Acharya Prashant explains that the self which changes across the states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep is not the Soul but the ego. The ego is the center of consciousness, and because this center is false, consciousness remains restless and thirsty. The Soul is the very basis and the ultimate goal of this consciousness. He clarifies that the ego has no independent reality; it is hollow and derives its identity from whatever object it is associated with. For instance, during the waking state, one identifies as a consumer while eating or a seeker while listening to a teacher. This identity shifts constantly, even from moment to moment, based on the subject of focus.