Added: Oct 19, 2023
In this podcast episode, Sadhguru discusses the current state of mental health and the need for individuals to raise their consciousness in order to find true happiness and fulfillment. He begins by mentioning the World Health Organization's prediction of a mental health pandemic and a potential suicide pandemic. Sadhguru believes that the root cause of these issues is the lack of understanding and control over one's own mind and emotions.Sadhguru emphasizes that human beings have a natural longing to expand and grow, but often this longing is misdirected towards external achievements and material possessions. He argues that true expansion and fulfillment can only come from within, through raising one's consciousness and becoming aware of one's true nature.
He shares his own experience of reaching a state of bliss and ecstasy through a simple practice of distancing himself from his thoughts and emotions. Sadhguru believes that this practice can help individuals overcome compulsive behavior and find inner peace and joy.
Sadhguru acknowledges the high levels of stress and unhappiness among business people and attributes it to their attachment to external achievements and the constant pursuit of more. He suggests that individuals need to find a balance between ambition and inner peace, and that true expansion can only come from a state of consciousness.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of purpose and passion. Sadhguru challenges the idea that individuals have a single purpose in life and argues that true purpose comes from being joyful and fulfilled in the present moment. He encourages individuals to focus on their own experience of life and to find joy and fulfillment within themselves, rather than seeking it externally.
Sadhguru addresses the issue of anxiety and stress, explaining that these emotions arise when individuals are attached to outcomes and fear losing something. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that external circumstances do not determine one's happiness and that true happiness comes from within.
He suggests that individuals can achieve happiness by becoming more conscious and aware of their thoughts, emotions, and actions. He introduces the concept of "inner engineering," a process of self-discovery and self-transformation that involves understanding the mechanics of one's own mind and emotions.
Sadhguru highlights the importance of breath and its connection to one's state of being. He guides the listener through a simple experiment of changing hand positions and observing the shift in breathing patterns. This experiment demonstrates how small changes in posture can affect one's energy and state of mind.
Sadhguru continues by explaining that the five senses - sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch - are survival instruments that only allow us to perceive what is happening around us. To perceive what is within us, we need to turn inward. He emphasizes that enhancing our activity without enhancing ourselves will only lead to stress and ultimately, a lack of fulfillment in life.
He compares the process of learning to use our sense organs to learning a language, stating that anything beyond survival requires striving and effort. He highlights the importance of striving for inner well-being and the need for society to create an orientation towards peace and joy rather than a constant pursuit of being better than others.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of early trauma and its impact on individuals. Sadhguru suggests that trauma can lead people to develop negative traits such as greed, selfishness, and a tendency to hurt others. He emphasizes that individuals have a choice to either become wise or wounded in response to trauma, and that choosing to be wounded only perpetuates suffering.
The discussion then turns to artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society. Sadhguru acknowledges the concerns about AI, but also highlights the benefits it can bring, such as eliminating human error and improving decision-making processes. He believes that AI can be a positive development if individuals focus on enhancing their own well-being rather than relying solely on external technology.
Sadhguru also addresses the concept of purpose in life, stating that the search for meaning is a Western problem. He suggests that life itself is a phenomenon beyond meaning and that the need for purpose arises from a sense of burden or distress. He encourages individuals to focus on experiencing the magic of life rather than seeking external meaning.
The conversation then touches on the importance of soil and the Save Soil campaign. Sadhguru explains that soil is not just a resource, but the source of life itself. He highlights the interconnectedness of all living organisms and the need to protect and nourish the soil for the well-being of humanity. He warns that the loss of microbial life in the soil can lead to a collapse of the ecosystem and a lack of nourishment, which can contribute to psychological ailments and overall decline in human health.