Acharya Prashant explains that spiritual teachings are always contextual and tailored to the specific needs of the listener. He illustrates this using a story where a Zen Master gives two seemingly contradictory statements: 'Buddha is your own mind' and 'Buddha is not your own mind.' The first statement is meant for those who are overly dependent on external scriptures, encouraging them to find their own light. The second statement is for those who are arrogant and believe they already know everything, reminding them that their ego-driven mind is not the Buddha. He emphasizes that words are tools used by a teacher to address the listener's current state, and one should not get stuck on the literal words themselves. He further discusses the famous phrase 'Be your own light' (Appo Deepo Bhava) attributed to Shri Buddha. Acharya Prashant notes that while this was appropriate for a dedicated disciple like Shri Anand, who had spent twenty-five years absorbing the teachings, it can be dangerous when told to an arrogant person. For the egoistic individual, being their 'own light' becomes a justification for their own ignorance and bondage. He warns that the most dangerous teachings are those that give a bound person the illusion of being free, as it prevents them from seeking the necessary guidance of a teacher. Acharya Prashant also highlights the importance of the personal, one-on-one nature of spiritual transmission. He argues that mass teaching through technology or books often leads to corruption and misinterpretation because the specific context and the presence of the teacher are lost. In the ancient oral tradition, the teacher chose the listener, ensuring the teaching was appropriate for them. He concludes by advising that when one encounters a perceived contradiction or error in the words of great masters like Osho or J. Krishnamurti, one should reflect on the context and the specific individual being addressed rather than rushing to judgment.
