Acharya Prashant explains that the greatest misfortune of Hinduism has been the dominance of ritualism over core philosophy. Most people mistakenly equate religion with customs, traditions, superstitions, and rituals because these are easier for the common mind to grasp. He points out that priests often encouraged this ritualistic focus for their own benefit, as rituals involve donations and offerings, whereas the study of Vedanta requires self-reflection and effort. Consequently, the central spiritual essence of Indian philosophy, found in the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, never became popular among the masses. People prefer simple acts like tying threads on trees or keeping fasts for worldly desires rather than engaging in the difficult path of self-knowledge. He further elaborates that human nature is inherently inclined toward laziness and ignorance, which he terms as 'Tamas'. It is much easier to follow superstitions that promise the fulfillment of desires than to understand profound truths like 'Ayam Atma Brahma' (This Soul is Brahman). Acharya Prashant highlights the irony that while the world has benefited from Vedantic wisdom, many Hindus remain in the dark, clinging to mythological stories and rituals like Karwa Chauth instead of studying the actual scriptures. He argues that this neglect of Vedantic truth is the reason for India's historical and contemporary struggles in fields like science, arts, and sports. True excellence and strength come from truth, and without Vedanta, the identity of being a Hindu is hollow.