Nisargadatta Maharajj

There is nothing in this world of perception which you can really call your own – nothing; yet, there remains the habit of self-identifying with whatever you perceive. You must give up this habit. As long as you perceive yourself to be something, a thing among things, you are perceived existing in time and space, short-lived, vulnerable and anxious to survive and increase a perception of self-worthiness. You flap around like a flag seeking validation, feeling justified or offended depending on the direction of the wind. This is bondage. Know yourself beyond time and space, beyond any perception and disengage from them. They are no more than a play on the stage, or a picture on the screen. You can observe them, enjoying them, but remain unmoved. When in contact with self-knowledge at the point of here and now, you will be free and afraid no longer.
Nisargadatta Maharajj

This universe, my friends, is an optical illusion. It is a dream, just as when you’re dreaming. No one can ever tell you the dream is a dream, as long as you’re dreaming. ~ Adam Roberts