Acharya Prashant explains that the true essence of ancient India is highlighted by Vedic wisdom, specifically the Upanishadic or wisdom part known as Vedanta. He clarifies that while many people mistakenly stick to the ritualistic or ceremonial portions of the Vedas, those parts have become obsolete and redundant, holding value only as historical antiquities. The immortal relevance of the Vedas lies solely in Vedanta, which serves as the core of ancient Indian thought and should be the focus of practice. He emphasizes that the Upanishads do not provide static truths but rather offer instructions to remain constantly vigilant and engaged in self-inquiry. According to Acharya Prashant, the central message of ancient India is the continuous journey from darkness to light through understanding and persistent questioning. He asserts that an individual is defined by their understanding and must prioritize self-awareness and the pursuit of knowledge over ritualistic practices.