Acharya Prashant explains the meanings of the words 'Kutastha' and 'Antaryami'. He begins by stating that the word 'Kutastha' is as beautiful and glorious as it is mysterious. The root word 'Kuta' itself has several interconnected meanings. One meaning is foundational or the basis, that upon which everything is established. In this sense, the soul (Atma) is 'Kutastha' because the entire illusory world is based on it. Another meaning of 'Kuta' is the highest or the peak, like a mountain summit. Thus, Truth is 'Kutastha' as it is the supreme goal of the world. A third meaning refers to an object that is not what it appears to be, something that seems pleasant externally but is flawed internally; in this context, 'Kuta' also signifies Maya (illusion). The unblemished soul, the 'Kutastha Atma', lies behind this flawed appearance. Summarizing these three aspects, 'Kutastha' refers to that which is at the very bottom (foundation), at the very top (peak), and behind (the illusion). The most prevalent meaning of 'Kutastha' is 'foundation,' signifying that the soul is immovable, unchangeable, and primary. It is the remainder, the 'avashesh,' that is left even after everything else has passed away. The speaker then explains 'Antaryami' using the analogy of a thread in a string of beads. The 'Antaryami' is like the thread, which is inside, invisible, holds everything together, and knows the beads from within. 'Yam' means the world, so 'Antaryami' is one who resides in the inner world and knows its central reality. While we see the surface of the beads, the thread knows their inner core. Therefore, the 'Antaryami' is the one who, residing within, knows all inner truths. Finally, Acharya Prashant clarifies that 'Kutastha' and 'Antaryami' are two names for the same entityтАФthe soul or Truth. The choice of word depends on the aspect being emphasized. When highlighting the centrality of the soul-element, the term 'Antaryami' is used. When emphasizing its nature as the ultimate remainder, the term 'Kutastha' is used.
