Acharya Prashant explains that stress originates from the mind being pulled in multiple conflicting directions by various external forces, much like a rope being tugged by several people simultaneously. He describes the human mind as a fragmented entity where different parts are controlled by different masters—such as the future, the past, family, friends, and career. Because these external influences have their own agendas and do not agree with one another, the mind becomes a battlefield of tension. This state of being pulled apart results in a fragmented mind that remains stagnant despite constant internal movement and conflict.