Acharya Prashant explains that the opening of the Upanishads represents an exalted and uninhibited expression of the mind's deepest desire for freedom, clarity, and truth. He defines 'Upanishad' as the event that occurs in proximity or intimacy with the truth. The mind, which is characterized by a continuous lack of fulfillment and discontent, is introduced to the novel concept of fullness. The teacher asserts that everything is full, a statement that challenges the mind's habitual experience of duality and lack. By stating that 'this is full and that is full,' the teacher indicates that the entire world of duality is inherently complete. The speaker highlights the principle that fullness comes forth only from fullness. This serves as a lesson in humility for the student, suggesting that if one does not perceive fullness in the world, it is because they lack fullness within themselves. This realization shifts the student's focus from external seeking to internal introspection. The concluding teachingāthat taking fullness away from fullness still leaves fullnessāis described as a blow to the mind's logic. It suggests that even if everything is lost, nothing is truly lost if one possesses the state of fullness. This teaching aims to eliminate fear, which is the root problem addressed by spiritual education. Acharya Prashant notes that the teacher provides the complete solution in the very first words of the Shanti Path. The rest of the Upanishad serves merely as an elaboration for students who are not yet ripe enough to grasp the truth instantly. He emphasizes that while a teacher may speak at length or write books to explain concepts, the core answer is often contained in the initial hint or sentence. The ultimate goal is to bring the student to a state of deep attention and peace, where the mind's habitual movements are jerked to a stop by the sheer weight of the truth.
