Acharya Prashant explains the profound meaning behind Kahlil Gibran's statement, "Only when you have reached the mountaintop, you can begin to climb." He asserts that humans typically live in a state of deep unconsciousness, identifying primarily with material existence. Because of this, spiritual examples are often misinterpreted through the lens of time, space, and causation. He clarifies that reaching the mountaintop is not a future event but a discovery of one's essential nature, which is timeless and beyond the material world. One does not reach the mountaintop through methods or time; rather, one realizes that they were always there and can never be dislodged. Once this realization or 'discovery' of the heart occurs, the mind and body are free to engage in their necessary activities. Acharya Prashant describes this right action of the mind and body as the 'climbing' mentioned by Gibran. He emphasizes that when the center is right, every action becomes auspicious, regardless of worldly labels of right or wrong. The self remains at the peak of freedom, while the body and mind continue to operate within their inherent physical and temporal limitations. He cautions that any movement made without realizing one's essential nature is ultimately useless and leads to suffering. He further explains that true spiritual guidance only reminds an individual of what they already know. The heart already possesses the truth, while the mind is often a 'laggard' that takes time to catch up or agree. He advises against using the mind to find the heart, as the mind only recognizes change and motion, whereas the heart is the seat of silence and stillness. Instead of being occupied with trivial worldly matters and 'garbage,' one should focus on the essential truth. He concludes by stating that being 'busy' is always a preoccupation with the false, as the truth is unreasonable and does not occupy the mind with reasons or distractions.
