Acharya Prashant explains that what is commonly called meditation is a fake thing, a fraud, self-deception, and a form of temporary spiritual entertainment. He describes it as a practice where one sits in a certain posture, closes their eyes, and follows some prescribed action or process to get immediate relief, which they then label as meditation. He dismisses this as a cheap, counterfeit thing. He gives examples of such practices, like counting breaths or listening to music. He recounts an instance where people were locked in a dark room and made to listen to a recording of crickets, which was passed off as the ultimate meditation or 'Anhad' (the unstruck sound). He asserts that even a basic understanding of the Upanishads would save a person from such fraudulent establishments. He clarifies that true meditation is not a trivial matter, a joke, or a game. It is not merely a tool to slightly improve one's lifestyle, to be scheduled between swimming, kitty parties, and shopping. Meditation is not meant to be just another activity added to a flawed life. Instead, it is for those who seek a complete transformation of their life, for those who have begun to see the hollowness of the world and yearn for the truth that lies beyond it. He suggests that while others can continue their practices, they should not call it meditation, as meditation is a very high concept and its name should not be tarnished. Acharya Prashant states that meditation is more difficult than giving up one's life. Giving up one's life involves the breaking of the physical body, but meditation involves the breaking of the 'I' or the ego, which is a much more difficult and painful process requiring a greater sacrifice. The true meaning of meditation is to dedicate one's entire life to the highest goal. It is not an activity that illuminates a small corner of life for a few minutes; rather, it is like sugar dissolving in water, making the entire solution sweet. When one is in true meditation, every aspect of life changesтАФtheir work, eating habits, speech, behavior, likes, dislikes, and relationships. To live life with truth every moment is meditation. It is not the name of a specific action or process done for an hour a day, but the name for a constant commitment to truth.
