Acharya Prashant explains the nature of tendencies and the process of mental mastery as described in the Yoga Vashistha. He describes how tendencies create an initial, subtle wave of emotion that is initially beyond control but lacks significant strength. It is only when these mental waves manifest physically—such as through rapid breathing, trembling, or facial flushing—that they become tangible and manageable. He suggests that since the root of an emotion is often hidden in the subconscious, one should intervene at the physical level where the emotion is perceptible. By controlling the breath and normalizing it during a surge of anger or passion, the individual can prevent the conscious mind from fueling the emotion further with justifications and memories.