Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana then he realizes the world in which he exists is merely an illusion created out of the Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness.+

The dualist Gurus declared the world is real. According to dualists Sages, the reality is very much that we live in this world. In context to Sage Sankara calling this materialistic world a dream, the dualist gurus says that we are not yet awakened from the dream to say that this is a dream. Hence what is happening at this moment is to be considered. And the world is for real.

People refuse to accept the universe is an illusion it is because they are part and parcel of that illusion. The reality of the illusory universe often confuses people.

Only when one acquires Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana then he realizes the world in which he exists is merely an illusion created out of the Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness. The Soul is the Self.

Sage Sankara: ~ “VC~ All this universe which through ignorance appears as of diverse forms, is nothing else but Brahman which is absolutely free from all the limitations of Maya. 

Sage Sri, Sankara: ~VC~ if the universe is true, let it then be perceived in the state of deep sleep also. As it is not at all perceived, it must be unreal and false like dreams. 

This universe is nothing but the Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness. From the Soul, the universe appears and when the universe disappears from the consciousness, the consciousness still remains without any division of the form, time, and space.

Ashtavakra Gita: ~ The universe rises from the Soul, the innermost Self like bubbles from the sea. Thus, know the Self to be One and in this way enter into the state of dissolution."

To enable the seeker to steer clear of any possible doubt, the seeker should take the Atmic path. The ‘I’ is the clue. 'I' is present in the form of the universe and study the nature of the universe and discover its source. 

The universe is a reality on the base of ‘you (ego). You are the false Self within the false experience (waking). The universe is an illusion from the standpoint of the Soul, which is the Self.

he Soul is present in the form of consciousness. This is because of some logical reasons. First, you have to analyze the definition of truth and hence why the universe is not considered as a reality.

Remember:~

In the context of Advaita Vedanta: ~ Jagat (the world) is not different from Brahman; however, Brahman is different from Jagat

It has not been possible to preach Advaitic Truth entirely free from the settings of dualistic weakness it has not been more operative and useful to mankind at large because only a few will be able to grasp and realize it.

'To realize the Advaitic Truth a freer and fuller scope the seeker has to realize the form, time and space are one in essence. And that essence is consciousness. And the soul, the innermost self is present in the form of consciousness.

To realize the Advaitic truth the seeker has to be free from all superstitions and orthodox contaminations. The seeker has to be dedicated to acquiring Self-knowledge or Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana alone.'

A Gnani will easily appreciate the high flights of Sage Sri, Sankara’s Advaitic wisdom is one of the 'most majestic structures and valuable products of the Genius of man in his search for Truth.

People who strongly believe this world is real must realize: ~

A person, who stamped his foot on the ground to refute to show the world, is real, ignore that in a dream he would do exactly the same--stamp his dream foot on the ground and assert it to be real.

When you finally realize the ‘Self ‘is not you but the ‘Self’ is the Soul then you will realize the world in which you exist is merely an illusion created out of the Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness.

Thus, you, your experience birth, life, death, and the world mere an illusion created out of consciousness, Consciousness is the ultimate truth or Brahman or God in truth.

The world is both real and unreal. It is real because it is a manifestation of consciousness, but is unreal, in the sense, that it is not absolute and eternal like consciousness itself.

People's approach is more practical, and they stuck with the reality of the world, they take it as real. That is why all the confusion.

In Self-awareness: the witness and witnessed are one in essence. That essence is consciousness. There is no second thing that exists other than consciousness.

Thus, whatever is seen, known, believed, and experienced as a person is a reality within the waking experience (duality) but waking experience (duality) itself is merely an illusion created out of consciousness. :~Santthosh Kumaar