Acharya Prashant explains that human birth is uniquely valuable and rare because it offers the possibility of living at a very high level of consciousness. Unlike animals, whose lives are predetermined by their species—such as a mosquito that must drink blood or a dog that lives and dies on a fixed plane—a human being has the freedom to choose their path. This freedom makes human life precious, yet it also carries the risk of falling into lower, degraded states of existence. He emphasizes that the value of human life lies in the potential to reach heights unavailable to other creatures, which is why it is often compared to a priceless diamond. To progress toward these higher possibilities, Acharya Prashant advises focusing on practical, incremental steps rather than imagining the ultimate state of liberation or truth. He suggests that instead of asking about the nature of silence or the experience of a Buddha, one should ask how to move one step higher from their current level. Just as one uses sunlight to see the path ahead rather than trying to step onto the sun itself, one should use spiritual guidance to move forward gradually. He notes that in the early stages of practice, it is impossible to remember the formless; therefore, one must start with tangible forms and symbols that remind the restless mind of the truth. Finally, he highlights the importance of environment and association in spiritual growth. Since the mind is easily influenced by external factors—such as provocative images or negative phone calls—one should consciously choose symbols and company that promote peace and purity. He suggests that the same senses and tools that lead to distraction can be used for liberation. If listening to the wrong things caused harm, then listening to the right things can lead to restoration. By choosing the right books, the right company, and the right visual symbols, an individual can direct the influence of their surroundings toward a higher path.
