Head or Heart, which one to listen to? - Sadhguru

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Sadhguru addresses a student’s dilemma about whether to follow their heart or their brain when making life decisions. He explains that the heart is a mere organ that pumps blood, while the brain is the true source of thoughts and emotions. Sadhguru emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself and highlights the need to make life choices that are fulfilling, rather than just pursuing external success or material gain. He encourages individuals to step back from societal pressures and reflect on what truly matters to them, ultimately urging them to live a life of purpose and meaning.

Takeaways

• 😀 The heart's role is to simply pump blood to nourish the body, not to generate thoughts or intentions.
• 😀 Thoughts and emotions are not from separate sources (heart vs. brain) – they are closely linked, with thoughts influencing emotions and vice versa.
• 😀 The heart only makes two sounds: lub-dub. Any other noise is from the brain, not the heart itself.
• 😀 Metaphorically speaking, the 'heart' and 'brain' are often misunderstood, as the real difference lies in the brain's recent evolutionary development.
• 😀 Life is precious, so before making decisions, ask yourself: Will this still matter in 25 or 50 years? Will I be proud of this decision at the end of my life?
• 😀 The process of 'making a living' is not enough – it's about 'making a life'. Focus on creating something that gives you purpose, not just earning a paycheck.
• 😀 Engineering is a lifelong learning process. The 'last year of engineering' concept is a limited perspective, as learning never truly ends.
• 😀 Thought and emotion are intertwined: You cannot think something negative and feel positive emotions about it. They follow each other in sync, even though emotions take longer to shift.
• 😀 Many people struggle with their thoughts and emotions not aligning because emotions take longer to adapt to new thoughts, but eventually, they catch up.
• 😀 To make a life-altering decision, step back from external pressures (peers, professors, parents) and take time for self-reflection to truly understand what *you* want.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind Sadhguru's statement that the heart is not trying to say anything?

Sadhguru emphasizes that the heart is simply a pump that ensures blood circulates throughout the body. It does not generate thoughts or intentions, as often believed. Instead, any emotional responses associated with the heart are purely physiological, such as an increased heart rate during excitement or fear.

What does Sadhguru mean when he says 'it’s your brain speaking in different tongues'?

Sadhguru explains that emotions and thoughts are interconnected, and the brain is the source of these cognitive processes. The idea of the heart or mind speaking different languages is a metaphor to describe the complex relationship between thoughts and emotions, where one influences the other.

How does Sadhguru address the question of distinguishing between thoughts from the heart and those from the brain?

Sadhguru asserts that the idea of thoughts originating from the heart or brain is a metaphor. In reality, the heart only performs its function of pumping blood, while thoughts and emotions are generated in the brain. Emotional responses, such as feeling affection or disdain, are reflections of how the brain interprets situations.

Why does Sadhguru discourage the idea of being in the 'last year of engineering'?

Sadhguru uses humor to explain that learning is a lifelong process. Even after completing formal education, one should not consider themselves to be in the 'final year' of knowledge or learning. He emphasizes the importance of constant growth and curiosity.

What does Sadhguru mean by saying that engineering is not just about completing a course, but about understanding the life process?

Sadhguru suggests that engineering is not just limited to academic courses. Engineering, in a broader sense, is about understanding how things function the way we want them to, whether it's a machine, a building, or even the human body. This perspective highlights the need to engage deeply with life and its mechanisms.

Why is the human body considered the most sophisticated piece of engineering according to Sadhguru?

Sadhguru calls the human body the most sophisticated piece of engineering because of its complexity and the intricate systems that work together to keep it functioning. He suggests that, like any sophisticated machine, the body requires understanding and proper care to operate optimally.

What is the significance of the 'user's manual' concept in relation to the human body?

Sadhguru uses the metaphor of a 'user's manual' to suggest that, like any other complex system, the human body needs to be understood and maintained. He points out that we should learn about our physical and mental systems early on to use them effectively, rather than wait until things go wrong.

How does Sadhguru explain the relationship between thoughts and emotions?

Sadhguru clarifies that thoughts and emotions are not separate; they are deeply connected. Emotions are a reflection of thoughts, and the way we think directly influences how we feel. He also highlights that emotions may take longer to adjust to changing thoughts, leading to a temporary sense of inner conflict.

What advice does Sadhguru give to those facing pressure from peers when making life decisions?

Sadhguru advises individuals to withdraw from external pressures, including peer influence, and spend time alone to reflect on what they truly want in life. He emphasizes the importance of making decisions that align with one's personal values and long-term goals, rather than succumbing to societal expectations.

What does Sadhguru mean by 'making a living' versus 'making a life'?

Sadhguru distinguishes between simply surviving (making a living) and thriving (making a life). He suggests that while anyone can make a living, the true challenge is to create a meaningful and fulfilling life. This involves pursuing what truly matters to you, rather than living according to others' expectations.