It serves an important purpose of making a people feel good. It is necessary for the self-respect of a people. Mythology is another grand maayaa, that has played a role in human history. It speaks of gods and demons who never existed, in terms and language that are inspiring and fascinating. But mythologies also make a people good, creating in them, like history, the impression that their past was graced by majestic beings, by all powerful heroes and heroines who fought for the good and defeated the evil.
Myths are thus inspirational maayaa.
Mathematics is logical maayaa. It gives us impeccable demonstrations of theorems, reveals the consistency of concepts, and takes us to abstract domains of sharp analysis. But it gives meaning and purpose to life, and more importantly, it has been, and continues to be, the source of solace an psychological comfort to countless millions. In mystical experience one sees visions of a reality that is probably the result of abnormal brain biochemistry. Mystical experience is a powerful a mental maayaa, which has nevertheless instigated affirmations and utterances that have transformed the lives and world views of many individuals and groups.