From IIT Success to Monk Serenity: Gauranga Das Prabhu’s Stress Guide

Shri Gauranga Das Prabhu, an esteemed alumnus of IIT Bombay, has transitioned from a distinguished engineering career to a life of spiritual dedication as a monk. Influenced profoundly by the Bhagavad Gita and his interactions with ISKCON monks during college, he has sought to address more profound existential questions, such as the nature of death and life's purpose. Today, he advocates for spirituality as a remedy for the escalating mental stress and anxiety faced by modern youth, emphasising the necessity of stillness, clarity, and purpose.

In a recent discussion, Gauranga Das Prabhu explored the role of inner consciousness in overcoming life's challenges. Reflecting on his journey, he stated, "I hail from a traditional South Indian family in Bhilai, where I was raised with values of simplicity and a strong emphasis on education. My dedication to academics led to a commendable performance in the JEE, securing a place in Metallurgy Engineering at IIT Bombay. This experience exposed me to some of the brightest minds, including spiritual peers, who profoundly influenced me”.

Rooted in Sanatana Dharma, “I grew up celebrating various religious festivals and pondering the nature of death. While at IIT, I remained focused on my studies and had the privilege of learning from senior ISKCON monks in Mumbai. Their teachings from the Bhagavad Gita provided the answers I sought, leading me to realise that my life's purpose is to share these invaluable insights with others.” In our distraction-filled world, achieving clarity requires the stillness that spirituality, yoga, and meditation can provide. Patience and discipline are essential as we channel our energies effectively.

Modern education often emphasises what and how we learn but frequently needs to pay more attention to why. Understanding the 'WHY' is crucial for a purposeful life. Spirituality offers this understanding. The Bhagavad Gita begins with the fundamental realisation that we are spiritual beings within a physical body, a concept modern education should incorporate. One of the core principles of monkhood is 'absorption,' which I defined as the synergy of intention and action—intending to serve and acting unwaveringly dedicated and selflessly. This principle fosters deep compassion and aims to create global peace and harmony.

The Bhagavad Gita outlines four essential principles applicable to all, whether monks, students, professionals, or householders. It teaches that while we have limited control over external circumstances, we possess unlimited control over our consciousness. Just as an aeroplane offers a new perspective on buildings from above, elevating our consciousness can transform our perception of life's challenges. By rising above our problems, we can change our entire perspective.