Acharya Prashant explains that authenticity is characterized by being complete and secure within oneself, where one does not require further improvement or refinement to have value. An authentic mind does not relate to othersâwhether people or objectsâto gain a sense of completion. In contrast, inauthenticity is marked by a feeling of incompleteness and a tendency to exploit others to gain self-esteem or worth. This state of inauthenticity is synonymous with dependence, which inevitably leads to fear and prevents healthy, loving relationships. When one is truly complete, the nature of their relationships changes from seeking something from others to being able to care for them. Acharya Prashant further notes that what is often called love or responsibility is frequently just mutual dependence and exploitation. He emphasizes that a true responsibility toward someone who is dependent is to help reduce that dependency, rather than maintaining it to sustain one's own sense of purpose. Ultimately, relying on others for a sense of meaning leads to a life governed by fear.
