A questioner expresses her inner conflict: she feels a call towards renunciation and poverty but finds herself fighting strongly in the opposite direction, lacking the bravery to act. She defines renunciation as letting go of the material world to dissolve the ego, and poverty as making oneself small and not seeking admiration, citing Saint Francis of Assisi as an example. She sees this as the path towards God, while the opposite is the path of the ego. Acharya Prashant responds by explaining that this process does not require many lifetimes. He describes two opposing directions: one of renunciation, and the other of possession, identification, and attachment. He advises that one must do their best to decide in favor of the right direction. However, he acknowledges that old tendencies will often overpower and compel one to identify with the world. In such moments of defeat, he offers two pieces of advice. First, even if defeat is inevitable, it should be a hard-fought one. One must do their best to make the right choice and not give in easily. Second, when one is defeated and pulled to the wrong side, it should be treated as a spy mission. One must observe and investigate what is on that side, what attracted them, and whether the charmer is truly worth it. Often, the charm is imaginary and disappears upon closer inspection. He illustrates this with a story about a powerful king who forcibly marries a wise and beautiful girl. Despite being in the king's palace, she remains internally untouched and continues her spiritual practices. Over time, the king is transformed by her wisdom and becomes her disciple. Acharya Prashant explains that in the right battle, defeat is victory. One must continue fighting even in defeat, ensuring the spirit is never conquered. Maya (illusion) can defeat one materially, but not spiritually. The ultimate victory is already assured if one sides with the Truth, making all defeats merely temporary.