Letter to a friend

 

Dear Friend,

I am writing this letter with a sense of ease and lightness, as if sharing my thoughts, ideas, and life with you is a rare privilege. There’s something truly comforting in knowing that you are someone who listens, not with judgment but with understanding, offering your wisdom with kindness and without fear. There are things I carry within me that I cannot share with just anyone—things that are often misunderstood or dismissed by others. But with you, my dear friend, I feel heard, and that is an invaluable gift.

Lately, I have found myself irresistibly drawn to spirituality. It’s something I can only share with you, for I know others would neither comprehend nor appreciate the depth of this path I am on. Spirituality is not something to be easily discussed—it is a journey within, and everything external—whether worship, prayers, podcasts, or meditation—are simply expressions of the body and mind, which are not the essence. My attraction to this path isn’t by my own design, but something that has unfolded naturally in my life, much like my deep love for mathematics since 1997, my passion for travel, literature, and music in 2011. These are not just fleeting ideas or whims; they are currents that I am being carried by. And now I wonder: Am I simply fascinated by the idea of God, or is there something more?

How has this spiritual journey been for me so far? It’s been a revelation, a shift towards a more internal perspective, and a way of embracing peace. It’s teaching me to move away from living a life of the mind, body, or senses. For so long, I’ve identified with the mind, but now I realize that all our desires, anxieties, and worries are merely products of the mind, and they must be set aside. The path we are meant to follow isn’t one of mental constructs, but one that is guided by the spirit, by God, by consciousness. But to walk this path, one must “de-mind” oneself—to free ourselves from memory, ego, bias, and sensory attachment. This is no small task, but it is the journey I’ve chosen to embark upon.

I’ve been reading books on spirituality, books that seem to have come to me almost by fate. They resonate deeply, as if I’ve been led to them. Just as Milan Kundera and Nabokov found a place in my heart back in 2011, now the words of Shankara, the Gospel, and the Bhagavad Gita are speaking to me with profound meaning. I see this as a phase of growth, an unfolding of my spirit. In addition, I’ve made some changes in my life—like quitting non-vegetarian food. One day, it just happened. I didn’t plan it, but when I look at non-veg food now, I feel repulsed. Even cakes made with eggs—something I would never have thought twice about—now seem distasteful to me. I am also fasting on Thursdays. I’d love to recommend these practices to others, but I know the truth: no recommendation can truly inspire someone to make these changes unless they feel drawn to it themselves. It’s not about pushing toward something, but about allowing the journey to come to you.

You’ve asked me about work satisfaction, and I have to admit, there’s a deep sense of dissatisfaction with the corporate world. Corporate life is built around status, money, and consumerism—values that sit in stark contrast to the humility and simplicity of spiritual life. Yet, I find that my dissatisfaction is no longer as intense. I’ve come to realize that everything happens by God’s will, and if I am where I am, it is because this is where I’m meant to be. I’ve seen the signs throughout my life—from Oak Grove to IIMK to Pentation and Dialogues. When I look back, I see how everything aligns with a higher purpose. Now, I may sound overly “Godly” or passive, as if I’m not taking control of my own life, but that’s not the case. I still want to be in charge of my life—but the “I” who drives me has changed. I will continue to seek work that nourishes my soul, but with patience and serenity. I will face challenges with determination and leave the outcome in God’s hands.

There is so much more I could share, and I will continue to write to you. If you're interested, I’ll share some spiritual insights as well. I am, after all, only a fraction of the way into the full wisdom that is out there, but I feel I am on the right path.

With love and light, 

Me.