Acharya Prashant addresses the conflict between bad habits and newfound discretion. He explains that, in themselves, habits are not a problem, nor is discretion particularly useful. In and of themselves, habits are neither bad nor is discretion especially good. What is good or bad for us is determined by who we are and what we need. It is a matter of common experience that every living being is troubled by suffering and seeks happiness. Therefore, what is bad for us is only suffering, and what is good for us is only liberation from suffering. These are the fundamental truths. The bondage of suffering and liberation from suffering are the two fundamental things. The foundational issue is not habit and discretion. A habit is considered bad because it leads to suffering. If a habit did not cause suffering, why would it be bad? Similarly, discretion is valued only because it can lead to liberation from suffering. If discretion did not provide freedom from suffering, it would have no special quality. The importance of discretion lies in its ability to help one distinguish between bondage and liberation. One definition of discretion is the ability to differentiate between the eternal and the ephemeral, the real and the unreal, or liberation and bondage. Habits are powerful because they are associated with ignorance. A habit is something you are compelled to do unconsciously and helplessly. This is why habits are considered bad—they cause suffering. However, a habit will not be broken if it does not appear to cause suffering. The fundamental thing is suffering and liberation from it. The world is full of people stuck in habits because they are not aware of the suffering their habits cause. The most lethal suffering is that which remains hidden and does not make its presence consciously felt. The habit persists because it provides a kind of rest, a relief from the labor of consciousness. It offers the pleasure of ease. As long as you believe a habit gives you pleasure, you will not break it, no matter who advises against it. The only way to break a habit is to expose the immense suffering it causes. This requires honest inquiry and investigation into the true nature and consequences of the habit.
