Acharya Prashant explains that there can be two kinds of relationships with one's masks (nakab). The first is to be established in bliss and consciously (hosh-purvak) wear the masks according to the situation. In this state, one can say, 'I have chosen my masks.' As long as one has a body, which is the first mask, wearing masks is inevitable. The key is to choose them consciously, just as one might consciously choose a job even though working is a necessity. This conscious choice comes at a price, but it establishes you as the master of your masks, able to put them on and take them off as needed. The second, more dangerous relationship occurs when one is unconscious or asleep, and the masks themselves become one's reality. In this state, the masks become the master, and the individual becomes their slave. This dangerous relationship should be avoided, as it leads to the loss of connection with one's true master, the Self. Acharya Prashant identifies three players in this dynamic: the masks (Prakriti, the world), you (Aham, the ego or Jiva), and a third entity, which is the Truth or the Self (Atma), the real master. When your perception is limited to a duality of just 'you' and 'the world,' the world will inevitably dominate, and you will be its servant. This is an unreal state, like a dream that can still cause real suffering. To become the master of your masks, the third entity—the Truth—must be present. When the Truth is your master, you become the master of the world (your masks). He uses the analogy of a child (the ego) in a marketplace (the world). If the child is alone, the servants (the world) will mistreat him. But if the child is in the lap of his father (the Truth/the master), the servants will respect him. Therefore, the decisions of life should not be made by asking the masks, but by asking the real master.
