SADHGURU
In conversation with
College of Defence
College of Defence
10 Questions
About
This is an 'in conversation' with the officers of College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, where Sadhguru shares insights into a wide range of questions: Karma, Integrity and Success.
59 min
Questions
Introduction
Sadhguru: Namaskaram. Namaskaram to all of you. It’s a great privilege and honor to be talking to the bravest men of Bharat.
Welcome Address: Namaskar Sadhguru. On behalf of Air Vice Marshal Pawan Mohey, Vishisht Seva Medal, Commandant – College of Defense Management, I extend a very warm welcome to you for this interaction with officers and ladies of the College of Defence Management. It is indeed my honor to conduct this evening session on the topic of “Inner Engineering for combating adversities.”
Adverse circumstances and situations are an integral part of a life for a soldier and their families. As soldiers battle the enemy on our borders, our families hold the home front and encounter numerous challenges, with utmost courage and perseverance. However, we’ve been born into an unpredictable and imperfect world. As finite human beings who have shortcomings, who make mistakes, face decisions and dilemmas, and carry our own set of worries – there is much to contend with, and our ability to handle adversities is limited. While our unabated inquest to seek answer continues, we are indeed proud and privileged to have amongst us honorable and respected Sadhguru, a Yogi, a visionary, humanitarian, and the most widely followed global spiritual leader.
In 2017, Sadhguru was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian award accorded for exceptional and distinguished service. Sadhguru bridges the gap between known and the unknown, enabling all, to explore and experience the deepest dimensions of life, which give us an insight into the finite energy and delight that makes up the universe. Without any further delay, I would now address the first question to respected Sadhguru.
6 min
What are the consequences of ‘Karma’ for a soldier who kills?
Question
Sadhguru, as per the karma theory - karma is accumulated impression of past activity, either of thought, emotion, or physical action. During operations, as a professional soldier, I am expected to obey the orders of my superior authority, as also resort to actions which may result in injury or death of another human being. Which karma account will have to enter this transaction – mine, my superior military authority, further senior commanders, and the upward list could go on? Would you please throw some light on it?
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Can one be humble and ambitious at the same time?
Question
The next question Sadhguru. As we grow up in the Armed Forces, sometimes the circumstances around us compel us to take autocratic decisions. Over a period of time, these become rigid habits which some of us unknowingly display in form of arrogant behavior. While professional competence and ambition is necessary to climb up the ladder, one important quality of humility continues to be ignored, as too many leaders think that they can't be humble and ambitious at the same time. Could you please highlight the importance of humility for any leader, and how do we develop this essential skill?
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Why medical interventions should be stopped after a point?
Question
In your book, 'Death - An Inside Story', you mentioned that there is no use abusing a body through medical interventions, when doctors have left no hope. But, what I have been taught as a leader is to constantly struggle even when defeat is inevitable, without bothering about results. So, as a military man, are the principles of Karma Yoga not conflicting with what you have said while dealing with our dear ones?
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What is the ‘right’ way of doing things?
Question
Sometimes life puts you in a situation where you can't help being a certain way, leave aside being right or wrong. The way I think and perceive is my way of doing things, but it may not be right for others. Who decides then, what is the right way? And if there is one, what is the right way?
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How do we teach our children to accept failure?
Question
Sadhguru, today's children are very smart, aware and extremely competitive. Most of them are self-driven and are a keen to deliver in an extremely competitive world. The only issue I see, is that they are so obsessed to achieve success, that they are not able to accept failure in any situation. Failure, they say is a greater teacher than success. How do we teach our children to accept failure and learn from them?
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How do I control my emotions and thoughts?
Question
When I face an adverse situation, whether at work or in a relationship, I realize that I'm aware of what is right or should be done, but I'm not able to do it. At the same time, I am aware of what is wrong, but cannot desist from doing it. How do I overcome this constant challenge, and how do I control my emotions and thoughts?
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Am I suffering because of my past Karma?
Question
Back to karma theory, Sadhguru. With the progress in medical sciences, the life expectancy of every individual is increasing, but the pain, diseases and medical sufferings are also increasing day-by-day. Do we call this karma, that we have to suffer in the human life? Why do some small infants suffer from such dreaded diseases, or is it punishment of my past karma? Why should one stay on even after completing one's responsibilities, which usually ends when children find their jobs and settle down?
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Can you share some Golf tips?
Question
Moving to greener pastures Sadhguru, having read your thoughts about golf. So, can you please share your inner engineering tips for combating adversities on the golf course?
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How to deal with difficult relationships?
Question
While we deal with difficult relationships, where one cannot avoid the other person, be it the boss or your wife. More often than not, I feel out of control and the whole environment seems to be conniving against me. Can I deal with this situation on my own? Is it okay to blame somebody else? What do you suggest is the way to get back to life in a positive way?
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How are Shiva and Yoga related?