Life is uncertain, unpredictable. How do I remain at peace? || Acharya Prashant, with IRMA (2023)

Summary

In this reflective discourse, the speaker delves into the human struggle with uncertainty, drawing from personal experiences of career changes and the inherent anxiety they bring. They explore the unrealistic expectation of seeking certainty in a world that is ever-changing, emphasizing the need to accept impermanence. The speaker advocates for finding inner security by realizing the nature of the world, suggesting that true peace comes from embracing uncertainty and being anchored within oneself, rather than seeking stability from external sources.

Takeaways

• 🧘‍♂️ Embracing uncertainty is a part of life's journey, and seeking certainty where it doesn't exist can lead to suffering.
• 🌐 The world is in a constant state of flux, and nothing remains the same even for a split second, making it unrealistic to expect stability from it.
• 💭 The human mind inherently desires security and finds change unsettling, which is a fundamental need but also a source of anxiety.
• 🤔 The pursuit of security often leads to a desire for things to last, even beyond our lifetime, reflecting a deep-seated need for permanence.
• 🏆 Wisdom involves understanding the nature of the world (prakriti) and not harboring unrealistic expectations about its constancy.
• 💡 Acceptance of the world's impermanence can lead to inner security and peace, as one realizes that true certainty lies within oneself, not in external circumstances.
• 🌱 When one is secure within, uncertainties become a source of joy rather than fear, as they are seen as opportunities for growth and adaptation.
• 🌟 The wise person does not manage uncertainty but welcomes it, viewing it as a natural part of life that they are capable of handling with grace.
• 🎾 Just as an accomplished tennis player is ready for any kind of shot, a person with inner security can confidently face any life situation.
• 🛡️ Letting go of the need for external security allows one to be vulnerable to the world's changes without being affected at a deeper level.
• 💔 The pain of loss and change is a common human experience, but true security comes from being anchored within, immune to the world's deceptions and betrayals.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed in the script about life's uncertainties?

The main concern is the anxiety and worry caused by the uncertainty of what's coming next in various aspects of life, such as career, family, friendships, and relationships.

Why does the speaker believe that seeking certainty in life is unrealistic?

The speaker believes that seeking certainty is unrealistic because the world is in a constant state of flux, with everything changing at every moment, making true stability and unchangeability impossible.

What is the fundamental need of the mind according to the script?

The fundamental need of the mind, as mentioned in the script, is to find something that is stable, unchanging, and exists for good, providing a point of no change.

How does the script describe the human desire for security?

The script describes the human desire for security as an innate need to find something that does not change, as the mind is designed to love security and feels hurt when its trust is betrayed by change.

What is the wise man's approach to dealing with the world according to the script?

The wise man realizes the nature of the world, accepts its constant change, and does not harbor unrealistic expectations. He continues to engage with the world without depending on it for his sense of security.

How does the script suggest one finds security in the face of life's uncertainties?

The script suggests that one finds security by becoming secure within oneself, not depending on the external world for security, and thus becoming deeply rooted and immune to the changes outside.

What does the script imply about the nature of uncertainty in life?

The script implies that uncertainty is the very nature of life and the world, and it cannot be limited or avoided; instead, one must learn to embrace and deal with it.

How does the wise person view uncertainties according to the script?

The wise person views uncertainties as a source of joy and an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to handle all situations, without the need for armors or fear of change.

What is the analogy used in the script to describe the difference between a wise person and a beginner in handling uncertainties?

The script uses the analogy of a tennis match, where an accomplished player is skilled in handling various types of shots, while a beginner is limited and fearful of uncertainties, unable to handle different situations effectively.

What is the final message conveyed in the script regarding death and the realization of life's nature?

The final message is that those who have realized the true nature of life and the world can maintain a sense of poise even in the face of death, as they understand that death cannot take away much from them if they are secure within.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Embracing Life's Uncertainty

The speaker begins by contemplating the nature of uncertainty, particularly in relation to their career, which has seen many changes and lacks a clear linear progression. They express a general sense of worry and anxiety stemming from the unknowns in life, including career, family, friendships, and relationships. The core issue is identified as the human desire for certainty in a world that is inherently uncertain and ever-changing. The speaker emphasizes the unrealistic expectation of stability in a world that is described as a 'flowing mass' and a 'flux,' highlighting the philosophical understanding that everything is in a state of constant change.

05:03

🧘‍♂️ Seeking Security in an Inconstant World

This paragraph delves into the human quest for security and the inherent conflict it presents in a world that is in a perpetual state of flux. The speaker discusses the innate human desire for stability, as the mind seeks a 'point of no change.' They explore the pain of loss when something or someone changes or departs from our lives, using the metaphor of relying on something that then disappears. The speaker also touches on the lengths people will go to secure their future, including seeking assurance in an afterlife through donations and religious practices. The paragraph concludes with the idea that wisdom involves recognizing the transient nature of the world and letting go of the need for unchanging certainty.

10:06

💪 Finding Inner Security Amidst External Change

The speaker shifts the focus from seeking external security to cultivating inner strength and security. They argue that once we stop relying on the world for a sense of certainty, we become deeply rooted within ourselves, leading to a newfound joy in embracing uncertainty. The wise person, according to the speaker, does not manage uncertainty but welcomes it, viewing it as an opportunity to demonstrate adaptability and resilience. The paragraph uses the analogy of a seasoned tennis player who is ready for any challenge, in contrast to a beginner who fears the unknown. The speaker encourages embracing life's uncertainties as a sign of inner security and strength.

15:10

🕊 Accepting the Inevitability of Change and Loss

In the final paragraph, the speaker addresses the ultimate uncertainty of life—death—and the fear it instills. They challenge the common perception that life should be a series of assurances and instead propose that true security comes from understanding and accepting the impermanence of all things. The speaker suggests that those who have come to terms with life's transience maintain a sense of poise, even in the face of death. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the liberating effect of this acceptance, allowing individuals to live fully, without the fear of loss, and to find peace in the knowledge that their inner selves are inviolable and eternal.

Keywords

💡Uncertainty

Uncertainty refers to the state of being unsure or the inability to predict what will happen in the future. In the video, it is a central theme that the speaker grapples with, particularly in relation to career changes and life's unpredictability. The speaker discusses how uncertainty can cause worry and anxiety, but also how it is an inherent part of life that cannot be avoided.

💡Linear Path

A linear path suggests a direct, unbroken course of action or development. The speaker mentions not having a 'clear set linear path' in their life, indicating a series of changes and transitions across different fields of occupation, which contrasts with the idea of a predictable, straightforward journey.

💡Career

Career is defined as a person's professional occupation or employment, often involving a sequence of related jobs. The script highlights career as a significant source of uncertainty, as the speaker has experienced multiple changes in their professional life, which has contributed to their overall sense of unease.

💡Security

Security, in this context, is the feeling of being safe, stable, and free from danger or uncertainty. The speaker explores the human desire for security, particularly in the mind's need for something unchanging and reliable, and how this desire can lead to suffering when reality does not align with these expectations.

💡Internal Constitution

Internal constitution refers to the inherent nature or fundamental characteristics of an individual. The script mentions that humans are 'by our internal constitution designed to love security,' suggesting that our innate tendencies shape our responses to the world and our quest for stability.

💡Wisdom

Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. In the video, wisdom is associated with understanding and accepting the nature of the world and life's uncertainties. The wise person is depicted as someone who does not seek to manage uncertainty but embraces it, having found security within themselves.

💡Purity of Existence

Purity of existence is the concept of being true to oneself and not being affected by external changes. The speaker contrasts this with the impermanence of things in the world, suggesting that true security comes from an inner sense of self that remains constant regardless of external circumstances.

💡Acceptance

Acceptance is the act of embracing or approving of something, often in the face of difficulty or change. The script discusses the importance of accepting the nature of the world as being in constant flux, which is a key step towards finding inner peace amidst uncertainty.

💡Suffering

Suffering is the experience of pain, distress, or hardship. In the video, suffering is linked to the unrealistic expectation of finding certainty in an uncertain world. The speaker argues that recognizing the transient nature of life can alleviate this suffering.

💡Change

Change refers to the process of becoming different. The speaker emphasizes that change is a fundamental aspect of life and the world, and that trying to resist or fear it is futile. Embracing change is presented as a path to dealing with uncertainty.

💡Anchored

To be anchored means to be firmly fixed or grounded. In the context of the video, being 'anchored' refers to having a strong inner sense of self that remains unaffected by external changes or uncertainties, providing a foundation for dealing with life's unpredictability.

Highlights

Dealing with uncertainty is a central theme of the transcript, reflecting on the speaker's personal experiences and philosophical insights.

The speaker discusses the lack of a linear career path and the anxiety it brings, suggesting that uncertainty is an inherent part of life.

The idea that seeking certainty in an uncertain world is unrealistic and can lead to suffering is presented.

The nature of the world as a constantly changing flux is emphasized, with the notion that nothing remains the same even for a split second.

The human desire for security and the mind's need for something unchangeable is explored, highlighting the inherent conflict with the world's impermanence.

The pain of trust betrayed and the hurt of change in relationships is discussed, illustrating the human quest for stability.

The speaker questions why humans crave security and the lengths some will go to secure it, even in the afterlife.

The realization of the world's nature as prakriti and the acceptance of change as a fundamental aspect of life is proposed.

The wise person's approach to uncertainty, not harboring unrealistic expectations, is contrasted with the novice's fear of change.

The concept of finding security within oneself rather than relying on the external world is introduced.

The idea that internal security allows one to embrace uncertainty and change without fear is discussed.

The metaphor of a tennis player skilled in all aspects of the game is used to illustrate the readiness to face any life situation.

The speaker contrasts the limited security of a novice with the vast possibilities of life, emphasizing the futility of trying to limit uncertainty.

The poise and acceptance of those who understand life's impermanence, even in the face of death, is highlighted.

The final message is one of embracing uncertainty and the realization that true security comes from within, not from external circumstances.

Transcripts

uh Namaste AAR Namaste uh I've been

pondering over this for a while now how

does one deal with

uncertainty right and uh I'll tell you

where I'm coming from um so over the

course of my life I have

changed uh I mean the streams of whether

it is my

occupation uh I mean like I've jumped

from field to field to field to field

and there has been no clear set linear

path uh not that the linear path is a I

mean that I'm seeking a linear path but

the uncertainty that comes with it that

what is coming next uh has always left

me a little um worried

anxious at the same time I think uh this

is uh since I'm at this stage in life so

perhaps my uh I mean worries are majorly

related to Career but even otherwise I

have felt that uh even when it comes to

family when it comes to uh like you know

my friendships relationships everything

there has been so many kinds of

uncertainties uh

so yeah how how how could one deal with

them and how does one put oneself at

peace with all of the uncertainty

see the problem is

uh not that life is

uncertain what makes us suffer is that

we

try to look for certainty where it just

cannot

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exist

and that's a very unre realistic

expectation is it

not the

world

around is a flowing

Mass it's a

flux they have said it's a

stream of

time where every Nan everything is

changing

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so much so that

it's not very

proper to even say that things

exist because for a thing to exist it

must have

stability continuity unchangeability

even for half a

second well nothing Remains the Same

even for a split second even for the

millionth portion of a

second and that has to be realized in

that realization is

acceptance then the question is why do

we want the uncertain to be

certain why do we

want the changing

to become unchangeable why does the

human being try so much for

security that is because

uh we

are by our internal

Constitution designed

to love

security the Mind

needs a point of no

change and it's a very genuine the most

fundamental need of the

mind to come to

something that really

is and won't change that exists for good

that is not merely an

apparition h something that has

truthfulness we all want that if we do

not get

that then we feel deceived right it's a

word of

apparitions in which things appear but

they are not and therefore when you

trust a thing you find your trust

betrayed and that hurts does it not

you leaned on

something and that thing

changed you started trusting something

and then that thing was no

more you made something or somebody a

part of your life Your Existence your

identity and that person walked

away it hurts does it not

and that's a

situation common to all human

beings we all want good things to

last don't we once you get

something that you like love desire

whatever you want it to

stay and you want it to stay not only in

this lifetime you also say if there are

other lifetimes I wanted to be with me

even then even

there there have been cases rich people

have

tried to

somehow seek an assured

place in a luxurious

Heaven they will enter after

death and they have said we are prepared

to pay the price you tell me how much

donation do I need to make and to which

Temple which Baba which

asham and I'll happily

donate and

uh Babas

have been making marry and

money that's the urge to have security

why can't we give the mind what it

wants it wants security it wants

something that does not

change can't there be something in life

that truly does not

change why do you want to

depend on a piece of

clothes or a moment in

time they will change will they not

and that would be another episode of

hurt in

our unending

stories all wisdom is about

coming to the fully secured

one that which is timeless changeless

nameless

formless only there can you have total

certainty as long as for certainty you

are looking at the world all you will

get his deception and

betrayal and suffering in its

wake so the wise man first of all

realizes the nature of prakriti which is

the world and says no no no no no I know

what this world is

like it's okay to deal with it I get my

food from here I get my money from

here my body arose from this soil so

I'll continue to deal with it but I will

not Harbor unrealistic expectations

my company is doing well today I cannot

keep wishing and dreaming that it will

keep doing well the same

way obviously I do not want it to

fail the company is founded with a good

purpose I want the company to keep doing

well but equally I'll not think of my

concern as Immortal it will die one

day are are you getting

it so the wise man

stops

situating the

truth or timelessness or unchangeability

in the world he looks at the world and

says well well

well it cannot survive without

changing just as I change moment to M so

does the world

and having lost the tendency to depend

on the world for certainty you become

then very deeply rooted

within you no more have the

need to lean on the World to fulfill

your security needs

it's a strange thing that happens when

you are no more dependent on the world

for

security you become very secure

within and then uncertainities

become your

joy because now you know that you are so

anchored so safe so

secure so

Immortal with

then that the changing situations

outside cannot really affect

you so that

Total Security

within allows you to become very

vulnerable

outside now you are no more in need of

armors all the

time now you no more

dread

heart now you say okay fine let the

change come let it hit me let it wound

me it's

okay you remember that one I'll be

wounded I won't be hurt because now I am

very safely and sconed within

I'm I'm

I'm I'm cool I'm good I'm inside I am

me I'm in the Embrace of something that

will never desert or deceive

me so the man of wisdom then becomes

available to uncertainities

he does not deal with uncertainities

he does not device a system to manage

uncertainty he

says bring it

on give me more uncertainities show me

the complete spectrum of uncertainities

I relish

it I relish

it the more you show me

the diverse aspects of situations

possible the more it pleases me to

realize that I'm capable of dealing with

all

situations and all their

aspects like an accomplished tennis

player what do you want to throw at me

forehand I'm good at

it backhand I'm equally good

a drop see how I'll respond a

lob no no I won't be found

wanting slice I'm game come

on Top Spin yeah why

not and think of a

rookie a beginner

all he has let's say is the

forehand and he does not know how to

handle spin especially on the

backand he's all the time afraid of

uncertainty he does not

know where the next thing is going to

come from and what will happen to him if

the opponent decides to test him on his

backand think of his

repetion continuously he is worrying and

wondering what's what's

happening I just hope the next one comes

to my area of

security and the area of security is so

limited and life is so

vast the next ball can come to any side

at any Pace with any kind of

spin no point asking how do I limit the

uncertainty no uncertainty cannot be

limited uncertainty is the very nature

of life and this

world you have to be secure within are

you getting it let life take away

whatever it can let you be totally

robbed and then you say um not much has

been taken away

I've been totally robbed yes true still

not much has been taken

away then a strange thing

happens those who have

realized what life is like what the

world is

like they

remain and they retain

a very special

uh sense of poise even in the moment of

death even in the face of death if not

the moment of

death they say even this thing cannot

take away much otherwise you see

commonly death is the biggest scare is

it

not you're all the time afraid something

will be lost something will be taken

away

as if life came with some kind of

insurance or commitment that it will

stay put as

if did somebody give you a promisory

note when you were born that you will

not die and that you will not

accidentally

die people most people die accidentally

who has foreseen his death it's always

an

accident for

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