All 'Adwaidins' recognize BRAHMAN as the Supreme Reality. Brahman is beyond concept and not explainable by words. Then, there came the concept of God as well as 'Maya". It is said that God is a reflection of the Supreme Reality, in the curtain of 'Maya'. It can also be interpreted that Supreme expresses God wearing the costume of 'Maya'.
'Avidya' and 'vidya' (ignorance and knowledge) are the designs appearing on the costume of Maya. Black, gray and white dots on the costume, represent the three gunas - satwaguna,. rajoguna and thamoguna. God, with the costume of Maya with 'vidya-avidya', and gunas, brings out the Universe, as if a dancr projects a dance.
"Brahma Satyam, Jagat mitya, Jeevo Brahmeva napara" - Brahman is the only Reality; Universe is an illusory appearance and Jeeva is 'Brahman' only.
The above aphorism attributed to Sri Sankara, can be understood with the analogy of Ocean and wave. Ocean with innumerable waves representing the Universe, and individual wave representing jeeva, are in reality, Water. They appear different from Reality because of illusion and delusion. Illusion (mitya) and delusion (bramam) are different expressions of Maya.
It is said that after realization, (contemplative Awareness of Reality), the illusory nature of the universe and the delusive nature of jeeva disappear. The individual (Jeeva) and the universe would, however. continue to remain similar to the moon, seen on the sky during day time.
Illusion brings in concepts and delusion (bramam) brings in emotions. Illusion relates to the Universe, and delusion relates to the individual.
There are views that one could overcome delusion ('bramam') through Knowledge (vidya); but to overcome illusion ('mitya'), one should be blessed with God's Grace, although, ultimately, both knowledge and grace are from the Divine.
To sum up: Whatever was viewed before 'realization', continues to exist after realization, but observed in 'Passive Awareness'. A few other terms such as 'Witnessing', 'Natural State', 'Contemplative Consciousness', are used to indicate this state of Awareness.
