illusion that “everything depends on money,” becomes so deeply ingrained that it’s hard to escape. Society has become so wrapped up in this pursuit that it feels nearly impossible to live without it.

This cycle becomes endless. Society defines these desires for us and subtly convinces us that achieving them will make us happy. But does it really? The truth is, Moh Maya is a trap—an illusion that grows stronger as we age, binding us tighter with each passing year. We chase after things, believing they’ll bring us joy, only to find that the satisfaction is temporary. A new desire always takes its place, and the cycle repeats.

The concept of Moh Maya teaches us that everything we cling to in this material world is temporary, fleeting, and ultimately meaningless. This isn’t new—it’s something the Bhagavad Gita discusses at length. Lord Krishna himself tells us how everything we attach ourselves to—be it relationships, possessions, or achievements—exists within the confines of this illusion. And yet, despite knowing this, we’re unable to break free from it.

But here’s the irony. The moment we recognize this illusion, the moment we see through the veil of Maya, we might feel tempted to drop everything—to give up our responsibilities, our work, even our relationships. Is that the right thing to do? Absolutely not.

Realising the illusory nature of the world doesn’t free us from our karma, our duties, or our responsibilities. In fact, this realisation should make us stronger. Once we understand that our happiness and fulfilment are not tied to societal expectations or external success, we are liberated. This is the moment we should return to our duties with even greater determination.

Why? Because once you break free from Moh Maya, the ups and downs of life no longer affect you. Whether you succeed or fail, whether you achieve your goals or fall short, you remain steadfast. You keep working not for the outcome, but for the joy of doing the work itself. This detachment makes you unstoppable. Nothing—be it marks on a test, a promotion at work, or recognition in your field—affects your flow. You keep putting in the effort, regardless of the results.

That, my friends, is truly breaking free from Moh Maya. It’s not about renouncing the world or running away from it—it’s about living in the world with detachment. To practise such detachment is to rise above the illusion, to transcend the cycle of desire and disappointment.

Now, let’s step away from the religious lens for a moment and look at this concept through the lens of mental health. The changes this practice can bring to your mind are profound. When you stop tying your self-worth to external outcomes, you experience an unparalleled sense of peace and fulfilment. The desperation of chasing fleeting illusions fades away. And when people collectively stop chasing Maya, the unethical shortcuts they take to achieve it can also come to an end.

But what about passion? Some might worry that breaking free from Moh Maya will take away their drive to succeed—to get rich, to become famous, to achieve greatness. But let me ask you this: is passion driven by Maya truly passion? Or is it a slow poison that kills your peace and mental well-being?

This passion, fueled by Maya, becomes an endless, exhausting chase. Even when you achieve the goal, the satisfaction is temporary. The mind, having been conditioned to chase external validation, feels incomplete once the thrill wears off. This leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction—a false belief that the next milestone, the next achievement, will finally bring fulfilment. But it never does.

Quoting Krishna: “This too shall pass.” Whether good or bad, success or failure, everything is temporary. Passion fueled by Maya might lead to momentary highs, but it will also bring you crashing down.

True passion, however, is born from within. It’s not tied to external rewards but to the joy of creation, the joy of giving your best to something you love. When you detach yourself from the outcome, you’re free to pursue your passion with all your heart, without fear, without desperation.

Breaking free from Moh Maya doesn’t mean you lose your drive. It means you find the right drive—the one that isn’t tethered to illusions. And that, in turn, makes you unstoppable.

To break free from Moh Maya is to see the world as it is. It is to live fully, to give your best to every moment, and to find fulfilment in the act itself, not in the results. It’s a journey of freedom, peace, and ultimate truth.

This is how you rise above the illusion. This is how you break free from Moh Maya.