During the session 'Mental Peace – Om Shanti Om' at the HealthWealth Summit held in Noida Film City, spiritual teacher and chairman of Parmhans Niketan, Swami Chidanand Saraswati, openly answered the question of whether possessing money, fame, and all the world's blessings brings true happiness to a person.
Citing examples of wealthy people from around the world, he noted that people get into cars like Rolls-Royce but become anxious when the model becomes outdated, emphasizing that material things can never provide lasting peace. Swamiji stated that modern youth has transformed from a 'Human Being' to a 'Human Doing,' who is merely running forward. He believes that true happiness and inner peace lie not in external luxury, but in exploring the inner world and striving to 'Be More.'
Swami Chidanand Saraswati discussed in detail the hustle of modern life, the illusions of social media, and mental anxiety. He shared the bitter truth about how technology controls our lives and the necessity of freeing ourselves from this control. He presented his deep and life-changing messages delivered at the mental health summit.
Morning phone checking is the wrong way to start the day
Criticizing the dependence on mobile devices and screens, Swamiji categorically stated that checking the phone immediately after waking up means starting the day in the wrong direction. He clarified that a person does not control the stock market so that one momentary mistake will not lead to chaos. The first incoming message or notification triggers a reaction inside the person and leads to anxiety. He advised keeping gadgets away for at least an hour before sleep and some time after waking up. He warned that gadgets are tools, but if they begin to control us, then we are in danger.
We have become 'doers,' not 'beings'
Commenting on modern lifestyle, he noted that a person's life has been reduced exclusively to 'doing' (Doing, Doing, Doing)—earning money, running, chasing things. He emphasized: 'Life is not just about 'Having More,' but about 'Being More'.' He mentioned that young people around 22 years old often say, 'I am done, I have seen everything, I have nothing more to do.' According to him, the reason for this is that they are tired of the blind race for material well-being.
Living in the forest from age 10: survival lessons
Sharing personal memories, Swamiji recounted that at the age of just 10, he left his family and went to the Himalayas. There, he lived a harsh life among saints and sages in the forests. He recalled that there was no Amazon.com, restaurants, or shopping malls, and the roof of a 6x8 hut leaked during the monsoons. During begging, he was sometimes humiliated. However, it was there that he learned to tolerate insults. He explained that if you accept an insult, it causes pain, but if you do not accept it, it returns to the one who sent it.
Why are even those in Rolls-Royce unhappy?
Recounting an old trip through America, he told how he was traveling in a Rolls-Royce, but his companion was upset because he received an old model when he wanted a new one. Swamiji stated that life is not about collecting cars or medals. Medals remain hanging on walls, but the soul must shine from within. He added that when great world leaders (whether Obama or other figures) come to him, they all have everything, but they lack one thing—'peace.'
How to conquer loneliness and depression: keep your daily 'balance sheet'
Expressing concern over the growing loneliness and stress among children, Swamiji proposed an effective formula. He advised keeping an 'inner balance sheet' every night before sleep, similar to looking at money in an ATM. This ledger should reflect: what happened inside him during the day, what he did well, and where he made a mistake. In conclusion of his address, he gave a simple piece of advice: do not live a life of compulsion; live with joy. Ensure rest for the body and mind, because all external splendor fades if inner peace is not lived.