Even though the self is something other than this waking entity (ego), the majority people still identify themselves with it***

Advaita is not a philosophy. Advaita is the nature of the soul, the innermost self.  There is no need to study any philosophy to realize the ultimate truth or Brahman.  The soul, which is present in the form of the consciousness, is the ultimate truth.

All the philosophy and all the teachings on nonduality are based on the dualistic perspective. Such teachings are mere imaginary nonduality on dualistic perspective.

In self-awareness the soul will be in the objectless –awareness in the midst of the duality (objects) and then the sense of duality will cease to exist as a reality.

The mind is nothing but objective existence.   The seeker has to eliminate such all the objective knowledge through wisdom and then objectless knowledge will alone remain. This is the nature of the soul, the innermost Self. : ~ Santthosh Kumaar 

Even though the self is something other than this waking entity (ego), the majority people still identify themselves with it.  The main reason people identify their-self with the waking entity (ego) is their ignorance of the Real Self.

Whosoever identifies his- self with this bundle of bones and flesh are caught up in the grip of duality. Now the question arises: If self is not this waking entity, then what is that self? The real self is not the waking entity but the formless soul, which witnesses the waking entity and waking world together.

The scriptures declare that self is the soul, the innermost self. The soul is present in the form of consciousness or Spirit ~ the three states are mere a mirage created out of the soul or the consciousness.  That's all.

The three states are is temporary, while the soul, the innermost Self is immortal Therefore, this  waking entity and waking experience is  false (impermanent), and the soul , the innermost Self is True (permanent).

The ultimate goal of human existence is to become re-established in reality of his true existence through Self-realization.  Self-knowledge of Brahma Gnana or Atma Gnana makes one realize the form, time and space are one in essence. That essence is the soul or consciousness.  Realizing the essence, which the soul or consciousness leads one to nondual self- Awareness.  In self-awareness there is only oneness in the midst of duality.