When the three modes of Maya are in balance and in a state of unruffled equipoise, the Universe is termed unmanifest, Avyakta. This is termed the ‘seed-state’ since all subsequent variations are subsumed and latent in it. (SSVahini, p. 182)
Our ignorance is responsible for our not being able to recognise the elementary truth that Atma is not bound by connections and attachments in the world. Yet it is natural to reflect and
think that there is something material and worldly about the Atma. This ignorance is described by several names. It is sometimes called Tamas and sometimes called moha. These are different names for this ignorance. There are many other names like avyakta, maya, and so on. These are words used to describe this state of ignorance. It is in the context of such ignorance that man tries to create an illusion in his own mind about what does not really exist. Man also tries to forget what really exists. (SSB 1977, pp. 220-221)