Acharya Prashant explains that asking about Mahadev's connection to civilization is like asking about the link between a tree's leaf and its root. Civilization is a human creation, and the word 'Shiva' was created to point towards the very root or center of man. Shiva is not a person or a historical figure with a distinct personality. The desire for a solution to life's problems is the mind's love for 'Shivatva' (the state of being Shiva), and finding that solution is the mind's merging into Shivatva. Shiva is the ultimate destination for all human activity. The speaker cautions against treating Shiva as a historical character or associating him with stories. That which is beyond time and space cannot be placed at a specific point in time or location. All time, space, names, stories, and attributes are expansions of the mind. Shiva, being at the center of the mind, is nameless, formless, and without attributes. The name 'Shiva' was given as the shortest, most auspicious term to refer to this reality. The purpose of Shiva is not to add more stories but to find freedom from them. Shiva is the goal, not another story. He clarifies that stories about Shiva, such as those in the Shiv Purana, are meant for new seekers whose minds cannot easily grasp the formless and attributeless (Nirguna, Nirakar). The ego is accustomed to entities with form and attributes (Saguna, Sakar). Therefore, the presentation of Shiva in a form with attributes is a preliminary aid. However, one must understand the distinction: Shiva is not a god (devta), Bhagwan, or Ishwar. These terms relate to the mind's expansion. Shiva alone is the ultimate truth (Brahma Satya). Addressing another questioner, Acharya Prashant explains that spirituality is not another form of intoxication or a path to gain something. It is about saving one's life. One is not drawn towards a teacher or a path for any special gain, but to run away from one's own afflictions and misery. Just as a man runs from a bull not to win a prize but to save his life, one runs in spirituality for liberation (mukti), not for gain (prapti). The real celebration of Mahashivratri is to pay attention to one's own condition. Shiva is awareness (bodh). In the light of this awareness, one should see oneself, one's condition, and one's life.