The Upanishads

The World as Dream

The waking world compared to the dream state.

Just as dream objects appear real while dreaming but are seen as unreal upon waking, the waking world is seen as unreal upon spiritual awakening.

The wise know this world to be like a dream.

Mandukya Upanishad Commentary, Gaudapada Karika

This comparison helps discriminate between real and apparent.

Mandukya Upanishad