Acharya Prashant addresses the misconception that one's work should come from their interests. He clarifies that a 'calling' is not the same as an 'interest.' He explains that he is not asking people to follow their interests, which he describes as flimsy, superficial, and a product of external conditioning. He provides examples, stating that an interest in cricket versus football, or in certain foods like upma versus poha, is often determined by one's geographical location. Similarly, attraction to the opposite gender is a biological conditioning. He asserts that there is no real value in these interests because they lack genuine awareness and understanding. In contrast, a 'vocation' or 'calling' is far deeper than an interest and does not arise from external influence. Acharya Prashant offers a test to distinguish between the two: if an inclination is widely approved by everyone, it is likely just an interest. However, if one is drawn to something unpredictable, unusual, and faces resistance for pursuing it, there is a high probability that it is a true calling. He describes this calling as an 'intoxicated, drunk call of the lover,' where one is consumed by the 'extremely lovable truth,' and everything else fades away. When you move towards your calling, you will inevitably meet opposition, even from those closest to you, because the world is a 'loveless land' full of conditioned people. While conventional actions receive support, listening to the 'mystical call' will be met with resistance. He advises that being young is about having the guts to stand for the truth—patiently and without violence, but also without succumbing to pressure. Even a calling can manifest in different forms over time, which he likens to the different colors of a rainbow, all originating from the same source. He encourages embracing these new forms as experiencing a new color of life, without feeling disloyal or guilty. Finally, he briefly touches upon the futility of being serious about academic results, as they are relative and often depend on external factors. He advises students to fall in love with their books and the act of learning itself, rather than the report card. True, deep presence is about being in the moment without forming opinions, which are products of the past and the 'frozen mind.'
