Acharya Prashant addresses a question about the purpose of the universe and human existence. He explains that when we ask about the purpose of the universe or existence, we must first clarify for whom this purpose is. The universe itself does not ask about its purpose; the question arises only for the conscious being, the human. Therefore, the purpose of the universe is for you, the questioner. This purpose is to aid in your liberation. If you recognize this, the universe becomes your friend and helper. If you do not, the same universe becomes an illusion (Maya) that leads you astray. Regarding human uniqueness and eligibility, the speaker states that it is not an inherent quality but a potential. This potential is twofold: a human can rise to divinity like Krishna or Buddha, or fall to a level lower than animals, becoming a demon. He illustrates this with the story of Bhasmasur, a demon who received a boon from Lord Shiva but then tried to use it to destroy Shiva himself. This story symbolizes how humans, without wisdom, misuse the power they gain. The speaker argues that this is the story of humanity. We have received special powers but, lacking self-knowledge, we use them for self-destruction and the destruction of the planet, as evidenced by climate change and mass species extinction. Animals, he explains, are bound by their nature. They cannot rise to divinity, but they also cannot fall to the level of a demon. They exist in a safe, middle ground. The human condition, however, is a great risk. The probability of realizing the higher potential is very low, perhaps one in a thousand, while the probability of falling is extremely high. Being born human is a dangerous proposition. The path to realizing the higher potential and avoiding destruction is through contemplation, philosophy, and spirituality. Without these, the average person, despite their intelligence, will misuse their potential, leading to a state worse than that of animals. The speaker points to the current environmental crisis as a clear sign of this destructive tendency, a result of humanity's collective actions.
