Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati were invited to give a spiritually motivational talk to a special, high-level The Times of India Group Retreat held in Goa. The CEO of TOI, Mr Ravi Singh, Executive Director Mohit and top 40+ senior executives started their two day Games of Throne, Achieving Excellence retreat with inspiring words by Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji.
The talk began with a beautiful prayer and song by Pujya Swamiji, followed by Sadhvi Bhagawatiji’s inspiring words and then Pujya Swamiji’s talk, both of which had several tips, sutras and mantras for achieving excellence in all aspects of our life.
Sadhvi Bhagawatiji shared, “At Times of India we need excellence in sharing, spreading and disseminating inspiration as well as information; we need excellence in not just reporting news but in making the news! To achieve this vision of excellence, we must melt the thick borders between work, spirituality and life. Otherwise if what you do is drudgery and you’re counting hours till the end of the day or the weekend, then we will never achieve excellence.”
She also emphasized the importance of a spiritual connection in order to achieve true excellence in life. She said: “Spirituality is not just sitting in lotus posture and meditating X number of hours in a dark room. Spirituality doesn’t take you out of the world but allows you to be in the world in such a way that every minute, every moment you are achieving excellence, because the fullness of who you are, your intention, attention, sincerity and commitment is there. Spirituality enables keeps you connected to the depth and truth of yourself so that you can truly bring the fullness of yourself to every moment.”
Pujya Swamiji gave several sutras and mantras for excellence saying, “Create the news, make news, no problem. This is great and it’s your job. But also make sure you are checking your own news! Go on Facebook, no problem. But, remember at the end of the day, you have to face your own book. The multivitamin every day that you must take is: meditation, no reaction and introspection. This multivitamin is the key to spiritual excellence. Life and excellence are not just about connecting to the internet and getting the fastest speed but we must remember to connect with the innernet and get the right direction.”
Pujya Swamiji also emphasized the importance of service and living with the attitude of not “what for me” but rather “what through me,” becoming a tool and an instrument of the Divine will. He said, “I think time has come for Times FOR India not just Times of India. Let us all work together to serve our nation and make it cleaner and greener for all.” He appreciated TOI’s efforts to make a difference in the world especially to inspire the plantation of lakhs of trees in Delhi.
Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji welcomed the next retreat to take the yatra from Goa to Ganga, inviting the entire group to their Himalayan home – to Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh).