Acharya Prashant explains that knowing oneself is not a matter of intellectual understanding. He states that no matter how much one tries, this truth cannot be fully grasped or confined by the intellect, as it lies beyond its scope. This knowledge is for those who are willing to be a little foolish or mad, because the intelligent people will be drowned by their own intellect. The very intelligent ones will hold on to their bundle of intellect and leave with it. Those who are ready to be foolish should engage with this topic. The speaker clarifies that the path to knowing is knowing itself, which means attention (Dhyan). He advises to pay close attention to whatever goes on in the mind—relationships, money, future, memories, hunger, thirst, and so on. At the center of all these mental activities sits the 'I'. All thoughts, memories, and relationships are about this 'I'. This 'I' is always present, so there is no external path to find it; it is already here. One cannot be shown a path to a chair one is already sitting on. This 'I' that we commonly identify with is a dependent entity. For instance, when one says, 'I am a student' or 'I am a Hindu,' their identity becomes dependent on external constructs like a college or a religion. If these constructs were to disappear, this 'I' would also disappear. This 'I' is also tied to the body, which is constantly changing. The body of a child comes and goes, but 'you' remain. Therefore, this changing, dependent 'I' cannot be the real 'I'. The speaker urges the listener to find the real 'I' that remains constant amidst all the coming and going things. This real 'I' is always present and unshakable. The solution is hidden in paying attention to this constant presence. He concludes by humorously asking who is this constant one, amidst all that comes and goes, and answers, 'The watchman'.
