Suneel Gupta and Sharon Salzberg discuss dharma, failure, identity, and success. They explore tuning into space, vulnerability, and Howard Thurman's wisdom. Suneel shares insights from his book 'Everyday Dharma' and emphasizes the cyclical nature of personal growth.
Align essence and expression for fulfillment in Dharma.
Integrate heritage and teachings for success and fulfillment.
Embrace vulnerability to foster meaningful connections.
Deep dives
What is Dharma?
Dharma is defined as essence plus expression, where essence is who you are and expression is how you show up in the world. The alignment of essence and expression signifies being in line with one's Dharma, with the closer the alignment, the more fulfillment is achieved.
Sunil's Personal Journey
Sunil Gupta's journey reflects integrating his Indian heritage with teachings from his grandfather, blending Hindu philosophy into his work and life. From being labeled the face of failure by the New York Times to finding internal and external success through applying Dharma principles.
Application of Spiritual Teachings
The podcast delves into applying spiritual teachings in daily life and work, emphasizing how understanding one's Dharma goes beyond mere occupation but delves into essence. Sunil's experiences highlight the shift from occupational ties to a deeper essence, allowing for diverse and fulfilling expressions.
The Concept of Arrival Fallacy
The conversation touches on the arrival fallacy, debunking the myth that external success leads to internal fulfillment. Highlighting the necessity of understanding that true happiness stems from within and the importance of finding joy and contentment independent of external achievements.
The Role of Vulnerability and Connection
Vulnerability emerges as a key element in fostering connection and community, indicating that sharing authentic experiences and embracing vulnerability leads to deeper connections with others. Sunil's insights underscore the significance of being open, honest, and authentically expressing one's essence to foster meaningful connections.
Suneel is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of a global documentary series. He studies leaders around the world to discover and share simple, actionable habits that lift our performance, deepen our state of well-being, and guide us further into our dharma. His latest book, “Everyday Dharma: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do” was released in the Fall of 2023 from Harper Collins.
In this episode, Suneel and Sharon discuss:
Suneel’s definition of dharma
How we express our core truth
Dr King’s Street Sweeper story
Suneel’s life path with failure
The wisdom of Suneel’s Grandfather
Suneel’s journey of identity as a brown-skinned man
Writing as a therapeutic form
Arrival fallacy
Eight pillars of Suneel’s book Everyday Dharma
The path is cyclical, not linear
Dharma as the bedrock on your life
How Suneel defines success
Asking what makes you come alive?
Howard Thurman’s wisdom
Tuning into space
Vulnerability promoting connection
Suneel closes the conversation with a short reading from his book. You can learn more about Suneel’s work and get a copy of Everyday Dharma on his website.