Acharya Prashant addresses the question of how even weak or cowardly individuals can sometimes display great courage, despite Vedanta teaching that the true source of strength (bal) is the Self (Atma). He explains that even in such cases, the strength ultimately comes from the Self, though indirectly. The immediate source of this courage is an intense desire (kamna). For instance, even a cowardly person will become aggressive and courageous to protect a cherished possession or to fulfill a powerful desire, willing to undertake great risks. The speaker elaborates on the mechanism of desire. He states that when a strong desire arises, it does not present its object as something ordinary or worldly. The intensity of the desire itself magnifies and glorifies its object, making it appear divine or like nectar. It would be absurd for the mind to admit to having an intense desire for something cheap or trivial. Therefore, the powerful wave of desire transforms the perception of the object, elevating its status in the mind of the desirer. This phenomenon is connected to the Self. The only reality that is truly great, infinite, and capable of providing ultimate fulfillment is the Self (Atma). The mind's fundamental longing is for this Self. When an intense desire arises, it projects the qualities of the Self onto its worldly object. The flood of desire magnifies the object to such an extent that it appears to be the Self. Believing they are pursuing the ultimate, the person is then willing to do anything to attain this object, which is how they derive their immense courage and strength. Acharya Prashant uses the story of Tulsidas, who braved a stormy night and crossed a river out of intense desire for his wife. His wife rebuked him, stating that if he had shown the same love for Ram (the Self) instead of her physical body, he would have achieved liberation. This illustrates that all love and desire are fundamentally directed towards the Self (Ram). However, due to illusion (Maya), this love is misdirected towards worldly objects, which are mistaken for the ultimate source of fulfillment. Thus, even the courage of a weak person is an indirect expression of their love for the Self.
