Acharya Prashant explains that desire and fear are rooted in the memory of pleasure and pain, both of which disturb the mind's peace. He identifies the primary cause of suffering as the body and the fact of being born, which creates the opportunity for conditioning. He suggests that instead of asking 'why' something is happening—a question often rooted in complaint, judgment, and a search for external causes—one should ask 'what'. The question 'what' represents a direct inquiry that requires coming close to the fact and observing it with love and attention. By asking 'what is this?', the mind begins to separate itself from the situation, leading to a state of relaxation and newfound confidence. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that this inquiry is not about finding verbal answers but about reaching a state of settlement and clarity. He notes that such inquiry requires great energy, courage, and resolve, especially when the mind is caught in strong emotions like attraction or rejection. He points out that people often fail to inquire because they take things for granted or are swayed by hope and emotion. Using the example of Karna from the Mahabharata, he illustrates that while we may possess knowledge, the real challenge is remembering to apply this inquiry at the exact moment it is needed most, rather than forgetting it when the mind becomes deeply involved in a situation.