Acharya Prashant addresses the issue of addiction, explaining that humanity is born into a state of intoxication or 'Maya'. He defines intoxication as a state where one perceives what does not exist and fails to see what truly exists, much like a person in a drunken stupor who cannot see a pillar in front of them. He argues that people often turn to substances like alcohol to numb the remaining ten percent of their consciousness because they find the pain of existence unbearable. Instead of choosing the difficult path of regaining full consciousness, they choose the easier path of total unconsciousness to escape suffering. He emphasizes that while this may avoid pain, it also deprives one of true joy and bliss. The speaker further explains that addiction is not just about substances; it manifests as worldly attachments, fear, and even religious delusions. He critiques the modern entertainment industry and certain religious practices as forms of 'Maya' that keep individuals in a state of distraction and unconsciousness. Acharya Prashant asserts that to overcome addiction, one must change their very center of being, which he refers to as 'Dvija' or a second birth in consciousness. He stresses that individuals must take full responsibility for their suffering rather than blaming external circumstances. By acknowledging that one's current state is a result of their own choices, one gains the power to choose a path toward truth and liberation.
