Acharya Prashant explains the distinction between acting out of one's own will versus acting under the guidance of a Guru. He states that when a person acts according to their own will, they feel a sense of confidence and control because they have calculated the outcomes and made the decisions themselves. In contrast, when something happens through the Guru's will, the individual feels like a mere instrument, often feeling bewildered because they do not know what they are doing or where they are being led. He clarifies a verse by Kabir Saheb, emphasizing that everyone must face the consequences of their own actions alone, as the soul departs this world by itself. He further describes the psychological journey of a seeker. Initially, a new seeker feels great restlessness and resistance when they stop following their own desires and start following an external power. This discomfort arises because they are used to being in control. However, the seeker eventually remembers that their own past decisions led to suffering and pain, which is why they sought a Guru in the first place. Over time, the seeker becomes accustomed to this new way of living and finds relief in no longer carrying the stress of managing their own life. They realize that following the Guru brings peace rather than the punishment they previously experienced. Acharya Prashant warns that the initial stage of spiritual practice is long and difficult, often lasting for years or decades. The defining characteristic of this early stage is the presence of doubt and suspicion. As long as a seeker experiences recurring doubts, they are still in the beginning phase and are at risk of breaking away from their practice. He notes that many seekers succumb to these doubts and return to their old, habitual ways of living before they can fully experience the benefits of surrender.
