One day the Buddha was sitting with some of his monks in the woods.
They had just come back from an almsround and were ready to share a mindful lunch together. A farmer passed by, looking distraught.
He asked the Buddha, “Monks, have you seen some cows going by here?”
“What cows?” the Buddha responded.
“Well,” the man said. “I have four cows and I don’t know why, but this morning they all ran away.
I also have two acres of sesame. This year the insects ate the entire crop. I have lost everything: my harvest and my cows.
I feel like killing myself.”
The Buddha said, “Dear friend, we have been sitting here almost an hour and we have not seen any cows passing by. Maybe you should go and look in the other direction.”
When the farmer was gone, the Buddha looked at his friends and smiled knowingly. “Dear friends, you are very lucky,” he said. “You don’t have any cows to lose.”
...
Taken from the book by Thich Nhat Hanh: No Mud, No Lotus. The Art of Transforming Suffering
One day, a lioness died, while giving birth to a cub.
At that time, a herd of sheep was passing by.
The lion cub joined the herd accidentally.
The sheep also thought him to be part of their herd.
And so, the cub was brought up by sheep.
While living with the sheep, the lion cub believed himself to be a sheep.
Since he was growing up among sheep.
So, it was natural for him to live like them.
He was living with the sheep, and believe that he was one of them.
He became vegetarian and started eating grass, with great joy.
He had no conception of what a lion was.
He had no idea, not even in his dreams, that he was a lion.
How could he have, all around him were sheep, and only sheep.
He had never roared like a lion.
He had never lived alone like a lion.
With the passage of time, the cub grew up.
Slowly, he became a beautiful and young lion.
The sheep became accustomed to him, just as he became accustomed to them.
But one day, while the herd of sheep was eating grass in a field.
Another lion, attacked their heart.
When he saw this young lion among the sheep, he could not believe his eyes.
He had never seen such a scene.
He was astonished to see a young lion grazing among the sheep.
Neither were the sheep afraid of him, nor were they aware that, a lion was in their midst.
Forgetting the intention of hunting a sheep.
The old lion decided to catch hold of the young lion, and find out what was happening.
The old lion, attacked the flock of sheep to capture the young lion.
Seeing him, all the sheep started running to save their lives.
The young lion, also ran away to save his life.
Although, the young lion ran very fast.
But the old lion somehow caught him.
The old lion said to him, you fool.
Why are you running away from me?
The young lion, was crying and trembling.
He said, please leave me.
I am a poor sheep, please let me go.
He was shivering with fear and bleating, like a sheep.
It did not take long to the old lion, to understand what was happening.
He dragged the young lion, to Ward a nearby lake.
The young lion resisted, and was reluctant to go.
He thought, he was being taken to his death.
He was crying and pleading.
But the old lion, would not let go, he forced him to the lake.
The lake was calm, like a mirror.
The old lion, made the young lion look into the water and said, look at my face and look at your face.
Look at my body and look at your body in the water.
The young lion, looked into the lake, with tearful eyes.
As he saw his reflection in the water, he was astonished.
For the first time, he realized, he did not look like a sheep.
But he looked like a lion.
In that instant, he understood the truth.
He was not a sheep, but a lion.
And within a second, a mighty roar, erupted from his throat.
Hearing his roar, the whole forest trembled.
The sheep scattered and disappeared, and a lion was born that day.
He was, a totally different being now.
He recognized, his true self.
His identification with the sheep, had been an illusion.
Just a mental concept.
Now, he had seen reality.
His strange energy, surged within him.
As if, it had always been dormant.
He felt, a tremendous power.
Living among the sheep, he had always been weak and humble.
But now, all that weakness, all that false humility, evaporated in an instant.
The story teaches us, a deep truth.
The young lion grew up among sheep.
And because of the environment around him.
He started believing that, he too was a sheep.
In the same way, many of us, spend our entire lives, carrying a false identity.
We live with people, who constantly doubt themselves.
And slowly, we also begin to think that, we are no different.
Their fears, become our fears.
Their weaknesses, become our weaknesses.
And without even realizing it.
We bury, our true strength, deep within.
Just think about, what undiscovered talents and abilities, could be lying, hidden within you.
You too could be a lion, surrounded by a bunch of sheep.
That are leading you, to believe that, you are much less than, you really are.
There will always be people around you, who will make you feel that, you cannot achieve anything great in your life.
And because, you live with them.
You start believing, the same lie, about yourself.
But the truth is, you are not weak, you are not ordinary.
Deep within you, lies a roar of strength, courage, and greatness.
That is, waiting to come out.
You have to stand out, from the crowd of such people.
And recognize, your true potential.
And the day, you recognize, the potential of that lion, within yourself.
No one in this world, will be able to stop you from rising, from achieving and from becoming, what you are destined to be.
So never let the world convince you that, you are less than, what you are.
Your true identity, is not weakness, or failure.
It is power, courage, and determination.
Awaken the lion, within you, and let the world, witness the power, courage.
And greatness, that was always hidden, inside you.
Journaling activates the prefrontal cortex, boosting rational thinking and positivity.
Writing about emotions calms the amygdala, reducing anxiety and making room for positive feelings.
Gratitude journaling builds neural pathways linked to happiness and appreciation.
Journaling encourages cognitive reframing, helping you interpret situations more positively.
Regular journaling strengthens memory and self-awareness, making positive reflections easier to recall.
How Journaling Can Train Your Brain to Be More Positive
Have you ever wondered why so many people swear by journaling? It turns out, putting pen to paper isn’t just a way to vent your feelings—it can actually change your brain and help you become a more positive person. Here’s how journaling works its magic, according to science:
1. It Activates Your “Thinking” Brain
When you write about your feelings, you’re using the prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain that helps you think clearly, solve problems, and stay positive. This means journaling can help you process emotions in a healthier, more logical way.
2. It Calms Your “Fear Center”
The amygdala is the part of your brain that handles fear and anxiety. When you journal about stressful thoughts, it helps calm this area down. As a result, you feel less anxious and make more room for positive emotions.
3. It Builds Gratitude Pathways
Writing about things you’re grateful for isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It actually strengthens the brain circuits linked to happiness and appreciation. Over time, this makes it easier for you to notice the good things in life.
4. It Helps You See Things Differently
Journaling teaches your brain to “reframe” situations. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, you start to see challenges in a more positive light. This skill, called cognitive reframing, boosts your resilience and helps you bounce back from setbacks.
5. It Improves Memory and Learning
When you reflect on positive experiences in your journal, you’re giving your hippocampus—a part of the brain that handles memory—a workout. This makes it easier to remember good times and lessons learned.
6. It Lets You Release Emotional Baggage
Expressive writing is like a mental detox. By getting your worries out of your head and onto paper, you stop them from swirling around in your mind. This frees up space for optimism and new ideas.
7. It Boosts Self-Awareness and Control
The more you journal, the better you get at noticing your thoughts and feelings. This self-awareness helps you catch negative spirals early and choose a more positive mindset.
8. It Shows You How Far You’ve Come
Looking back at old journal entries is a great way to see your own growth. Noticing your progress can boost your confidence and remind you of your resilience.
So, if you’re looking for a simple way to train your brain for positivity, grab a notebook and start journaling. Your future self will thank you!
Harsh Goenka praised Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's inspiring journey from working as a dishwasher at Denny's to leading a multi-trillion-dollar tech company.
Huang's LinkedIn profile openly lists his early jobs, which many find motivating and a testament to his humble beginnings.
His experience in entry-level roles taught him resilience, time management, and the dignity of labor.
Goenka's social media post about Huang's career quickly went viral, with many admiring Huang's hard work and honesty.
Goenka also recently highlighted Jeff Bezos' views on the key roles of a CEO: identifying big ideas, enforcing execution, and nurturing future leaders.
From Dishwasher to Tech Billionaire: The Inspiring Journey of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang
When we think of tech billionaires, we often imagine people who were always destined for greatness. But sometimes, the most successful people come from the humblest beginnings. Recently, Indian billionaire Harsh Goenka took to social media to highlight the incredible story of Jensen Huang, the CEO and founder of Nvidia, one of the world’s most valuable tech companies.
What caught Goenka’s attention was Jensen Huang’s LinkedIn profile. Unlike many top executives who only list their most impressive roles, Huang proudly includes his early jobs as a dishwasher, busboy, and waiter at Denny’s, a popular American diner. Before he started Nvidia in 1993, Huang worked these entry-level jobs to make ends meet. Goenka shared a screenshot of Huang’s profile, calling it “the most inspiring LinkedIn profile ever.” He wrote, “From dishwasher at Denny’s… to Founder & CEO of NVIDIA. Take a bow, Jensen Huang.”
This post quickly went viral, with thousands of people admiring Huang’s honesty and humility. Many were surprised to learn that the head of a multi-trillion-dollar company once washed dishes for a living. But for Huang, those early jobs were more than just a way to earn money—they were life lessons. In an interview, Huang once said, “I was the best dishwasher Denny’s ever had. Eventually, I got promoted to busboy.” He credits this time for teaching him resilience, time management, and the dignity of hard work. “I learned a lot during that time—how to work hard, how to show up on time, and how to treat every task with seriousness,” he shared.
Harsh Goenka’s post is a reminder that success doesn’t always come from a privileged background. Sometimes, it’s the tough jobs and the challenges we face early on that shape us into strong leaders. Huang’s story is proof that no job is too small and that every experience can teach us something valuable.
So, the next time you feel stuck in a job that seems unimportant, remember Jensen Huang’s journey. With hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you never know where life might take you. If a dishwasher at Denny’s can become the CEO of Nvidia, anything is possible!
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt advises young professionals to disconnect from digital devices to improve focus and relaxation.
Schmidt criticizes the tech industry for creating attention-grabbing technologies that disrupt deep thinking.
He dismisses meditation apps as ineffective, arguing that true relaxation requires turning off devices entirely.
Research cited shows average computer screen focus time has dropped dramatically, highlighting the attention crisis.
Meditation app companies disagree with Schmidt, claiming that not all screen time is equal and turning off phones isn't always realistic.
Why Google’s Ex-CEO Says Meditation Apps Won’t Help You Focus—And What Actually Works
Are you struggling to focus at work, even after trying all those popular meditation and productivity apps? You’re not alone. In fact, Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has some surprising advice for anyone trying to concentrate or relax in today’s digital world: turn off your phone.
Schmidt, who led Google during its biggest years of growth, recently spoke on the Moonshots podcast about the real reason so many of us can’t focus. He says the problem isn’t just about willpower—it’s about how our devices are designed. According to Schmidt, tech companies (including Google itself) have spent years creating apps and notifications that are meant to grab your attention and keep you glued to your screen. Every ping, buzz, and alert is carefully crafted to make you look, click, and stay engaged.
This constant stream of digital interruptions, Schmidt says, is the opposite of what humans need to think deeply or relax. He points out that researchers and young professionals he works with have found the best way to focus is simple: just turn off your phone. “You can’t think deeply as a researcher with this thing buzzing,” he said, referring to smartphones.
Schmidt is also skeptical about meditation and wellness apps that claim to help you relax. He jokes that it’s odd to use a digital app to unwind, when the real solution is to step away from screens altogether. “The correct thing to do to relax is to turn off your phone, right? And then relax in a traditional way,” he said.
Research backs up Schmidt’s concerns. Studies show that our ability to focus on a computer screen has dropped dramatically—from about 2.5 minutes at a time twenty years ago, to just 47 seconds today. That’s a huge change, and it’s no wonder we feel more distracted than ever.
Of course, not everyone agrees with Schmidt. Companies behind popular meditation apps argue that not all screen time is bad, and that telling people to just turn off their phones isn’t always realistic.
But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by digital distractions, maybe it’s time to try Schmidt’s old-school advice: put your phone away, unplug for a while, and see how much better you can focus—no app required.
David Royce, founder of Aptive Environmental and two-time CEO, credits his sixth-grade teacher Lynn Luft for his success.
He struggled with undiagnosed ADHD as a child and found support and understanding in Luft's compassionate classroom.
Luft's emphasis on empathy and creating a safe, inclusive environment inspired Royce's leadership style focused on uplifting others.
Royce built three multimillion-dollar companies and became an Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year winner.
He now mentors future entrepreneurs, promoting patience, individual growth, and compassionate leadership learned from his teacher.
How One Teacher Changed the Life of a Future CEO
When we think about successful business leaders, we often picture boardrooms, big ideas, and lots of hard work. But for David Royce, the founder of three multimillion-dollar companies and a two-time CEO, his story starts somewhere much simpler: a sixth-grade classroom, and a teacher who believed in him.
David Royce is best known for starting Aptive Environmental, a pest control company that quickly grew to become the third-largest in North America, making over $500 million a year. He’s won big awards, like the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year, and has led companies as CEO. But if you ask him what made all this possible, he’ll tell you it wasn’t just business smarts—it was the kindness of his sixth-grade teacher, Lynn Luft.
Growing up, David struggled in school. He had undiagnosed ADHD, which made it hard for him to sit still and focus. Some teachers didn’t understand him, and in fifth grade, he even remembers being laughed at by classmates—and the teacher joined in. It was a tough time, and he felt like he didn’t fit in.
Everything changed in sixth grade, when he met Ms. Luft. She created a classroom where everyone felt safe and respected. If someone teased another student, she stopped it right away and taught the class about empathy and kindness. For David, this was life-changing. He finally felt seen and supported, and Ms. Luft even stayed after class to help him with his work.
What stuck with David wasn’t just what he learned from textbooks, but the way Ms. Luft led her classroom—with compassion and encouragement. She showed him that real leadership is about lifting others up and making sure everyone feels like they belong. This lesson became the foundation of how David would later run his companies. At Aptive, one of the main values is “elevate the tribe”—a direct reflection of what he learned from Ms. Luft.
Now, David shares his story with students and young entrepreneurs, hoping to inspire them the way his teacher inspired him. He believes everyone learns at their own pace, and that patience and empathy can change lives.
David Royce’s journey is a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most important lessons don’t come from business schools, but from teachers who care. And a little kindness can go a very long way.
Bill Gates advises young people to be curious, read widely, and use the latest AI tools to stay relevant in the AI era.
He believes AI-led automation will ultimately be positive, freeing people for more meaningful work, but warns the transition is happening very quickly.
Gates acknowledges concerns that rapid AI adoption could displace large segments of both white-collar and, eventually, blue-collar jobs.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing and tracking AI developments, as the ability to use these tools is both empowering and essential.
Gates is working with Microsoft and OpenAI to ensure AI tools are accessible in low-income countries to support health, education, and agriculture.
Bill Gates’ Advice for Thriving in the Age of AI: Stay Curious, Keep Learning, and Embrace New Tools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world faster than ever before. From chatbots that answer your questions to robots that can help in factories, AI is everywhere. But with all this rapid change, many people are worried about what it means for their jobs and their future. Recently, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most influential thinkers, shared his thoughts on how we can all adapt and succeed in this new era.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword
Gates believes that AI will ultimately be a good thing. It can make us more productive and free us up to do more meaningful work. For example, if AI can handle repetitive tasks, people might have more time for creative projects, smaller class sizes in schools, or even longer vacations. However, he also warns that the shift is happening very quickly, and not everyone will have time to adjust. This could mean that some jobs, especially entry-level office jobs, might disappear sooner than we expect.
It’s not just office workers who need to be alert. Gates points out that as robots get better, even more types of jobs could be affected in the future.
So, What Should We Do?
When asked what advice he has for young people (and really, for anyone), Gates keeps it simple: “Be curious, read, and use the latest tools.” In other words, don’t be afraid of AI—learn about it! Try out new technologies, read up on how they work, and stay interested in the world around you. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever changes come your way.
Gates also says that using AI tools can be both fun and empowering. He even uses advanced AI research tools himself to learn new things and check his understanding with experts.
AI for Everyone
Gates is also working with companies like Microsoft and OpenAI to make sure that people in low-income countries can benefit from AI, especially in areas like health, education, and farming.
The Bottom Line
The world is changing fast, and AI is a big part of that change. While it’s normal to feel a little nervous, Bill Gates’ advice is clear: stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to use new tools. That way, you’ll be ready for whatever the future brings.
A Clear and Simple Vision is Paramount: The chapter consistently emphasizes that a truly effective vision is unambiguous, simple, and easily communicated. It's not about flowery language but a clear blueprint for action. This clarity breeds understanding, productivity, and confidence, enabling collective effort towards a shared goal.
Long-Term Vision Drives Sustainable Growth: Both Narendra Modi and Dhirubhai Ambani are highlighted for their long-term, future-oriented visions rather than short-term gains or populist measures. This forward-looking perspective, coupled with strategic investments and adaptability, allowed them to drive significant, sustainable development and overcome challenges from established norms.
Vision Must Be Communicated and Imbibed by the Masses: A leader's vision only becomes powerful when it resonates with and is adopted by the people. The chapter shows how Modi's "Mission 272" or "Clean India" campaigns, and Dhirubhai's drive for global competitiveness, were effectively communicated and broken down into achievable goals, allowing citizens and stakeholders to connect with and actively participate in realizing that vision.
The Power of a Crystal-Clear Vision: Lessons from India's Leaders
Ever wondered what truly sets great leaders apart? It's not just charisma or intellect, but an unwavering "Clarity of Vision." This powerful concept, explored in a fascinating chapter, sheds light on how visionary leadership can transform nations and industries.
The core idea is simple: a vision isn't just a lofty dream; it's a clear, unambiguous roadmap for the future. Like Ronald Reagan said, "To grasp and hold a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership." Whether it's Alexander's quest for global conquest or Gandhi's singular agenda for a free India, a well-defined vision provides direction, meaning, and a shared sense of purpose.
The chapter draws compelling parallels between two of India's most influential figures: industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both exemplify the power of a long-term, adaptable vision. They weren't interested in quick wins or fleeting popularity. Dhirubhai, anticipating India's market liberalization, built Reliance with a foresight for global competitiveness. Similarly, Modi's "Gujarat Model" and his current national agenda for a "Developed India" are rooted in a comprehensive, future-oriented approach that embraces everything from infrastructure to skill development.
But here's the crucial part: a vision, no matter how brilliant, is useless if it stays locked in a leader's mind. The true magic happens when it's communicated simply, clearly, and repeatedly, allowing it to be imbibed by the masses. Modi's "Mission 272" and "Clean India" are prime examples of breaking down grand goals into understandable, actionable objectives, making citizens feel like active participants in a larger, inspiring narrative.
Ultimately, the chapter reminds us that great leaders aren't born with special powers or privileged backgrounds. Instead, they choose to make their lives extraordinary. They dare to dream big, meticulously define their vision, and then tirelessly work to make it a tangible reality, inspiring millions along the way. It's a powerful lesson for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact, whether in business, politics, or personal life.
Clarity of Vision
"To grasp and hold a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership." ~ Ronald Reagan
History proves that one of the intrinsic traits of any great leader is him being a visionary. While we all have a vision of something or the other, a great leader not only has a vision but also has the trait of transferring his vision to people around him so that it becomes an organisational or a social vision. As is said, people don't follow people but people follow an idea of achievement. When Alexander set his foot on the lands of Asia and defeated the mighty king Darius III of Persia with an army of handful soldiers, the achievement was not just hailed as his own but was projected as a Greek supremacy over the world, though this could only have been achieved for Alexander had a clarity of vision to become a global conqueror.
Similarly when Gandhi picked up a dollop of salt from Dandi or called for Quit India, his vision of free India was resonated with all, for it reflected his single minded agenda of a free India. His acts were not just seen as singular acts but part of the larger plan of freeing India from the clutches of Britishers.
An important aspect of defining one’s vision is that it is unambiguous and simple. Often, leaders of all kinds fall prey to ambiguity and complexity. What needs to be understood is that vision is not a compilation of flowery words which appear good on paper and words, rather it’s the base upon which one lays the foundation of implementation. A simple vision, thus, is not just clear and focused but also conveys a distinct message as to what needs to be achieved by following that vision.
A vision is not just a dream of the leader’s objective. Rather, it also serves as a guiding post to the people who look up to that leader and defines the path that needs to be adopted to achieve that vision.
Having a clear vision of how one wants the future orientation to be, is perhaps the most important leadership quality. A leader in whom the masses have placed their trust naturally has the power to influence and it thus becomes his great responsibility to project a clear vision of what he is working for. This helps provide direction, meaning, enthusiasm and a grand sense of success for all those who are part of that milieu. Clarity breeds understanding; understanding breeds productivity and productivity breeds confidence which in turn breeds desired returns.
Coming out as the most popular leader of the masses of Independent India, Narendra Modi succeeds in projecting himself as a man with a clear sense of purpose. It is not just the highly appealing propaganda he shares, but also confidence in his dream of a developed India focusing on inclusive growth and better governance. His apparent long-term, ‘complete’ vision is what sets him apart as a leader with power to bring and manage the much-needed change that India needs. Millions of Indians have trusted him with this immense responsibility, and that is because Modi was confidently able to display a future image of India, along with sound ideas and schemes to bring that vision to reality.
While campaigning in the Indian General Election 2014, Modi’s party, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) seemed to be the only one with a defined vision. Even the election campaign goal was clear: attaining at least 272 seats to have majority votes. This vision, in order to be effective, was communicated well in advance to the party as well as the public, by launching it under the name ‘Mission 272’. Effective leaders have this appealing capability to attract followers by giving them something to strive for. In the present times, the people of India desperately wanted change for the better, having been left bamboozled by the Government so far. Selecting Modi to represent them at the highest level had a lot to do with his clarity as to the right way forward for India.
Most would agree that in the decades preceding Modi, India lacked a clear vision for growth and development. Development was often confused with either populist schemes or subsidies based models. The economic model and the governance structure were either oriented towards established populism or managing the Collation Dharma, thus, people in general lacked a clear vision of growth. Modi provided a clear dream in the form of change which is not generic in nature but touched upon specific agendas.
In an even broader perspective, his dreams for India can be taken into account to serve as broad examples of what lies behind his motivation. He seems to have thought of every major aspect that he believes needs attention, in order to make India truly shining. Encompassing an extensive range, his vision includes everything from fostering agricultural research to developing quality infrastructure to financial investments. The focus is on urbanization, education, bringing down corruption and inflation, creating jobs, skill development, use of technology for effectiveness, and doing everything with an inclusive approach. His ‘Brand India’ idea, that professes development in the five T’s: tradition, talent, tourism, technology and trade, also helped generate an image of an India that proudly stands at par with developed economies of the world. Modi gives the example of China, looking at how development of new cities led to their economic prosperity. This idea greatly appeals to the public, especially industrialists, who are quite appreciative of a politician talking about development of infrastructure. The Ambani brothers, among the leading industrialists in India, called Modi “a king among the kings”, appreciating his grand vision and purpose.
Modi’s vision is not just well articulated but also well systematised with all actions taken or projected by him leading back into a single objective of “Making India Great”. This connection helps his target (the citizens of India) to remain connected with his vision. So when he speaks of better roads, better technology, better governance, every citizen of India sees that it’s imperative for making India great. An important aspect of his vision is also to give a benchmark for vision. He speaks about great global nations like Japan and China and how they have emerged as leaders, thus defining the final goal of India to be in the same league. He has a good grasp of entire governance system of India, as ruling a state for 15 years has given him a good understanding of grassroots challenges and thus his vision imbibes grassroots issues in same the breath as national or international issues. His vision is not just a by-product of a dream which may sound frivolous to achieve, but has a solid base of understanding, limitation and clear path of implementation.
As Theodore Hesburgh, President of University of Notre Dame, USA, stated, “The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion.” Similarly, Narendra Modi reflects upon his vision at all occasions. This reiteration over time has got deeply embedded not just in mind of Narendra Modi himself but also of the people who have reposed faith in him.
From day one Modi has projected an agenda of development which makes him a representative on which people can pose in their faith for development. He has constantly and evidently hammered the concept of development so much so that the very mention of Narendra Modi now equates with growth and development. This is an important trait for any leader and his leadership message.
This single minded agenda and clarity has indeed been beneficial for him for through this he has warded off and shifted the political discourse towards his own agenda of growth. While his critics challenged his regional credentials or ideological affiliations they could never question his administrative abilities or his vision, which thus played an important role in diffusing his critics and paving a greater connect with his desired takeholders.
His vision doesn’t go by as sham, for he has effectively managed to communicate his ideas about achieving these goals. Through his well-articulated speeches, he has displayed his ideas behind India’s economic development, corruption-free government and what he means by his idea of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’. Part of what makes him identifiable to the people is his stark detection of problems plaguing the country and its economy. So when a leader professes meaningful solutions to help resolve issues people can associate with, he is the one where the trust of the masses is placed, as is the case of Narendra Modi.
Tracing back to Modi’s early life, parallels can be drawn to his present and his persistence on defining a vision before moving forward. As a child when Modi started attending the daily Shakha organized by RSS, he was perhaps looking for a refuge from the physical bondage of his home life. He is known to have been in search of a distinct identity right from the beginning, drawn in by the discipline and different life of RSS, also being greatly inspired by the authority exhibited by the RSS leader.
Narendra Modi is an exemplary example of a leader with a vision. However, it is important to note that this trait isn’t nurtured overnight. One might not have that sense at all, especially when one is young and yet to explore the world. In the midst of his later years as a teenager and a young adult, Modi too was gripped with non-clarity and confusion about life. Since he was a dedicated worker, he was able to explore his strengths and understand the ways of the world, which helped him develop his own vision for himself. He was never ashamed of performing even the least important tasks, because he had simply to reflect on his long-term vision and know that those were just stepping stones to a better and more powerful future.
Considering the example of Gujarat, where Narendra Modi served as Chief Minister from 2001–2014, it is apparent what a well-defined vision can do. His plans, created well in advance for the future, are so detailed and well-formulated that they are good enough to serve Gujarat till 2030. The changes brought into the state with his policies have brought in investments in Gujarat, which has led to its impressive development.
In order to promote investments in Gujarat, Modi also initiated ‘Vibrant Gujarat’, held by the Government of Gujarat as a biennial investors’ summit. Modi has visualized Gujarat to emerge as a nodal centre in Asia, to serve as a common platform for countries like China, Japan, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
This is part of the grander vision that Modi created for the state of Gujarat, what came to be called as the ‘Gujarat Model’. This model for development has been effective in certain aspects and helped bring about impressive changes in Gujarat, making it one of the top economically growing states in India. Be it agricultural improvements or industrial expansion, Modi had it all laid out in clear terms, what they aim to achieve and how they plan to implement their ideas. This is probably the greatest reason that the vision came to reality. The agri-GDP growth registered during the 2000s saw agriculture in Gujarat growing by 9.8% per annum, compared to the meagre 2% during the 1990s.
As Narendra Modi takes charge of the country as Prime Minister, laying out his vision for India, there’s hope and a certain level of confidence that India will be on the right path to achieve its ideal state. He has vowed to end corruption, make India a manufacturing hub and enable financial and digital inclusion. Modi’s clarity of vision is further indicated by the segmentation of overall goals into smaller, precise goals, which makes it easier to understand where we’re heading. Example, when Modi states that he aims for a ‘Clean India’, he makes it look achievable by providing a timeline (by 2019) and by organizing campaigns (like hosting the World Toilet Summit in Delhi) and providing government support (allocating increased amount of money for toilet construction). Similarly, to achieve his aim of a technologically savvy and inclusive country, Modi has come up with ideas such as the Digital India mission, aimed at transforming India into a digitally empowered knowledge economy. Just like a super-magnet, Modi’s clarity of vision draws him relentlessly forward.
An important trait that has been displayed by the vision of Narendra Modi is that it not just epitomises the vision of modern India but is deep rooted within Indian culture and what our forefathers envisioned. His vision has a unique characteristic of transcending into every aspect of Indian mind-set from basic cleanliness to technical expertise to becoming a global power and as it is simple to comprehend by the common masses. Hence, they imbibe the vision as their own.
Footsteps – Dhirubhai Ambani
Great leaders who have scaled global heights have proved to be stimulated by a larger vision of who they want to become. Their goals are distinct, which helps them stay on track and focus on the right things. One such example of a leader with the persistence on having a clear vision and ideas is business tycoon and founder of Reliance Industries, Dhirubhai Ambani. A man ahead of his times, he dared to dream on a boundless scale, which is something Narendra Modi also symbolizes. Dhirubhai converted Reliance from a small trading house to a large private sector group, listed among Fortune’s ‘World’s Top 500 Companies’. This tremendous growth was possible because of his belief in having a larger than life vision.
Modi's distinct ideas about India's growth and development are parallel with how Dhirubhai imagined the country to be. Convinced that India could become an economic superpower, he wanted Reliance to contribute towards this ideal. Both these leaders understood the importance of investment as a driving tool for development. While Dhirubhai was among the first to discover and believe in the untapped potential of capital markets, Modi has also been emphasizing on generating investments and improving basic infrastructure.
Dhirubhai believed in going forward with your vision in mind, but also emphasized on the importance of 'keeping with the times'. Updating those grand plans with new inputs and taking developments into account, is equally important. This is reflected in Modi as he charts out plans and goals, adopting new practices and revising them to accept what is the most relevant. Just as Dhirubhai, starting off with a humble beginning, created a life backed by exceptional achievements, Modi symbolizes what it means to follow one's vision with confidence, courage and conviction.
An Important similarity between these two leaders is also that both charted a path on their own and overcoming a challenge from established circles. Their vision had a jest of creativity as they discovered newer methods to achieve their objectives. While operating in an overtly protected regime, Dhirubhai could have chosen the path of his contemporaries who were too concentrated in protectionism and secured markets offered to them. Rather, he chose to tap the opportunities of today with a vision for tomorrow. The big business houses of then invested little in R&D or skills or even becoming globally competitive. Many of them thus fell out when the Indian market opened in 1991. Dhirubhai's vision was not just short term, aimed at profit of today, but also long term - becoming globally competitive. Similarly Narendra Modi's vision is not short term, oriented towards achieving smaller improvements in the governance framework, but is long term - making India globally competitive. Both of them formed a unique mix of top-down and bottom-up approach of vision implementation.
In the eighties, Reliance established the Patalganga refinery in record time, which was not just a remarkable business feat but a world class facility to refine petro products at the cheapest price. This was a feat with a vision for future, for Dhirubhai knew that someday or the other when India will be forced to open its markets, then Reliance should be numero uno. He thus undertook investment for the future decades ahead of a change. Similarly, Narendra Modi with his target of reaching at the top post started engaging at national level since 2002- 2003. Sensing the weaker points of BJP in South India, he started visiting those states from 2002-2003 with his speeches being translated in local languages and media interviews being carried in local newspapers. Similarly in most important states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (which cumulatively send the largest number of MPs in Indian Parliament) he started engaging with grassroots cadres. Though it was only a decade later that his name was propped for the top post, yet his long term vision and investment garnered great returns for him with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar returning close to a third of all BJP MPs in the parliament of 2014.
Another point of similarity between the vision of both Dhirubhai and Narendra Modi is its strong economical connect. While one can attribute this to their famous Gujarati genes, yet the vision of Dhirubhai to create value proposition for his shareholders and that of Narendra Modi to put development and economic benefit to citizens at large as the base are indeed closely connected and reflective of each other. Coming from rather humble backgrounds, both understood the fact that true prosperity and larger social or organisational benefits could only be achieved if economic benefits percolate to the lowest strata of their stakeholders. This approach made them obvious leaders upon whom people and shareholders at large could place their faith.
These leaders are accomplished not because they harbour special characteristics, special surname or familial ties, but because they choose to make their lives special. They dare to dream big, have a vision in mind and sincerely work towards realizing that vision."
Have you ever feel that I don't know how to do with my life? Yeah? Actually, you're not alone. Most people feel like that kind of feeling. And when we look around the most like society and the world normally expecting or forcing us to have great purpose, meaning of life. When we discuss with our friends, family and workplace, in the society, looks like everybody is forcing us, you need to find your own purpose. But most people not. So why is that? So, in our meditation traditional what we call "everything is impermanent". And "everything is interdependent", meaning cause and condition. Like for example, some scientists they find the greatest discovery. But this discovery is not there when they begin to look for those, right? So you just kind of like have many different ideas. And you try, do some experiment. Then you find something. Then you go forward. And at the same time life is up and down because of impermanent. What we call life is like wave of the ocean. But the most important thing is, we are more than what we believe. So actually you have what we call everybody has this basic innate goodness. So you have awareness, love and compassion, wisdom, skill potential capacity. So, the most important is be present be with you right now. And then follow the flow of life with use your own wisdom. Your own love, compassion, skills, try your best. But don't you tie on the result. So then maybe you can find the better meaning of life rather than forcing yourself that I need to find a single meaning and the perfect that is difficult. When you force something that thing disappears, right? So be here now be present and believe in yourself and try your best. But don't tie on the result.
The speaker offers three options for engaging with meditation:
Practicing meditation together
Listening to the speaker's personal story of learning meditation
Learning how to meditate
Audience is encouraged to raise hands to choose the preferred activity, promoting engagement and light physical activity.
Personal Story of Learning Meditation
The speaker shares a childhood experience of panic attacks at age 7-8, leading to seeking solutions through meditation, influenced by his father, a meditation teacher. Initial hesitation was due to age, but eventually, his father agreed to teach him.
The first meditation practice was breathing meditation, which he found boring but beneficial for panic relief. His experience involved on-and-off meditation, with panic fluctuating like stock market trends.
He describes a pivotal moment where he welcomed his panic instead of fighting it, inspired by his father's advice. This shift made meditation more effective, transforming panic into a supportive teacher.
Later, at age 13, he joined a three-year retreat in India, which initially boosted his motivation but was challenged by laziness and panic, which became friends over time. Recognizing panic as a natural part of awareness helped him deepen his practice.
He emphasizes that panic and laziness are natural, and the key is to accept and make friends with them, understanding that awareness is always present, space unaffected by weather or clouds.
Understanding Awareness
Awareness is described as the fundamental, unchanging space behind thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and feelings. It is always present, pure, and free, similar to space unaffected by clouds or weather.
Everyone has awareness, whether they realize it or not. Recognizing and maintaining awareness is the core of meditation practice.
Awareness is like space; it cannot be changed by external conditions, good or bad. The challenge is recognizing this awareness amidst daily life and distractions.
Common Questions and Discussions on Awareness
Participants discuss various aspects of awareness:
Knowing awareness vs. not knowing it
Awareness of awareness and awareness of unawareness
Wanting to be constantly aware and present ("being here")
Awareness as a space where thoughts, feelings, and sensations occur
Difficulty in maintaining awareness during strong emotions or pain
Some share experiences of awareness shifting or splitting during trauma, highlighting dissociation and the importance of staying with pain and suffering without avoidance.
Maintaining Non-Judgmental Awareness
The key to effective meditation is awareness without judgment. This means accepting whatever arises—thoughts, feelings, sensations—without labeling or resisting them.
Practicing awareness of panic, anger, worry, or pain involves welcoming these experiences rather than fighting them, recognizing that awareness is always present even during intense emotions.
Recognizing awareness as a space that contains all phenomena helps dissolve obstacles and supports liberation and inner peace.
The Secret of Recognizing Awareness
The speaker reveals a "big secret": although everyone has awareness, most are unaware of it. The challenge is not the absence of awareness but the lack of recognition of it.
Maintaining recognition of awareness leads to mental freedom, calmness, and qualities like compassion, clarity, and joy. It is like continuously opening a window to the space of awareness, allowing insights and inner qualities to manifest.
Practical Meditation Techniques
Step-by-step Practice
Raise your hand and become aware of the sensation in it (cool, warm, no sensation).
Notice pain or discomfort and simply be aware of it without judgment.
Relax the body progressively, maintaining awareness of sensations from head to feet.
Use objects like tactile sensations, sounds, or visual cues to anchor awareness.
Practice awareness of sensations in different parts of the body, including forehead, head, face, neck, shoulders, back, chest, arms, and legs.
Allow everything—pleasant, unpleasant, tightness, openness—to be in awareness without resistance.
The emphasis is on being yourself, free from expectations of "doing it right," and recognizing that awareness is always there, beyond mistakes or judgments.
Dealing with Difficult Emotions and Overwhelm
When emotions like anger or panic become overwhelming, the speaker suggests:
Return focus to bodily sensations, which serve as anchors.
Use techniques like "watching" sensations or shifting attention to sounds.
Take breaks, do physical exercises, or rest if needed.
Recognize energy movements—heat, vibrations, pressure—as signs of transformation, not problems.
Understanding energy movement helps in accepting and working with intense feelings, transforming them into growth opportunities.
Attaching and Detaching
To work with attachment:
Observe sensations related to attachment (people, objects, ideas).
Use awareness to see how perceptions create attachment.
Gradually expand awareness to see the bigger picture, reducing fixation.
This process helps loosen attachment and fosters liberation naturally.
Handling Sleepiness During Meditation
If falling asleep occurs frequently:
Accept sleepiness as part of meditation, especially at night.
Maintain awareness of the feeling of sleepiness itself.
If awareness persists, sleep can turn into a form of meditation.
This practice benefits the subconscious and unconscious mind.
Teaching Meditation to Children
To introduce meditation to children:
Make it playful, fun, and rewarding rather than a strict activity.
Use simple objects or sounds (like bells) to signal meditation times.
Start with short sessions, gradually increasing duration.
Encourage awareness of sensations, objects, or feelings in a lighthearted way.
Advice for Chronic Illness and Healing
For those with health issues:
Adjust motivation—view illness as an opportunity for awareness and healing.
Use awareness to scan the body and support healing processes.
Recite healing mantras or sutras as part of practice.
Conclusion and Gratitude
The speaker expresses gratitude to volunteers and participants, sharing upcoming book projects related to the Bardo (post-death state) and personal stories of retreat experiences, including near-death episodes and insights gained.
Q&A session follows, addressing practical issues like working with strong emotions, attachment, sleepiness, and teaching meditation to children.
Key Takeaways
Awareness is always present; recognizing it is the core of meditation.
Acceptance and welcoming of all experiences—thoughts, feelings, sensations—are essential.
Meditation is not about achieving a special state but about recognizing and maintaining awareness.
Techniques include body sensations, sounds, visual objects, and mindful observation.
Dealing with strong emotions involves patience, shifting focus, and energy awareness.
Consistency and gentle practice help develop habits and deepen understanding.
