Acharya Prashant addresses a questioner's confusion about the story of Raja Janak and Shukdev, particularly regarding how to perform actions with enthusiasm but without attachment to the results. He begins by clarifying the context of the story, emphasizing that Shukdev was the son and disciple of the great sage Vyasdev, from whom he had received twenty years of intense and dedicated education. This long period of spiritual practice (Sadhana) was the price Shukdev paid to reach his state of equanimity. Acharya Prashant cautions against comparing oneself to such an exalted figure like Shukdev without having undergone a similar journey. He explains that such a comparison can lead to jealousy and, subsequently, the dismissal of the story as a myth. This is a defense mechanism of the ego: if one cannot attain a certain state, one declares that state to be false. He advises the seeker of Truth to maintain proximity to spiritual ideals but to always remain aware of the vast distance between their own state and that of a sage. At the physical level, all humans appear similar, which can create the illusion of being alike. However, when one fails to replicate the sage's inner state, this illusion can turn into envy and lead to the rejection of scriptures and stories as fabrications. He then discusses the questioner's query about different spiritual methods and talks. Acharya Prashant explains that there are three types of methods (Upaya) corresponding to the three Gunas: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. The highest method is Sattvic, which is knowledge (Gyan) itself. Listening to talks (Shravan) and reading scriptures are part of this path. He points out that the questioner is already engaging in this by listening to him. Rajasic methods, he continues, are for those on whom the Sattvic approach doesn't work. These methods use the mind's own agitation to bring some calm, such as the practice of 'thinking good thoughts,' but they do not lead to liberation from thought itself. Tamasic methods are the crudest, meant for those deeply mired in ignorance and inertia. These can include cathartic techniques or even the use of intoxicants in the name of spirituality. Acharya Prashant advises that it is a good sign if these lower-level methods do not work for someone, as it indicates they are ready for a higher path. He encourages the questioner to first try the highest, Sattvic methods, such as studying the Upanishads and the words of saints like Kabir Saheb.
