Acharya Prashant explains that self-inquiry, specifically the question "Who am I?", is the foundation of all spirituality and Vedanta. He clarifies that this question is not asked by the pure self, which is non-dual and all-knowing, nor by insentient objects, which lack consciousness. Instead, it is the ego that raises this question to itself because it is the only entity that does not know its own origin. The ego identifies its existence through experiences, feelings, and thoughts; therefore, asking "Who am I?" is equivalent to asking where these thoughts and feelings originate. Acharya Prashant describes the process of self-inquiry as a transformative act where the respondent must raise their level of attention and consciousness to answer the question. Because the questioner and the respondent are both the ego, the act of seeking the root of one's existence forces the ego to change and eventually disappear. He emphasizes that if the question is pursued deeply, the unconscious state of the ego fades away, leading to the cessation of suffering. Thus, the question never receives a literal answer; rather, the questioner themselves dissolves in the process of inquiry. Furthermore, Acharya Prashant highlights that self-inquiry requires radical honesty and a willingness to dissociate from false identities. He uses the analogy of a monster on one's back to show how pausing to ask "Who are you?" creates the necessary detachment for liberation. He asserts that this method is only for those who are frustrated with their current state and desire liberation. He concludes by linking this to the concepts of 'Nahum' (I am not this) and 'Soham' (I am That), stating that one must first be prepared to negate false identities before the query of "Who am I?" can truly proceed.