LESSON #4: KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY....



“You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run”

Just experienced something powerful that brought home these wonderful lyrics from Kenny Rogers (‘The Gambler’)

Sw. Satynananda founded the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger from scratch. Yep, while others supported his vision, but it was his drive that made it happen. Over a twenty year period (1963-1983), he led the establishment of one of the most revered platforms for the serious holistic yoga practitioner.  And then he walked out…..

At a relative young age (early 50s), after choosing and mentoring a successor, Sw. Satyananda walked out of the gates of the Munger ashram…never to return. Imagine that! Just walking away after creating something HUGE! His rationale – to avoid the ashram to become synonymous with one individual (himself). During my recent trip to the Ashram, this story was beautifully captured in the move ‘Sathyam.’  

What a wonderful set of lessons here:

1.     Prepare to leave…not hang on…..
2.     He had to close that door, step into the unknown, discover his next calling and then be the inspiration for the next creation….(and what an awesome creation that turned out to be!)

I was part of Kalakshetra when the legendary founder passed away without leaving a successor (and was pained at the ensuing angst that this caused). Some legendary titans of Indian industry and other spiritual leaders have not found it easy to walk away even after ‘retiring.’ Yup, walking away is NOT easy!

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My personal transition after 20 years with PSI was great. It has indeed helped me close the door to my previous life and opened new doors. I celebrate this. However, this powerful example has made me reflect on what else I hold on to…..

(LESSON #4: VISIT TO THE BIHAR SCHOOL OF YOGA, MARCH 2017)

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 14, 2017 at 11:42 PM

    Very proud of all that you do! And the person you aspire to become!

    ReplyDelete

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