Can you explain the distinction Chapter 19 makes between the true Self (Soul) and the ego-driven perception of self?

Chapter 19 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra draws a sharp distinction between the true Self, or Soul, and the false ego. The Soul is described as self-luminous, pure consciousness, changeless, formless, and distinct from the body, senses, mind, and life-force. In contrast, the ego is the false sense of 'I am the body,' which is likened to mistakenly seeing a snake in a rope. The chapter explains that as long as this ego regarding the body, intellect, and mind persists, the sense of being a 'doer' and 'enjoyer' remains. This false identification is the root cause of experiencing pleasure and pain, which binds a person to worldly existence.