Acharya Prashant explains that mental illness is the default state of human existence, originating from a fundamental lack of self-knowledge at birth. He describes the human condition as being born with ignorance and defects, which are further compounded by the sensory influences absorbed from the world. Since the senses act as intermediaries, true knowledge is impossible as long as there is a mediator between the observer and the observed. Most people spend their lives building upon their innate flaws, creating a structure of mental illness that society often fails to recognize unless it matches specific clinical descriptions. He asserts that the entire world is essentially a collection of mental patients, most of whom are unaware of their condition. Satsang is presented as the only medicine for this universal mental illness. Acharya Prashant defines Satsang as a unique, unexpected, and almost accidental event that disrupts the ego's established patterns. It is an occurrence from another dimension that enters through the same sensory doors—eyes and ears—that usually admit worldly distractions and 'thieves.' While humans naturally resist anything that disturbs their habitual ways, Satsang is that rare moment where silence is heard amidst noise and peace is found amidst fear. He emphasizes that while we cannot plan Satsang, we can at least refrain from actively opposing it when it manifests. Ultimately, the same senses that brought 'poison' into the mind must be used to invite 'nectar' and truth to achieve liberation.
