Latest news with #AutobiographyofaYogi
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Virat Kohli's playbook for life: 3 books that shaped his mindset beyond cricket
Written by Chanakya Chandrupatla Virat Kohli, one of cricket's most celebrated players, made his debut for the Indian Cricket Team on 18th August 2008—the same year he was picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. Known for his explosive batting, unmatched fitness, and aggressive tactics, Kohli has consistently kept opponents on the back foot, challenging their abilities at every turn. Beyond the cricket field, Kohli is also an avid reader who often shares books that have influenced his mindset and personal growth. Here are some of his top recommendations: The 'Autobiography of a Yogi' A spiritual classic published in 1946, this autobiography delves into the teachings of Kriya Yoga and the life of Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. Kohli has mentioned in interviews that the book had a profound impact on his life, calling it a must-read for those open to challenging their thoughts and ideologies. Yogananda was among the first Indian spiritual teachers to settle in the United States, and his book has sold over four million copies worldwide. Notably, he was also one of the first prominent Indians to be hosted at the White House by President Calvin Coolidge. Detox Your Ego: 7 easy steps to achieving freedom, happiness and success in your life The book speaks about one's ego and how does it stop one from performing at their best. The book takes you on a ride and talks the importance of self-discovery. The author talks bout steps to eliminate ego and the ways to achieve freedom, happiness and success in one's life. Kohli said that the book has helped him to control his emotions and stay grounded. The books talks about how a leader should guide without having ego. The book proposes ' Leadership without ego '. It guides the reader by suggesting seven steps to lead a happier, freer and more enhanced life. A fascinating exploration of cross-cultural inspiration, this book aligns with Kohli's own journey of growth and adaptability. It features 70 prominent Indians and Italians sharing their experiences, highlighting the importance of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and peak performance. Through personal anecdotes, the book showcases the mutual influence between the two cultures, making it a compelling read for those interested in global perspectives. ( Chanakya Chandrupatla is an intern at the Indian Express )
Hindustan Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
The top of the tree response to crises
In the present day and age, human beings have been displaying so much variety in their mindset that it is safe to presume that we have somewhat evolved. One of the major differentiators of a society's progress is the ability to think originally, with creativity and hopefully with empathy too. Any and every crisis that our nation faces, howsoever gruesome or painful it may be, actually represents an opportunity for our leadership to show its true mettle. It also provides you and me, common citizens, with a chance to prove how level-headed and equanimous we can be, even in the face of terrible times. Yet, how facile it is to slide down the mega winding slide of cynicism and doubtfulness! Swimming upstream is not everybody's cup of tea, but when the chips are down, and when everyone around us seems to be full of venom and vile, some of us have to go against the tide. And if highly intellectual, experienced, responsible individuals do not do so, then why expect the rest of humanity to rise to each challenge? There's a saying attributed to the revered Guru Nanak Dev which basically means that we should agree with others (when the cause is noble). This sense of agreement with another and indeed willingness to not allow the ego to interfere with better sense is a sign of inner victories that are essentially intangible. But to spiral downward and hurtle towards lowly thoughts and reckless speech (or texts) against others is not a victory in any form. Present day citizens of India must appreciate and understand the spirit behind the teachings of its great saints like Guru Nanak. Paramhansa Yoganananda, author of 'Autobiography of a Yogi', strongly emphasised the fact that humankind has much opportunity in life to take decisions as per dynamic challenging situations that confront us. And the use of right thinking, discerning, will power is what human beings must prioritise. Thus, to vent anger against a particular community or nation is not the sign of a healthy collective mindset. All nations must display foresight and understanding before exercising violent or even aggressive options. But for that, leaders have to raise the levels of their own consciousness and be statesmanlike in their demeanour and mindset. Sadly, there is no figment of such level headedness in evidence upon today's global firmament. A large-hearted response is expected of mature individuals in personal confrontations as well. But the top of the tree approach is rarely visible even among those donning positions in the top echelons of the proverbial ladder. Relationships break down on the slightest of pretexts at times but a saner, more reasoned thought process might avert many such diabolical debacles. In the present day context, it is worthwhile to refrain from forwarding unsubstantiated and potentially inflammatory posts. The unthinking 'straight forward' type of guy, who has been highlighted in these columns before is the one to watch out for. An hour or so later, some sensible group member will point out that a post which has already been forwarded many times was actually a deep fake post. The damage has been done by then, almost irrevocably. Heads of communities, of institutions, and even of families, are almost as much saddled with the onus of remaining balanced, as are leaders of nations. With the bizarre brigade running riot on social and anti-social media channels, my vote is with a calming influencer than with one who is prone to running amok. Let's endeavour to be saner , cooler, calmer voices, even in times of strife.
Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Beyond the Courtroom: Fali Nariman's legal legacy
'The characteristic features of Indian culture have long been a search for ultimate verities and the concomitant disciple-guru relationship' – these are the first words of Autobiography of a Yogi written by Indian spiritual leader Paramahansa Yogananda, originally published in 1946. Close to eight decades later, a manifestation of these very words came to public notice in the relationship between the late Fali S. Nariman, a towering figure in Indian Jurisprudence and Subhash Sharma, his trusted lieutenant for nearly 40 years. In fact, Sharma had read out a 1952 speech of Yogananda to Nariman five hours before the eminent lawyer breathed his last on February 21 last year. 'I started crying after reading the speech…looking at me, Fali started weeping too,' Sharma told The Indian Express. Months after his death, Sharma meticulously curated a book with a selection of Nariman's most influential speeches. 'Beyond the Courtroom' showcases the vast breadth and depth of Nariman's constitutional expertise through his illuminating lectures and articles. It even goes a step further outlining the jurists views on the state of Indian Democracy. From making arguments on why a new constitution is impossible today, to stating why a strong opposition is needed for the betterment of democracy, this book covers a wide range of subjects. 'The first lesson about written constitutions is that they don't function on their own. A special effort must be made by their custodians – those entrusted with their functioning – to work them,' reads a chapter titled 'The Silences in our Constitutional Law'. This chapter stood out as it speaks about how the Silences of the constitution were interpreted and in turn its provisions broadened by the Judiciary. This reinterpretation, argued Nariman, has made the document a 'dynamic, living' one. Nariman speaks about the evolution of Article 368 of the constitution (power of Parliament to amend constitution) to drive home the point of the dynamism of the constitution and bringing to the fore the tussle between the Parliament and the Judiciary. He begins with how within a year of the constitution being brought into force, the Parliament passed the first amendment of the Constitution which dispensed with the payment of compensation for taking over large estates (zamindaries). Article 31A and 31B were introduced which provided that legislations for agrarian or land reforms were outside the protection of the fundamental right to property. 'Article 31 B was an innovation,' says Nariman, as it protected enactments included in the ninth schedule of the constitution from being declared void on the basis of infringement of fundamental rights. In 1971, he points out, came more amendments, all meant to further limit the power of the constitution and increase that of the parliament by limiting which laws Courts could declare void if passed in contravention of fundamental rights. Nariman traces the history of this tussle all the way to the Basic Structure Doctrine in 1973 where it was finally decided by a 13 judge bench held that the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution couldn't alter its 'basic structure'. In the next chapter Nariman says: '…the only final interpreter of the Constitution is the judiciary' pointing out the active role that he feels judges must play in bringing life to the document. Divided into five sections (Nation, Judiciary, Constitution, Law and Arbitration), the book also offers advice for young lawyers, tackles ethical questions and is sprinkled with quips throughout – usually towards the end of each chapter. 'Paramhansa used to think Mahatma Gandhi was a prophet…for me, Nariman was a prophet,' Sharma told The Indian Express. 'I've always felt this deep spiritual connection with him. I can't put a finger on it, but I always somehow felt close to him.' Sharma is a well-known name in the legal circles and has been the devoted gatekeeper for Nariman's offices. As his junior since 1986, Sharma's name appears in virtually every case handled by Nariman. It was Sharma who would be the first point of contact for lawyers or litigants to Nariman's office since the veteran neither carried a cell phone nor directly accessed his email account. Sharma considers it a stroke of serendipity that he got a chance to work with Nariman. After the book was published in early 2025, he kept a copy on the shrine of Yogananda – who was revered by both – in Forest Lawns, Los Angeles.
