A questioner asks about the consciousness of enlightened beings after they leave their bodies, wondering if it can still help people. Acharya Prashant humorously dismisses the idea of becoming a ghost after death. He clarifies that he has never spoken about consciousness leaving the body to perform actions. He points out that the questioner is preoccupied with matters of the afterlife, which he calls "ghostly matters." He emphasizes that the benefit of spirituality is immediate. One should take help from the one who is alive and helping. The recordings of his talks exist for this very reason, to serve as his "ghost" after he is gone, as there is no certainty about when he might die. The speaker then addresses the concept of karma, explaining that the benefit of spirituality is instantaneous, not something to be reaped in a future life. The idea of doing good deeds now for future rewards is a gross, materialistic understanding that has been imposed on spirituality. The real benefit of being good is the state of being good itself, right now. Nothing is carried forward. The entire structure of sin, merit, and karmic rituals is based on this flawed premise of future benefits. Another questioner asks about the practice of moving from the gross to the subtle by observing thoughts without entertaining them, which is said to dissolve tendencies (vrittis). Acharya Prashant confirms this is the correct understanding. The questioner shares his experience of finding this practice very energy-intensive and difficult to maintain 24/7, especially when returning to normal life after a period of focused observation. Acharya Prashant agrees that it is a tiring task, an internal tension that one must choose to endure. He explains that consciousness (hosh) is not a light matter; it is accompanied by a great deal of tension. This is why people resort to things like alcoholтАФto escape consciousness and its associated tension. For unconscious people, becoming conscious is fraught with tension. However, as consciousness grows and becomes complete, this tension subsides. He uses the name given to Arjun in the Gita, "Gudakesh" (conqueror of sleep and unconsciousness), to illustrate how significant and difficult it is to conquer unconsciousness (tamsa). The popular advice to "go with the flow" is actually advocating for the flow of unconsciousness. Spirituality, in contrast, is the pursuit of a joy far greater than the pleasure of unconsciousness. To attain this higher bliss, one must be prepared to pay the price, exert continuous effort, and show complete resolve.
