What is Maya (Illusion)

In Ram Charitra Manas, Sri Ram ji explained to Laxman ji near Godavavri river in Parnkuti about Maya, Gyan, Vairagia, difference between God & Soul.  Description of Maya is as under:
 

• Maya (illusion) is “I & mine and You & Yours”, which binds living beings.

 

• Whatever is perceived by senses and reaches mind is Maya.

 

• Maya has two divisions’ viz. Knowledge and ignorance. Ignorance brings pain and sink ego into worldly existence. Knowledge brings forth creation which is directed by God.

 
Reference:
Ram Charitra Manas written by Tulsidas:
 
अरण्यकांड, 14, 1 से 3 चौपाईया मे - थोरेहि महँ सब कहउँ बुझाई। सुनहु तात मति मन चित लाई।। मैं अरु मोर तोर तैं माया। जेहिं बस कीन्हे जीव निकाया।। गो गोचर जहँ लगि मन जाई। सो सब माया जानेहु भाई।। तेहि कर भेद सुनहु तुम्ह सोऊ। बिद्या अपर अबिद्या दोऊ।। एक दुष्ट अतिसय दुखरूपा। जा बस जीव परा भवकूपा।। एक रचइ जग गुन बस जाकें। प्रभु प्रेरित नहिं निज बल ताकें।।