Embrace the depth of your problems, for within their roots lie the seeds of your liberation. A mind anchored in root causes crafts solutions that endure; a mind obsessed with results creates fleeting triumphs.
Article | Kolkata | November 22, 2024
Sadhguru: It was an unseasonably cold morning in the Himalayan foothills when Avdhoot Atmananda and his young disciple, Adwaitananda, began their daily walk to the ashram’s meditation grove. The path was quiet except for the soft crunch of frost underfoot and the occasional trill of a Himalayan bird. Their journey was not merely a physical one but also an exchange of wisdom, a tradition that had been their practice for years. Today, Avdhoot seemed preoccupied, his eyes scanning the mist-shrouded horizon as if waiting for an insight to emerge.
Breaking the silence, Adwaitananda asked, “Bapii, why do some people, despite their best efforts, seem unable to solve their problems? Is it destiny, or is there something else at play?”
Avdhoot stopped walking, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Adwait,” he said, “people often seek solutions as if patching a leaking roof while ignoring the storm above it. True change begins not with the symptom but with the root cause. Let me tell you a story.”
The Farmer and the Blighted Crop
Many years ago, in a lush valley nestled between two mountains, there lived a farmer named Haridas. He was known for cultivating the finest rice in the region. His fields, fed by the pure waters of the mountain streams, were the pride of the village. However, one year later, a blight struck his crop. The leaves turned yellow, the grains failed to mature, and the once-thriving fields were reduced to a withering expanse of despair.
Panicked, Haridas sought advice from his neighbours. One suggested increasing the use of pesticides; another advised him to water the fields more frequently. Haridas tried every suggestion, but the crop continued to deteriorate.
One day, an old sage visited the village. Seeing Haridas in distress, the sage offered to help. He walked through the fields, observing every detail—the soil, the water, and even the wind. After a while, he said, “Haridas, your problem is not the crop or the water. The blight is merely a symptom. The root cause lies deeper.”
The sage asked Haridas to dig at the edges of his field. Reluctantly, Haridas did so and discovered a colony of invasive insects burrowing into the soil, feeding on the roots of his plants. The sage explained, “Unless you address the insects, no amount of watering or pesticides will save your crops. Heal the roots, and the crop will flourish.”
Haridas followed the sage’s advice, and within a season, his fields were lush and abundant again.
The Result-Driven Mindset
Avdhoot paused, letting the lesson sink in before continuing. “Like Haridas, many people focus only on the visible problems in their lives. They are trapped in what we call a result-driven mindset. They obsess over outcomes, often tying their happiness and self-worth to the results they achieve. But this approach is fraught with pitfalls.”
Adwaitananda nodded. “Bapi, is this why people feel so much anxiety and turmoil when they fail?”
“Yes,” Avdhoot replied. “A result-driven mind equates failure with personal inadequacy. Imagine a student who believes their worth is measured solely by academic success. One poor grade can shatter their confidence, leading to unnecessary suffering. But the problem lies not in the grade—it lies in their perception and the undue importance they place on the outcome.”
The Prison of Short-Term Gratification
To illustrate further, Avdhoot recounted another story:
“Once, there was a merchant named Ravi who dreamt of amassing great wealth. His life revolved around quarterly profits. When his business thrived, he felt elated; when it faltered, he sank into despair. Ravi’s obsession with immediate results blinded him to the deeper issues plaguing his business—dishonest employees and outdated practices. His short-term focus led to fleeting moments of success but no lasting fulfilment. Only when he shifted his focus to addressing these root causes did his business truly prosper.”
Adwaitananda listened intently. “Bapi, it seems that fear of failure also plays a significant role in this mindset.”
“Indeed,” Avdhoot affirmed. “Fear of failure paralyzes people, preventing them from taking risks or exploring innovative solutions. Consider an entrepreneur afraid to launch a new product. Their fear stems from a fixation on potential failure, rather than a willingness to learn from mistakes. True growth comes not from avoiding failure but from understanding and learning from it.”
The Liberation of Cause-Driven Thinking
Avdhoot’s tone grew softer as he introduced the transformative power of cause-driven thinking. “In contrast to the limitations of result-driven thinking, cause-driven thinking offers freedom. It invites us to delve deeper, to understand the underlying factors that shape our challenges. This approach is not about reacting to problems but proactively seeking their roots.”
He elaborated, “Imagine a physician treating a patient. A result-driven doctor might only address the symptoms—a fever or a rash. But a cause-driven doctor seeks the illness’s root cause, ensuring true and lasting healing. The same principle applies to every aspect of life.”
The Process of Uncovering Root Causes
Adwaitananda, eager to learn more, asked, “Bapi, how can one practice cause-driven thinking in daily life?”
Avdhoot explained a systematic approach:
Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the issue without superficial judgments. For example, rather than saying, “I’m unhappy at work,” explore deeper: “What specific aspects of my job cause dissatisfaction?”
Ask Why: Employ the “5 Whys” technique, questioning each layer of causation until the core issue emerges.
Seek Multiple Perspectives: Consult others who may have insights into the problem. Their viewpoints can illuminate hidden aspects.
Use Analytical Tools: Utilize frameworks like fishbone diagrams or SWOT analysis to systematically dissect challenges.
Test Assumptions: Challenge preconceived notions about the problem. Verify whether the assumed causes truly contribute to the issue.
Transformation Through Insight
Avdhoot shared a final story to illustrate the profound impact of this mindset:
“Years ago, a village suffered from frequent floods. The villagers built dams and trenches to manage the water, but the floods persisted. A wandering monk observed their struggles and asked them to journey upstream. There, they discovered a clogged river channel, obstructed by debris. Clearing the blockage resolved the issue, and the village was never flooded again. The monk’s wisdom lay in addressing the cause, not the effect.”
Personal Empowerment and Societal Growth
As they resumed their walk, Avdhoot concluded, “Cause-driven thinking empowers individuals, transforms organizations, and even heals societies. Whether it’s a personal conflict, a workplace inefficiency, or a societal crisis, addressing root causes leads to enduring solutions and genuine satisfaction. Remember, Adwait, the surface may deceive, but the root never lies.”
Adwaitananda bowed deeply, his heart swelling with gratitude. “Bapi, your teachings are like the clear waters of a mountain stream—nourishing and eternal. I will strive to adopt this wisdom in my journey.”
As the morning sun pierced through the mist, illuminating their path, Avdhoot smiled. “And in doing so, my child, you will illuminate not just your path but the world around you.”
