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When your decisions disappoint others || Acharya Prashant (2020)
1.8K views
5 years ago
Disappointment
Guilt
Self-knowledge
Relationships
Sorrow
Compassion
Ignorance
Expectations
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses the feeling of guilt that arises from disappointing others, particularly family, when one chooses their own path in life. He begins by stating that the issue is not about pleasing or disappointing others, as others can get hurt regardless of the path taken. The sanction of others is not a reliable litmus test for whether one's choices are right or wrong. The focus should first be on oneself. One must probe what they truly want and be sure of their own path to the maximum extent possible. He highlights that people have a tendency to hide things from themselves, and often the person we know the least is our own self. Once a person is sure of themselves, they can then address the guilt associated with hurting family members. Acharya Prashant explains that the sorrow of others is not truly because of one's actions. Sorrow always finds an external object to blame, which gives it a sense of moral uprightness. For instance, one might say, "I am sad because of that," or "I am disappointed by her." He argues that if that external reason were absent, the person would find another reason to be miserable. The root of this sadness is an internal world that is not sorted out. Therefore, one should get rid of the guilt of being the cause of another's misery, because they are not the true cause. He emphasizes that no person, not even the holiest, has ever lived without disappointing or hurting someone. No matter which path one takes, someone will be hurt. If one truly has compassion, their responsibility is to address the root of hurt, which is ignorance. The best expression of love, for instance towards parents, is not to fulfill their expectations but to show them the light. He explains that most relationships are founded on a contract of mutual ignorance, where both parties agree not to offend each other's ignorance. When one starts having honest conversations, such relationships tend to crack. He advises to take the bull by its horns, which requires patience that comes from compassion. Love is not a momentary excitement but a long journey that requires sustained energy and deep patience.