Questioner (Q): I have heard you say that no two human beings are equal. But if that is the case, then how can the possibility of liberation exist on a larger scale? We have adapted and evolved in various fields throughout history, but can the same happen when it comes to consciousness? Is it going to be a zero-sum game where only a few will realize the heights of consciousness and the rest will not?
Acharya Prashant (AP): You see, liberation is an imperative. It is not really relevant how easy or difficult it is for a particular individual. It has to happen for one and all. You just cannot find any peace or relaxation or contentment without it.
So yes, theoretically it might appear that certain children are born more predisposed towards the spiritual process, aiming at liberation, and certain children are a bit indifferent or even averse to this thing. But how does it matter? If you say you are averse to liberation, you are inviting suffering to your life, and suffering itself will push you towards liberation.
So, just as the time period of a simple pendulum does not quite depend on the weight of the pendulum, or the time that a particle takes to fall to the earth does not depend on the weight of the particle, similarly, though it is true that weights of different pendulums and particles differ, and the tendencies of different individuals differ and certain people definitely stand at a higher level of consciousness than others, it does not matter. As we said, the very fact that you are indifferent to liberation will push you more towards liberation.
So, your indifference will be nullified by itself; indifference will act as its own antidote. Why? Because liberation is an imperative. If you do not move towards it on your own, in the sense of being driven by your own sense of realization, then circumstances, situations will batter you so much that you will be forced to move towards it. So, either way you will find yourself inexorably going down the same path that is our destiny.
