The ego

From Guru Vachaka Kovai:

444 Since, when the ego is destroyed, the Self-sun shines as the sole Reality, putting an end to this dream, which is false, and bringing about the true awakening – the mere destruction of the ego, through Self-enquiry, is the attainment of Self [or Self-realization]. Thus should you know!

Michael James: ‘The dream which is false’ is this present waking state. ‘the true awakening’ is the state of Turiya or Jnana.