The ignorant thinks that, the self is the body,and perceives the world without being aware of the fact that, his body, ego and universe are mere illusory experience created out of consciousness.

The ignorant thinks that, the self is the body,and perceives the world without being aware of the fact that, his body, ego and universe are mere illusory experience created out of consciousness. Thus trying to judge the truth on the false entity within the false experience is erroneous. Until one makes sure of the true self, it is erroneous to judge and conclude the ultimate truth on mere speculation and assumption.  Thus one has to make sure of the fact that   the true self is neither the waking entity nor the dream entity but the formless knower of the three states, which comes and goes.    

A Gnani say that the true knowledge is that,“Self” is definitely neither the waking entity nor the dream entity because the waking and dream both are illusory.  The true self is  consciousness and its nature is formless, non-dual peace, and equanimity. Consciousness is    the existence and knowledge. 

Illusion’s "concealing power" merely means that when one looks at an ice block he thinks only of the ice block. But a Gnani will think of the substance of the ice block too.   That is a wise man has the knowledge of the substance plus of the ice block. Similarly a Gnani has the knowledge of the universe and its formless substance also. The consciousness is concealed because of ignorance because as a man one is not aware of the fact that, his body and the world are mere mirage created out of consciousness. When one becomes aware of the mirage then there is no body and no universe there is only the formless consciousness, which is the true self.  

One has to get firm conviction that, the Self is definitely not the waking entity which is an illusion but self is without change, without any form, without any blemish and without any decay, without   disease, beyond all comprehension, beyond any change and consciousness is all pervading.

Self is definitely not the waking entity within the waking experience    which is an illusion but self is without properties and without any activity, self is permanent, forever free and imperishable.

The self is not ‘I’ which an illusion is, but the self is the formless knower or witness of the ‘I’,which is the mind and mind is in the form of universe and universe appears as waking or dream.  The consciousness is without moment and limits, it is pure. It is ageless  because it is formless, birth less and deathless.