Acharya Prashant clarifies that spirituality is not centered on external objects, but on the self. He addresses the misconception that one must either renounce, enjoy, or merely be aware of things. He explains that awareness is not directed toward specific objects like a fan or a wall; rather, true awakening is self-knowledge. Without knowing who the 'I' is, the concepts of renunciation and enjoyment are meaningless. He uses the analogy of a person in a restaurant who has forgotten their identity; such a person cannot know what to order or what to avoid, leaving others to decide for them. He further explains that in our state of self-ignorance, society acts as the chef, manager, and waiter, deciding what we should consume and experience. We end up living lives shaped by others' choices—family, politicians, and religious leaders—while we blindly pay the bill for experiences that do not truly nourish us. This lack of self-awareness leads to a life driven by unconsciousness rather than divine will. He emphasizes that Vedanta differs from ordinary spiritual teachings by constantly pulling the focus back to the 'I'. Until one understands their own nature, any discussion about the world or its objects is secondary and ultimately futile.
