Acharya Prashant addresses the desire to escape from life's problems. He explains that the situations we label as problems, and the suffering that arises from them, are an intrinsic part of life. If these were to disappear entirely, life itself would cease to exist. The key is not to eliminate these situations but to respond to them appropriately. This proper response is what constitutes the joy of living, a state he refers to as 'Jivanmukti' or liberation while living. This means being alive and embodied, yet remaining free from the body's limitations. It is about being free from the very things that are typically attached to life. The speaker cautions against the wish to remove all problems, as this would render life meaningless and monotonous, like a world without dualities such as black and white, hot and cold, or day and night. The real art of living is to perceive the non-dual (Advaita) amidst the dual (Dvaita). He quotes Kabir Saheb, who said that one who is liberated while living is truly liberated. This liberation is found amidst all of life's challengesтАФphysical pain, financial issues, difficult people, and external disturbances. The joy lies in keeping one's inner center untouched and fresh through it all. The greater the external chaos, the deeper the peace one can experience by remaining centered. Using the analogy of a fan, he explains that the stillness of its central axis is only appreciated when the blades are in full motion. A stationary fan is lifeless. Similarly, the strength of one's inner self is proven when it remains unshaken amidst life's turmoil. Fear of challenges stems from a lack of faith in this inner center. When one trusts their core, they can face any situation. Therefore, one should not aim to eliminate problems, as this is not only impossible but would also lead to a lifeless existence. Instead, one should focus on strengthening the inner self, which can be done by engaging with scriptures like the Upanishads. This practice not only provides direct wisdom but also saves one from engaging in wasteful and harmful activities. He concludes by clarifying that while one should pursue what they truly like, it is crucial to discern if this 'liking' is genuine love or mere attraction, as attraction inevitably leads to suffering.
