Five days to Joy: Unlocking the Art and Science of Meditation in 5 Transformative Classes

Find out more about Venkatesh

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  Meditation is a practice that has a special place in my life. I've been practicing meditation for over 35 years now. Since my mother and my brother too practiced meditation, it was natural that I developed an interest in it. Over the years, meditation has become more than just a practice; it's a way of life that has brought me immense inner peace and clarity.It helps people in being more centered and lead happy, well-balanced lives.

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  My mother's influence played a pivotal role in my decision to become a meditation teacher. Her dedication to the practice and the tranquility it brought to her life left a lasting impression on me. I wanted to share the transformative power of meditation with others. Witnessing the power of meditation, which strengthened me during crises in my life and the positive changes it brought about in my own life, I felt the urge to help individuals achieve mental well-being and inner calm. This motivation to make a positive impact on people's lives, fuelled my journey into teaching meditation.

• How does your work help society?

  Teaching meditation allows me to contribute to society in a meaningful way. In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become all too common. My goal is to equip individuals with the tools to silence their minds, find inner peace, and lead more fulfilling lives. By helping people cultivate a healthy mind, I believe we're fostering a positive ripple effect. When individuals experience mental well-being, it extends to their families, workplaces, and communities, creating a harmonious and peaceful society.

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  While I draw inspiration from various sources and teachings of various masters right from our sages in ancient times to contemporary masters who lived in India. But, if I were to think of just one, it would be my mother. Her unwavering dedication to meditation and her embodiment of its principles truly set the foundation for my journey.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  Outside of teaching, I am an avid reader and find joy in reading books, over a range of topics and spanning various genres. I also have a keen interest in cinema and enjoy watching movies. Gardening allows me to connect with nature on a deeper level, and I am rejuvenated by spending time outdoors. Traveling for business and pleasure and spending quality moments with friends are activities that bring me immense joy. Ultimately, these hobbies contribute to my well-being and enrich my life.

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  There was a student who approached me with a sense of skepticism about meditation's effectiveness. They were juggling a demanding career and personal commitments,and feeling overwhelmed. After a few sessions, the student began to experience a noticeable shift in their outlook. They shared that meditation helped them find moments of tranquility amid chaos and navigate challenges with a clearer mind. Witnessing their transformation from a skeptic to someone who embraced meditation as a daily practice was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief in the power of meditation to bring positive change.