Acharya Prashant addresses the feeling of loneliness on the spiritual path. He begins by stating that if the spiritual journey is a lonely conquest, then one must conquer loneliness itself. He clarifies that it is not so much a lonely conquest as it is that loneliness itself is to be conquered. If the feeling of loneliness persists, it will drive a person towards the company of undeserving people, which is the exact opposite of the purpose of spirituality. The speaker explains that the mind is corrupted in the first place by the companionship of others, the world. Therefore, the problem itself is the 'other' and the 'otherness' that one carries within. To depend on others to solve this problem is to continue the problem. Consequently, one must be cautious about companionship on the spiritual journey. While one might initially require a mate or two for support and affirmation, as one progresses, the very presence of a support group can become a hindrance. The need for company diminishes. However, this does not mean one becomes a loner. Instead, the compulsive, need-based desire for companionship ceases. When this selfish motive is no more, one becomes more open to companionship, able to connect freely and selflessly with a vast number of people in a very healthy way. The relationship is no longer need-based. Acharya Prashant gives the example of a Rishi or a Buddha, who are outrightly community people, establishing entire organizations (Sangha). The spiritual person's family becomes the whole world, an idea encapsulated in the phrase 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family). This is only valid for the spiritual person, whose family is very large, unlike the common worldly man who has a very small and limited family. He concludes that the life of a common householder is about living in just two or three colors, whereas the spiritual person experiences an unbelievable diversity of colors, many of which are like divine gifts reserved for those who deserve them.
