On YouTube
जवान हो, और सही काम चुनना है? || आचार्य प्रशांत, वेदांत महोत्सव ऋषिकेश में (2021)
93.1K views
3 years ago
Guru-disciple relationship
Right Action (Sahi Karma)
Violence (Himsa)
Tendencies (Vritti)
Consciousness
Self-interest (Swaarth)
Incompleteness (Adhurapan)
Commitment
Description

A questioner expresses a dilemma, comparing the act of burning wood for warmth to seeking knowledge from a Guru. He feels that just as he is doing an injustice to the wood by burning it for his own warmth, he is also doing an injustice to the Guru by 'burning' him for his own benefit. He acknowledges this as his foolishness and ignorance but feels he has no other option. Acharya Prashant responds by clarifying the nature of violence and injustice in this context. He explains that if the wood's nature is to want to remain unburnt, then burning it is violence. However, if the Guru's nature is to give, to be 'burnt' for the sake of others, then accepting what he offers is not an injustice or violence. He distinguishes between taking from someone who does not wish to give, which is violence, and accepting from someone whose very purpose is to give. He asserts that he is here to give, and taking from him is not cruelty. He further adds that any physical discomfort, like feeling cold, is a small, shared trouble, and the greater trouble would be to not have this conversation. He points out that everyone acts in their own self-interest, including himself, as he sees his own benefit in speaking. Therefore, the questioner should not feel any guilt. Another questioner asks about using people's tendencies (vrittis) for business versus for spiritual upliftment. Acharya Prashant explains that the crucial factor is the purpose for which one uses these tendencies. He uses the analogy of a song: a saint uses a song to convey a spiritual message, while a liquor seller uses it to sell alcohol. The medium is the same, but the purpose differs. He warns that someone who understands psychology but not spirituality is dangerous because they will use their knowledge of the mind for selfish exploitation. The entire world's economy, he states, is based on the philosophy of maximizing happiness through consumption, which is an anti-consciousness approach. The real purpose of man is not to maximize happiness but to maximize consciousness. Finally, a questioner who is doing the work he loves (teaching) but still feels incomplete is told that this feeling of incompleteness is a good and honest thing. The real problem would be to feel complete. The only legitimate way to remove this incompleteness is through the one true path. Acharya Prashant advises that one must choose the right work, which is the work that cuts one's own bondages. The resources one possesses—intellect, skills, degrees—are tools to be used for this purpose. He advises committing to the right work, and love for it will follow. The journey begins with commitment, not by waiting for love to arise first.