Acharya Prashant explains that truth is independent of human perception or societal opinion. Using the analogy of the sun, he states that if one cannot perceive the light, it does not mean the sun is absent; rather, it means one's eyes are closed. Society, which is composed of individuals, often lacks the depth to see beyond surface appearances because of a conditioning process that begins in childhood. This upbringing trains individuals to focus solely on the apparent rather than the essence of reality. He identifies several ways this conditioning occurs, starting with an overemphasis on behavior. Education often focuses on outward actions, such as not lying or respecting elders, without addressing the quality of the mind from which these actions arise. Secondly, society prioritizes results and success, such as marks or certificates, regardless of the means used to obtain them. Thirdly, there is a heavy focus on physical appearance and how one presents oneself to others. Finally, he discusses the reliance on sensate values, where beauty and melody are defined by conditioned sensory responses rather than true essence. Acharya Prashant concludes that recognizing this focus on the superficial is essential to overcoming suffering and achieving freedom.
