Avidyā

Avidyā is the ignorance that conceals the true nature of ātman. It is not a lack of information — it is a fundamental error of identity: taking oneself to be limited when one is unlimited. Avidyā manifests as adhyāsa (superimposition): attributing to ātman the qualities of body, mind, and ego. The teaching of Vedānta is the only means (pramāṇa) that removes avidyā.