Acharya Prashant explains that freedom from the past is essentially freedom from memories. He points out that when a person is lost in a memory or a dream, they do not realize it is a memory or a dream at that moment; the observer and the thought become one. He emphasizes that awareness is the only medium to break this cycle. In classical Vedanta, a very high state of consciousness is described where one remains a witness even during sleep or dreaming. Acharya Prashant suggests that if one can maintain awareness while dreaming, then that state is free from bondage. However, for most people, even being a witness while awake is difficult. He further discusses the importance of mental ownership and discretion. He advises that information from the outside world should be treated merely as information and not as a source of identity. If someone insults you and you feel hurt, it means you have accepted their words as your identity, effectively making them your master. Using the example of Buddha, he illustrates how one can remain unaffected by external stimuli by maintaining ownership of one's own mind. He stresses that until one reaches a high state of witnessing, it is necessary to exercise caution and avoid situations that negatively influence the mind. Acharya Prashant concludes by stating that one must act according to the current state of their mind. Just as a sick person takes precautions to recover, an individual must protect their mind from inappropriate influences until it becomes strong and stable. He clarifies that this is not about lifelong restrictions or dogmatic rules, but about necessary precautions during the process of mental strengthening. The core message is to be aware of the mind's current condition and to act with intelligence and discretion rather than being a slave to external stimuli.
