Maya, the cosmic illusion is a reality. There is no doubt that Maya exists and causes magic in the world. What is this illusion? It is something that appears to be but in reality it is not. A simple example is the rainbow. We see the 7 colours when the white light of the sun splits through the droplets of rain. But the phenomenon is momentary. It is a projection of Maya. Those who realize the Truth of Maya, start their journey as a liberated Soul.
While death is certain and there is no doubt that the universal law of Karma prevails, it is our ignorance that keeps us coming back to earth, ignorance caused by Maya. We view unfolding of Maya as real, when in reality, it conceals the Truth as it projects the cosmic illusion on earth. Thus, we believe, we are the ME, the Mind and the Ego. We become the doer of the action and we create a destiny for which we must be reborn. As long as we are under the spell of Maya, we cannot transcend the ego and achieve our ultimate goal. The ME is an illusion, it is Maya. It is a myth. If we overcome it, we can be free from returning to earth on another Karmic journey.
What happens to those who realize the Truth and transcend Maya? Although they live in the body-mind complex, they live as a Jivanmukta, a liberated Soul. They live as a Sthitpragya, one who has a steady intellect and enjoys that state of eternal Bliss. At death, such a person is not reborn but is liberated and united with the Divine.