Acharya Prashant explains that self-inquiry is not a process of questioning or curiosity about external events, but rather a focused observation of the 'doer' or the 'actor' behind all actions. He uses the analogy of a mischievous child causing destruction in a field. Instead of focusing on what the child is doing, the damage caused, or methods to control him, self-inquiry involves looking directly at the child himself. It is a sharp, clear observation of the mind, which is the actual doer, without any intent to interfere, judge, or suppress its behavior. The speaker emphasizes that the mind acts according to its conditioning and habits, so analyzing specific actions or words is futile; one must instead remain alert to the presence of the mind itself. He further clarifies that self-inquiry does not immediately aim for behavioral change, as understanding must precede any transformation. One must know the nature of a thing before one can change it. He dismisses the search for external causes for actions, stating that the root cause is simply the existence of the individual's conditioned self. Referring to the method of Shri Ramana Maharshi, Acharya Prashant suggests that when one looks closely at the 'doer'—the one who fears or cries—it is often discovered that this entity has no independent existence. Self-inquiry is strictly about observing one's own self, as even the perception of others occurs within one's own consciousness.