How to Remove Negative Thoughts? Sadhguru Jagadish Vasudev Answers

Summary

Sadhguru emphasizes that the human mind operates through addition and multiplication, not subtraction or division. He advises against the futile attempt to forcibly remove negative thoughts, suggesting instead a focus on the fundamental sense of aliveness. By creating a mental distance from one's thoughts and physiological processes through practices like 'Isha Kriya,' one can alleviate suffering. Sadhguru highlights the importance of understanding the mind's mechanics to harness its potential rather than viewing it as a nuisance.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The mind functions through addition and multiplication, not subtraction or division, making it difficult to forcibly remove negative thoughts.
• 🙈 Trying to avoid negative thoughts can backfire, as the mind tends to focus on what you try to avoid, thus amplifying its presence.
• 🛠️ The human mind is a sophisticated computer, and understanding its mechanics is crucial for effective management.
• 🚫 Avoid the approach of forcibly removing negative thoughts, as it can lead to an unhealthy fixation on them.
• 🌟 Recognize that the mind and body are tools meant to serve you, and they should not dictate your experience of life.
• 🛤️ Create a sense of distance from your physiological and psychological processes to better understand and control them.
• 🧘‍♂️ Isha Kriya is a process introduced to help individuals distance themselves from their thoughts and emotions, fostering a deeper connection with their true self.
• 🔍 There is a distinction between 'you' and your gathered thoughts and emotions; understanding this can lead to a more profound sense of self.
• 🌱 Focusing on the fundamental sense of aliveness can naturally create a distance between you and your thought process, reducing suffering.
• 🌌 Suffering, both physical and mental, can be mitigated by creating a space between oneself and one's mind and body.
• 💡 Negative emotions like anger and resentment are self-poisoning, and understanding this can motivate a shift towards healthier emotional responses.
• 🌀 Instead of trying to change or remove thoughts, focus on the life process, such as heartbeat or breath, to achieve a state of inner peace.

Q & A

What is the fundamental concept of the mind according to Sadhguru's perspective in the transcript?

Sadhguru suggests that the mind operates on the principles of addition and multiplication, not subtraction or division. It means that trying to forcefully remove negative thoughts often leads to an increase in those thoughts.

Why is it ineffective to try to remove negative thoughts from our minds?

Attempting to remove negative thoughts can be ineffective because the mind, lacking a 'brake' or 'clutch', accelerates whatever it focuses on. This can lead to an amplification of the very thoughts one is trying to avoid.

What is the nature of the human mind as described by Sadhguru?

Sadhguru describes the human mind as the most sophisticated computer on the planet, capable of creating supercomputers. It functions in a way that it serves us, but if not understood properly, it can become a nuisance.

What is the 'Isha Kriya' process mentioned by Sadhguru and what is its purpose?

Isha Kriya is a process introduced by Sadhguru to help individuals distance themselves from their physiological and psychological processes. It aims to create an experience of 'You' beyond thoughts and emotions, fostering a fundamental sense of aliveness.

How does Sadhguru suggest we deal with negative thoughts instead of trying to remove them?

Sadhguru advises not to focus on removing negative thoughts but to create a natural distance between oneself and the thought process. By focusing on the fundamental sense of aliveness within, one can experience a separation from mental and physical suffering.

What is the significance of understanding the mechanics of the mind according to the transcript?

Understanding the mechanics of the mind is crucial because it helps in utilizing the mind effectively as a tool to serve us, rather than letting it control us and cause suffering.

What is the relationship between physical and mental suffering as described by Sadhguru?

Sadhguru explains that physical and mental suffering are the two kinds of suffering humans experience. By creating a space between oneself and one's mind and body, one can end suffering.

How does Sadhguru explain the concept of 'poison' in relation to negative emotions like anger and resentment?

Sadhguru uses the term 'poison' to illustrate that negative emotions harm the person who harbors them, similar to drinking poison. These emotions affect one's physical health and well-being, and it's important to avoid 'poisoning' oneself.

What is the advice Sadhguru gives for dealing with negative emotions such as anger?

Instead of trying to suppress or avoid negative emotions, Sadhguru suggests sitting back and focusing on the life process, such as heartbeat or breath, to distinguish oneself from the emotions and reduce their impact.

What is the importance of recognizing the distinction between 'You' and your thoughts or emotions according to Sadhguru?

Recognizing the distinction is essential because it allows one to understand that they exist beyond their thoughts and emotions. This realization can lead to a reduction in suffering and a deeper understanding of one's true nature.

How does Sadhguru suggest we should focus on our aliveness to create a distance from our psychological processes?

Sadhguru suggests focusing on aspects of life that indicate aliveness, such as heartbeat or breath, to naturally create a distance from the mind's thought processes. This practice can lead to a reduction in mental suffering.