Founder of Isha Foundation Padma Vibhushan SADHGURU, who celebrates the 40th anniversary of his enlightenment this year, opens up to VIVA GOA about spiritual tourism, conservation, politics and more in a super exclusive interview
Sixty-six years ago, a middle-class family in Mysore welcomed a son – their youngest of five – with nary a clue that he would be one of India’s most famous spiritual faces. Indeed, for the next 25 years, he lived a rather ordinary life – studying literature and turning entrepreneur by opening his own poultry farm.
It was only after a series of what he describes as ‘spiritual experiences’ that he embarked on a journey that would make him Sadhguru, the founder of Coimbatore-based Isha Foundation, mystic and yogi.
More than 300,000 followers across the world tune in to his meditation programmes, spiritual sessions and speeches on inner consciousness and making ourselves better people. His captivating online presence has put him within easy reach of an audience of more than 10 million as he brings a diverse range of topics into context by keeping them relatable to old and young, traditionalists and unorthodox, rural and urban folk alike. There is even an app available on iPhone and Android for guided meditation and daily wisdom.
His oratory skills have seen him invited to international events including the World Economic Forum in 2007, 2017 and 2020; the Australian Leadership Retreat, Indian Economic Summit and TED.
Sadhguru is known for his intense and assured witty remarks, logical, insightful comments and taking jibes at people for taking life too seriously and not enjoying the present moment.
For him, communication is not just about language or a particular message, but about a profound interaction between various forces of life.
Going by the spiritual guru’s charismatic mix of wisdom and relatability, his anecdotes have garnered him fans from across the world including the likes of Hollywood actor Will Smith who praised his New York Times best-selling self-help book Inner Engineering while in India he also receives accolades from prime minister Narendra Modi.
In a twist of sorts, his one earthly attachment is motorbikes. He is touted to own a 1.6-litre, six-cylinder BMW K1600 GT; a 1262cc Ducati Multistrada; and an 803cc Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled. He chose the first to travel the 30,000kms from the UK to India to raise awareness for his Save Soil campaign.
During the journey, he met policymakers, environmentalists and celebrities to underline the need for soil regeneration. Among his other climate change campaigns are Project Greenhands, Rally for Rivers and Cauvery Calling that have invited both controversy and admiration alike.
Over the years of spiritual and yoga practice, Sadhguru established the 150-acre non-profit Isha Foundation in the pristine forests of the Velliangiri mountains near Coimbatore. Here followers gather to devote themselves to various physical, mental and spiritual well-being programmes for inner transformation. On the premises are a 112-foot tall Adiyogi Shiva statue that is said to have broken the Guinness World Records as the ‘largest bust sculpture’, an ashram, and two artificial water bodies.
He’s a prolific author and has also had books written about him. In 2017, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second highest civilian award, for his contribution to spirituality and humanitarian services.
As he turned 66 this September, Sadhguru shows no signs of stopping. He gives VIVA GOA an insight into his views on current issues, spiritualism in Goa and his upcoming climate change movement.
Read the full article in the latest issue of Viva Goa Magazine. Pick your copy from the nearest supermarket/bookstore today, or CLICK HERE to subscribe!
