Why suffering by sadhguru

Why Suffering?

'In the Presence of the Master' is a series of stirring and

insightful discourses given by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

In his willingness to share, Sadhguru offers glimpses of

the profound wisdom that is otherwise accessible to

enlightened beings only.

In this volume, Sadhguru opens up a whole new

perspective on 'Why suffering?', a question which has

concerned humanity from the beginning of time. In the

quest to tackle this problem, man has developed many

theories, concepts and dogmata, but still, suffering is

omnipresent in this world.

Abrogating the erroneous belief that it is inevitable,

Sadhguru delivers insights on the very origin of suffering

and discloses ways beyond.

sacred space for self transformation

Why Suffering?

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Isha Foundation

http://ishadownloads.com

Why Suffering?

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Isha Foundation


All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles and reviews.

15, Govindasamy Naidu Layout,Singanallur, Coimbatore - 641 005. India.Phone : 091 - 422 - 2319654E-mail : [email protected] : www.ishafoundation.org

Published by:

& © 2006 Isha FoundationP

Isha Foundation

Why Suffering?

First Edition : Isha Fest, September 2006

As a human being, you know suffering not

because Creation gave the suffering to you.

Creation just gave you the freedom to make

whatever you wish to out of yourself.

- Sadhguru


All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles and reviews.

15, Govindasamy Naidu Layout,Singanallur, Coimbatore - 641 005. India.Phone : 091 - 422 - 2319654E-mail : [email protected] : www.ishafoundation.org

Published by:

& © 2006 Isha FoundationP

Isha Foundation

Why Suffering?

First Edition : Isha Fest, September 2006

As a human being, you know suffering not

because Creation gave the suffering to you.


whatever you wish to out of yourself.

- Sadhguru


Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a self-realized and

profound mystic of our times. He is an embodiment

of the sages of the past who served as beacons of

inspiration and guidance for entire civilizations; at

the same time, he is acutely aware of current

realities, making him a visionary humanitarian and

a prominent spiritual leader of the world today.

Also an author, poet, and internationally renowned

speaker, Sadhguru's wit and piercing logic provoke

and widen our perception of life.

As someone who belongs to no particular

tradition, Sadhguru's guidance and powerful

scientific methods are totally relevant to the

modern individual and institutions, allowing them

to cross their limitations into a higher possibility.

In this regard, he has been able to touch millions of

Introduction

1http://ishadownloads.com

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a self-realized and

profound mystic of our times. He is an embodiment

of the sages of the past who served as beacons of

inspiration and guidance for entire civilizations; at

the same time, he is acutely aware of current

realities, making him a visionary humanitarian and

a prominent spiritual leader of the world today.

Also an author, poet, and internationally renowned

speaker, Sadhguru's wit and piercing logic provoke

and widen our perception of life.

As someone who belongs to no particular

tradition, Sadhguru's guidance and powerful

scientific methods are totally relevant to the

modern individual and institutions, allowing them

to cross their limitations into a higher possibility.

In this regard, he has been able to touch millions of

Introduction


people, moving them towards realizing the ultimate

potential within.

Sadhguru's multi-faceted personality can

have a profound and enriching effect on anyone

who comes across him, and yet it can also stir them

into a state of confusion. At home in blue jeans as

much as he is in a loincloth, or walking barefoot

through the mighty Himalayas, or straddling

a BMW motorcycle on the expressway, he shatters

any preconceptions that one might have of a mystic.

In the Presence of the Master series are

discourses and answers to an intricate array of

questions, by disciples and seekers amidst the

challenges of life. Engulfed by Sadhguru's

presence, the seeker is liberated from the pain of

ignorance, firmly establishing the spiritual process

within.

‘Why Suffering?' may be one of the most

pressing questions of human life; considering the

state of the world today, it appears as up to date as

ever. In this intriguing discourse, Sadhguru throws

new light on the relation between external

situations and individual suffering. His insights

show us a way not to get caught up in this trap that

seems inevitable to most of us, yet really is not.

2 3http://ishadownloads.com

people, moving them towards realizing the ultimate

potential within.

Sadhguru's multi-faceted personality can

have a profound and enriching effect on anyone

who comes across him, and yet it can also stir them

into a state of confusion. At home in blue jeans as

much as he is in a loincloth, or walking barefoot

through the mighty Himalayas, or straddling

a BMW motorcycle on the expressway, he shatters

any preconceptions that one might have of a mystic.

In the Presence of the Master series are

discourses and answers to an intricate array of

questions, by disciples and seekers amidst the

challenges of life. Engulfed by Sadhguru's

presence, the seeker is liberated from the pain of

ignorance, firmly establishing the spiritual process

within.

‘Why Suffering?' may be one of the most

pressing questions of human life; considering the

state of the world today, it appears as up to date as

ever. In this intriguing discourse, Sadhguru throws

new light on the relation between external

situations and individual suffering. His insights

show us a way not to get caught up in this trap that

seems inevitable to most of us, yet really is not.


Question: Sadhguru, if Creation is perfect,

and the Creator has done such a good job on us, why

is there so much suffering in the world? Why do we

need to depend upon somebody's compassion to

exist here?

Sadhguru: (Laughs) So why is there so much

misery if all Creation is a perfect job? It is such

a perfect job, that it gives you the opportunity to be

whichever way you wish to be. If Creation had not

given you the necessary opportunity to be what you

wish to be, then there would be no possibilities,

isn't it? Then there would be no such thing as

liberation. So why create bondage and then

liberation? Why couldn't you have just been

liberated? Then there would be no Creation. Only

because there is Creation, now there is the

possibility of going beyond that.

Why Suffering?


Question: Sadhguru, if Creation is perfect,

and the Creator has done such a good job on us, why

is there so much suffering in the world? Why do we

need to depend upon somebody's compassion to

exist here?

Sadhguru: (Laughs) So why is there so much

misery if all Creation is a perfect job? It is such

a perfect job, that it gives you the opportunity to be

whichever way you wish to be. If Creation had not

given you the necessary opportunity to be what you

wish to be, then there would be no possibilities,

isn't it? Then there would be no such thing as

liberation. So why create bondage and then

liberation? Why couldn't you have just been

liberated? Then there would be no Creation. Only

because there is Creation, now there is the

possibility of going beyond that.

Why Suffering?


In animal nature and in other forms of life

that you see around you, there is not much

possibility. The possibility is to just survive,

procreate, carry on with life and die one day.

Because there is not much possibility, there is not

much misery either. You don't see other creatures

of the planet suffering like human beings. Their

suffering is purely physical. If they are physically

harmed, they're in pain. Even in pain, they do not

know the kind of suffering that a human being

knows.

As a human being, you know this suffering

not because Creation gave the suffering to you.


whatever you wish to out of yourself. If you're

making suffering out of yourself, or a large

population of the world has decided to make

suffering out of themselves; that is their choice.

Physical realities are sometimes comfortable,

and sometimes not comfortable. That is so. We have

been given the necessary intelligence to create the

necessary comfort for ourselves. That's not an issue

really. If we have no problems with each other,

creating comfort for all the population in the world

is not a big problem at all. But simply because we

have inner problems, this freedom which should

have been a benediction, has become a curse upon

humanity. Right now, what human beings are

suffering is not their bondage; they are suffering

their freedom. If you suffer your bondage, it's all

right, but if you suffer your freedom, that's

a tragedy.

This moment you can make anything out of

yourself. You can make joy or suffering out of

yourself. If almost 90 percent of the people choose

to make misery out of themselves, what can be

done? That's not Creation's fault. Creation just gave

you the freedom so that you could go beyond.

Why Suffering?


In animal nature and in other forms of life

that you see around you, there is not much

possibility. The possibility is to just survive,

procreate, carry on with life and die one day.

Because there is not much possibility, there is not

much misery either. You don't see other creatures

of the planet suffering like human beings. Their

suffering is purely physical. If they are physically

harmed, they're in pain. Even in pain, they do not

know the kind of suffering that a human being

knows.

As a human being, you know this suffering

not because Creation gave the suffering to you.


whatever you wish to out of yourself. If you're

making suffering out of yourself, or a large

population of the world has decided to make

suffering out of themselves; that is their choice.

Physical realities are sometimes comfortable,

and sometimes not comfortable. That is so. We have

been given the necessary intelligence to create the

necessary comfort for ourselves. That's not an issue

really. If we have no problems with each other,

creating comfort for all the population in the world

is not a big problem at all. But simply because we

have inner problems, this freedom which should

have been a benediction, has become a curse upon

humanity. Right now, what human beings are

suffering is not their bondage; they are suffering

their freedom. If you suffer your bondage, it's all

right, but if you suffer your freedom, that's

a tragedy.

This moment you can make anything out of

yourself. You can make joy or suffering out of

yourself. If almost 90 percent of the people choose

to make misery out of themselves, what can be

done? That's not Creation's fault. Creation just gave

you the freedom so that you could go beyond.

Why Suffering?


Once you have come as a human, you're not

trapped anymore. Other creatures are trapped in

their own instincts, beyond that they cannot think.

You have instincts for survival, but still you have

the possibility of going beyond these instincts.

If you don't choose to go beyond, that means

enough suffering has still not touched you,

because unfortunately in the world, very few

people transcend out of their intelligence. Most

people have to be thrashed by life; only then they

will transcend. Only then will they think of going

beyond, otherwise no.

In India if you tell somebody that 'I'm living

in an ashram', they will ask you, 'Why, what went

wrong? What happened to your life?' They believe

that only after something really goes wrong you

will go to the ashram. Because most people's

intelligence is such, they keep their brains in cold

storage, thinking that they will use it in the future.

So they only seek the beyond when something

really goes wrong with their life. Until then, even

if something goes wrong, they will only pray for

a better life next time.

Now, you don't have to depend upon

anybody's compassion or understanding. The

whole world can live under the umbrella of your

compassion and your understanding. I would like

to see that you stand up that way; that the world

lives under your compassion and understanding.

If you have any dignity, that's how you should

live. Isn't it so?

Question: Sadhguru, you said that suffering

is of the mind, and we have the freedom to get rid of

it. However, there are people who don't even have

food to eat. What about their suffering?

Sadhguru: People don't have food to eat, not

because there's no food in the world, but because

people who are capable have grabbed everything.

8 9

Why Suffering?


Once you have come as a human, you're not

trapped anymore. Other creatures are trapped in

their own instincts, beyond that they cannot think.

You have instincts for survival, but still you have

the possibility of going beyond these instincts.

If you don't choose to go beyond, that means

enough suffering has still not touched you,

because unfortunately in the world, very few

people transcend out of their intelligence. Most

people have to be thrashed by life; only then they

will transcend. Only then will they think of going

beyond, otherwise no.

In India if you tell somebody that 'I'm living

in an ashram', they will ask you, 'Why, what went

wrong? What happened to your life?' They believe

that only after something really goes wrong you

will go to the ashram. Because most people's

intelligence is such, they keep their brains in cold

storage, thinking that they will use it in the future.

So they only seek the beyond when something

really goes wrong with their life. Until then, even

if something goes wrong, they will only pray for

a better life next time.

Now, you don't have to depend upon

anybody's compassion or understanding. The

whole world can live under the umbrella of your

compassion and your understanding. I would like

to see that you stand up that way; that the world

lives under your compassion and understanding.

If you have any dignity, that's how you should

live. Isn't it so?

Question: Sadhguru, you said that suffering

is of the mind, and we have the freedom to get rid of

it. However, there are people who don't even have

food to eat. What about their suffering?

Sadhguru: People don't have food to eat, not

because there's no food in the world, but because

people who are capable have grabbed everything.

8 9

Why Suffering?


Question: There are people without food, like

the situations we have in Africa, Ethiopia, and even

in India…

Sadhguru: You're telling me? (Laughs)

Unfortunately, we have left a large part of the

human population in physical pain. Pain of hunger,

disease and injury. The way we are treating half the

humanity on the planet, it looks like we are hell's

angels. If you look at the world, we are not really

human beings, because we have kept half the world

population in hell. But still, if you don't know this,

the level of suffering of people who have comfort

and well-being is much deeper than of those people

who are not eating properly. Even today, that is the

reality. So suffering is not necessarily always in

proportion to one's physical deprivation. People

who have everything, they suffer much more

deeply than people who don't have anything. And

just the fact that you have too much and somebody

is suffering from too little, that itself will cause you

immense suffering.

You may not be aware of it, it may take time

for a lot of people to realize that in some way,

whether you like it or not, every morsel of food that

you eat and every hungry stomach in the world is

connected. I'm not trying to make a situation where

you can't enjoy your dinner or breakfast. That's not

the idea, but they are connected. I think it would be

good if every day before you eat, you sit in front of

your food, take a minute's break and think of all the

people who are not eating that day, and then eat

well. You understand? Still eat well, knowing fully

well that there is something that you can do by

eating well. By not eating well, you will not do

anything, but by eating well you can do something.

Then this food will not go waste on you. Then

something will happen out of this, because if you

make this one aware of what is what, this one

10 1 1

Why Suffering?


Question: There are people without food, like

the situations we have in Africa, Ethiopia, and even

in India…

Sadhguru: You're telling me? (Laughs)

Unfortunately, we have left a large part of the

human population in physical pain. Pain of hunger,

disease and injury. The way we are treating half the

humanity on the planet, it looks like we are hell's

angels. If you look at the world, we are not really

human beings, because we have kept half the world

population in hell. But still, if you don't know this,

the level of suffering of people who have comfort

and well-being is much deeper than of those people

who are not eating properly. Even today, that is the

reality. So suffering is not necessarily always in

proportion to one's physical deprivation. People

who have everything, they suffer much more

deeply than people who don't have anything. And

just the fact that you have too much and somebody

is suffering from too little, that itself will cause you

immense suffering.

You may not be aware of it, it may take time

for a lot of people to realize that in some way,

whether you like it or not, every morsel of food that

you eat and every hungry stomach in the world is

connected. I'm not trying to make a situation where

you can't enjoy your dinner or breakfast. That's not

the idea, but they are connected. I think it would be

good if every day before you eat, you sit in front of

your food, take a minute's break and think of all the

people who are not eating that day, and then eat

well. You understand? Still eat well, knowing fully

well that there is something that you can do by

eating well. By not eating well, you will not do

anything, but by eating well you can do something.

Then this food will not go waste on you. Then

something will happen out of this, because if you

make this one aware of what is what, this one

10 1 1

Why Suffering?


which you call as human can't keep quiet, it has to

do something.

But somehow you insulate yourself, thinking

that it is not your business, that it is God's work.

Right now, the question asked is whether it is the

Creator's mistake that so many people are

suffering. By asking this, you're trying to insulate

yourself against other people's suffering because

there is something in you that is connected to

everything in the existence. If you make that active

in whichever way possible, that something in you

won't let you keep quiet. I would say if just one

percent of the population stands up, in a really

committed way, to alleviate human suffering, at

least the physical suffering in this existence could

be just wiped out, you know? The whole 100

percent need not stand up. Just one percent, if they

stand up, it can be done.

Now Isha Foundation's

Rejuvenation' is an effort in that direction, but just

see how many people are willing to really stand up

for it; very few. A lot of young people are standing

up, but still it is very, very few. Isn't it? And to what

extent am I willing to stand up and do it? That's

always questionable, because somewhere we try to

insulate ourselves with our own philosophies.

One of my basic missions is to make life bare.

I want you to see life bare, as it is; and the bare is not

ugly. The bare is very beautiful. The bare is very

tremendous. It is only because you have wrapped

life in all kinds of philosophies, in your ideas, in

your emotions, in things that you created, that you

neither see the beauty of it nor the pain of it.

If you see both, then there would be enormous

compassion in you, and yet no pain in you. There

would be joy in you even though there is so much

misery.

'Action for Rural

12 13

Why Suffering?


which you call as human can't keep quiet, it has to

do something.

But somehow you insulate yourself, thinking

that it is not your business, that it is God's work.

Right now, the question asked is whether it is the

Creator's mistake that so many people are

suffering. By asking this, you're trying to insulate

yourself against other people's suffering because

there is something in you that is connected to

everything in the existence. If you make that active

in whichever way possible, that something in you

won't let you keep quiet. I would say if just one

percent of the population stands up, in a really

committed way, to alleviate human suffering, at

least the physical suffering in this existence could

be just wiped out, you know? The whole 100

percent need not stand up. Just one percent, if they

stand up, it can be done.

Now Isha Foundation's

Rejuvenation' is an effort in that direction, but just

see how many people are willing to really stand up

for it; very few. A lot of young people are standing

up, but still it is very, very few. Isn't it? And to what

extent am I willing to stand up and do it? That's

always questionable, because somewhere we try to

insulate ourselves with our own philosophies.

One of my basic missions is to make life bare.

I want you to see life bare, as it is; and the bare is not

ugly. The bare is very beautiful. The bare is very

tremendous. It is only because you have wrapped

life in all kinds of philosophies, in your ideas, in

your emotions, in things that you created, that you

neither see the beauty of it nor the pain of it.

If you see both, then there would be enormous

compassion in you, and yet no pain in you. There

would be joy in you even though there is so much

misery.

'Action for Rural

12 13

Why Suffering?


Right now, you either insulate yourself from

other people's pain or you insulate yourself from

the very joy of life. Both could be alive in you at the

same time - enormous compassion for all the pain in

the world, and still go through it joyfully. If you

looked at life just the way it is, not distorting it

according to your emotions, your identifications, all

these things, if you really respond to life simply the

way it is, you wouldn't even think in terms of

human suffering and other's suffering. Anything

that disturbs life, anything that hampers life, you

would see how to create a situation that it is not so.

And why does your compassion only go out

to human beings, and not to other creatures as well?

Do you think that they are lesser forms of life than

you? If so, you're too identified with your own

form, isn't it? So you think only human suffering is

suffering? Human beings are capable of suffering

just about anything. Isn't it so? You know better

than anybody. If there is some physical reason, at

least they have a good excuse. Otherwise they will

simply suffer for nothing. Haven't you seen enough

people simply suffering for anything and

everything? They suffer their failure, they suffer

their success, they suffer their poverty, they suffer

their wealth, they suffer their health and their ill

health. If you send them to heaven they will suffer

because they will miss hell. You know? They are

capable of suffering just about anything. Now

people are suffering the world. There are people

who are suffering the ashram also, aren't they? Are

you one of them? (Laughs)

People who come from outside think this is

heaven. 'Oh, looking at the mountain, I can spend

my lifetime here. If not anything else, if I don't see

other aspects of the ashram, I can spend the rest of

my life here just looking at these mountains.' That's

what a lot of people who come here say, but there

14 15

Why Suffering?


Right now, you either insulate yourself from

other people's pain or you insulate yourself from

the very joy of life. Both could be alive in you at the

same time - enormous compassion for all the pain in

the world, and still go through it joyfully. If you

looked at life just the way it is, not distorting it

according to your emotions, your identifications, all

these things, if you really respond to life simply the

way it is, you wouldn't even think in terms of

human suffering and other's suffering. Anything

that disturbs life, anything that hampers life, you

would see how to create a situation that it is not so.

And why does your compassion only go out

to human beings, and not to other creatures as well?

Do you think that they are lesser forms of life than

you? If so, you're too identified with your own

form, isn't it? So you think only human suffering is

suffering? Human beings are capable of suffering

just about anything. Isn't it so? You know better

than anybody. If there is some physical reason, at

least they have a good excuse. Otherwise they will

simply suffer for nothing. Haven't you seen enough

people simply suffering for anything and

everything? They suffer their failure, they suffer

their success, they suffer their poverty, they suffer

their wealth, they suffer their health and their ill

health. If you send them to heaven they will suffer

because they will miss hell. You know? They are

capable of suffering just about anything. Now

people are suffering the world. There are people

who are suffering the ashram also, aren't they? Are

you one of them? (Laughs)

People who come from outside think this is

heaven. 'Oh, looking at the mountain, I can spend

my lifetime here. If not anything else, if I don't see

other aspects of the ashram, I can spend the rest of

my life here just looking at these mountains.' That's

what a lot of people who come here say, but there

14 15

Why Suffering?


are many people who are suffering the ashram.

(Laughs) So people are capable of suffering just

about anything.

I think more people in the world are

suffering from indigestion than of hunger. Isn't it

so? Unfortunately that's the reality. Despite

technological advancement, there are a large

number of people suffering hunger in the world.

So many things have happened, and we have so

much surplus crop that we have to dump it into the

ocean. You know? Millions of tons of milk are

dumped into the ocean every year, but still there are

people who are hungry. There are still children

dying without food because somewhere, you know,

we have gotten all distorted in our heads.

The physical suffering that is happening is

mainly man-made. If you lived in nature, physical

suffering would be minimal, as your bodies would be

attuned with it. It would not be easy to make a man

who lives in nature suffer physically, because every

day he would go through everything and his body

would be such that he wouldn't suffer even an insect

bite. But today you suffer everything, and want to

leave the ashram because of mosquito bites. Our

bodies have become like that now, isn't it?

Physical suffering in not the biggest issue.

It is an issue, but what I would say is - with the

resources that we have in the world, if a few people

make up their minds, within a very short time

physical suffering, hunger, and poverty could be

taken away. But the problem is if you take away that

hunger and poverty, people will just multiply in

hordes and this six billion population will become

twelve billion in another twenty-five years. And

once again, we'll multiply physical suffering. It's an

endless process.

Somewhere, nature has its own simple

and straightforward ways. We think it's cruel,

16 17

Why Suffering?


are many people who are suffering the ashram.

(Laughs) So people are capable of suffering just

about anything.

I think more people in the world are

suffering from indigestion than of hunger. Isn't it

so? Unfortunately that's the reality. Despite

technological advancement, there are a large

number of people suffering hunger in the world.

So many things have happened, and we have so

much surplus crop that we have to dump it into the

ocean. You know? Millions of tons of milk are

dumped into the ocean every year, but still there are

people who are hungry. There are still children

dying without food because somewhere, you know,

we have gotten all distorted in our heads.

The physical suffering that is happening is

mainly man-made. If you lived in nature, physical

suffering would be minimal, as your bodies would be

attuned with it. It would not be easy to make a man

who lives in nature suffer physically, because every

day he would go through everything and his body

would be such that he wouldn't suffer even an insect

bite. But today you suffer everything, and want to

leave the ashram because of mosquito bites. Our

bodies have become like that now, isn't it?

Physical suffering in not the biggest issue.

It is an issue, but what I would say is - with the

resources that we have in the world, if a few people

make up their minds, within a very short time

physical suffering, hunger, and poverty could be

taken away. But the problem is if you take away that

hunger and poverty, people will just multiply in

hordes and this six billion population will become

twelve billion in another twenty-five years. And

once again, we'll multiply physical suffering. It's an

endless process.

Somewhere, nature has its own simple

and straightforward ways. We think it's cruel,

16 17

Why Suffering?


but nature has its own very straightforward

ways of settling life. If you are caught up in that,

it is unfortunate; actually there is no fortune or

misfortune, but for an individual who is caught

up in it, it is unfortunate because he suffers.

We can do something about the physical

suffering, but people are creating suffering for

themselves everyday; suffering anger, suffering

fear, suffering hatred, suffering jealousy, suffering

insecurity. This is entirely of your making isn't it?

And that is the maximum suffering in the world.

The physical is just a small part. Even in Africa, the

physical suffering is just a small part. The real

suffering is in the mind, isn't it? And one can easily

go beyond that if one is willing to. You can make

your mind into an instrument that takes you

towards joy and ecstasy instead of suffering.

You may think, 'Oh, if there is no food in the

stomach, how to be joyful?' but if you don't know

this, although at Isha Yoga Center it is not practiced,

many yogis intentionally starve themselves for

many, many days till they become all skin and

bone and still remain blissful and joyful. So even

beyond physical suffering it is possible. Now, I am

not saying that the person in Africa who is hungry

should just sit in a cross-legged posture and

meditate. His hunger has been caused by us. We are

eating more than what we should eat. We are using

up more than what we should use up. We are

possessing more than what we should possess.

That is why a large population is hungry.

If you do not know this, about one percent of

the world's population owns over 70 percent of the

world's resources and wealth. So it is just in the

hands of one percent, if they just make up their

mind, it's over. In a few days time, it could be

settled, but still humanity is yet to become alive.

Human nature is yet to become alive. People are

just centered in their egos, not in their original

18 19

Why Suffering?


but nature has its own very straightforward

ways of settling life. If you are caught up in that,

it is unfortunate; actually there is no fortune or

misfortune, but for an individual who is caught

up in it, it is unfortunate because he suffers.

We can do something about the physical

suffering, but people are creating suffering for

themselves everyday; suffering anger, suffering

fear, suffering hatred, suffering jealousy, suffering

insecurity. This is entirely of your making isn't it?

And that is the maximum suffering in the world.

The physical is just a small part. Even in Africa, the

physical suffering is just a small part. The real

suffering is in the mind, isn't it? And one can easily

go beyond that if one is willing to. You can make

your mind into an instrument that takes you

towards joy and ecstasy instead of suffering.

You may think, 'Oh, if there is no food in the

stomach, how to be joyful?' but if you don't know

this, although at Isha Yoga Center it is not practiced,

many yogis intentionally starve themselves for

many, many days till they become all skin and

bone and still remain blissful and joyful. So even

beyond physical suffering it is possible. Now, I am

not saying that the person in Africa who is hungry

should just sit in a cross-legged posture and

meditate. His hunger has been caused by us. We are

eating more than what we should eat. We are using

up more than what we should use up. We are

possessing more than what we should possess.

That is why a large population is hungry.

If you do not know this, about one percent of

the world's population owns over 70 percent of the

world's resources and wealth. So it is just in the

hands of one percent, if they just make up their

mind, it's over. In a few days time, it could be

settled, but still humanity is yet to become alive.

Human nature is yet to become alive. People are

just centered in their egos, not in their original

18 19

Why Suffering?


nature. If people were centered in their original

nature, there would be no such thing. You know?

It happened once; Lao Tzu went through

a bad phase in his life, where he was accused of

all kinds of terrible things. But then, he regained

his position in the society as a wise man. So his

fame spread around that he was considered among

the wisest men in the whole country. One day the

king got over-enthusiastic and said, 'You're the

wisest man in my country, so you must be the judge,

the chief judge in our country.' Lao Tzu said, 'Are

you sure? My wisdom and your interests may not

be in the same line.' 'No, no, you're the wisest man.

Why will anything go wrong? It will be great to have

you as a judge.' Lao Tzu said, 'Okay.'

The very first case was one of robbery. There

was a servant who had been working in a rich

man's house right from childhood for a pittance.

He had been bought as a bonded laborer 30 years

earlier and was barely given anything except his

food. One day, he stole all the jewels in the house

and escaped. The rich man complained to the

authorities, who caught this guy and brought him to

Lao Tzu's court for justice.

The rich man abused the servant and said,

'This fool, I brought him up right from his

childhood. He had nothing and I gave him

everything. He would have died on the street, but

I gave him everything; I brought him up, made

a man out of him and here he is stealing from me.

You must give him the death sentence.' After

hearing both sides of the story, Lao Tzu passed his

judgment.

He said, 'This man, he must be allowed to

keep half the jewels that he has stolen. The other

half should go to the King's treasury, and the rich

man should be put in prison for ten years.' Now, the

whole court was shell-shocked; they thought

20 21

Why Suffering?


nature. If people were centered in their original

nature, there would be no such thing. You know?

It happened once; Lao Tzu went through

a bad phase in his life, where he was accused of

all kinds of terrible things. But then, he regained

his position in the society as a wise man. So his

fame spread around that he was considered among

the wisest men in the whole country. One day the

king got over-enthusiastic and said, 'You're the

wisest man in my country, so you must be the judge,

the chief judge in our country.' Lao Tzu said, 'Are

you sure? My wisdom and your interests may not

be in the same line.' 'No, no, you're the wisest man.

Why will anything go wrong? It will be great to have

you as a judge.' Lao Tzu said, 'Okay.'

The very first case was one of robbery. There

was a servant who had been working in a rich

man's house right from childhood for a pittance.

He had been bought as a bonded laborer 30 years

earlier and was barely given anything except his

food. One day, he stole all the jewels in the house

and escaped. The rich man complained to the

authorities, who caught this guy and brought him to

Lao Tzu's court for justice.

The rich man abused the servant and said,

'This fool, I brought him up right from his

childhood. He had nothing and I gave him

everything. He would have died on the street, but

I gave him everything; I brought him up, made

a man out of him and here he is stealing from me.

You must give him the death sentence.' After

hearing both sides of the story, Lao Tzu passed his

judgment.

He said, 'This man, he must be allowed to

keep half the jewels that he has stolen. The other

half should go to the King's treasury, and the rich

man should be put in prison for ten years.' Now, the

whole court was shell-shocked; they thought

20 21

Why Suffering?


Lao Tzu was crazy, and immediately complained to

the King. 'Lao Tzu is out of his head. We bring

a thief to him who is caught red-handed but he

gives him half the booty, and the other half to the

King's treasury, and puts the rich man who is the

victim of the crime in prison for ten years. '

The King was aghast. He called Lao Tzu and

asked, 'What did you do? I thought you were a wise

man.' He said, 'Yes, the thing is this boy who has

grown up there is like the son of that house. He may

have been born elsewhere, but he was brought up

in that house. Every day he saw all the riches

around him - jewels and good food, this and that,

everything around him, but he was never allowed

to touch anything. As a result he must have suffered

a lot in these 30 years. He is a member of that house

but was never allowed to touch anything or have

anything, and so he did the right thing. He took the

jewels and went, because it anyway belonged

to him. He grew up in that house, but went without

telling the owner, so I'm depriving him of half the

jewels, and putting that half in the King's treasury.

As for this rich man, for committing such a crime of

having a child in the house and tempting him with

all those things everyday and not giving him

anything, we put him in prison for ten years.' If we

go by this wisdom, do you know what'll happen to

the world?

So there is something we can do instead of

just asking questions. But instead of doing what we

can do, we always talk about what we cannot do.

You cannot go and wipe out the poverty in Africa

right now, but there is something you can do for

people who are right around here. People have been

repeatedly talking about Africa. I wonder why

they have suddenly fallen in love with Africa? It's

most probably because they have seen a few

documentaries on BBC, or maybe they have been

reading the National Geographic.

22

Why Suffering?


Lao Tzu was crazy, and immediately complained to

the King. 'Lao Tzu is out of his head. We bring

a thief to him who is caught red-handed but he

gives him half the booty, and the other half to the

King's treasury, and puts the rich man who is the

victim of the crime in prison for ten years. '

The King was aghast. He called Lao Tzu and

asked, 'What did you do? I thought you were a wise

man.' He said, 'Yes, the thing is this boy who has

grown up there is like the son of that house. He may

have been born elsewhere, but he was brought up

in that house. Every day he saw all the riches

around him - jewels and good food, this and that,

everything around him, but he was never allowed

to touch anything. As a result he must have suffered

a lot in these 30 years. He is a member of that house

but was never allowed to touch anything or have

anything, and so he did the right thing. He took the

jewels and went, because it anyway belonged

to him. He grew up in that house, but went without

telling the owner, so I'm depriving him of half the

jewels, and putting that half in the King's treasury.

As for this rich man, for committing such a crime of

having a child in the house and tempting him with

all those things everyday and not giving him

anything, we put him in prison for ten years.' If we

go by this wisdom, do you know what'll happen to

the world?

So there is something we can do instead of

just asking questions. But instead of doing what we

can do, we always talk about what we cannot do.

You cannot go and wipe out the poverty in Africa

right now, but there is something you can do for

people who are right around here. People have been

repeatedly talking about Africa. I wonder why

they have suddenly fallen in love with Africa? It's

most probably because they have seen a few

documentaries on BBC, or maybe they have been

reading the National Geographic.

22

Why Suffering?


Right around you, more than 50 percent of

the country's population has not eaten properly.

You can see that in their bodies. They have not even

grown to their full stature, and there is no

compassion in you for them. Somewhere in Africa,

people are dying and there's compassion. I am not

saying you should not have compassion for them.

What I'm saying is that if you have compassion for

Africa, you can sit at home, shed a few tears, and go

on eating well. But if you have compassion for

people around you, you'll have to do something.

That's the big difference.

I think let something happen around you

before we go to Africa. You can make the 'Action for

Rural Rejuvenation' such a big possibility here, that

maybe we will take it to Africa too. If we don't have

eyes to see the suffering around us, and we are

talking about Africa all the time, then it's no good,

because there is very little you can do about that

right now. There is a lot you can do about what is

here right now.

I'm not saying we cannot do anything at all in

Africa - I don't care whether somebody is African

or American or Indian - as far as I'm concerned

a human being is a human being. It's just that

when there is so much you can do right here, it's

always better to handle things around you, rather

than trying to handle things somewhere else,

because then, you'll just dissipate your energies.

You'll waste your life talking about it; not doing

anything about it. If you're really keen on doing

something about human suffering, you must attend

to yourself first, and also the people around you.

That's the best way to start. If our capabilities

increase beyond a certain point, then we can go

somewhere else.

Question: Dear Sadhguru, how can I actually

know life around me?

24 25

Why Suffering?


Right around you, more than 50 percent of

the country's population has not eaten properly.

You can see that in their bodies. They have not even

grown to their full stature, and there is no

compassion in you for them. Somewhere in Africa,

people are dying and there's compassion. I am not

saying you should not have compassion for them.

What I'm saying is that if you have compassion for

Africa, you can sit at home, shed a few tears, and go

on eating well. But if you have compassion for

people around you, you'll have to do something.

That's the big difference.

I think let something happen around you

before we go to Africa. You can make the 'Action for

Rural Rejuvenation' such a big possibility here, that

maybe we will take it to Africa too. If we don't have

eyes to see the suffering around us, and we are

talking about Africa all the time, then it's no good,

because there is very little you can do about that

right now. There is a lot you can do about what is

here right now.

I'm not saying we cannot do anything at all in

Africa - I don't care whether somebody is African

or American or Indian - as far as I'm concerned

a human being is a human being. It's just that

when there is so much you can do right here, it's

always better to handle things around you, rather

than trying to handle things somewhere else,

because then, you'll just dissipate your energies.

You'll waste your life talking about it; not doing

anything about it. If you're really keen on doing

something about human suffering, you must attend

to yourself first, and also the people around you.

That's the best way to start. If our capabilities

increase beyond a certain point, then we can go

somewhere else.

Question: Dear Sadhguru, how can I actually

know life around me?

24 25

Why Suffering?


Sadhguru: A thought cannot know life.

An emotion cannot know life. An ego cannot know

life. Only life can know life. If you stop being

a bundle of thoughts, opinions and emotions, and

just exist here as life - just throbbing pulsating life -

knowing life is just natural. So what we are

referring to as enlightenment is just this - instead of

being a thought, instead of being an emotion,

instead of being an ego, you just become life,

simply life. In a way, it is the most basic thing.

Enlightenment is not the ultimate thing. Yes it is in

one way. In another way, it is the most basic thing

because first of all you're life, then everything else,

isn't it? Only because you're alive, you're capable of

thoughts. Only because you're alive, you're capable

of emotions. Only because you're alive, you're

capable of ego. So the most basic thing is life. It is

like becoming very basic, just pure life, nothing

else. All other things are there, but you're never

identified with them. Experientially, intellectually,

knowing I am not this, I am not that, doesn't

liberate a person. Something much deeper is

needed. Right now, the center of your existence is

your identities or your identifications.

All identities are taken on; they are a 'put-on'.

So the very center of your existence is something you

put on, and is not based in reality. So when you are

not in reality, the question of experiencing life as it is

doesn't arise.

Now, you said you want to know life just the

way it is, and the flowers, and the moon, and the

clouds. It is cloudy today so there is no possibility of

knowing the moon. But anyway if you just become

life, there are no clouds, there is no moon, there are

no flowers; there is simply pulsating life. Just as you

are, everything is. Flowers, clouds, mountains, moon

exist because you have become something other than

life. If you become just life, none of those things exist

- only life exists, just this pulsating mass of energy.

26 27

Why Suffering?


Sadhguru: A thought cannot know life.

An emotion cannot know life. An ego cannot know

life. Only life can know life. If you stop being

a bundle of thoughts, opinions and emotions, and

just exist here as life - just throbbing pulsating life -

knowing life is just natural. So what we are

referring to as enlightenment is just this - instead of

being a thought, instead of being an emotion,

instead of being an ego, you just become life,

simply life. In a way, it is the most basic thing.

Enlightenment is not the ultimate thing. Yes it is in

one way. In another way, it is the most basic thing

because first of all you're life, then everything else,

isn't it? Only because you're alive, you're capable of

thoughts. Only because you're alive, you're capable

of emotions. Only because you're alive, you're

capable of ego. So the most basic thing is life. It is

like becoming very basic, just pure life, nothing

else. All other things are there, but you're never

identified with them. Experientially, intellectually,

knowing I am not this, I am not that, doesn't

liberate a person. Something much deeper is

needed. Right now, the center of your existence is

your identities or your identifications.

All identities are taken on; they are a 'put-on'.

So the very center of your existence is something you

put on, and is not based in reality. So when you are

not in reality, the question of experiencing life as it is

doesn't arise.

Now, you said you want to know life just the

way it is, and the flowers, and the moon, and the

clouds. It is cloudy today so there is no possibility of

knowing the moon. But anyway if you just become

life, there are no clouds, there is no moon, there are

no flowers; there is simply pulsating life. Just as you

are, everything is. Flowers, clouds, mountains, moon

exist because you have become something other than

life. If you become just life, none of those things exist

- only life exists, just this pulsating mass of energy.

26 27

Why Suffering?


You can call it Creation, you can call it the

Creator, or you can call it myself, it's the same

thing. It doesn't matter what you call it, it is

just life. Some of it is manifested; most of it is

un-manifested, but still it is life. I call everything

'life', because all of it is in some kind of movement;

all of it is some kind of possibility. Every atom in the

existence is a possibility. So it is life. What you call

as life is just a possibility. What you make out of it is

all that it is, isn't it?

Question: Since I have come here, one day

I am in love, another day I am sad, one day I am

friendly, and another day I am a barking dog. These

moods happened before, but here I have realized

that these emotions are happening without any

reason.

Sadhguru: It's monsoon time, you know?

At anytime clouds will gather, it'll rain, and there

will be sunshine. All these days you thought your

emotions, your thoughts, your problems had

something to do with somebody. It's good. You're

beginning to realize it's nothing to do with anybody;

it's just your own madness. A lot of people take

a whole lifetime to realize this. They may be

seventy years of age, and they still think their

emotions and their thoughts have something to do

with somebody else. They don't understand that

the seat of their experience is within them. The seat

of your experience is within you, isn't it?

If you're beginning to realize that the

madness is yours, that nobody has anything to do

with it, then I think you should look for a solution.

The solution is that we have to just dissolve you;

there's really no other solution. I've been telling

you repeatedly that there is only one problem in the

world, and that's you. If you dissolve this one

problem, there is really no other problem in the

world. So for dissolving you, sulfuric acid won't do.

28 29

Why Suffering?


You can call it Creation, you can call it the

Creator, or you can call it myself, it's the same

thing. It doesn't matter what you call it, it is

just life. Some of it is manifested; most of it is

un-manifested, but still it is life. I call everything

'life', because all of it is in some kind of movement;

all of it is some kind of possibility. Every atom in the

existence is a possibility. So it is life. What you call

as life is just a possibility. What you make out of it is

all that it is, isn't it?

Question: Since I have come here, one day

I am in love, another day I am sad, one day I am

friendly, and another day I am a barking dog. These

moods happened before, but here I have realized

that these emotions are happening without any

reason.

Sadhguru: It's monsoon time, you know?

At anytime clouds will gather, it'll rain, and there

will be sunshine. All these days you thought your

emotions, your thoughts, your problems had

something to do with somebody. It's good. You're

beginning to realize it's nothing to do with anybody;

it's just your own madness. A lot of people take

a whole lifetime to realize this. They may be

seventy years of age, and they still think their

emotions and their thoughts have something to do

with somebody else. They don't understand that

the seat of their experience is within them. The seat

of your experience is within you, isn't it?

If you're beginning to realize that the

madness is yours, that nobody has anything to do

with it, then I think you should look for a solution.

The solution is that we have to just dissolve you;

there's really no other solution. I've been telling

you repeatedly that there is only one problem in the

world, and that's you. If you dissolve this one

problem, there is really no other problem in the

world. So for dissolving you, sulfuric acid won't do.

28 29

Why Suffering?


You need something more powerful than that.

That's what we have loaded this place with.

Here if you have a little sense, just a little bit,

if your door opens a little bit, even a millimeter, this

will seep into you and dissolve you. If you're tightly

shut, then it'll bother you. It will make you do

insane things, because that's the nature of the

energy. It won't let you be where you are. It just

keeps putting you on fast forward.

The very purpose of creating a space like this

is to put your life on fast forward. What most people

realize at seventy, I want you to realize when you're

eighteen. If you're already past that, at least now,

it's time you realized that the seat of your

experience is within you, and not in somebody else.

Your thoughts, your emotions, your nonsense has

nothing to do with anybody but you.

If you just understand this, you'll know that

you are the problem. At least, once you know what

the problem is, the solution becomes easy. When

you don't know what the problem is, there is no

solution for you, isn't it? When you do not know

what the problem is, where is the question of

finding a solution? You just suffer the problem.

At least now you know what the problem is, then

the solution is not too far away.

30 31

Why Suffering?


You need something more powerful than that.

That's what we have loaded this place with.

Here if you have a little sense, just a little bit,

if your door opens a little bit, even a millimeter, this

will seep into you and dissolve you. If you're tightly

shut, then it'll bother you. It will make you do

insane things, because that's the nature of the

energy. It won't let you be where you are. It just

keeps putting you on fast forward.

The very purpose of creating a space like this

is to put your life on fast forward. What most people

realize at seventy, I want you to realize when you're

eighteen. If you're already past that, at least now,

it's time you realized that the seat of your

experience is within you, and not in somebody else.

Your thoughts, your emotions, your nonsense has

nothing to do with anybody but you.

If you just understand this, you'll know that

you are the problem. At least, once you know what

the problem is, the solution becomes easy. When

you don't know what the problem is, there is no

solution for you, isn't it? When you do not know

what the problem is, where is the question of

finding a solution? You just suffer the problem.

At least now you know what the problem is, then

the solution is not too far away.

30 31

Why Suffering?


Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's tireless efforts

towards bringing human well-being to all serve as

the inspiration behind Isha Foundation's activities.

Set up as a non-profit, non-political, and

non-religious organization, the Foundation does

not promote any particular ideology, religion, or

race, but transmits inner sciences of well-being to

multitudes of people across the world. In addition,

it has also pioneered several projects of immense

social value.

Isha Foundation functions through over 150

centers worldwide. It is enabled by thousands of

active volunteers from Asia, Middle East, Europe,

and the U.S., whose dedication, compassion, and

spirit serve as an example of an inspired humanity.

Isha Foundation


Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's tireless efforts

towards bringing human well-being to all serve as

the inspiration behind Isha Foundation's activities.

Set up as a non-profit, non-political, and

non-religious organization, the Foundation does

not promote any particular ideology, religion, or

race, but transmits inner sciences of well-being to

multitudes of people across the world. In addition,

it has also pioneered several projects of immense

social value.

Isha Foundation functions through over 150

centers worldwide. It is enabled by thousands of

active volunteers from Asia, Middle East, Europe,

and the U.S., whose dedication, compassion, and

spirit serve as an example of an inspired humanity.

Isha Foundation


Isha Yoga Center

The Isha Yoga Center is located on 150 acres

of lush land, at the foothills of the Velliangiri

Mountains. The center provides a supportive

environment in which people can shift to healthier

lifestyles, improve their relationships, seek a higher

level of self-fulfillment, and realize their full

potential under the guidance of a Master.

It houses the Dhyanalinga, a multi-religious

temple and meditation shrine, and the

architecturally distinctive Spanda Hall and garden -

a 64,000 sq.ft meditation hall. Also located at the

Yoga Center are the Isha Rejuvenation Center and

Isha Home School.

Dhyanalinga

Dhyanalinga is a powerful and unique

energy form created from the distilled essence of

yogic sciences, by Sadhguru, and is the first of its

kind to be completed in over 2,000 years.

Dhyanalinga is a meditative space that does not

ascribe to any particular faith or belief system nor

does it require any ritual, prayer, or worship.

Isha Yoga Programs

Isha Yoga programs allow individuals to take

tangible steps towards their inner growth. These

programs are designed by Sadhguru and are a rare

opportunity for self-discovery under the guidance

of a realized Master.

An array of programs is conducted regularly

by the Foundation worldwide. These programs

establish optimal health and vitality, enhanced

mental calm and clarity, and instill a deep sense of

joy. They can be easily integrated into one's

everyday life and embrace the human effort to

reach inner awareness.

Action for Rural Rejuvenation

Action for Rural Rejuvenation (ARR) is Isha

Foundation's social outreach program, initiated in

August 2003. ARR a ims at provid ing

comprehensive and ongoing rural rehabilitation


Isha Yoga Center

The Isha Yoga Center is located on 150 acres

of lush land, at the foothills of the Velliangiri

Mountains. The center provides a supportive

environment in which people can shift to healthier

lifestyles, improve their relationships, seek a higher

level of self-fulfillment, and realize their full

potential under the guidance of a Master.

It houses the Dhyanalinga, a multi-religious

temple and meditation shrine, and the

architecturally distinctive Spanda Hall and garden -

a 64,000 sq.ft meditation hall. Also located at the

Yoga Center are the Isha Rejuvenation Center and

Isha Home School.

Dhyanalinga

Dhyanalinga is a powerful and unique

energy form created from the distilled essence of

yogic sciences, by Sadhguru, and is the first of its

kind to be completed in over 2,000 years.

Dhyanalinga is a meditative space that does not

ascribe to any particular faith or belief system nor

does it require any ritual, prayer, or worship.

Isha Yoga Programs

Isha Yoga programs allow individuals to take

tangible steps towards their inner growth. These

programs are designed by Sadhguru and are a rare

opportunity for self-discovery under the guidance

of a realized Master.

An array of programs is conducted regularly

by the Foundation worldwide. These programs

establish optimal health and vitality, enhanced

mental calm and clarity, and instill a deep sense of

joy. They can be easily integrated into one's

everyday life and embrace the human effort to

reach inner awareness.

Action for Rural Rejuvenation

Action for Rural Rejuvenation (ARR) is Isha

Foundation's social outreach program, initiated in

August 2003. ARR a ims at provid ing

comprehensive and ongoing rural rehabilitation


services, such as free medical relief, yoga programs,

nature awareness programs, and community games

to the heart of the rural communities of India;

creating the opportunity for the villagers, including

women and children, to take responsibility for their

own lives, and restore and reach their ultimate well-

being. So far ARR has helped over a million people,

in more than 1,000 villages, in the southern states of

India.

Isha Rejuvenation

Surrounded by thick forests, at the

tranquil foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains,

Isha Rejuvenation helps individuals to experience

inner peace and the joy of a healthy body. It offers

a unique and powerful combination of programs,

scientifically designed by Sadhguru, to bring vibrancy

and proper balance to one's life energies. The

programs contain a synthesis of allopathic, ayurvedic

and siddha treatments, and complementary

therapies, along with the sublime wisdom of various

ancient Indian sciences and spirituality.

All the proceeds of Isha Rejuvenation

contribute towards providing free health care to the

rural villagers, under the ARR initiative.

Isha Home School

Isha Home School aims at providing quality

education in a challenging and stimulating home-

like environment, designed specifically for the

inner blossoming and the well-rounded

development of the child.

With its prominent international faculty and

Sadhguru's personal involvement in the

curriculum, Isha Home School kindles the innate

urge within a child to learn and know. Focus is

given to inculcating life values and living skills

whilst maintaining the rigor of academic excellence

as per national and international standards. It does

not propagate any particular religion, philosophy or

ideology, but rather encourages the child to seek

a deeper experience and inner understanding of the

fundamentals of life.


services, such as free medical relief, yoga programs,

nature awareness programs, and community games

to the heart of the rural communities of India;

creating the opportunity for the villagers, including

women and children, to take responsibility for their

own lives, and restore and reach their ultimate well-

being. So far ARR has helped over a million people,

in more than 1,000 villages, in the southern states of

India.

Isha Rejuvenation

Surrounded by thick forests, at the

tranquil foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains,

Isha Rejuvenation helps individuals to experience

inner peace and the joy of a healthy body. It offers

a unique and powerful combination of programs,

scientifically designed by Sadhguru, to bring vibrancy

and proper balance to one's life energies. The

programs contain a synthesis of allopathic, ayurvedic

and siddha treatments, and complementary

therapies, along with the sublime wisdom of various

ancient Indian sciences and spirituality.

All the proceeds of Isha Rejuvenation

contribute towards providing free health care to the

rural villagers, under the ARR initiative.

Isha Home School

Isha Home School aims at providing quality

education in a challenging and stimulating home-

like environment, designed specifically for the

inner blossoming and the well-rounded

development of the child.

With its prominent international faculty and

Sadhguru's personal involvement in the

curriculum, Isha Home School kindles the innate

urge within a child to learn and know. Focus is

given to inculcating life values and living skills

whilst maintaining the rigor of academic excellence

as per national and international standards. It does

not propagate any particular religion, philosophy or

ideology, but rather encourages the child to seek

a deeper experience and inner understanding of the

fundamentals of life.


Isha Vidhya

An initiative under Isha Education Outreach,

Isha Vidhya is a visionary project by Sadhguru that

aims to empower rural children with world class

education. The school adheres to matriculation

syllabus with English as the medium of instruction

along with exposure to computers, music, arts, yoga

and vocational training.

The project envisions setting up of 206

schools over the next 5 years in rural Tamil Nadu,

one in each taluk of the state.

Isha Business Pvt. Ltd

Isha Business Pvt. Ltd is a venture that aims

to bring a touch of Isha into the homes and

environment of the community, and ultimately

enrich people's lives. This opportunity is made

available through its numerous products and

services, from architectural designs, construction,

in ter ior des ign , furn i ture des ign and

manufacturing, landscape design, handicrafts and

soft furnishings, to designer outfits from

Isha Raiment.

All profits from this venture are used to serve

the rural people of India, through Isha

Foundation's ARR initiative.

How to Get There

Isha Yoga Center is located 30 kms west of

Coimbatore, at the foothills of Velliangiri

Mountains, part of the Nilgiris Biosphere.

Coimbatore, a major industrial city in South India,

is well connected by air, rail and road. All major

airlines operate regular flights into Coimbatore

from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Train

services are available from all the major cities in

India. Regular bus and taxi services are also

available from Coimbatore to Isha Yoga Center.


Isha Vidhya

An initiative under Isha Education Outreach,

Isha Vidhya is a visionary project by Sadhguru that

aims to empower rural children with world class

education. The school adheres to matriculation

syllabus with English as the medium of instruction

along with exposure to computers, music, arts, yoga

and vocational training.

The project envisions setting up of 206

schools over the next 5 years in rural Tamil Nadu,

one in each taluk of the state.

Isha Business Pvt. Ltd

Isha Business Pvt. Ltd is a venture that aims

to bring a touch of Isha into the homes and

environment of the community, and ultimately

enrich people's lives. This opportunity is made

available through its numerous products and

services, from architectural designs, construction,

in ter ior des ign , furn i ture des ign and

manufacturing, landscape design, handicrafts and

soft furnishings, to designer outfits from

Isha Raiment.

All profits from this venture are used to serve

the rural people of India, through Isha

Foundation's ARR initiative.

How to Get There

Isha Yoga Center is located 30 kms west of

Coimbatore, at the foothills of Velliangiri

Mountains, part of the Nilgiris Biosphere.

Coimbatore, a major industrial city in South India,

is well connected by air, rail and road. All major

airlines operate regular flights into Coimbatore

from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Train

services are available from all the major cities in

India. Regular bus and taxi services are also

available from Coimbatore to Isha Yoga Center.


Visitors should contact Isha Yoga Center for

availability and reservation of accommodation well

in advance of arrival to the center, as they are

generally fully booked.

Isha Yoga CenterVelliangiri Foothills, Semmedu (P.O.),Coimbatore 641 114, INDIA.Telephone: 091-422-2615345Email: [email protected]

Isha Foundation, Inc.191 Anthony Dr.McMinnville, TN - 37110, USATelephone: 866-424-ISHAEmail: [email protected]

Isha Foundation, LebanonHarat El Faouka Street,Broumana EI Matn, Lebanon.Telephone: 00961-3915-601Email: [email protected]

For worldwide program information visit

www.ishafoundation.org


Visitors should contact Isha Yoga Center for

availability and reservation of accommodation well

in advance of arrival to the center, as they are

generally fully booked.

Isha Yoga CenterVelliangiri Foothills, Semmedu (P.O.),Coimbatore 641 114, INDIA.Telephone: 091-422-2615345Email: [email protected]

Isha Foundation, Inc.191 Anthony Dr.McMinnville, TN - 37110, USATelephone: 866-424-ISHAEmail: [email protected]

Isha Foundation, LebanonHarat El Faouka Street,Broumana EI Matn, Lebanon.Telephone: 00961-3915-601Email: [email protected]

For worldwide program information visit

www.ishafoundation.org


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