Consciousness, which is the Self, is the only reality. 'Reality' is defined as that which does not undergo any change at any time. Consciousness, which is absolutely changeless and eternal, is alone real.
The mind, which is in the form of universe, keeps on changing all the time and so it cannot be considered as real. People cannot dismiss it as unreal, because they are unaware of the fact that, their existence is dependent on something unknown to them.
The mirage is being mistaken for real. The mirage so seen produces the effect of reality. Thus universe seen is in the form of mirage therefore its reality is limited to the mirage alone. On verification through deeper inquiry, analysis and reasoning it is found that the universe or mind never existed and that the consciousness alone was there all the time.
The mind cannot be described as both real and unreal, because these two contradictory qualities cannot exist in the same substance. It must therefore be said that the mind is neither real nor unreal because it is mere mirage.
Mind is myth because it is mere mirage. ‘Universe appears to exist as real because of our ignorance of consciousness. Thus the mind, which is in the form of universe, is reality on the base of the physical self, which perceives the world as a person, within the mind.
Man and universe exist as real because of ignorance of consciousness, which is the true self. This ignorance not only covers consciousness, but it projects the universe as a reality. The universe has no reality apart from consciousness. When the knowledge of consciousness arises, the universe is seen as a mere appearance of consciousness.
