Status Updates From Advaita Vedanta

Suppose there is a wave in the ocean. The wave is distinct from the ocean only in its form and name, and this form and this name cannot have any separate existence from the wave; they exist only with wave. The wave may subside but the same amount of water remains, even if the name and form that were on the wave vanish for ever. So this maya is what makes the difference between me and you, between gods and men.

This theory of Maya has been the most difficult thing to understand in all ages. Let me tell you in a few words that it is surely no theory, it is the combination of the three ideas Desha-kala-nimitta--space, time, and causation--and this time and space and cause have been further reduced into Nama-Rupa (name and form).