If only the agony and toil now being experienced by man to accumulate the symbols of wealth and power are directed towards God, man can be infinitely more happy. The veil of Maya (illusion), however, hides from him the face of God which is shining from every being and thing around him. Maya is of the nature of Tamas (darkness and ignorance). In deep, dreamless sleep, the Self alone exists, but it is supervened by Maya or Ajnana (ignorance). You are not aware then that you are Brahman (God); that is the difference between the state of Jnana (spiritual realization) and the Sushupti (deep sleep) stage. The Jnani knows that he is One with Brahman, but the person in deep, dreamless sleep is not aware of it.

- BABA