Finding calm in the storm

A Dutch Indologist’s new book is all about looking inward to build resilience and master one’s mind

Swami Purnachaitanya, 37, is a Dutch national living in Bengaluru who has studied Indology (Languages and Cultures of India and Tibet) in the Netherlands. He moved to India to master the Vedic knowledge, rituals and recitation of mantras and Vedic hymns. At 16, he got the opportunity to meet yoga guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who he recognised as his spiritual master. He is currently a Director of Programmes for the Art of Living where he conducts a range of personal development training sessions and oversees service projects in India and Africa.

Recently, Swami Purnachaitanya published his book Looking Inward: Meditating to Survive in A Changing World (Penguin, Rs 299) and is currently touring the country with it. He felt that the world as we know it in 2021 is worse than anything we have seen so far. “The Coronavirus pandemic, global warming and the spread of misinformation, have affected our health, relationships and productivity. But most importantly, these have a lasting impact on our inner peace,” he says. The book, he says, helps the reader look inward for strength, focus, happiness and resilience by providing the tools required to address and transcend issues, using meditation to soothe distracted thoughts and refocus energy to being fully present in the moment. The chapters include enlightening stories, precious insights, and 10-minute exercises to build a meditation practice. “Looking Inward is a practical guide for anyone who has realised that true and lasting health, happiness and success are not possible without learning how to manage and master your mind,” he says.

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