Acharya Prashant explains that the essence of spiritual practice lies in the phrase 'neither grasp nor let go.' He emphasizes that one should not forcefully try to change or suppress the mind, as the ego is a formidable force. Using the analogy of an adult and a child, he suggests that one should simply observe the mind's activities without interference. Just as an adult allows a child to play with a worthless object without struggle, one should allow the mind to play its games while remaining present as a witness. He warns that fighting the mind only strengthens it and can lead to a complete withdrawal from spiritual growth. The mind thrives on suppression and resistance; when one stops imposing restrictions, the mind's frantic energy eventually dissipates. He further clarifies that ego is not just pride but the very act of saying 'I am,' whether one claims to be superior or inferior. True freedom, or being 'Jivanmukti,' does not mean the end of the mind or the body, but living in a state where one is free while the mind continues its natural functions. Acharya Prashant cites Kabir Saheb, who suggested befriending the mind rather than trying to kill it. He explains that the witness (Sakshi) does not enslave the mind but leaves it entirely free. Observation begins with the fragmentation of the mind, where one part looks at another, eventually leading to the state of 'nothingness' or the ultimate witness. The goal is not to stop the mind, which is synonymous with time, but to stand apart from it.
