Acharya Prashant clarifies that he is not against the institution of marriage but rather the state of mind and lack of understanding with which people, especially the youth, enter into it. He posits that if the current society is to be maintained, then its rules, including traditional marriage, must be followed. However, to create a better society, better individuals are needed, which will naturally lead to better relationships and decisions. He refutes the idea that he advocates for the current society to exist without marriage, which would cause chaos. Instead, he explains that with proper understanding, the current form of society itself would not persist, giving way to a much better one. Drawing a parallel with the teachings of the Gita, he emphasizes focusing on the 'doer' (the individual's consciousness) rather than the 'deed' (the act of marriage). His primary concern is the immaturity of young people, often around 22, who make this lifelong commitment. He questions what they truly know about themselves or life to make such a monumental decision. He attributes these decisions to chemical excitement, societal and familial pressure, and fantasies of being a 'princess for a night', which he contrasts with the reality of being a 'maid for life'. This is particularly problematic given the high 'exit barrier' of marriage in India, making it a form of imprisonment. Acharya Prashant critiques the societal repression in India, exacerbated by a segregated education system that prevents healthy interaction between boys and girls. This repression creates an inner turmoil that people rush to resolve through the extreme step of marriage. He suggests that a healthier alternative would be dating, questioning what is wrong with a boy and a girl talking with a healthy mind. He satirizes the conservative backlash that fears Western-style promiscuity and teenage pregnancy, remarking that those who criticize the West are often those who can't get a visa to go there. Ultimately, his issue is not with marriage itself but with the foolishness of the person entering it. He argues that a person's decisions are a reflection of their level of consciousness. If an individual is wise and mature, their decisions, including whether or not to marry, will also be wise. He states that he has no problem with marriage if it is a decision made from a high level of consciousness and understanding.
