Avidya

Avidya, in spiritual and philosophical contexts, refers to ignorance or misconception about the true nature of reality. It is the fundamental misunderstanding that the material world and individual ego are permanent and separate, leading to suffering and cycles of desire and attachment. Avidya clouds awareness, preventing one from realizing their true self or higher consciousness. Overcoming avidya involves gaining insight, wisdom, and clarity through self-awareness, meditation, and spiritual study, ultimately leading to liberation or enlightenment where one perceives reality as it truly is—interconnected, transient, and beyond individual ego.