Across centuries, stories have carried humanity’s deepest wisdom. The Foundation of a Fulfilling Life gathers together several luminous stories from India’s sacred and classical traditions and retells them for the modern reader. Drawing from stories in the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Upanishads, Puranas, Panchatantra, Hitopadesha, and the Jatakas, the author shows how, in these ancient tales, the answers we seek for modern dilemmas probably already exist.
We see, in the determination of Eklavya, the devotion of Savitri, the resilience of Dhruva, and the courage of Hanuman, as well as in the actions and traits of other unforgettable characters who wrestle with doubt, ambition, pride, love, and sacrifice, ways in which we might tackle our own problems. Importantly, these timeless stories suggest how we could lead a more fulfilling life.
This book does not preach or instruct. Instead, it encourages us to pause, reflect, and act with greater awareness.
Deepam Chatterjee, a retired captain of the Indian Army, is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He endeavours to integrate ancient Indian ethics and values with modern ideals.
After a debilitating spinal injury compelled him to leave the army, Deepam took up film-making. It was during this period that he met and spent time with various saints and spiritual teachers, including the Dalai Lama. Later, he met and trained under Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and taught the Art of Living courses, before embarking on a journey of self-exploration.
Fluent in English and Hindi, Deepam is a raconteur and storyteller who is regularly consulted by some of India’s top TV and film production houses. A keen researcher of lost myths and folklore, as well as a chronicler of oral narratives, he writes and lectures on Hindu thought, meditation, spirituality, mysticism, mythology, and wellness. He has translated a significant body of Sanskrit works into easily readable literature to bring them to young readers and mainstream audiences.
Deepam also conducts corporate workshops on Mind–Body–Spirit. He sings and also composes spiritual music. His writings are regularly published in newspapers and periodicals.
Read More