So, you do believe in a god, and for sake of discussion, we'll call it "one". Now, is this "one" seperate from the universe, or is it the universe? Is this "one" sentient?
For the first question, God is one with the universe which paradoxically is not the same as being the universe. Keep in mind that there are limits to communication in any life form. Discussing God is a bit like two minnows in a pond discussing the ecosystem of the earth through body language.
Being one with the 'verse, while not
being the 'verse, seems a tad dualistic. Amiright?
In nondualism, the universe is thought of in various ways. One is that it is a changing, temporal manifestation of a deeper unchanging, eternal reality and the analogy used for this is that the universe is like waves on the surface of a deep lake. In this case the universe is real.
Sure, I can go with that. But I still see no reason to ponder a god. I mean, what you're saying is a hypothetical to which many scientists, as well as atheists, give thought. It's entirely plausible that the 'verse is cyclical, unending, and quite possibly eternal. And the present iteration, our present reality, is a mere blip, or wave if you like, in the unending cycle.
But the kind of nondualism I'm into says that it is an utter illusion with no reality at all and the metaphor is that it is like a dream. In this case the universe is a 'dream of separation' that only seems to takes place.
Now this? This I don't get. Reality
IS. How can it not? It's not an illusion, in as much as an illusion is something that isn't real. This reality is real. You are not being decieved. It's possible we're not in agreement on the definitions here though. It's possible you're attempting to use poetic license to make your case, in which case I get it. If not, if you're using the words as defined in most english dictionaries, well then, I'd have to say you're probably wrong. And, if you disagree and tell me you're right, then you're going to have to present some evidence that this is all illusion. Because I can prove, to you, that I indeed am "real".
As for the second question, no we cannot say that God is sentient because aware/unaware is a duality and God is nondual. For that matter existence/nonexistence is a duality so we can't even say that God is. The only words that even get close to working are "not two" without the "God is" in front. But even "not two" is based in duality because two/not two is a duality. This is just a limitation of thought and language, both of which are inherently dualistic. There is no way around it.
So, in a non-dualistic worldview, things do/do not exist? At the same time? That's just silly, my friend. Again, reality IS. It's every day. Go stub your toe on your coffee table, and then tell me it's an illusion. Double dog dare ya.
Reality cares not for your feelings, nor for your beliefs.
And as far as your god being/not being sentient, well, I'm still as confused as ever. You basically attempt to say things in incoherent ways, incomplete thoughts, and try to pass them off as "mystical". Sorry Charlie, but you're just espousing bullshit, as far as I can tell. Sure, our language has limitations, but the ability to pass on information, to share thoughts and concepts, has been refined for hundereds of thousands of years. Talking in riddles is for children.