[armitron]

If there exists an absolute reality it only make sense to be non-objective [nirguna brahman in advaita] nothingness, in contrast to objective nothingness which conceptually is nihilism.

Mathematics can be used to study the universe at the objective level but do not make the mistake of treating numbers as ineffable, existing in some platonic realm outside of space/time/causation or talk about the "real" reality and mathematics together. Through mathematics we learn more about the limits of our own model building/cognition than any secrets of the universe.

[posterboy]

> [don't] talk about the "real" reality and mathematics together

That stopped me just at the right moment, but then you went and still did it:

> Through mathematics we learn more about the limits of our own model building/cognition than any secrets of the universe.

This is illogic, assuming we are part of the universe. Ignoring that last part, as you wanted, I get the reference. It comes down to saying, through learning about models we learn more about models. I agree if the stress is on learning, because to learn is part of the root of the word mathematics.

The real kicker nowadays is learning about learning, the mind, neurology, etc. directly.