Acharya Prashant explains that chanting mantras without understanding their meaning is futile. The core problem of a human being is not external but internal, residing in the ego (aham). This problem is ignorance (agyan) or, more accurately, false knowledge (mithya gyan) about oneself. Simply repeating sounds cannot cure this ignorance; in fact, it might add another layer of misunderstanding. The only remedy for the lack of understanding is understanding itself. He dismisses the analogy of taking medicine without knowing its composition, stating that the body is inert and can be treated by inert substances, but the mind (chitta) or consciousness requires the highest consciousness for its healing, not more inertness. The speaker emphasizes that all spiritual practice aims to remove this fundamental ignorance. He uses the Mahamrityunjaya mantra as an example to illustrate this point. The mantra is a prayer to Shiva, who is addressed as 'Tryambakam' (the three-eyed one). The two eyes represent the duality of the world, while the third eye symbolizes the non-dual knowledge of the Self. The term 'Sugandhim' (fragrant) refers to the subtle, all-pervading nature of the Self, which, like a fragrance, is experienced without being seen. 'Pushtivardhanam' (one who enhances nourishment) signifies that Shiva provides strength by destroying our false beliefs and old patterns, much like an elephant needs to break the mental conditioning that it cannot break a weak rope it was tied with as a baby. This destruction is the true nourishment for the soul. The mantra concludes with a plea for liberation: "Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat," meaning, "Just as a ripe cucumber detaches from its vine, may I be liberated from the bondage of death, but not from immortality." This highlights the central theme of Vedanta: seeking freedom from the cycle of birth and death (the realm of nature and ego) to realize the immortal Self (Amrit). The speaker clarifies that the ego naturally runs towards death and darkness, which is why one must pray to be led towards light and immortality. Therefore, the true purpose of a mantra is to guide one's senses and mind towards the right company and right objects—those that lead beyond the three states of consciousness (waking, dream, deep sleep) to the fourth, silent, and liberated state of Turiya.