Acharya Prashant addresses a question about the mysticism and special significance attributed to snakes. He begins by stating that a snake is simply a creature and should be allowed to live its life without being disturbed by the stories humans create about it. He refutes the myth of the 'Naagmani' or snake gem, explaining that a snake's head contains a brain, not a stone, and the stories about its magical healing powers are baseless. He clarifies that a snake is a reptile, just like a lizard or a chameleon, and there is nothing special about it. The speaker explains that the myths surrounding snakes originate from humanity's deep-seated, primal fear of them. Snakebites have historically been a significant cause of death, and this terror led people to create elaborate myths. Humans tend to think extensively about what they fear or are attached to, and this constant contemplation about the feared snake gave rise to various stories. In ancient religious traditions, the snake is used symbolically. For instance, in the depiction of Shri Shiv, the snake represents the form of nature that humans fear the most. Shri Shiv, as the master of nature (Prakriti), is shown to be fearless and in control of the snake, symbolizing that one who has the right relationship with nature transcends the fear of it. This ultimately means transcending the fear of death, as the fear of the snake is a manifestation of the fear of death. The one who is free from the fear of death becomes immortal, as the constant fear of death is the real death. Acharya Prashant also debunks several common practices and beliefs. He explains that snakes do not drink milk as they are reptiles, not mammals, and cannot digest it; forcing them to drink milk can be fatal. The reason they might drink it when offered by snake charmers is that they are kept dehydrated for days and will consume any liquid out of thirst. Similarly, snakes do not dance to the snake charmer's flute (been) because they do not have external ears to hear it. They are actually reacting to the ground vibrations from the charmer's tapping foot and following the movement of the flute, which they perceive as a threat. He concludes that the special status of snakes in mythology is a result of human fear and superstition, and these beliefs have led to cruelty towards the animal.
