Synopsis: What worries you the most about the youth of tomorrow?  

Synopsis: My question is actually also about identity. You’ve spoken about the need or benefit of detaching from a biological identity. And I’m curious, I think there’s a lot of people in the room and this question came up again and again. If somebody wants to act positively in society, there’s an instinct to start from the biological community, from the people that you...

Synopsis: What advice would you give someone with healing gifts? Someone who can help people create miracles in their lives to grow in service to the world.  

Synopsis: My question is about this idea of a cosmic or global identity. I think it’s no secret that many of us here, no matter where we came from before this, we now have a certain level of privilege studying in a place like Columbia. And I think, I’m confused as to whether this notion of a global or a cosmic identity almost is predicated on a sense of privilege. And that...

Synopsis: There’s so much suffering in the world. Like when I travel on work, or otherwise, one observes that on one hand there is lack of basic peace, or there is so much violence. And on the other hand, there is even a lack of basic resources and abject poverty. So I would be curious to hear your perspective on, why does every single person have such different starting points...

Synopsis: Changing here slightly, I have a question submitted by the prolific anonymous. How do you, Sadhguru, decide between your principles/ goals/ priorities versus the person you like the most? The goals and principles both come from the same mind/ heart. And our anonymous used the word like but we can also use love in there too. But I guess the question is, how do you reconcile...

Synopsis: So, I understand, you know, the pursuit of freedom and justice. But oftentimes what I’ve dealt with in regards to religion, I grew up Catholic, I’m Catholic, is it’s view and limited acceptance of the lgbtq community. And the fact that I am lgbtq, and just trying to understand how I fit in. And oftentimes I was not accepted. It depended on how progressive a church...

Synopsis: What role can we play, when people aren’t as enlightened as the people in this room? We can’t really make the same connections as you because we do agency. Right, we are people that want to make a difference and are willing to kind of have the courage to, I guess, have compassion or pity, depending on the mood we’re in. How do we do this? Because that’s something...

Synopsis: Politics. In America we’re more and more divided than before and quite polarised. For me, this is something that troubles me. As someone who has some less than popular opinion sometimes, I’m conscious of how I’m received. Because of people who are passionate about these identities. How can I and others that share, I guess, my desire to bring people together in...

Synopsis: So, on the note of purpose, one thing that I think that I’m constantly chasing is, and I would say I don’t know when I’ve reached it, the pursuit of happiness. I think everyone in this room at some point, maybe now you’re asking yourself, or if you ask yourself like have you reached your pursuit of happiness in kind of understanding why it can be elusive? For...

Synopsis: When it comes to purpose, what has defined what your purpose is in this world? As it has led to you being here at Columbia Business School in the youth and truth program. But, as well as if you have any words for other people in the audience or just me, would be fine as well. Around, how do we find purpose in this world?  

Synopsis: So Sadhguru, you said that we should not be the problem but a part of the solution. And I know that you are so committed and concerned about the rivers of our country. And you also basically try to engage the country, youth, various parts of the society. To really understand what this issue is, how successful have you been up to now in getting people to understand why...

Synopsis: Sadhguru, there is a growing concern that we have become an intolerant society. Have we really become intolerant?  

Synopsis: This is not my time of the day. It’s really early in the morning, you know it’s my time to be plugged into the matrix, to be in the rat race, achieve, achieve, acquire, acquire. And then something happens to me after midnight, when the day is over I become very relaxed. And then I have these existential thoughts and I start thinking about other things. And this thing...

Synopsis: I feel a compulsion to entertain people. Does that make any sense to you?  

Synopsis: I feel technology is constantly evolving. And I have a feeling that mobile phones have really changed the way we are. You know it’s having a huge bearing on pretty much everything. It’s permeating everything. Social media, mobile phones, this kind of technology. Like sometimes I wonder, were human beings ever meant to communicate like this? Like I could be hanging...

Synopsis: So today we are here essentially to sense the future. Now what is this? Why have we given this title to this session? Sensing the future. Now I’ve heard you before, saying, the moment right now is eternity. This time travel, past, future, is all nothing. Everything is now.  

Synopsis: You mentioned success. You know, and everybody, you know I’ve noticed everybody is trying to define success. Along the way, I came across a meaning that I really liked. It was, success is the magnitude of the beneficial footprint that you can leave on the society, i like that definition. One of the definitions of success that I liked. But what is your take on this...

Synopsis: You thoroughly enjoyed watching the football. But what do you think about, what is your take on sports? It’s competition, it’s, isn’t it based on one-upmanship? Aren't you telling young kids that it’s about winning, you know? As a child, I didn’t get any kick from winning. It was very minimal for me. I used to really just enjoy playing cricket, playing football....

Synopsis: You went for the world cup?  

Synopsis: Do you dance?  

Synopsis: My question is, why do people lie all the time?  

Synopsis: My question is about India. India currently is a shining star on the global map, its economy is thriving, people are flourishing. All things are great, and going good. And in the last four and a half years, we’ve seen a serious government which is taking us into this development path. But my question is about this gruesome, you know, horrible act that happened yesterday...

Synopsis: Since this auditorium is filled with Indian expats. So one of the questions we wanted to ask was how do you recommend that we, the Indian youth here in the US, start thinking about contributing back to India while they are living their American dream. Because these two pursuits are very diverse, they might not coincide.   

Synopsis: The question has to be asked. That, okay, I don’t have to have passion at this moment, or any ambition. I just want to live my life at its fullest. Full on happiness, joyful, and I just want to live at the fullest of my potential. How can I do it? What’s the step for it?  

Synopsis: So in working towards our ambitions, we sometimes forget to enjoy the present, experience life as it is. And we strive towards making a beautiful future. Now how do you recommend that we think about balancing the two? That is, enjoying the present versus working towards a future.  

Synopsis: So the summary of that will be that, as people, we choose to learn those things that we think have value in it, not things that transform them. Correct? So how do you suggest that one can expand his or her horizon to see beyond what his/her logic tells them to do or not do?  

Synopsis: As we graduate from school and leave university, and go into the corporate world. A lot of people follow their passion and take an unconventional path. My question is, should you do what you love, or should you love what you do?  

Synopsis: So, one of the questions that keeps popping up in everyone’s mind is, how do you define the clarity of purpose in your life? And that’s something that you’ve probably been asked multiple times before. But this is something that we still struggle with. And we easily get influenced by people around us, and we get distracted from what we truly are passionate about....

Synopsis: I tend to follow the same thing, that you mentioned that the education system needs to be changed. So on the same note, that the education system needs to be changed. It’s more to say that learning and adapting, it’s anyone’s life’s integral part. You need to adapt with how it’s happening around you. Also, Charlie Munger said that human being needs to be a...

Synopsis: ...

Synopsis: What event, decision, experience, or period, has had the most profound impact on your life?   

Synopsis: Sometimes, we’re in a situation where we’re surrounded by people who have a very high expectation of us. And when you can’t fulfil their expectation, you start feeling a very terrible feeling of guilt. And, it’s okay when it’s your mother-in-law, I’m kind of cool with that. But, sometimes it’s your parents, for example. Sometimes it’s the people who are...

Synopsis: How do you think positively in circumstances or, you know, external factors that are very negative?  

Synopsis: My question is regarding, because I’ve been following most of your videos. So, you always mention a need for collaboration of other people to be successful. You always mention that, to be successful, that’s the only time that we need the collaboration of other people. For other things, like our energy and our emotions, everything can come from within. My question...

Synopsis: My question is, what, on an individual level, can we do about water wastage?  

Synopsis: So I can assume that, with that philosophy, you’re extremely cause driven. And that Isha Foundation is obviously a huge vehicle for you to express that. But, I want to talk specifically about water. And what your vision for the conservation of water is. And some of the things that you’re pro-actively doing within the causes. And the relationships as well, with, in...

Synopsis: Tell me, you also mentioned that your first visit here, your trip to Australia. And, my first impression of India was that there are a lot of people. And there’s also, in India because there are so many people, there is so much energy. Human energy. Chances are, that if you’re having a bad day, it’s like the whole India is having a bad day. Because there is so...

Synopsis: Expectation. We were talking about, before we came on the stage, in a cricket context. T20 cricket is, you know, something that people love. They love the sixes, they love the fours. But using that metaphorically, converting that into a conversation around humanity. Is there a false expectation? Is that what’s also setting up humanity for the positive aspects but also...

Synopsis: Tell me this then, if our strength is only in our intelligence, why are we making such dismal decisions? As a humanity. Why can we honestly say that history does repeat itself? And we’re talking about all sorts of global atrocities. If we’re so intelligent, if that is our strength, which I agree 100% with you on. The fact is we’ve got boundaries in terms of our...

Synopsis: Let’s focus for a second on collaboration, because as an individual, I can take it that the Isha Foundation is something which is now a global movement. So talk to me about the spirit of collaboration. I mean, how you’ve developed, built these organisms like a human body that. You might describe yourself as, maybe a platelet within the human body. You know, there’s...

Synopsis: Is there a specific reason why we’re gathered here in your opinion? What’s the force that strung us all together?  

Synopsis: I would like to know your opinion on present day art. Like, the modern art, the films, the videos. And its influence on the present day generation.   

Synopsis: How to learn to accept the truth? Because most of the time, truth is bitter and it is a hard path. So I always tend to make few adjustments and assumptions, which will make my life little easy, but I’m far from the truth. So how do I start learning to accept the truth?  

Synopsis: There’s always the right or wrong decision. Whether the decision is right or wrong, is only eventually realized. How will I know if I’m taking the right decision or wrong decision?  

Synopsis: What is the right age to have a boyfriend or a girlfriend?  

Synopsis: Is it alright to be ordinary? Or should I be special in something?   

Synopsis: Speaking about how it is very important to realize about life and death. So, because I did not decide to be born. A lot of us, we did not decide to be born. But certain countries have taken up this issue of euthanasia very seriously. And they have legalized this, pulling off the plug. So do...

Synopsis: In helplessness, many youngsters start thinking about taking the extreme step of ending their life. On this topic, many questions were asked. One of them is, many of my close friends are suicidal. What could I do to help my friends to get rid of this thought? And, they don’t want to do yoga.

Synopsis: There are times when you feel worn out. It might be because of the external pressure, or emotional trauma that we’re going through. Or because of the lack of inner strength. In such a situation, or such a circumstance, what do you think would help us get back our interest and enthusiasm in life?

Synopsis: I’m sure many of my friends will relate to this question. We find no purpose in what we’re studying. And we feel we’re studying just for the sake of marks. We feel, most of the time, we regret the decisions we have made. We feel trapped sitting inside the classroom. We want to go outside, explore the world, learn, and do a lot of things outside the classroom. But...

Synopsis: I often find myself in a situation where I’m not happy with myself. I compare my abilities, achievements, and even my appearance, with that of others. Also, I think since I’m a humanities student, people around me constantly compare me with my other friends who have taken up medicine or engineering. And that really puts me off. And I think that’s one reason for...

Synopsis: I, being a law student, give a lot of importance to the rights that I possess. Which is, basically the fundamental rights, that’s what we’re talking about here. So I think I should probably be allowed to sleep during classes because that comes under Article 21, right to life and liberty. But, I also have a sense of responsibility, that I should stay awake and focus...

Synopsis: I just wanted to ask you about how we can contribute back to society and give back? Because everyone keeps talking about contributing and contributing, but it’s really hard for each person to come up. I just want to hear your thoughts on that. 

Synopsis: ...

Synopsis: I personally feel, Sadhguru, that there’s this phenomenon of castration anxiety in India. Castration anxiety, something related to male ego. We see that this male ego has been somewhere hidden behind rapes that happen, sexual harassment that happens. A lot of gender disparity. I wouldn’t say this is the only reason, but somewhere hidden behind. And we never address...

Synopsis: For a woman who chooses not to be a mother. So she has chosen you as an advocate for her case. And you have to fight the case. What are the arguments that you would give for a woman who doesn’t want to bear a child?

Synopsis: Taking forward the theme, Sadhguru, about the process inside and work outside. When we look around the country today, we see so many problems affecting our fellow Indians. Poverty, discrimination on the basis of religion and caste, and inequality. And of course, when I look inside myself also there are problems. I’m very far from having a good process, I’m definitely...

Synopsis: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises us to keep putting in effort without being attached to the results. But, I find it incredibly hard to keep working and not obsess over the results. And, I would love to know how we can better practice putting in effort while being detached to the results.

Synopsis: My question today is, in the world that we live in today, there exists a multitude of paths to traverse, both, spiritually and religiously. For instance, in Hinduism, there is both, Veda and Vedanta. I can make a conscious choice as to what I would like to take up. But I’m confused. As a millennial I’m really doubting if a ritualistic approach is relevant today....

Synopsis: I am interested in, or I learn, Carnatic music in my pass time. Around the same time, last year, 2013, there was a controversy that broke out about four Carnatic musicians, famous ones, who sang kritis, which were not related to Hinduism or Jesus Christ. The common folk believe that Carnatic music is sacred of Hindu origin and should remain so. My question is, is Carnatic...

Synopsis: Shouldn’t this be the government’s job? Why should I pay 42 rupees when I already pay taxes? I don’t even live near Chennai. 

Synopsis: So Sadhguru, speaking of Chennai and change. All of us here are undergoing one of the biggest changes in our lives. Because up until now, we haven’t really faced the shortage of a basic necessity, that is like, water, or food, or shelter. But now Chennai is facing one of the biggest water crises, I think in history. Where they predict in 10 years the city’s going...

Synopsis: I consider myself very against littering. So what I do is, I generally take all my trash and I put it in my bag. At the end of the day I go to the trash can and I dump it there. And it hurts me when I see someone else littering. In this case, I’m taking a selfless effort to make the world a better place. And that effort is made worthless because of one selfish person....

Synopsis: It feels like at every point in human history, for society, there’s always been this one challenge or one recurring. For instance, for most of human history, a society’s main issue would have been to protect itself from outsiders. In my opinion, right now, humanity’s or society’s issue is climate change or nuclear war. So, it feels like solving this has been...

Synopsis: A significant population in our world identifies as religious. And they do so for a number of reasons. Some of them say it is for peace, or a way of life, or some direction. And they bring up their children with religion. They sort of imbibe values and principles using religion as a channel. But on the other hand, we have some people whose values are so deeply entrenched...

Transcript: We must look at this. All life on this planet, anything that you take. A worm, an insect, a bird, an animal, a tree, or a human being. The only thing that every life is aspiring for is, it is trying to become a full-fledged life. An earthworm is trying to be a full-fledged earthworm. A grasshopper is trying to be a full-fledged grasshopper. A mango tree is trying to be a full-fledged mango tree. So...

Transcript: The simplest and the most fundamental thing that you can do in your life is, that you're life always. You don't have to be in any particular way, you just have to be alive. Everything else, including the body and the mind, are accessories to life. Accessories are added to life to facilitate certain things, not to overshadow life. We add accessories to facilitate, to add on and enhance. Not to overshadow...

Transcript: What is a good student and what is a good guru or mentor? How would you define a really good student, bad student, good guru, bad guru? You have already claimed the mantle of being a good student. So I think I am free to claim the mantle of being a good guru. For a good student there is no problem. Wherever he goes, he will learn. Whatever he meets, he will learn. A good guru is one who doesn't teach...

Transcript: About education to children, I always feel more than right to education, there has to be a right kind of education. India is intellectually poor at the moment. What is your take on it? India is not, definitely not poor in intellect. I would say, I speak to all kinds of people around the world, business leaders, academics, scientists. But still I would say, pick up 100 people from the street, just like...

Transcript: The most important thing, the most important aspect of my life is I never identified anything as small or big. Even today, I pay the same level of attention to everything. I have no, anything small or big. I have to kind of encapsulate that I can say this. You know, my daughter has been traveling with me since she was three and a half months of age. So that was a time when I was driving across India,...

Transcript: Essentially a long spell of peaceful, civilized life, a long spell. You must understand this. The reason why we got this long spell is, in the North, we were protected by the Himalayan ranges. In the South, by the Indian Ocean. So this is Himalaya, the Indian Ocean that we call today as Indian Ocean, at that time was called as Indusagara. This is why we took the identity, he and du. Hindu. Hindu is...

Transcript: You must understand, whatever stimulants, whatever stimulus you may take from outside, essentially human experience of all kinds is caused only from within. The question is only are you on push-start, or are you on self-start. Which is better, technologically? Self-start. So if I teach you, suppose I teach you that you can simply sit here and be totally blissed out, more stoned than anybody on the...

Transcript: This is a fantastic planet, has nurtured not one or two life forms, millions of life forms. The sheer variety of life of animals, birds, plants, insects and worms that we have on this planet is mind-boggling. Our ability to gobble up the resources on the planet is too much. We exploited the land, we exploited the oceans, our idea of life has become exploitation. From an atom to anything, we are seeing...

Transcript: See we are always thinking of changing the system. I'm not saying it should not, it should. But, within the existing systems we can do many things. Depending upon the individual teachers and the individual educators, how they operate. Because when you try to change the system in your own time, when you want to change the system, you must understand any system, even within the family if you want to...

Transcript: Gautama went to every known master of the time. He was intellectually so brilliant and his longing so great, if he went to a place, what normally somebody would pick it up in years, he would do it in weeks. The eight types of Samadhis, he achieved all eight of them but still he knew this is not fullness of life. Still longing. When nothing else worked, he took to an extreme path which is called a Samanas....

Transcript: The beauty of motherhood is not in reproduction. The beauty of motherhood is in inclusion. Yes? It's not because your mother reproduced you, that's not why a mother is precious. Because in many ways she saw you as a part of herself, it's because of that. Suppose your mother delivered you and never bothered about you, she will be your worst enemy, isn't it? The willingness to include another life as...