Acharya Prashant explains that India is a special place that has understood that humans are not born merely to indulge, eat, drink, procreate, and die like animals. India has worked hard to create a system to remind people at every step that they are not meant to be consumed by the world and that there is an important task to accomplish before death. For this purpose, symbols have been placed everywhere. These symbols are likened to sticky notes used to remember things we tend to forget. It is human nature to forget the real, invisible truth, such as liberation, and focus only on what is visible. Since the real thing is hidden from the eyes, many reminders are needed. India has established thousands of such symbolic reminders so that no one forgets the purpose of their birth. For instance, a fruit or seed from a mountain was named 'Rudraksha,' meaning 'Rudra's eye.' India has been very careful and artistic in naming things. The Rudraksha was associated with the name of Rudra (Shiva) so that seeing it would remind one of him. It is a durable object that does not break or spoil easily, and wearing it serves as a reminder not to get entangled in the world. This is its significance. However, this does not mean one should get attached to the symbol itself. The Rudraksha has no special power on its own; it is a natural object like any other. Its purpose is fulfilled only if it reminds the wearer of 'Shivatva' (the quality of Shiva). 'Shivatva' is the real thing. If one is distant from 'Shivatva' while holding onto a Rudraksha, one is merely deceiving oneself. Real change must be brought into one's life. The Rudraksha can, at most, remind you that this change is necessary and still pending. The purpose of all religion and spirituality is your peace, happiness, and ultimately, your liberation. Spirituality exists because man is troubled, in suffering, and wailing. Therefore, one should use everything available as a tool to go beyond.
