Acharya Prashant explains that Vedanta is a very empowering philosophy that focuses on the self as both the projector, or creator, and the experiencer of problems. When it comes to stresses and problems in various domains of life, Vedanta's first teaching is about responsibility. It asserts that problems are not sent to us coincidentally or by a divine plan, but are self-made or man-made. By owning up to this responsibility, one also owns up to the power to find a solution. Vedanta empowers the individual, as the experiencer of the problem, to not let the problem become overwhelming. The more a problem unnerves you, the more you lose the capacity to solve it. Vedanta encourages a deep and honest inquiry into what is happening, not just outside of us, but more importantly, inside of us. It posits that if you see a problem outside, it is fundamentally because there is a problem within yourself; you are the projector and creator of the problem. Therefore, instead of focusing solely on global or external issues, one should focus on the mind, as all problems and their solutions emerge from it. This is not to say that Vedanta scoffs at the physical world; the physical world is the only thing the body has and must be used. However, the mind will never be satisfied with anything physical. The physical can at best be a resource towards attaining that which the mind desperately wants. Regarding the accessibility of scriptures, Acharya Prashant states that the core of all Indian philosophy is Vedanta. It is the crown jewel of Indian philosophy and is accessible to everyone, regardless of their faith, ideology, or religious persuasion, as it does not require belief in any dogma. One can approach it with a spirit of pure inquiry to know oneself. The Upanishads, which are part of the Vedic literature, are not a belief system. They are very precise and not voluminously large, making them accessible. Thinkers, philosophers, scientists, and poets from all over the world, such as Schopenhauer, Max Planck, Albert Einstein, and P.B. Shelley, have been inspired by the Upanishads. It is unfortunate that Indians themselves have often ignored these scriptures, leaving them vulnerable to superstitions and hollow rituals. Acharya Prashant clarifies the Vedantic concept of Yoga. It is not merely about bodily postures (asanas) or breathing exercises (kriya), which are preliminary and peripheral aspects of Hatha Yoga. The real meaning of Yoga is the union of the mind with its beloved destiny, which is the Truth or the point the ego aspires to reach. This union, or Samadhi, is the ultimate goal. Since it is the mind that suffers and seeks liberation, not the body, the focus must be on self-inquiry. The fundamental question in Vedanta is "Who am I?" It is about understanding the actor, the ego, because if the actor does not change, its actions and experiences will not change. This inquiry into one's thoughts, emotions, and identities reveals that they are not truly our own but are influenced by biology, hormones, and external factors like society and culture. Seeing this leads to a new, authentic life where what is truly one's own comes to the forefront, which is an empowering, beautiful, and liberating experience.
