Acharya Prashant clarifies the difference between an affirmation and an experiment (prayog) in the context of self-realization. He explains that an affirmation is when you have simply accepted a conclusion and keep repeating it, which is a form of conditioning. In contrast, an experiment is a process of inquiry. It involves repeatedly conducting an experiment, even if it is counter-intuitive or goes against one's tendencies, until the result of that experiment becomes firmly established in the mind. He elaborates on this with the experiment of asking oneself, "Am I the body or am I consciousness?" This question should be asked hundreds of times a day, not with a preconceived answer, but with an open, unprejudiced mind. He uses the example of experiencing pain in the back. If you were the body, you should experience all parts of thebody at once. However, you only experience the part where your consciousness is focused, such as the pain. This demonstrates that consciousness precedes the experience of the body. Consciousness is like a torchlight, and the body is like the inert objects in a dark room; you only perceive what the light of consciousness illuminates. The body itself is inert matter, and its experience is made possible by consciousness. To further illustrate, he points out that a person's state of mind can change drastically, from extreme sadness to great joy, while the physical parameters of the body, like weight or blood pressure, remain largely unchanged. This indicates that our primary relationship is with consciousness, not the body. Even when young people with strong, healthy bodies commit suicide, it is because their consciousness is in a bad state, not their body. This proves that our primary identity is consciousness. He encourages asking such solid, logical questions throughout the day to find the answers. All these experiments lead to the same conclusion: you are consciousness. Addressing how to maintain equanimity amidst the changing states of consciousness, he explains that this is possible only when one sees that all these changes are happening for the sake of reaching the final destination. The journey of life is not a straight line; it has many twists and turns. But if you know your destination and are committed to it, you will remain calm. He uses the analogy of a journey where the car might take various turns, but the assurance that it is on the right path to the destination keeps one steady. Everything that happens is for the sake of that one destination.
