Acharya Prashant recounts a story where a man's persistent calling of the name of God is mocked by the devil for lack of a response. He explains through the figure of Mystic Khizr that the very cry, agony, and fervor of the seeker are themselves the response from the Divine. The seeker's longing and the effort to reach God are actually the Divine drawing the seeker closer. Every call made by the seeker contains within it the silent answer of the Divine, suggesting that the desire for the truth is proof of the truth's presence. Using the metaphor of watering a tree, Acharya Prashant describes how the words of a mystic or teacher act as water for the mind. While one can observe the fruit growing and its skin changing color, these external changes are merely signs and do not represent the internal sweetness of the pulp. Similarly, changes in the state of mind or mental experiences are significant as indicators that something is happening, but they are not the ultimate truth. Truth and understanding occur secretly and cannot be perceived through the senses or consciousness. He emphasizes that understanding must happen in the dark, away from the interference of the conscious mind, much like a baby developing in a womb or roots growing underground. Attempting to consciously monitor or measure understanding can be harmful. Furthermore, he suggests that absolute realities like God, love, and freedom are ever-present, similar to gravity or the ocean for a fish. Because they are absolute, they should not be the object of constant thought; instead, one should focus on the changing aspects of life while trusting in the absolute. Finally, Acharya Prashant addresses the role of the devil or negative influences. He asserts that the effect of any external influence, whether from a devil or a saint, depends entirely on the nature of the individual. For a devoted person, even the devil's attempts to distract can serve as a reminder of their love for the truth. Conversely, for one who is not devoted, even the best advice may be misused. The impact of any word or situation is determined by the internal state of the person receiving it.
