All the random thoughts

The hut stood quietly in the middle of nowhere. For some reason I find it less crowded of late. Maybe people aren't just finding time to see the Guru. I sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at the Guru as he sat on a slightly elevated platform. He had a benign smile as he waited for me to open up.  "Let me ask you something," I said finally. "What exactly is stress?" "Why do you ask?" the Guru said. "Are you stressed right now?"  "I guess I am. I feel a kind of pressure... not physical, but constant. Expectations—from work, family, the world—pressing in from all sides." "Someone poking you physically all the time?" he asked with a hint of mischief. "Of course not," I said, laughing softly. "It’s just... everything that needs to be done. The deliverables at work, the fear of failure, my children’s future—it all weighs on me." He looked around the hut, then back at me. "But right now," he said...

Life offers a dynamic landscape of ambitions and discoveries. Over time, we often encounter four key pursuits, each shaping the story of who we are and what brings us true fulfillment. These are the pursuit of Pleasure, Passion, Purpose, and Paramatma. Understanding how each fits into our journey can provide clarity, balance, and direction as we age. The Pursuit of Pleasure At its core, pleasure is about seeking joy and instant gratification—doing things that feel good, provide comfort, and bring immediate happiness (and many a times, instant gratification). Whether it’s indulging in hobbies, savoring good food (or bad), or enjoying moments with loved ones (sometimes amorous), pleasure forms a vital foundation for well-being early in life and offers essential restoration along the way. The Pursuit of Passion Passion goes deeper, calling us to harness our innate talents and interests to build something meaningful. For some, this results in a rewarding career; for others, it may remain a...