Acharya Prashant explains a verse from the Ashtavakra Gita, focusing on the term "Nirved," which he translates as "free of knowledge." He states that when one observes the diverse and conflicting opinions among even the most learned seers, sages, and yogis, one realizes that these are all just opinions, not the ultimate Truth. This observation leads to a state of indifference towards all knowledge-based standpoints. The speaker elaborates that all we possess are projections, perceptions, and opinions that disguise themselves as Truth. Even the most learned individuals are caught in their perceptions. He argues that acquiring more knowledge only leads to more opinions. When a person realizes that knowledge, instead of providing Truth, only offers opinions, they begin to question the value of accumulating it. Seeing this, a wise person becomes free of opinions, a state called "Nirved." This process of realization involves observing that since there cannot be multiple truths, all conflicting opinions must be mere mental projections or games of the ego. This understanding leads to "Nirvedata," a state of not holding on to any knowledge, recognizing that the content of the mind is essentially rubbish. The speaker emphasizes that instead of discarding one particular opinion, the wise person discards the entire framework of knowledge itself, realizing it is not valid in the quest for Truth. The speaker uses an analogy to explain the role of scriptures and the words of sages. He compares them to an invitation card for a party. The invitation is necessary to know about the party, but one should not just worship the card; one must attend the celebration. Similarly, the words of the sages are an evocation, an invitation to experience Truth. The Ashtavakra Gita is such an invitation card. Once you enter the party, the invitation is no longer important. The goal is to celebrate, not to cling to the invitation. Finally, Acharya Prashant explains that the Self has no definable "real nature." Its nature is freedom—freedom from any quality or boundary one might assign to it. To say "freedom is my nature" is a wise way of stating that one's real nature is free from whatever one might call its nature. The real nature of the Self is an empty, spotless sky, free from all the dirt and dust of opinions and knowledge.
