Manava (Telugu word for man) – Ma = Maya or Ignorance, Na = without, Va = Conduct, i.e., one who conducts himself without ignorance. (Uniq, p. 172)
To begin with, the meaning of the term Manava (man) has to be properly understood. It means Atma (the Self). It is from the Atma that the five basic elements (ether, air, fire, water and the earth) have emerged. Man has brought under his control these five elements. Thereby he has become their master. Failing to comprehend the basic nature of human existence, man today has become a slave of his senses. The Vedanta has declared that one can know everything if he knows his own reality. To discover who you are, you have to rid yourself of the external vision. All the experiences based on the sense perceptions are external impressions. These are merely reflections of internal responses. To regard these as real and permanent and to ignore the Divine, which is the permanent entity, is the cause of man wasting life. Hence, man has to utilise the mind to realise his divinity. (SSS Vol.26, p. 166)
What is the meaning of the term Manava? ‘Ma’ means Maya, ‘Na; menas nasthi, without and ‘Va’ means Varthinchuta (to conduct oneself). Therefore, Manava is one who conducts himself without maya. If you fall a victim to maya, you will never be able to understand marmamu (reality0. In fact, maya is man’s own making . It arises out of his imagination. ( DD on 26.02.2006, p. 6)