“Leena, are you an artist?” He often asks me. 

“I craft stories… I write,” is my answer every time.

“Ah, that’s right, you told me that.” 

I never get bored of his repeated questions. Our 84-year-young brother Mohan is a delight. He’s been in carpentry for over 50 years and is still active with our center’s ongoing projects. His divinely charming personality is a testament to his four decades of spiritual journey.

Once, he was driving his utility vehicle towards the garden at our center; I heard Sister Elizabeth say, “Mohan bhai still drives like an eighteen-year-old.”

Recently, in our dinner table conversation, I asked him, “Mohan brother, what are the three most significant life lessons you’ve learned that you want younger generations to know?” His immediate response…, as usual… a sweet smile.

#1 Everybody needs a spiritual path that gives them the power to live a meaningful life.

Brother Mohan, in his 20s and 30s, was in a deep search of God. He was seeking answers to questions like, “Who am I?”, “What is my purpose in life?”, “Where is God?” He was born into a Christian family and wanted to live a life higher and broader than religious classifications. He says his search ended when he was introduced to Brahma Kumaris, the world’s largest socio-spiritual organization led by women.

The concept of Soul and Supreme Soul taught in the organization made sense to him, and he had some miraculous experiences in meditation. He lives at Anubhuti Meditation & Retreat Center, California. He starts his day at 3:30 am with a rajyoga meditation session and is involved in indoor and outdoor services throughout the day. 

Brother Mohan says it’s important to find a path for yourself and enrich your life with values. It’s not about what you follow or who you follow; it’s about how much you’ve used wisdom practically in your life.

#2 Carry high self-esteem all the time and infuse the same energy in everything you do.

Earlier this month, we had a day retreat in the center and I was helping with dishes. I was by myself in the dishwashing area with a big pile of dirty utensils. In a while, brother Mohan came and started helping me. There was a blissful silence in the area. I observed that he was in a higher consciousness while he was happily doing dishes. He was fully present at the moment, but at the same time, it looked like his mind was busy creating powerful thoughts.  

A number of tasks in a day usually do not require active mind involvement. Hence, our mind has opportunities to create high-vibrational (powerfully positive) thoughts that significantly improve our quality of life. Meditation is a skill to learn. Carrying a meditative mindset throughout the day definitely transforms life for the better.

#3 Appreciate people around you. 

“If you see someone doing well, appreciate them. Just say wow,” he said. He explained that complimenting a person is not just about sharing what they did was well but allowing your mind to see qualities in everyone in all situations. This requires a high state of mind. Many times, just a kind gesture (with no words spoken) expresses appreciation. Many times, a gentle smile works wonders. 

Now, you must be wondering if you could see brother Mohan on the Internet. Here’s a Facebook post. And, if you’re in Northern California, you’re most welcome to Anubhuti Meditation & Retreat Center to come and say hello to brother Mohan.