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You too feel lonely? || Acharya Prashant, with IIT Patna (2021)
Shakti
1.4K views
2 years ago
Loneliness
Ego
Attachment
Self-sufficiency
Wisdom
Independence
Spirituality
Devotion
Description

Acharya Prashant explains that loneliness is an inherent condition of human birth rather than a modern technological byproduct. Every individual is born with an ego, or 'I' tendency, that is fundamentally lonely and seeks attachment to objects, names, or identities to feel complete. This innate void often leads people into nonsensical behaviors, such as accumulating wealth, hopping between relationships, or seeking constant social stimulation, all in an attempt to escape the discomfort of being with oneself. He emphasizes that while the tendency to be lonely is biological and unavoidable, the solution lies in understanding the nature of the ego and being discerning about the company one keeps. He categorizes associations into two types: those that increase dependence and those that foster self-sufficiency. Most worldly entities, including people and entertainment, belong to the first category, where they thrive on making the individual feel more desperate and dependent. In contrast, healthy associations—whether with people, books, or activities—reduce one's dependence and promote independence. Acharya Prashant advises being vigilant and using intelligence to distinguish between genuine care and abusive attachments that masquerade as love. True love and care should make a person stronger and more self-reliant rather than weak and parasitic. Finally, he clarifies that technology and social connectivity cannot cure loneliness because it is an internal issue. Even in ancient times, loneliness was managed not by the sheer number of people, but through wisdom and a spiritual orientation toward life. He suggests that loneliness is like an internal cancer that cannot be treated by external company. The only effective medicine is a life of understanding, contemplation, good literature, and a meaningful purpose. Ultimately, the measure of a well-lived life is one's capacity for healthy aloneness and the ability to relate to others without clinging.