A person, seeing a rope in dim light, mistakes it for a snake.+

The snake is the universe and the rope is the Soul, the Self. Through deeper self-search, when the unreal nature of the snake (universe) is exposed than the rope (Soul) alone exists as the ultimate reality.

A person, seeing a rope in dim light, mistakes it for a snake. He is as much frightened as he would have been if there had been a real snake there. The snake is said to have ‘illusory reality’.

The illusory snake is described as a superimposition on the rope. The snake is not real, because, it is found on examination with a light that it never existed there. At the same time, it was experienced as reality till ignorance prevailed. Similarly, this waking experience experienced as reality due to ignorance.

When wisdom dawns then the unreal nature of the waking experience is exposed. At the dawn of Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana, the waking experience has no existence apart from the Soul or consciousness. The consciousness is the ultimate truth or Brahman.

The waking experience is, therefore, said to be superimposed on consciousness the same way as the dream is superimposed on consciousness.

The waking experience is the practical reality because it is real until the attainment of Self-realization.

The Soul, the Self, which is present in the form of the consciousness alone, has absolute reality; because it is absolutely changeless because it is formless, timeless, and spaceless existence. 

Illusion or Maya~

The Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness alone, is real and all else is merely an illusion. The universe has no real existence without consciousness. The consciousness alone is real and eternal.

What is this Illusion?

The illusion is where the Soul is bound to ~

• Form, time, and space

• Birth, life, and death

• Pain and Pleasure,

• Burden and bondage

• Waking, dream and deep sleep

• Universe/Mind /Duality

The illusion is created out of the Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness. Because of ignorance, the illusion is experienced as a reality. The dualistic illusion deludes because it is based on the ego. In egocentricity, one is ignorant of the truth, which is beyond form, time, and space.

Remember:~

Nothing is needed for acquiring Advaitic wisdom other than perfect understanding, assimilation, and realization of ‘what is what”

The dualistic illusion or Maya is present only when the form, time, and space are present. The form, time, and space are one, in essence. The ego, body, and the world are one, in essence.

The birth, life, death, and the world are one, in essence. The three states are one, in essence. That essence is consciousness.

The thinker, thoughts, and the world are one, in essence. Thus, there is no division of form, time, and space in consciousness in reality.:~ 

Santthosh Kumaar