Acharya Prashant explains that the Shiva Sutras, originating from the 9th-century sage Vasugupta, are foundational aphorisms of non-duality. He focuses on the first sutra, which states that consciousness is the self. He clarifies that when a sage uses words like 'consciousness', they are not using dictionary definitions but are imparting transcendental meaning. In common parlance, consciousness is often ego-centered, filled with thoughts, fears, and attachments. However, the sage refers to a pure consciousness that is free from the interference of the 'I'. This pure consciousness is synonymous with awareness and living strictly in the realm of facts rather than imagination or projection.