Acharya Prashant addresses the apparent contradiction between living a purposeless life and the practical need to set goals, such as clearing exams. He explains that purposelessness is the ultimate end or state of liberation, but for most people, it cannot be reached instantaneously. Therefore, purposefulness serves as the necessary means to reach the end of purposelessness. Just as right words lead to silence and right desires lead to desirelessness, setting right goals is the path to eventually reaching a state of aimlessness. He distinguishes between right and wrong goals by comparing them to a bridge and a jail; a right goal allows one to transcend it and cross over, while a wrong goal traps and confines the individual. Reflecting on his own academic and professional journey, Acharya Prashant shares that while he cleared prestigious examinations and attended top institutions, he viewed them as bridges rather than destinations. He emphasizes that one must not allow institutions or achieved targets to hold them captive or dictate a narrow life path. He cites a Zen saying to illustrate that the real climb begins after reaching the summit. He encourages the student to use achievements as stepping stones for further evolution, remaining grateful for what institutions offer while continuing to move toward a higher, ultimate truth that lies beyond institutional certification.
