Acharya Prashant explains that the suffix 'ji' is a social custom in India with a profound spiritual foundation, derived from the Sanskrit word 'Shri'. While a person's name refers to their physical body and their surname refers to their mind and history, adding 'ji' serves as a reminder that the individual is much more than just the body and the mind. 'Shri' signifies abundance, auspiciousness, and the true self or Atman. By addressing someone with this suffix, one acknowledges the real essence of the person beyond material identification. He contrasts the Vedantic approach with that of the Buddha regarding identity. While the Buddha might suggest that the true self has no name and is beyond all forms, Vedanta acknowledges the body and mind as facts but encourages identification with something higher, the 'Shri'. This practice is intended to prevent self-disrespect by ensuring one does not view themselves as merely material. Although 'ji' is often used today as a hollow mark of respect or a simple affirmative statement in conversation, its original purpose was to point toward the eternal truth that remains even after the physical form ceases to exist.
