Acharya Prashant addresses the question of how to identify and deal with the root pain of life, which often remains hidden behind smaller, more immediate problems. He advises a method of direct inquiry or 'interviewing' these petty pains. One should sit with these smaller issues and ask them, "If I solve you, will the fundamental pain of life also go away?" The honest answer will invariably be no. This process reveals that even if a particular problem is solved, the underlying, root pain will persist, making it clear that the root pain is something else entirely. This realization helps one understand the futility of getting entangled with minor issues. Acharya Prashant uses the example of hair fall; solving this problem will not make one's life free from fear and suffering. Therefore, it is a waste of energy to get caught up in battles that offer no real, lasting victory. The central pain of life remains untouched by the resolution of these superficial problems. One should only engage in work that yields genuine benefits upon completion. To discern which problems are worth tackling, one must have an open discussion with them. Ask any problem that arises, "If I conquer you, will I have conquered everything?" If the answer is no, the matter should be dismissed. This clarity is crucial because when these small problems appear, they often seem overwhelmingly large and consume all our attention. By questioning their true significance, one can conserve energy for the main battle. Acharya Prashant uses the analogy of the Chakravyuha from the Mahabharata, where the main target, Jayadratha, is protected by outer layers of lesser warriors. The correct strategy is not to fight every soldier but to bypass them to reach the center. He mentions how Shri Krishna advised Arjun to simply greet the lesser warriors and move on, without getting entangled. Similarly, in life, which is limited and uncertain like a day before sunset, one must not get distracted by minor issues. The ultimate target in the spiritual quest is the ego, which is the real 'Jayadratha'. The ego creates these smaller problems as decoys. The single formula to apply is to ask any problem: "If I resolve you, is everything resolved?" One should not engage with any issue until the answer is a definitive 'yes'. This is the way to move past distractions and directly address the root cause of all suffering.
