𝗩𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗮. 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗸𝗮𝗿𝗮. 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮. (Part 1)

Why your reactions in crucial conversations are older than the conversation itself.

In Indic Wisdom, human behaviour is not random but it follows a pattern. If that turns out fruitful then we appreciate it as rhythm else we need to consider it as out of sync.

Again, fruitful doesn’t mean it is beneficial but did that behaviour take us a step closer to emotional maturity.

This maturity, over a period of time turns as resilience.

In that time, consistent Sādhanā becomes crucial.

Now, let us look at three foundational concepts that explain this beautifully…

1️⃣ Vāsanā (वासना) ie the latent tendencies

Vāsanā literally means “that which dwells within.”

They are subtle inclinations, tendencies preferences, fears, attractions, aversions that are carried in the causal layer (Kārana Sharirā) of our being.

Vāsanā lives within us, invisible yet powerful and quietly shapes what triggers us.

2️⃣ Saṁskāra (संस्कार) ie mental impressions

Saṁskāras are psychological imprints formed by past experiences, repeated thoughts, emotional events, and actions.

These are part of our Sukshma Sharirā ie subtle body - the inner instrument consisting of Manas, Buddhi, Chitta and Ahamkāra.

Every time you

- React in anger

- Suppress your voice despite being right

- Seek external validation or struggle with internal validation

- Avoid confrontation to save face or stay in good books

… you deepen a groove in the mind and this groove becomes a Saṁskāra.

Similar to a ready reckoner available for us and without our knowledge gets tapped in subsequent conversations / interactions.

3️⃣ Karma (कर्म) ie action and the consequences

Karma is not fate but action as well as the law of cause and effect governing action.

But here is the subtle loop:

Vāsanā influences perception. Perception activates Saṁskāra. Saṁskāra drives Karma. Karma strengthens Vāsanā.

This is the cycle, and this cycle plays out most visibly in crucial conversations.

What Happens in a Crucial Conversation?

A colleague / client / family member questions your idea.

Now, what actually reacts is not your intellect nor your title / role…

… but your stored pattern reacts. Just read the following and i will not be surprised if you are nodding your head now 🙏🏼

- Old criticism from a parent.

- A past professional rejection.

- A child that needs to be heard.

- A prior humiliation in a boardroom.

- A silenced spouse / partner.

The present moment becomes a stage where the past performs. Thus, presence is lost.

This is why two equally competent leaders / coaches / parent respond differently under pressure.

One responds, and the other reacts.

Pause for 10 seconds here to ASK (without putting yourself down): “who am i in such situations?”

This and more we cover in #Coachness as well as introduce in our successful program* on Integrating Coaching Competencies with Indic Wisdom.

Know more: https://www.coachness.org/coachingwithindicwisdom