The Root of Violence and Conflict

Summary

Sadhguru explains that conflict, both internal and external, arises from identifying with things that are not our true selves—our body, mind, thoughts, and possessions. He argues that inner peace can only be achieved when we dis-identify from these external influences. Once we separate ourselves from these identifications, internal conflict ceases, leading to a peaceful existence. This inner transformation ultimately leads to peace in the world, as external conflict is a reflection of inner turmoil. Achieving self-awareness and dis-identification is the key to resolving all forms of conflict.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conflict is everywhere: It exists between countries, communities, families, and even within individuals.
• 😀 Inner conflict leads to external conflict: The violence and conflict in the world stem from unresolved inner conflict.
• 😀 True peace begins within: If individuals are at peace within themselves, external conflicts will eventually dissolve.
• 😀 Conflict arises from identification with things that are not truly 'you': People identify with possessions, bodies, minds, and emotions that do not define their true self.
• 😀 Attachment to material things leads to suffering: When you identify with your possessions, your emotional attachment to them causes pain and conflict.
• 😀 You are not your body or mind: The body and mind are tools you've picked up, but they are not the essence of who you truly are.
• 😀 Suffering originates from the body and mind: All suffering can be traced back to the body and mind, which are the sources of pain and emotional distress.
• 😀 Dis-identification leads to peace: By distancing yourself from your body and mind, you free yourself from suffering and conflict.
• 😀 The nature of conflict is hallucinatory: Identification with external things creates a hallucinatory sense of self, causing ongoing conflict and friction.
• 😀 Peaceful individuals create a peaceful society: If each person is at peace, society as a whole will reflect that peace, as external conflict is a mirror of internal conflict.

Q & A

What is the core cause of conflict according to Sadhguru?

The core cause of conflict, according to Sadhguru, is internal. It arises because we identify with things that are not truly 'us,' such as our body, mind, possessions, and emotions. This misidentification leads to friction and suffering both within and outside of us.

How does internal conflict lead to external conflict?

Sadhguru suggests that if there is no conflict within oneself, there can be no conflict outside. The violence and tension we experience externally are a reflection of the unresolved conflict within us. When we are peaceful internally, external conflicts gradually settle.

What does Sadhguru mean by 'identification with things that you are not'?

When Sadhguru speaks of identification with things that you are not, he refers to attaching your sense of self to external elements like the body, mind, emotions, or material possessions. This attachment leads to a distorted sense of identity, causing unnecessary conflict and suffering.

Why does Sadhguru use the example of the vessel passed down from an ancestor?

The example of the vessel illustrates how we become overly attached to material objects, even those with sentimental value. When we are identified with such objects, we experience extreme emotional reactions—like being willing to die for them or feeling heartbroken if they are damaged—demonstrating how strongly we tie our sense of self to external possessions.

How does Sadhguru describe the relationship between the body, mind, and the self?

Sadhguru explains that the body and mind are not truly 'you.' They are things you have picked up from outside and are temporary. When you disidentify from them and simply exist as your true self—without attachment to these external factors—conflict and suffering no longer arise.

What does it mean to be 'disidentified' with the body and mind?

To be 'disidentified' with the body and mind means to stop seeing them as essential parts of your identity. Instead, you recognize them as temporary tools or experiences rather than the core of who you are. This disidentification leads to peace, as you are no longer bound by the limitations or fluctuations of the body and mind.

How can someone achieve peace and end internal conflict?

According to Sadhguru, achieving peace and ending internal conflict comes from disidentifying with external things like the body, mind, and emotions. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and spiritual techniques such as Shambhavi allow a person to experience their true self and distance themselves from the false identifications that cause friction and suffering.

What role does the mind play in creating suffering, according to Sadhguru?

The mind plays a central role in creating suffering because it often produces thoughts and emotions that stem from identification with external things. These thoughts and emotions create inner turmoil, confusion, and pain. Once a person disidentifies from the mind, the suffering caused by it ceases.

How does the concept of suffering relate to the body and mind in Sadhguru’s teachings?

Sadhguru explains that suffering arises primarily through the body and mind. When a person identifies with their body or mind, they are susceptible to suffering—whether it's physical pain or emotional distress. By disidentifying with the body and mind, a person can transcend suffering and live in a state of peace.

What is the significance of the story about the man who thought he was wet paint?

The story of the man who believed he was wet paint illustrates the absurdity of misidentification. Just as the man’s hallucination caused him to behave irrationally, identifying with things that are not truly 'you' creates a distorted perception of reality, leading to unnecessary conflict and suffering. The story emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond such false identifications.