When Everything Appears Unsure and Uncertain

Questioner: So, the thing is, we have already decided to go on a path of whatever we want to achieve, and I am sure of it that okay, I like this, I am interested in it, and suddenly due to some of the other reasons, I feel am I on the right path, I am unsure of what I have decided. So how to be sure of what we are doing?

Acharya Prashant: Test it, there is no other way. See, life is a different thing for each of us. Life as I see it, as I experiment with it, where I stand, and the path I am taking, will never be the same as the path you are taking, or somebody else is taking, or somebody in the past has taken. How, then, do you know whether your path is the right one for you?

You will have to apply all your intelligence. The intention must be to enquire, test, and experiment, not just have blind belief. Something appears right, why be too eager to just accept it as right? If the thing is indeed right, it will prove itself to be right, right? So, wait for it to prove itself, and how will the proof come? How will the proof come?

Questioner: Experiencing it.

Acharya Prashant: In Maths, when are you allowed to write ‘hence proved?’

Questioner: Solving it.

Acharya Prashant: And without solving it, if just below the question you write ‘hence proved,’ what do you get?

Questioner: Zero.

Acharya Prashant: So, ‘hence proved’ are two very nice words to read, but only after doing the requisite hard work. We are not that honest always in life. In mathematics, we cannot afford to be dishonest; we will not clear the exam. What is it that we do when faced with questions in life without even understanding the problem? We write?

Questioner: ‘Hence proved.’

Acharya Prashant: ‘Hence proved.’ Now if you do that, life will reward you with a big zero. Never be in a hurry to draw a conclusion. Never be in a hurry to settle a matter. Let things remain open. Have the courage and the patience to live with uncertainty. Somebody will ask you, so what have you thought about it? Just say, I’m still thinking.

When you’re still thinking, then you have the scope to experiment. And still thinking does not mean you are sleeping over the matter. It means you are actively testing and you must take risks to test. Testing won’t happen on its own. You’ll have to ask uncomfortable questions. You’ll have to get into unprecedented situations. That’s what testing is about, no? And testing always involves a degree of risk and requires, therefore, courage. You’ll have to display that courage.

As a young person, your biggest enemy is false belief, shallow conclusions, and baseless confidence. Avoid that. Bravery does not lie in knowing everything in advance and being full and sure. The mark of courage is the willingness to live with uncertainty. I do not know what will happen tomorrow, and I’m okay with it. Is everything settled for me? Not at all. Do I know in advance about my future? Not at all. Is everything sorted in life? Well, no. How do you still appear so cool? I’m cool. I’m cool. I’m cool. It’s all very uncertain and does not baffle me up. Are you getting it?

Questioner: Yes, sir.

Acharya Prashant: There is no great worth in artificially freezing on a future. Everything is settled. Next five years, this is the program for me. That sounds comfortable and offers a shallow kind of security, but does not really help. Far better it is, to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty in life and keep knowing things as they are. And things just won’t reveal their true nature on their own. You will have to ask questions. The thing about life is it is responsive. If you really ask good and honest questions, more often than not, you will get answers. So, you got up and asked a question, and you got an answer. How about the several others who never got up?

Questioner: They won’t get their answers.

Acharya Prashant: And bravery lies in getting up even if the last answer hurts you, as it did. Right? Now, this is great. You did not like the answer life gave you last time, and you still get up and ask another question. Wonderful. You got hurt the last time, but that hurt is far better than remaining seated and hidden and not even getting up to raise a query.

I ask all of you, what is better? To get hurt or never enter the field to play? It’s better to get hurt, right? So, get up and learn to play. Chances are, 99% chances, you will get hurt. That hurt is an auspicious thing. Bleed a little. Get a few bones broken internally; we don’t want to get into a brawl and really get these bones broken. But enter the arena, jump into the pool, walk into the ring, throw in your hat, and say, “I am, I am, I exist, I want to participate, I am available to participate.” Don’t run away, don’t hide your face, you are young.

I know very little about this lady, but this thing I find very commendable. The last question she asked, she expected some sensitivity or even sympathy from me. My answer was brutal. She indeed did get hurt, right? And she still gathers herself up and gets up and asks the next one. And there was no certainty.

Here, I am the one who commands the mic; I have a position of authority, and I can say anything very insensitive, very abrasive to her. She knows that, and still, she has chosen to get up and ask. That’s how life must be for a young person. Run risks, and invite trouble, not for all the flimsy reasons, but for the right reasons. Getting it?

Questioner: Yes, sir.

Acharya Prashant: Alright, I am glad.

Questioner: Thank you, sir.

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