What does Chapter 26 say about the nature of reality and the world we see? Is it real?

Chapter 26 of the Shri Sai Satcharitra delves into the philosophical concept of Maya, explaining that the physical world we perceive is ultimately an illusion. The text states that all objects and the entire universe are like a "city reflected in a mirror" or a "dream born of desires"—they appear real but have no independent existence outside the Self. According to this chapter, this entire visible world is a display of Maya, born from ignorance of our true nature, much like a rope might be mistaken for a snake in the dark. True knowledge, granted by a Sadguru, is what allows this illusion to dissolve and the light of non-dual bliss to shine forth, as described in the teachings of Chapter 26.