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Is the Gita of any use? || Acharya Prashant, with IIT Kharagpur (2021)
Scriptures and Saints
619 views
2 years ago
Vedanta
Bhagavad Gita
Upanishads
Self-knowledge
Education
Existence
Delusion
Spirituality
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses a student's hesitation about starting to read Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita at a young age. He challenges the notion that it is too early or too difficult, pointing out that students often prioritize subjects that offer academic credits or career placements while neglecting the most fundamental aspect of life: understanding oneself. He observes that the current educational and professional ecosystem is often in deep delusion, failing to value spiritual wisdom because it does not directly link to material success or pleasure. He argues that while technical subjects like mathematics and chemistry have their place, they do not address the deep inner needs of a human being. Acharya Prashant explains that wisdom texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads are not merely about gaining external knowledge but are focused on addressing the very person you are—your desires, choices, and existence. He highlights the danger of living without self-knowledge, noting that most people operate based on a self-image constructed by social influence and bodily identification. He compares living as the body to writing an exam in someone else's name, suggesting that such a life results in a total wastage of potential. He encourages the student to begin her spiritual journey immediately, emphasizing that understanding one's true nature is more important than any technology.