Maya means “that which is not.”
That which is, the positive, is God. The negation of the positive, God, is the negative, or maya. As soon as we connect the negative maya to the positive, personal God, considering ourselves God, we give birth to self-worship.
When I understand myself as a servant of God, then I am not bewildered into serving maya. But as long as I do not become established as a servant of God, a worshiper of Lord Visnu, I will see the whole world as meant for my enjoyment. In that state, I will no longer see the world as filled with ingredients for God’s worship and I become mad to lord it over material nature. Then, being envious of others, I will slaughter goats, hens, and fish, or will try to enjoy river water, fruits, nature’s beauty, and so on.
Only when we actually become wise will we come to know that the senses have only delegated power.
Sri Sarasvati Samlapa, Conversation 8
His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada
