How An Encounter with Himalayan Sage Taught PM Modi To Concentrate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a riveting three-hour podcast with MIT scientist Lex Fridman on Sunday, revealed how an encounter with a sage in the Himalayas taught him the transformative power of concentration. Reflecting on life’s inner journey, Modi shared a meditation technique imparted by the sage, who instructed him to focus solely on water dripping from a leaf onto an inverted bowl, tuning out distractions like bird chirps and rustling breezes. “My mind tuned into the rhythmic sounds of the water droplets guiding me into deep focus,” he said, emphasizing that meditation is about presence, not complexity.

Modi illustrated concentration’s impact with a relatable analogy: “Even at a fancy hotel, a dripping faucet in the bathroom is enough to make a luxurious room feel worthless.” He stressed freeing oneself from distractions to live fully in the moment. On life and death, he urged embracing life with purpose over fearing its end, reciting, “Om Puurnnam Adah Puurnnam Idam Puurnnaat Puurnnam Udacyate Puurnnasya PuurnnamAadaaya Puurnnam Eva Avashissyate. Om Shaanti Shaanti Shaanti.” He explained, “It means all life is part of a complete circle, and this mantra emphasises the path to achieve that completeness.”

Highlighting Hindu philosophy, Modi added, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina Sarve Santu Niramaya Sarve Bhadrani Paschyantu Maa Kaschit Dukh Bhaak Bhavet,” meaning a prayer for universal well-being and prosperity, not just personal gain. He underscored the role of ancient rituals in connecting people to life’s essence, weaving his Himalayan experience into a broader message of purpose and mindfulness.