Acharya Prashant recounts that having been born into a Brahmin family, he witnessed many worship rituals, recitations, and mantra chanting from childhood. He could never understand the benefit of listening to mantras whose meaning was unknown to the listener, and perhaps even to the chanter. As a curious child, he would ask the priests for the meaning; some would explain, some would evade, and some would get irritated. He emphasizes that what is the benefit of listening to those mantras whose meaning is certainly not known to the listener? He states that the mantras of the Upanishads, the words of the sages, and the verses of the scriptures are very beautiful and precious, capable of elevating one's consciousness to great heights, but only if their meaning is known. If one does not know the meaning and is just repeating or memorizing them, one should forget about receiving any benefit. He argues that if only the sound mattered, language would be unnecessary; all mantras and verses are in a language, containing words with meanings, precisely so that one can gain knowledge of that meaning. He advises against simply repeating verses, urging instead to find out their meaning, and dismisses as superstition the belief that mere vibrations from mantras can be beneficial without understanding. Acharya Prashant suggests that if someone recites a Sanskrit verse, one should immediately ask for its meaning, otherwise, it is just rote memorization like a parrot's. He explains that the complete spiritual practice involves listening (Shravana), contemplation (Manana), and meditation (Nididhyasana). He defines 'Dharma' not as blind imitation of old traditions, but as knowing, understanding, and comprehension, which removes inner ignorance and gives rise to consciousness. He says that even as a five-year-old child, he could not accept how people could listen to verses for hours without knowing their meaning. He reflects that perhaps this is why his life's work has become explaining the meaning of these verses to everyone. The truth contained in these verses is timeless and thus highly relevant and necessary in the modern age. For the modern mind to understand this truth, it must be translated and understood in today's language and context. He laments that the Upanishads have been treated like museum artifacts, to be viewed from a distance on special occasions, rather than being integrated into daily life. The verses of the Upanishads are for daily use, not just for ceremonial purposes.