In conversation with Nithya Shanti

Nithya Shanti holds a Post Graduate degree in Human Resources from the prestigious XLRI and has worked in the field of Human Resources and Corporate Strategy. But what's really fascinating about him is that he is a former Buddhist Monk who underwent rigorous training living with meditation masters in remote forests across South East Asia for 6 years. At a certain stage in his practice he felt guided to shift his emphasis from secluded sadhana to engaged spirituality. With the blessings of his teachers he stepped out of the monk role so he could share the timeless principles he had learnt in a modern context. Please visit his website.

His essential teaching is 'Be loving...'


I was genuinely inquisitive to have a chat with him since the first time I heard about him. Yesterday, he replied to a few questions I had asked him online.

Saikat: What attracted you towards spirituality?
Nithya Shanti: I was attracted by the peace and joy I saw in the people who meditated regularly. They were so patient and wise and caring and great fun to be with. I also wanted to be like them. This is what attracted me to spirituality.

Saikat: What is your opinion on Spiritual Quotient'? Is it underrated at workplace?
Nithya Shanti: I have heard of Dannah Zohar's concept of SQ. But I do not know too much about it. So I will not comment on this.

Saikat:How were your learning from XLRI different from the learning you received as a Buddhist Monk?
Nithya Shanti: One was focused toward being a good manager. The other was toward being truly happy and at peace. One was focused on the intellect. The other on cultivating the body, mind and heart. One was outer education. One was inner knowing. One came from learned professors. The other came from wise spiritual masters. One embraced worldly values. The other transcended worldly values. The horizon on one was this life time. the horizon of the other was many life times. One was concerned with getting a good job. The other was concerned with doing a good job. There are so many differences...I could go on for a long time :)

Saikat: How easy/difficult was the transition from a MBA graduate to a Buddhist monk?
Nithya Shanti: It was not really difficult. I really wanted to be a monk. So it was a dream come true. I loved it all and embraced the challenges with enthusiasm. Probably the most difficult part was learning to walk barefeet to the village and back each morning to get our food. But my feet got used to that in a few weeks.

Saikat: What is your advice to budding HR professionals?
Nithya Shanti: Remember that HR stands for helping Human's Return to Source. It's not about manipulating people to attain organization objectives. Its about helping people discover their genius and find purpose. Remember that a 'job' is a chore you do so you can pay your bills. A 'career' is motivated by money, prestige and advancement. And a 'calling' is work done as an end in and of itself. Help people discover their calling.

Saikat: Tell us more about your vision?
Nithya Shanti: My vision is to spread happiness in spontaneously creative ways for the rest of my life.

Saikat: Your thoughts on the pursuit of happiness?
Nithya Shanti: Don't pursue happiness, don't gather happiness. That will never work. Stop seeking and start spreading. Start in your own small little ways. Choose to "Be happy!"

Interviewing him was a true pleasure as he readily agreed for the interview and responded to my questions within a few hours. He can be reached at Facebook, Linkedin and even Twitter :-)