Acharya Prashant explains that 'Abhiman' (ego or self-conception) is the act of assuming oneself to be something. He clarifies that any identity one holds about oneself—whether it is a feeling of superiority, inferiority, beauty, or ugliness—is Abhiman. This self-conception is fundamentally flawed because it is derived from external influences and societal conditioning rather than one's true nature. Since these identities are given by time and circumstances, they are subject to change; names, religions, financial status, and even physical attributes can shift. Therefore, attaching oneself to these transient identities is a form of ignorance. He further distinguishes between 'Ghamand' (pride) and 'Abhiman', stating that pride is merely a small subset of the ego. While pride manifests as a sense of superiority, even those who display extreme humility or claim to be 'nothing' are often operating from a place of Abhiman. True wisdom lies in recognizing that while one must play various roles in the world—such as being a student, a professional, or a citizen—these are superficial acts. One should not take external praise or criticism seriously, as both are fleeting. The speaker emphasizes that one's true reality is beyond time and change, and maintaining this inner 'sovereignty' while participating in the worldly play of dualities is the mark of a wise person.