Avidya
(अविद्या)Literal Meaning
Spiritual ignorance or un-knowing
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From the negative prefix 'a-' (not) and 'vidyā' (knowledge, from 'vid' to perceive/know).
Spiritual Insight & Context
Avidya is the primal misapprehension of mistaking the temporary ego for the true eternal Self, generating all existential suffering.