Self-Realization is Not God-Realization

Self-realization is distinct from God-realization. A gyani (seeker of knowledge) reaches God-realization only after conquering the final hurdle of Sattvaguni Maya (the subtlest illusion). Although the gyānī's ultimate goal is to merge with the impersonal God (Nirakar Brahm), the path demands devotion (bhakti) and the worship of the personal form (Sagun-Sakar Brahm).

The Limitations of the Impersonal God

Nirakar Brahm (the impersonal form) exhibits only two qualities: eternal bliss and unwavering existence. Crucially, this form is a non-doer; He does not remove the veil of Maya for any soul (jiva).

The personal form (Sagun-Sakar Brahm), conversely, exhibits active attributes like listening, seeing, and extending grace—qualities essential for removing the veil of Maya.

Why Grace is Essential

The philosophy is clear: no one can overcome Maya on their own. Shri Krishna affirms this in the Bhagavad Gita (7.14):

दैवी ह्येषा गुणमयी मम माया दुरत्यया ॥
daivī hyeṣā guṇamayī mama māyā duratyayā | māmēva yē prapadyantē māyāmētāṁ taranti tē ||
"This divine power of Maya, which is Mine, is made of the three qualities (gunas), and it is extremely impossible to cross. Only those who take refuge in Me—who are fully surrendered—are able to cross this ocean of Maya, by My grace."

Ultimately, the gyani cannot simply think their way to the absolute. The attainment of Nirakar Brahm (the impersonal form) making them Brahm-gyani (knower-of-God), depends entirely on the moment when Sagun-Sakar Brahm (the personal form of God) extends grace and lifts the final veil of Maya.