On YouTube
The One Most Important thing about life || Acharya Prashant, with Ms. Gauri Maulekhi (2023)
17.1K views
2 years ago
Consciousness
Veganism
Compassion
Interconnectedness
Suffering
Speciesism
Antinatalism
Social Media
Description

Acharya Prashant begins by stating that he is a fellow struggler, just like everyone else, and far from successful. He addresses the topic of veganism by first establishing the fundamental nature of existence. He explains that all beings are creatures of consciousness. If a human is not conscious, they are not truly human. This is not a rhetorical or metaphorical statement but a biological and social fact. A person whose consciousness is impaired is sent to an asylum, even if their other bodily functions are fine. This means that to be a normal human is to be a conscious human. The same principle applies to sick people; if there is little probability of them regaining mental function, euthanasia is considered. This shows that life is consciousness, and a life without consciousness is not worth living. This existential fact applies to all living forms. Humans are not just pieces of meat or loaves of flesh; they are beings with a purpose, which is to reach peace, liberation, or fulfillment. This desire for satisfaction is a core aspect of consciousness. Acharya Prashant argues that this is an obvious fact that applies to all living beings, not just humans. While the specific desires and thoughts of humans and animals differ, the fundamental craving to live, to avoid pain, and to continue existing is shared. He quotes a saint-poet, saying, "This body and that body are one, one life force in two forms. Know from your own being, the state of my being." This highlights the shared consciousness among all beings. Acharya Prashant explains that the desire for one's own happiness at the cost of others' lives is a flawed premise. True happiness, or joy, cannot be personal or individualized; it is an impersonal state shared with all beings. Seeking personal happiness by causing suffering to others is a zero-sum game where one ultimately loses. If you cause another being to lose its life, you have also lost your own in the bargain. Conversely, enhancing another's life enhances your own. The very localization of consciousness, the idea of "my own," is the source of suffering. Therefore, if one truly wants to eliminate suffering, it must be for all, not just for oneself. He concludes that the mission is to reach as many people as possible with this message of interconnectedness and compassion. Social media is a crucial tool for this, as it is where people are. The goal is to influence people's choices, as their choices impact all life.