The seeker has to make a distinction between the dualistic perspective and the non-dualistic perspective.
On the non-dualistic perspective, the world in which he exists is an illusion. On the dualistic perspective, the world in which he exists is a reality.
If the seeker wants to realize the truth, then he has to discard all the religious beliefs and yogic practices, and scriptural studies.
Nothing is needed in pursuit of truth other, then intense urge and receptivity to realize the truth, which is beyond the form, time, and space.
That is why Sage Sankara: ~ VC Let erudite scholars quote all the Scripture, let Gods be invoked through sacrifices, let elaborate rituals be performed, let personal Gods be propitiated---yet, without the realization of one‘s identity With the Self, there shall be no liberation for the individual, not even in the lifetimes of a hundred Brahmas put together (verses-6)
Sage Sankara said:~ -Neither by the practice of yoga nor philosophy, nor by good works nor by learning, does liberation come, but only through the realization that Atman and Brahman are one in no other way. (1) Vivekachoodamani v 56, pg~25
Sage Sankara’s wisdom is nothing to do with religion and yoga.
There are two kinds of audiences - the ordinary ones who desire the transitory heaven and other pleasures obtained as a result of ritual sacrifices, and the most advanced seeker who seeks to know the truth beyond the form, time, and space. Religion and yoga are meant for the first audience, to help lead its followers along the way. Sage Sankara’s Advaita, with its emphasis on Advaitic wisdom, is meant for those who wish to go beyond such transient pleasures.
First, you have to realize the ‘Self’ is not you but the ‘Self’ is the Soul, which is present in the form of the consciousness. It is the Soul that is in ignorance. It is the Soul that is experiencing the dualistic illusion (the world, in which you exist) as a reality. When the Soul wakes up in its own awareness the ignorance vanishes then the illusory reality (the world, in which you exist) never again remains as a reality.
There is nothing to realize other than realizing the universe in which you exist is nothing but the consciousness. The consciousness alone is real and eternal the universe is merely an illusion. The consciousness is the ultimate truth or Brahman or God. : ~ Santthosh Kumaar
