Acharya Prashant explains that human beings are inherently susceptible to hurt because the physical and psychological selves are designed by nature to react to changes. He notes that while the body and ego may bleed when pricked, our apparatus of perception is flawed because it only registers these superficial changes and ignores the vast, unchanging depth within. He uses the metaphor of the Himalayas losing a blade of grass to illustrate that while a small part of us may be damaged, our true essence remains immense and untouched. He argues that claiming to be wounded or reduced is a form of self-deprecation, stupidity, and ingratitude toward the immensity we have been blessed with. He further elaborates that suffering is often a choice or a 'scam' where the ego decides to act as a victim. This identification with suffering is a result of deliberate forgetfulness of one's true nature. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that the ego is its own creation and not a creation of the Truth, as the Truth can only produce perfection. He suggests that even in the midst of deep misery, a person remains fundamentally all right, but they choose to manufacture problems to feel 'alive.' He concludes by stating that while difficult situations exist in the world of nature, they only affect the 'skin' or the peripheral self. One must maintain a clear separation between external happenings and their real, unshakeable identity.
