Is the Material World an Illusion?

Answer

No

Evidence

“The theory of illusion can be applied only when the living entity identifies himself with the body. As far as the cosmic manifestation is concerned, it cannot be called false, although it is certainly temporary. – CC Madhya 6.173

Sanskrit

jīvera dehe ātma-buddhi–sei mithyā haya
jagat ye mithyā nahe, naśvara-mātra haya

jīvera—of the living entities; dehe—in the body; ātma–buddhi—considering as the self; sei—that; mithyā—untruth; haya—is; jagat—the cosmic manifestation; ye—that; mithyā—untruth; nahe—not; naśvara–mātra—only temporary; haya—is.

Link: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/6/173

Observations

• jagat ye mithya nahe… the universe is not untrue.
• Because something is temporary, it not any less real.
• The logic that something is not real because it is temporary is false.
• Confusion over the existence of illusion in the material world with the Mayavadi conception the the material world is illusion and is not real.

Sanskrit Analysis

• naśvara—perishable    Antya 5.118
• naśvara-mātra—only temporary    Madhya 6.173
• naśvaram — although the body is destined to be annihilated — SB 10.10.9
• naśvaram — impermanent — SB 11.3.20
• naśvaram — temporary — SB 11.7.7, SB 11.17.52
• naśvaram — to be destroyed — SB 11.13.36
• naśvaram — as temporary — SB 11.19.18

Comment with any questions.