Acharya Prashant asserts that labeling Shri Buddha as an atheist is a misconception rooted in ignorance. He explains that Shri Buddha was a profound practitioner of Vedanta, reaching depths of understanding that surpassed many contemporary sages. The ritualists of that era branded him an atheist because he opposed animal sacrifice and the exploitation of the common people under the guise of religious rituals. True theism, according to the speaker, is not about performing rituals or chanting mantras but about having faith in the core essence of the Vedas, which is Vedanta. The speaker emphasizes that while rituals are time-bound and often become obsolete as science and technology advance, Vedanta remains eternal and relevant. He argues that modern generations will reject religion if it is presented merely as a set of outdated rituals or superstitions. To preserve the Vedas, they must be identified with Vedanta, which addresses the fundamental bondage of the human mind. He notes that traditional religious practices across the world are becoming the dust of time, and only the quest for liberation will endure. Regarding spiritual growth, Acharya Prashant distinguishes between different levels of suffering. He explains that the words of saints are truly understood only by those experiencing spiritual suffering—a deep sense of emptiness that material possessions cannot fill. He further discusses the importance of taking responsibility, stating that challenges do not test or build strength but rather reveal the immense power already present within an individual. People often avoid responsibility because they fear discovering their own power, which would force them to abandon their small, dependent identities.
