In this video, Sadhguru responds to a question about the importance or value of building character. But what is character? What qualities should guide a person as they navigate life’s many difficult choices? While the environment we’re in is influenced by many externalities, one’s own body, mind, emotion and energies are 100% in one’s own control. If so, is there a need to build a character? Or is it more pertinent to simply keep one’s own system clear of unpleasantness? Does all this focus on building character make us focus on things outside of our control, and on actions beyond our abilities? Hear Sadhguru shed light on these questions and more.
Sadhguru: “See, on the surface, if we look at ourselves, this one likes one thing, that one likes another thing. There are no two people who like exactly the same things. How did you arrive at this? Why is it that this one likes this and that one likes that? Exposure. Cultivation. Isn’t it? Who is cultivating you? Who is molding you like this? Most of the molding is unconscious. Parents desperately tried, but you know, their influence is diminishing… There was a time, the grandmother was the biggest influence. Now who the hell is listening to the grandmother? They’ll consult the Google lady. So a huge diminishing of parental influence has happened in the last 20 years time of 25 years time.”
As parental influence on children has diminished, what has taken its place? Where do we go to get advice on how to live? How does this shape our aspirations and consequently, how does this shape our yardsticks on success? Is character even necessary to do one’s best?
Sadhguru: “So when this happens, that is, when people who cared most for somebody…..being off their influence and being influenced by somebody else who you do not know, either on the street, or online, or in school, or wherever else children are going to, or people are growing up, there is a huge flux in society, If we don’t handle this flux carefully and responsibly, it’ll be a disaster.”
“So keeping [the energy we call as life] in full force is the most important thing you need to do. Don’t build characters. If life is full on… it will not do anything life negative… So this is the most important thing. This is a serious mistake a large percentage of humanity has made is, we think we have to create something. No. It is already there.”
“See, a mango tree is not trying to manufacture coconuts. Its only aspiration is to become a full fledged mango tree. On the outside, there are many impediments. Maybe there’s no water, maybe there’s a hungry cow….but its only aspiration to become a full fledged mango tree. This is all. Your aspiration is to become a full-fledged life. Full on.”
“Will all these lives find expression the same way? Never. Each one will find in their own way. But as long as they’re not constipated life, they’re full-on life…..Because if you craft your character in a certain way, you will also expect how her character should be. Inevitable, isn’t it? See I craft myself and say ‘this is my character.’ Now what is her character? It must fit into my template of character. Otherwise, she won’t pass. Don’t do that to yourself or to anybody.”
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