Acharya Prashant explains that the method to reach the truth is already contained in the verse of Ashtavakra: remaining equal in pain and pleasure, hope and disappointment, and life and death. This equality does not mean a state of deadness or insensitivity, but rather remaining untouched, aloof, and secure regardless of external circumstances. He clarifies that while the physical body will inevitably experience sensations like heat or cold, the spiritual goal is to remain restful and not allow this duality to disturb one's inner peace. He emphasizes that the universe is synonymous with these dualities, and one cannot have the universe without them. The speaker highlights that human beings always have a choice in how they respond to life's situations. He argues that suffering and restlessness do not just happen; they occur with the individual's consent, whether active or passive. He critiques the hypocrisy of people who claim to be helpless or 'dull' when it comes to religious or right actions, yet show great intelligence and energy when pursuing worldly desires or creating chaos. He asserts that admitting one's power to choose entails taking responsibility, which many try to evade by claiming they 'could not help' their anger or depression. Finally, Acharya Prashant teaches that the path to choicelessness and non-doership begins with making the right choices. Just as one must move into the quality of goodness (Sattva) before going beyond all qualities (Nirguna), one must consciously choose the right path before reaching a state where choice is no longer necessary. He concludes that restfulness is the true nature of a human being, and any departure from it is a fabrication or a 'cock and bull story' that one chooses to believe. To live rightly is to acknowledge this inherent power of choice and stop deceiving oneself with claims of helplessness.
