Acharya Prashant responds to a question about how a person who has just begun their spiritual practice (Sadhana) should manage their relationships with others, such as parents and friends, who are not on the same path. He begins by defining Sadhana in very practical, down-to-earth terms. Sadhana, he explains, simply means working on oneself. He points out that every person, regardless of being religious or spiritual, acknowledges that they are not perfect and have flaws. Most people also intend to become better than they currently are. Sadhana is the collective term for the resolve, discipline, and process of becoming better. This desire for self-improvement is a universal human experience, not some esoteric or mysterious concept found only in scriptures. Therefore, every person is a seeker (Sadhak) because everyone wishes to be better. We all have this intention, even if we express it in different ways. The speaker clarifies that this is not a secret or profound truth but a common experience for every ordinary person. We all get frustrated with ourselves and resolve to be better. This is Sadhana. Addressing the question about relationships, Acharya Prashant states that one does not need to think about how to form new relationships, as they already exist. Just as Sadhana is about refining the existing self, it is also about refining existing relationships. The process of self-improvement and the process of improving relationships are not separate; they are intrinsically linked and happen simultaneously. Just as one cleanses and improves oneself, the old relationships must also be cleansed and improved. You cannot become a better person without your relationships also becoming better. Therefore, one should not get caught up in the dilemma of how to create new relationships. The focus should be on improving oneself, which will naturally and necessarily lead to the improvement of one's existing relationships.
