Relief from Discomfort is the Root of All Actions

Seeking relief from discomfort is the primary force that motivates us toward action. More than the pursuit of pleasure, it is the desire to escape pain, anxiety, fear, or any form of discomfort that drives human behavior. Interestingly, pleasure itself is often nothing more than the feeling of relief after discomfort has been alleviated. This idea is deeply embedded in our Scriptures, and we can see how it plays out in both spiritual teachings and everyday life.

Let’s explore this concept further by examining examples from our Scriptures, alongside relatable everyday experiences, to understand how the need to relieve discomfort shapes our actions and decisions.

1. Bhagavad Gita:

• Arjuna’s Dilemma: In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is deeply troubled by the thought of fighting against his own family and friends. This emotional discomfort paralyzes him, and he feels lost. He turns to Krishna for guidance to relieve this inner turmoil.
  Everyday Example: When you’re hungry, your stomach feels uncomfortable, and that discomfort drives you to eat. Similarly, Arjuna’s discomfort leads him to seek advice from Krishna. Once he understands his duty, the discomfort fades, and he is motivated to take action.

2. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:

• The Search for the Self: In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, there’s a discussion about how people are driven by the discomfort of not knowing their true nature. This spiritual discomfort pushes them to seek deeper understanding and self-realization.
  Everyday Example: Imagine feeling anxious before a big event, like a public speech. To reduce that anxiety, you practice repeatedly. Similarly, the discomfort of not understanding one’s true self drives people to engage in spiritual practices to find peace.

3. Srimad Bhagavata Purana:

• Dhruva’s Determination: In the Srimad Bhagavata Purana, young Dhruva feels deeply hurt by his stepmother’s harsh words. This emotional pain drives him to perform intense penance to achieve a higher status, seeking relief from his inner turmoil.
  Everyday Example: Everyone has different needs, like feeling safe, being loved, or achieving something important. Dhruva’s need for recognition and his discomfort with being slighted push him to seek comfort through spiritual efforts. Dhruva is motivated by his desire to relieve the discomfort of rejection.

4. Katha Upanishad:

• Nachiketa’s Quest: In the Katha Upanishad, young Nachiketa is troubled by witnessing improper sacrifices and is driven by a desire to understand the truth about death. His discomfort with the superficiality of life motivates him to seek deeper knowledge from Yama, the Lord of Death.
  Everyday Example: Sometimes, we experience discomfort when our actions don’t match our beliefs. Like when Nachiketa feels uneasy about his father’s actions, you might feel the same when your beliefs clash with your actions. This discomfort drives Nachiketa to seek truth, just as it might drive you to change or justify your behavior to feel better.

5. Ramayana:

• Rama’s Exile: In the Ramayana, Lord Rama chooses to accept exile rather than break his father’s promise. Although the exile brings physical discomfort, the moral discomfort of going against his father’s word would have been far greater for Rama.
  Everyday Example: People often act to avoid unpleasant situations. Rama’s decision to go into exile, despite the hardship, is similar to how a student might study hard to avoid failing an exam. The discomfort of breaking his father’s word drives Rama’s actions, just as the discomfort of failure motivates the student to succeed.

Conclusion:

In both our Scriptures and everyday life, the drive to relieve discomfort - whether it’s hunger, anxiety, fear, or inner conflict - plays a key role in why we do what we do. This drive is a powerful force that shapes our actions and decisions, guiding us toward comfort and satisfaction.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi