Acharya Prashant explains that a person's hope for the world's improvement is directly linked to their own willingness to reform. When an individual begins to improve, they naturally perceive the potential for improvement in everyone else. He addresses the historical context of the Buddha and Mahavira, noting that while they are often labeled as atheists for rejecting the Vedas, their actions were likely a response to the rigid ritualism and corruption of the time. A true reformer or sage does not seek destruction for its own sake but may be forced into a revolutionary role when the existing social and religious structures become too stagnant or resistant to reform. He emphasizes that the presentation of truth must adapt to the specific needs and conditions of the era. Regarding the personalities of various sages, Acharya Prashant clarifies that a liberated being does not possess a fixed personal identity or preferred mood. Whether a sage appears silent and grave like the Buddha or ecstatic and dancing like Kabir Saheb or Meera Bai, these outward expressions are tools of compassion tailored to the society's needs. Just as a doctor prescribes different medicines for different ailments, a sage adopts a persona that serves as a remedy for the people's ignorance. The silence of the Buddha was a necessary response to the noise of empty rituals, while the songs of other saints were meant to awaken different temperaments. A true guru is like a chameleon, capable of assuming any form—be it a lover, a teacher, or even a frightening figure—to guide an individual toward the ultimate truth. He further explains that the apparent contradictions in a sage's teachings or personality arise because they are addressing different audiences and diverse mental states. One should not turn a single quote or behavior of a saint into a rigid dogma. Instead, one should focus on the teachings that challenge and diminish the ego rather than those that inflate it. The guru's external personality is a facade maintained solely for the benefit of the disciple; the guru themselves remains free from all such attachments and identities. Ultimately, the guru uses whatever means necessary—whether love, fear, or knowledge—to lead the seeker to the peak of liberation.
