Acharya Prashant explains that the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and Kabir Saheb do not advocate for abandoning the family, but rather for expanding one's definition of family. He clarifies that the external family a person maintains is a direct reflection of their internal state. If one's internal state is characterized by narrowness and triviality, their external family remains small and limited to biological relations. Conversely, if one's internal world is vast and rooted in truth, their family encompasses the entire world. He emphasizes that biological ties are often rooted in physical identification and lust, whereas a saint's family is built on spiritual values. Referring to the verses of Kabir Saheb, Acharya Prashant describes how a seeker should internalize virtues as family members: Truth as the father, Righteousness as the brother, Modesty as the mother, and Forgiveness as the wife. When these virtues become one's internal family, the external world is viewed through the same lens. A person who walks the path of Truth or Righteousness becomes a relative, regardless of biological connection. This shift moves an individual from the limited concept of a 'small, happy family' to the expansive Vedantic vision of the 'world as one family'. He further explains that the objects and people we surround ourselves with are manifestations of our inner desires. For instance, a preoccupation with the physical body leads to an attachment to biological offspring, while an inner tendency toward ostentation leads to a house filled with decorative items. Acharya Prashant urges the listener to base their relationships on spiritual principles like Truth, Forgiveness, and Peace rather than mere bloodlines. He concludes that the goal is not to leave the family but to grow it into a vast, joyful family based on Righteousness.
