Yogi Vemana (17th century), writing in simple Telugu verse, brings Maya down to earth. He doesn't speak of cosmic illusion in abstract terms. He points at daily human stupidity. For Vemana, Maya is visible when: • Wealth decides respect • Power defines truth • The body is mistaken for the self "Puttadigalavāni kāli puṇḍiyu Vasudhalōna vāarta kekkunu" (Even a wound on a rich man's leg becomes news, while a poor man's wedding goes unnoticed.)

Maya is social conditioning reinforced by greed, hypocrisy, and ignorance. Vemana's solution? • Sharp discrimination • Moral clarity • Inner detachment • Practical wisdom No metaphysical escape—wake up here and now. Different medicines—same disease.