Acharya Prashant explains the concept of being an 'apparent cause' or 'nimitta-matra' as described by Shri Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. He clarifies that being an apparent cause means that one's center of operation is no longer the personal ego, but rather an impersonal power. Usually, the body-mind complex is commanded by the ego, which is an improper master because it is identified with and dependent on the body. Because the ego is the body, it cannot effectively push the body toward great endeavors or missions that do not serve bodily interests. When the ego runs the system, it makes excuses and resists any effort that causes physical or mental discomfort, as it feels its own existence is threatened.