Acharya Prashant explains that what we commonly refer to as consciousness or being awake is actually a state of deep unconsciousness and burden. He argues that our daily routine, filled with fears, doubts, and trivial thoughts, is not true awareness but a distorted state of mind. This false consciousness is so exhausting that people constantly seek escape through sleep, intoxicants, entertainment, or consumerism. He points out that if true consciousness were as simple as waking up in the morning, ancient sages would not have performed intense spiritual practices to attain it. True consciousness, or awakening, is a state of profound peace and freedom that is fundamentally different from our ordinary mental state. The speaker highlights that people often turn to substances like alcohol or drugs because they are desperate to escape the misery of their current mental condition. While intoxicants provide a temporary and harmful relief, true liberation comes from Samadhi, which is permanent and painless. He observes that even activities like adventure sports, films, and social media are attempts to forget the ordinary state of consciousness. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that sages like Shri Buddha and Mahavira were sensitive to their inner pain and refused to accept it as normal. They sought a total solution rather than superficial distractions. He encourages the listener to align with their true nature rather than social norms. Finally, Acharya Prashant defines true consciousness as a state where the mind is empty and clear. He explains that anything that constantly occupies the mind—whether it be worries about family, work, or even the pursuit of knowledge and fame—acts as an intoxicant. He notes that people are often terrified of an empty mind and try to fill it with imaginations or concepts. He concludes that the tendency to always hold onto some thought or worry is a sign of being trapped in a cycle of suffering, and true freedom lies in reaching a state of mental stillness and clarity.