Name: Discussions on the impact of 's Thought June 28, 2020 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2020-01-01
Duration: 37 min 6 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “Discussions on the impact of 's Thought June 28, 2020”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps.

0:13 So good morning. Hi Harsh. How are you today? How are you doing? Good, good. How about you? So good to see you. I'm good, I'm good. It's really good to connect with you. So good morning. Hi Harsh. How are you today? How are you doing? Good, good. How about you? So good to see you. I'm good, I'm good. It's really good to connect with you.

0:23 Seemed yes, sir. So, um, tell me, tell me more. Tell me more about yourself. Tell me, tell me how, um, what you like, what you don't like, uh, what kind of, uh, you know, what kind of knowledge appeals to you. Seemed yes, sir. So, um, tell me, tell me more. Tell me more about yourself. Tell me, tell me how, um, what you like, what you don't like, uh, what kind of, uh, you know, what kind of knowledge appeals to you.

0:40 Um, what do you Um, what do you

0:42 seek? Okay, so, oh, oh, that's a big question. What do you seek? Yeah, mm-hmm. So, uh, I basically come from Patna, okay? My family belongs there, uh, and I'm an engineer. seek? Okay, so, oh, oh, that's a big question. What do you seek? Yeah, mm-hmm. So, uh, I basically come from Patna, okay? My family belongs there, uh, and I'm an engineer.

0:52 And, uh, after so I think, uh, my schooling, uh, played a really important part in the journey that I basically seek. And, uh, after so I think, uh, my schooling, uh, played a really important part in the journey that I basically seek.

1:03 Uh, it was, uh, uh, one of the schools which teach you, uh, spirituality in a different way. You must have heard about Ramakrishna Mission,right? Uh, it was, uh, uh, one of the schools which teach you, uh, spirituality in a different way. You must have heard about Ramakrishna Mission,right?

1:12 Uh, it's. Oh yes, of course. Of course. Yeah, yeah. So I did my schooling there, like, the very initial part of the schooling. And, uh, that kind of, uh, put in the seed at the very, like, I was, like, I think sixth standard or seventh standard, I'm not sure. Uh, it's. Oh yes, of course. Of course. Yeah, yeah. So I did my schooling there, like, the very initial part of the schooling. And, uh, that kind of, uh, put in the seed at the very, like, I was, like, I think sixth standard or seventh standard, I'm not sure.

1:26 But that's when I was exposed to spirituality. And, uh, I kind of, uh, I, I was exposed to it when I didn't know about it, okay? But that's when I was exposed to spirituality. And, uh, I kind of, uh, I, I was exposed to it when I didn't know about it, okay?

1:37 And I didn't know what, uh, it means and why people pursue it. And I didn't know what, uh, it means and why people pursue it.

1:41 So I was just, uh, into the whole practice, okay? And, uh, they take you the school takes you through, like, all the students through practice, uh, of meditating, of, uh, you know, remembering God and stuff like that. So I was just, uh, into the whole practice, okay? And, uh, they take you the school takes you through, like, all the students through practice, uh, of meditating, of, uh, you know, remembering God and stuff like that.

1:55 And, uh, you know, the teachings of Vivekananda and the writings, all of that. So, and, uh, being a child of seventh standard age, I didn't know about it. And, uh, you know, the teachings of Vivekananda and the writings, all of that. So, and, uh, being a child of seventh standard age, I didn't know about it.

2:04 And, uh, I really didn't connect with it And, uh, I really didn't connect with it

2:07 . But that kind of gave the background of, uh, what I seek, basically. Uh, it's more towards, uh, internal reflection and, uh, like, figuring out, uh, yourself, your thoughts. . But that kind of gave the background of, uh, what I seek, basically. Uh, it's more towards, uh, internal reflection and, uh, like, figuring out, uh, yourself, your thoughts.

2:21 And, uh, basically, uh, the, the, the dialogue that's continuously going in your head about what's right, what's wrong, uh, what's virtuous. So all of that is something that really interested me. And, uh, basically, uh, the, the, the dialogue that's continuously going in your head about what'sright, what's wrong, uh, what's virtuous. So all of that is something that really interested me.

2:32 And, uh, one of my mutual friends basically connected me to Maulana. And, uh, so I, I probably had read some of his answers, like, you know, popular questions that, uh, trend And, uh, one of my mutual friends basically connected me to Maulana. And, uh, so I, I probably had read some of his answers, like, you know, popular questions that, uh, trend

2:43 ed. And I was like, "Okay, uh, this is very intriguing. Uh, let's " so I was like, "Okay, can I meet this guy, lik ed. And I was like, "Okay, uh, this is very intriguing. Uh, let's " so I was like, "Okay, can I meet this guy, lik

2:50 e, really? Like, he's such a figure." And, uh, you know, so he, like, my friend was like, "Yeah, yeah." Like, you know, we have, uh, every Sunday we have a, uh, get-together where he, uh, talks about, uh, some of Islamic, uh, you know, teachings. e, really? Like, he's such a figure." And, uh, you know, so he, like, my friend was like, "Yeah, yeah." Like, you know, we have, uh, every Sunday we have a, uh, get-together where he, uh, talks about, uh, some of Islamic, uh, you know, teachings.

3:06 And, uh, in a very, uh, interesting and, you know, anecdotal way. Uh, so I was like, "Yeah, let's go. Let's do that." So that's how I was basically, you know, introduced to Maulana. And, uh, in a very, uh, interesting and, you know, anecdotal way. Uh, so I was like, "Yeah, let's go. Let's do that." So that's how I was basically, you know, introduced to Maulana.

3:18 Wow. So, um, tell us, tell us about your first memory of meeting him. Like, what was it like going there and listening to, uh, you know, like, earlier in our Indian tradition we had this whole thing, you know, the gurus used to sit in, you know, sit under a tree and, uh, you know, through parables and all of that. Wow. So, um, tell us, tell us about your first memory of meeting him. Like, what was it like going there and listening to, uh, you know, like, earlier in our Indian tradition we had this whole thing, you know, the gurus used to sit in, you know, sit under a tree and, uh, you know, through parables and all of that.

3:36 We used to listen to stories, right? But these days we don't have that. So what was your experience like going back to that, you know, when you met Maulana and? So, so I was a bit skeptical We used to listen to stories,right? But these days we don't have that. So what was your experience like going back to that, you know, when you met Maulana and? So, so I was a bit skeptical

3:47 , okay? Uh, like, to be honest, I was very skeptical that, you know, I'm meeting a guru sort of a person, uh, that too was a Muslim and teaches Islam. , okay? Uh, like, to be honest, I was very skeptical that, you know, I'm meeting a guru sort of a person, uh, that too was a Muslim and teaches Islam.

3:57 So I, uh, so, uh, the skepticism basically came in from the common narrative that we have, uh, around us in the societ So I, uh, so, uh, the skepticism basically came in from the common narrative that we have, uh, around us in the societ

4:04 y, right? That you have to hold on to your religion. You cannot actually go and, uh, and ask questions about a different religion. Uh, and you cannot actually take teachings or, you know, it's not, uh, interdisciplinary, uh, thoughts that you are taught, basically. y,right? That you have to hold on to your religion. You cannot actually go and, uh, and ask questions about a different religion. Uh, and you cannot actually take teachings or, you know, it's not, uh, interdisciplinary, uh, thoughts that you are taught, basically.

4:19 Like, Hinduism has a set of rules as Muslims. Like, Islam has a set of rules. That, that kind of, uh, skepticism, that basically, uh, had that, uh, like, I had that, uh, uh, you know, uh, nervousness probably or, like, I was not sure of what to expect, basically. Like, Hinduism has a set of rules as Muslims. Like, Islam has a set of rules. That, that kind of, uh, skepticism, that basically, uh, had that, uh, like, I had that, uh, uh, you know, uh, nervousness probably or, like, I was not sure of what to expect, basically.

4:35 And, uh, like, my friend basically so, uh, Maulana has a habit of, uh, whenever he meets people he'll just randomly ask, uh, "Tell me something," And, uh, like, my friend basically so, uh, Maulana has a habit of, uh, whenever he meets people he'll just randomly ask, uh, "Tell me something,"

4:45 okay? And, uh, and I didn't know about this, okay? He does this with everybody and I didn't know this about it. Uh, and I think knowingly my friend didn't tell me, okay okay? And, uh, and I didn't know about this, okay? He does this with everybody and I didn't know this about it. Uh, and I think knowingly my friend didn't tell me, okay

4:55 ? And I was taken aback by the question that, "Okay, um, I have come here to listen, not to, you know, like, talk, uh, basically." So that happened and that kind of put me on the spot. ? And I was taken aback by the question that, "Okay, um, I have come here to listen, not to, you know, like, talk, uh, basically." So that happened and that kind of put me on the spot.

5:07 And I think I don't know what I blabbered in that, uh, in that moment. But something happened and then, uh, you know, then he was like, "Yeah, chill." And, uh, yeah. And I think I don't know what I blabbered in that, uh, in that moment. But something happened and then, uh, you know, then he was like, "Yeah, chill." And, uh, yeah.

5:19 So that's, that's how I met Maulana. And, uh, I remember, uh, I couldn't really get much of, uh, what he was talking in the first, uh, session that I, uh, had So that's, that's how I met Maulana. And, uh, I remember, uh, I couldn't really get much of, uh, what he was talking in the first, uh, session that I, uh, had

5:31 . Uh, uh, but, you know, when you actually put in more attention to it you need to put more attention to it. That what he's speaking you'll have to, uh, you know, kind of, uh, put your mind to it and, like, start processing it . Uh, uh, but, you know, when you actually put in more attention to it you need to put more attention to it. That what he's speaking you'll have to, uh, you know, kind of, uh, put your mind to it and, like, start processing it

5:45 very fast. Because, uh, his stories are full of, uh, you know, these small, uh, uh, learnings that, uh, probably is non-intended, but the larger mission is something else. very fast. Because, uh, his stories are full of, uh, you know, these small, uh, uh, learnings that, uh, probably is non-intended, but the larger mission is something else.

5:57 But he'll put in, uh, different, uh, stories and different learnings that you can take and, uh, you know, apply whatever you wanted, so. But he'll put in, uh, different, uh, stories and different learnings that you can take and, uh, you know, apply whatever you wanted, so.

6:07 Is there anything, anything specific that really, like, stuck Is there anything, anything specific that really, like, stuck

6:10 with you? Like, uh, any, any one of those stories maybe, any moment, anything that sort of really, really, uh, you remember? Like, something that le-left an impact? with you? Like, uh, any, any one of those stories maybe, any moment, anything that sort of really, really, uh, you remember? Like, something that le-left an impact?

6:20 Uh, so at that time, uh, around, uh, I think I met him in 2018 or '17 and I'm not sure. But I was that time I was going through this dialogue inside my head that, you know, uh, should I turn vegetarian, basically, or not? Uh, so at that time, uh, around, uh, I think I met him in 2018 or '17 and I'm not sure. But I was that time I was going through this dialogue inside my head that, you know, uh, should I turn vegetarian, basically, or not?

6:35 Uh, Uh,

6:36 like, and that was the dialogue that I was going through in my mind, you know? Uh, like, killing a purse, like, killing someone to actually have your food. Is itright or is it wrong? like, and that was the dialogue that I was going through in my mind, you know? Uh, like, killing a purse, like, killing someone to actually have your food. Is itright or is it wrong?

6:44 So I and so I basically asked him this, okay? And, uh, he started narrating a story as he does. So I think he told me that, you know, he's in Russia and, uh, there's nothing really vegetarian, uh, that you get in Russia. So I and so I basically asked him this, okay? And, uh, he started narrating a story as he does. So I think he told me that, you know, he's in Russia and, uh, there's nothing really vegetarian, uh, that you get in Russia.

7:00 So, uh, he and he doesn't usually eat non-vegetarian food, okay? So, uh, he and he doesn't usually eat non-vegetarian food, okay?

7:06 So he said that since nothing was available there I had to actually, you know, uh, switch. And that's how, uh, things are, uh, in life. So he said that since nothing was available there I had to actually, you know, uh, switch. And that's how, uh, things are, uh, in life.

7:16 That it's not black and white. It's very, uh, you know, case-to-case basis. You obviously should, uh, hold on to, uh, what you That it's not black and white. It's very, uh, you know, case-to-case basis. You obviously should, uh, hold on to, uh, what you

7:24 feel,right? But at the same time you'll have to make adjustments because, uh, you know, it's not always, uh, you can. Or it's very difficult sometimes to actually hold on to things. feel,right? But at the same time you'll have to make adjustments because, uh, you know, it's not always, uh, you can. Or it's very difficult sometimes to actually hold on to things.

7:35 So yeah, that's kind of, I think, stuck with me and, uh, helped me also, you know, find that answer within myself that, you know, what, what should I be doing? So yeah, that's kind of, I think, stuck with me and, uh, helped me also, you know, find that answer within myself that, you know, what, what should I be doing?

7:47 Wow Wow

7:48 . That's, that's amazing. So, uh, tell me a little more about this part. That you said that, you know, the first time when you met him, like, you couldn't, um, completely understand a lot of things he was saying. . That's, that's amazing. So, uh, tell me a little more about this part. That you said that, you know, the first time when you met him, like, you couldn't, um, completely understand a lot of things he was saying.

7:59 That you had to sort of it was a new way of listening to something. So he you have to process and reflect and take those reflections in. That you had to sort of it was a new way of listening to something. So he you have to process and reflect and take those reflections in.

8:07 And it's a lot of work, like, a lot of mental work. But, um, tell me, what made you go back again? And it's a lot of work, like, a lot of mental work. But, um, tell me, what made you go back again?

8:14 Like, you know, uh, you could have given up and, you know, not, uh, wanted to put in that extra effort. But what is it that stuck that make you made you go back? Like, you know, uh, you could have given up and, you know, not, uh, wanted to put in that extra effort. But what is it that stuck that make you made you go back?

8:23 That, uh, made you pursue this relationship? So, uh, I actually went back after a month or two months. I don't remember, okay? It, uh, like, after the first, first meeting I was kind of taken aback that, uh, you know, should I be going back That, uh, made you pursue this relationship? So, uh, I actually went back after a month or two months. I don't remember, okay? It, uh, like, after the first, first meeting I was kind of taken aback that, uh, you know, should I be going back

8:39 ? I didn't understand anything. Uh, and I had more doubts, okay? But what made me go back was that when he was speaking I was very calm, okay? ? I didn't understand anything. Uh, and I had more doubts, okay? But what made me go back was that when he was speaking I was very calm, okay?

8:50 Like, and he was talking about something in the history, something about the history and how, uh, something came I'm I don't remember exactly what the story he was, uh, telling that day. Like, and he was talking about something in the history, something about the history and how, uh, something came I'm I don't remember exactly what the story he was, uh, telling that day.

9:01 But that somehow made, uh, me like, the mental chatter was not there. Uh, and I was very calm in the moment present, okay? But that somehow made, uh, me like, the mental chatter was not there. Uh, and I was very calm in the moment present, okay?

9:12 That feeling basically, uh, you know, made me go back That feeling basically, uh, you know, made me go back

9:17 . And, uh, this I, I realized this after a while, like, after two months, that, you know, that, like, time, the period that I was with Maulana and probably the whole day I was, you know, uh, in my, uh, like, self-reflecting, asking questions and, you know, trying to figure out stuff. . And, uh, this I, I realized this after a while, like, after two months, that, you know, that, like, time, the period that I was with Maulana and probably the whole day I was, you know, uh, in my, uh, like, self-reflecting, asking questions and, you know, trying to figure out stuff.

9:36 So that was the mental space I was in that day. But I didn't realize this. And two months back, like, after two months I think I kind of missed it So that was the mental space I was in that day. But I didn't realize this. And two months back, like, after two months I think I kind of missed it

9:46 . And I kind of remembered it, "Oh, this happened that day and, you know, let's explore more." Or probably, you know, "Let's just go back to that, uh, peaceful state where, you know, you, uh, kind of talk to yourself and self-reflect." So I think that, yeah. . And I kind of remembered it, "Oh, this happened that day and, you know, let's explore more." Or probably, you know, "Let's just go back to that, uh, peaceful state where, you know, you, uh, kind of talk to yourself and self-reflect." So I think that, yeah.

10:01 So do you, like, go regularly these days? Uh, like, do you listen regularly? Uh, not now, obviously. Obviously not now. But, yeah, like. But, but yeah, I do. So do you, like, go regularly these days? Uh, like, do you listen regularly? Uh, not now, obviously. Obviously not now. But, yeah, like. But, but yeah, I do.

10:10 I do, definitely. Okay. So how has that journey I do, definitely. Okay. So how has that journey

10:14 been? Like, uh, has it has it changed you in any way? Like, have you seen yourself evolve or, uh, anything specific? Like, you know, the before, after, uh, scene? been? Like, uh, has it has it changed you in any way? Like, have you seen yourself evolve or, uh, anything specific? Like, you know, the before, after, uh, scene?

10:26 Like, what, what's it been like? Like. Like, what, what's it been like? Like.

10:29 S-so I think the, the, uh, the im the most important thing that has happened with me, uh, due to Maulana is I have become more accepting of people, of things around me. S-so I think the, the, uh, the im the most important thing that has happened with me, uh, due to Maulana is I have become more accepting of people, of things around me.

10:41 That's, I think, the most important thing that has happened with me. I, I was, uh, initially as well challenging this thought that, you know, should I be doing this? That's, I think, the most important thing that has happened with me. I, I was, uh, initially as well challenging this thought that, you know, should I be doing this?

10:52 Uh, is the personright or wrong? Uh, is the personright or wrong?

10:54 Uh, I was asking those questions. But now I'm at more peace, uh, with everything around. I accept things how they are and, uh, kind of try to, again, navigate my way through, uh, how the things have changed. Uh, I was asking those questions. But now I'm at more peace, uh, with everything around. I accept things how they are and, uh, kind of try to, again, navigate my way through, uh, how the things have changed.

11:08 So I think that's probably the most important thing. I think Maulana, uh, m-many of the Maulana's teaching are actually, uh, not, uh, specific to religion. So I think that's probably the most important thing. I think Maulana, uh, m-many of the Maulana's teaching are actually, uh, not, uh, specific to religion.

11:18 Like, some of his answers that you see don't even include religion, okay Like, some of his answers that you see don't even include religion, okay

11:23 ? They'll just say that, you know, life is difficult. You know, life will throw certain things at you. And that's because, uh, you know, for you to basically become stronger and, you know, navigate your way through it. ? They'll just say that, you know, life is difficult. You know, life will throw certain things at you. And that's because, uh, you know, for you to basically become stronger and, you know, navigate your way through it.

11:35 Uh, it's, it's nothing related to religion, uh, nor Hinduism nor Islam, uh, nothing. So I think that kind of, uh, you know, really attracts, uh, me to him and his teachings. Uh, it's, it's nothing related to religion, uh, nor Hinduism nor Islam, uh, nothing. So I think that kind of, uh, you know, really attracts, uh, me to him and his teachings.

11:50 Yes. What I have always found interesting is that he does derive, uh, his wisdom from the Quran and the Hadiths. But, uh, the way he communicates them it is it is more of he sort of brings out the universality of it Yes. What I have always found interesting is that he does derive, uh, his wisdom from the Quran and the Hadiths. But, uh, the way he communicates them it is it is more of he sort of brings out the universality of it

12:06 . And he applies it to everyday contexts which are very relatable for not just the Muslim community leading their lives a certain way. It's for, like, a lot of, like, everyone who would be able to relate, uh, in that sense. . And he applies it to everyday contexts which are very relatable for not just the Muslim community leading their lives a certain way. It's for, like, a lot of, like, everyone who would be able to relate, uh, in that sense.

12:20 So, uh, uh, tell me more about, uh, you know, how, um, how have you grown in your own identity when you've like, you know, when, you know, have you ever felt that, uh, there has been anything conflicting when it comes to you taking in what he says should be believed or should be it should, like, you know, you should have faith in So, uh, uh, tell me more about, uh, you know, how, um, how have you grown in your own identity when you've like, you know, when, you know, have you ever felt that, uh, there has been anything conflicting when it comes to you taking in what he says should be believed or should be it should, like, you know, you should have faith in

12:44 ? Or, uh, this whole thing about we often see this, um, uh, this narrative out there that, you know, uh, if you are a follower of one tradition you will find truth in only that trad ? Or, uh, this whole thing about we often see this, um, uh, this narrative out there that, you know, uh, if you are a follower of one tradition you will find truth in only that trad

13:00 ition. And you wouldn't be, uh, sort of, you know, uh, you would probably be threatening your own identity if you try and see an alternative perspective. ition. And you wouldn't be, uh, sort of, you know, uh, you would probably be threatening your own identity if you try and see an alternative perspective.

13:09 Or maybe something which says somewhat, uh, something which is universal but something which is, um, maybe, uh, demonstrated or, um, you know, Or maybe something which says somewhat, uh, something which is universal but something which is, um, maybe, uh, demonstrated or, um, you know,

13:24 expressed or mentioned in a different way. expressed or mentioned in a different way.

13:27 So, like, I find that very interesting. And there have been moments, for me at least, when, um, initially I used to be like, you know, um, am I really doing anything wrong with my own identity? So, like, I find that very interesting. And there have been moments, for me at least, when, um, initially I used to be like, you know, um, am I really doing anything wrong with my own identity?

13:42 Or am I, you know, diluting it in any way by accepting the wisdom and the knowledge and, uh, stuff a-and, and the way of another community? Or am I, you know, diluting it in any way by accepting the wisdom and the knowledge and, uh, stuff a-and, and the way of another community?

13:55 Like, accepting, even embracing certain parts of it, often participating in things. Like, how, how is my identity supporting it? Like, accepting, even embracing certain parts of it, often participating in things. Like, how, how is my identity supporting it?

14:05 Or, like, am I growing in identity or is it threatened? That's, that's, like, a very interesting question which has always occurred to me as something that, uh, many of us struggle with often. Or, like, am I growing in identity or is it threatened? That's, that's, like, a very interesting question which has always occurred to me as something that, uh, many of us struggle with often.

14:17 I mean, the best of us often do. But I, I wonder if you've been through anything sim I mean, the best of us often do. But I, I wonder if you've been through anything sim

14:23 ilar. So I have been through it. Uh, but, uh, it was not internal. Uh, it was, like, an external pressure that, you know, you'll have to maintain your identity. ilar. So I have been through it. Uh, but, uh, it was not internal. Uh, it was, like, an external pressure that, you know, you'll have to maintain your identity.

14:33 Uh, so, uh, I think, uh, from, uh, I was exposed like, I had many Muslim friends, Muslim friends. And of I often find found myself actually interacting with them more, uh, than my, uh, Hindu pe uh, friends. Uh, so, uh, I think, uh, from, uh, I was exposed like, I had many Muslim friends, Muslim friends. And of I often find found myself actually interacting with them more, uh, than my, uh, Hindu pe uh, friends.

14:47 Uh, I don't know why is that. But that was the case since the very beginning, okay? Uh, I don't know why is that. But that was the case since the very beginning, okay?

14:52 I, uh, during my, uh, higher secondary schooling I had a very close Muslim friend. Again, in my college I had a very close Mus I, uh, during my, uh, higher secondary schooling I had a very close Muslim friend. Again, in my college I had a very close Mus

14:59 lim friend. And I always found them, uh, uh, you know, more, uh, interested in religion. And actually, uh, ha they actually have had that dialogue internally as well that what their religion represents for to them, uh, they kind of are more aware, okay, than others. lim friend. And I always found them, uh, uh, you know, more, uh, interested in religion. And actually, uh, ha they actually have had that dialogue internally as well that what their religion represents for to them, uh, they kind of are more aware, okay, than others.

15:19 And, uh, I always find found them very intriguing. And, uh, like, uh, with them I kind of had, uh, you know, uh, really interesting times. And, uh, I always find found them very intriguing. And, uh, like, uh, with them I kind of had, uh, you know, uh, really interesting times.

15:30 So I was, uh, internally I didn't have I never had that identity conflict, So I was, uh, internally I didn't have I never had that identity conflict,

15:37 okay? And, uh, externally, uh, I used to feel that as, like, my, uh, other friends or probably the society that's around you, uh, tells you that, you know, you should not be doing this. okay? And, uh, externally, uh, I used to feel that as, like, my, uh, other friends or probably the society that's around you, uh, tells you that, you know, you should not be doing this.

15:48 And I wasn't sure that why, you know? Like, uh, I it's, it's about interaction. It's about, uh, making connections and actually, actually getting to know, uh, more about yourself, the other person, and probably, you know, something higher. And I wasn't sure that why, you know? Like, uh, I it's, it's about interaction. It's about, uh, making connections and actually, actually getting to know, uh, more about yourself, the other person, and probably, you know, something higher.

16:02 And that was happening. Uh, and that was happening with other Hindu friends as well. U And that was happening. Uh, and that was happening with other Hindu friends as well. U

16:07 h, uh, it's not something that is very exclusive to, uh, Muslim friends. But at the same time I found that very, uh, you know, conflicting with my own self. h, uh, it's not something that is very exclusive to, uh, Muslim friends. But at the same time I found that very, uh, you know, conflicting with my own self.

16:16 And, uh, that I think kind of helped me, uh like, I was lucky enough to have that, like, have those friends which basically, uh, taught me that identity is something that you make and not something is posed upon you. And, uh, that I think kind of helped me, uh like, I was lucky enough to have that, like, have those friends which basically, uh, taught me that identity is something that you make and not something is posed upon you.

16:29 Uh, you know, when you, uh, go out and, uh, take stuff that you relate to, uh, be it from anywhere, that's your identity that you know? Uh, you know, when you, uh, go out and, uh, take stuff that you relate to, uh, be it from anywhere, that's your identity that you know?

16:40 Because you think that that's, uh, correct according to you or, uh, you know, you kind of relate to it, that becomes a part of your identity now. Because you think that that's, uh, correct according to you or, uh, you know, you kind of relate to it, that becomes a part of your identity now.

16:49 Uh, it's more of, like, fetching those things and making your identity than actually, uh, you know, conforming to certain, uh, you know, boundaries that somebody else has actually, uh, set for you. Uh, it's more of, like, fetching those things and making your identity than actually, uh, you know, conforming to certain, uh, you know, boundaries that somebody else has actually, uh, set for you.

17:02 And then you have that dialogue, "Okay, am I compromising anything?" Or, you know, "Am I not And then you have that dialogue, "Okay, am I compromising anything?" Or, you know, "Am I not

17:08 ?" I think that's been the case for me. And, uh, coming to Maulana it was, you know, very similar. Uh, I already had that, uh, uh, what does it what does it I already had that acceptance that, you know, good can be found anywhere. ?" I think that's been the case for me. And, uh, coming to Maulana it was, you know, very similar. Uh, I already had that, uh, uh, what does it what does it I already had that acceptance that, you know, good can be found anywhere.

17:24 Uh, and, uh, I should be looking for it across. Uh, it's not specific to. So I was actually, uh, interested in other religions as well. Uh, and, uh, I should be looking for it across. Uh, it's not specific to. So I was actually, uh, interested in other religions as well.

17:32 Uh, I follow Buddhism. I kind of read Zen philosophy as Uh, I follow Buddhism. I kind of read Zen philosophy as

17:37 well. So it's, it's not just, uh, Muslims or it's not just Hinduism that I follow. Uh, and I think everything has a lot to offer,right? well. So it's, it's not just, uh, Muslims or it's not just Hinduism that I follow. Uh, and I think everything has a lot to offer,right?

17:46 And, uh, a lot to a lot of things which you won't be able to connect because you haven't been in those circumstances. And you won't be able to understand And, uh, a lot to a lot of things which you won't be able to connect because you haven't been in those circumstances. And you won't be able to understand

17:54 . But I think it's, uh, like, the at least what this is what I feel that, you know, you have to go across. Like, you have to, uh, you know, uh, open your doors to everything and then kind of let in, uh, whatever you think makes sense with you. . But I think it's, uh, like, the at least what this is what I feel that, you know, you have to go across. Like, you have to, uh, you know, uh, open your doors to everything and then kind of let in, uh, whatever you think makes sense with you.

18:10 True. True. So anything, uh, is as you very interestingly said that, you know, whatever you take from whatever is relatable to you, uh, becomes a part of your identity. True. True. So anything, uh, is as you very interestingly said that, you know, whatever you take from whatever is relatable to you, uh, becomes a part of your identity.

18:21 That's a very, very interesting concept. Um, could you maybe, uh, tell us a little more about, uh, what you have taken from, uh, your interactions with Maulana which is which you could relate to a lot and, uh, which has pretty much become a part of you and maybe has even led to, uh, inner transformation or, uh, you know, the maybe adopting a different way of looking at things? That's a very, very interesting concept. Um, could you maybe, uh, tell us a little more about, uh, what you have taken from, uh, your interactions with Maulana which is which you could relate to a lot and, uh, which has pretty much become a part of you and maybe has even led to, uh, inner transformation or, uh, you know, the maybe adopting a different way of looking at things?

18:48 So anything, anything specific that you can think about? Uh, so with Maulana it's been, like, things very basic things. So anything, anything specific that you can think about? Uh, so with Maulana it's been, like, things very basic things.

18:58 Uh, you know, how humble he is, uh, in his, uh, dialogue with, uh, anybod Uh, you know, how humble he is, uh, in his, uh, dialogue with, uh, anybod

19:03 y,right? That's something that I've taken from Maulana, uh, you know, that, uh, it's like, the moment you interact with him, uh, you know, like, your mental state basically changes and goes to a different level. y,right? That's something that I've taken from Maulana, uh, you know, that, uh, it's like, the moment you interact with him, uh, you know, like, your mental state basically changes and goes to a different level.

19:16 Uh, he kind of, you know, responds to you in a very calming, uh, humble way, uh, irrespective of where you come from, the kind of, uh, experience that you have, uh, about any religion or for the matter like, that matter, life itself,right? Uh, he kind of, you know, responds to you in a very calming, uh, humble way, uh, irrespective of where you come from, the kind of, uh, experience that you have, uh, about any religion or for the matter like, that matter, life itself,right?

19:31 Uh, he will, like, like, initiate that dialogue. And, uh, you basically, uh, start having that. So I think that's, uh, one of the things. Apart from that, uh, he, uh, almost all of his, uh, answers will have that, you know, uh, Uh, he will, like, like, initiate that dialogue. And, uh, you basically, uh, start having that. So I think that's, uh, one of the things. Apart from that, uh, he, uh, almost all of his, uh, answers will have that, you know, uh,

19:48 you'll have to pursue over through most of the things in life, okay? And that's how you are going to, uh, learn about yourself, build your character. you'll have to pursue over through most of the things in life, okay? And that's how you are going to, uh, learn about yourself, build your character.

19:57 And, you know, uh, that's so that's the second thing that I've learned from Maulana. And actually, you know, third would be, like, uh, you know, what virtues are. And, you know, uh, that's so that's the second thing that I've learned from Maulana. And actually, you know, third would be, like, uh, you know, what virtues are.

20:09 Uh, and a lot of his, uh, answers would be about virtue and how you can actually pursue them and how you can build your character across, like, around those virtues. Uh, and a lot of his, uh, answers would be about virtue and how you can actually pursue them and how you can build your character across, like, around those virtues.

20:20 So I think these three things are majorly, uh, that I have taken from his teachings. And, uh, that's something that I look forward as well because that kind of resonates with my inter like, uh, you know, thought processes. So I think these three things are majorly, uh, that I have taken from his teachings. And, uh, that's something that I look forward as well because that kind of resonates with my inter like, uh, you know, thought processes.

20:34 And that's something that I think that is very essential to anybody's life. And that's something that I think that is very essential to anybody's life.

20:41 That's, that's really interesting. Uh, does anything else, uh, comes to mind come to mind where, uh, you know, you can, like anything more in anything interesting, anything, anything else that you would like to share about, uh, your journey with Maulana so far? That's, that's really interesting. Uh, does anything else, uh, comes to mind come to mind where, uh, you know, you can, like anything more in anything interesting, anything, anything else that you would like to share about, uh, your journey with Maulana so far?

20:57 Anything at all? Uh, like, I'm really sorry. But I don't have. That's allright. Anything at all? Uh, like, I'm really sorry. But I don't have. That's allright.

21:06 That's allright That's allright

21:07 . I guess I've just drilled a lot, like, probed a lot. So already, like, you've come up with some really, really good stuff. So thank you so much. . I guess I've just drilled a lot, like, probed a lot. So already, like, you've come up with some really, really good stuff. So thank you so much.

21:16 Uh, it, it was a pleasure, uh, speaking with you, connecting with you. Definitely. So thank you so much for sharing this. Thank you for sharing this. Uh, it, it was a pleasure, uh, speaking with you, connecting with you. Definitely. So thank you so much for sharing this. Thank you for sharing this.

21:25 I am not sure what I shared. But, uh, let's see. No, you did. You did. You did, uh all of us have different ways of sharing things. I am not sure what I shared. But, uh, let's see. No, you did. You did. You did, uh all of us have different ways of sharing things.

21:34 So you did your best. So you did your best.

21:37 And I hope my questions were insightful enough as well because I was very closely and very, very keenly following your narrative. And it was honestly, um, it was amazing. And I hope my questions were insightful enough as well because I was very closely and very, very keenly following your narrative. And it was honestly, um, it was amazing.

21:47 It was it was quite eye-opening. And especially that part where you whatever you relate to becomes a part of your identity. That is something that will stick with me. It was it was quite eye-opening. And especially that part where you whatever you relate to becomes a part of your identity. That is something that will stick with me.

21:56 So thank you for that So thank you for that

21:57 . Yeah. You're welcome. And, uh, like, uh, you know, this conversation will, again, take me back to the journey that, you know, of self-reflection and, you know, thinking more about things that I said and probably you said. . Yeah. You're welcome. And, uh, like, uh, you know, this conversation will, again, take me back to the journey that, you know, of self-reflection and, you know, thinking more about things that I said and probably you said.

22:09 So, yeah, it's definitely a reflective process. Uh, you go back all the time whenever you feel the need to. And, yeah, it's, it's, it's a huge process that you have to do. So, yeah, it's definitely a reflective process. Uh, you go back all the time whenever you feel the need to. And, yeah, it's, it's, it's a huge process that you have to do.

22:21 Yeah. It's just, like, a constant, ongoing Yeah. It's just, like, a constant, ongoing

22:23 process. And once you come into the fold of Maulana he will, uh, keep making sure that you have enough food of food for thought to always keep reflecting. process. And once you come into the fold of Maulana he will, uh, keep making sure that you have enough food of food for thought to always keep reflecting.

22:32 And that's one thing that I have I have taken from him. I mean, I still remember the first time I met him And that's one thing that I have I have taken from him. I mean, I still remember the first time I met him

22:38 . I, uh he didn't even know, like, my full name then. And somehow he told me a sort of, like, a lot of things. . I, uh he didn't even know, like, my full name then. And somehow he told me a sort of, like, a lot of things.

22:47 He shared a lot of things which were so relevant to my life at that point of time. I felt like he was X-raying me, like, X-raying my brain or something and, like, figuring out somehow he knew exactly what I needed. He shared a lot of things which were so relevant to my life at that point of time. I felt like he was X-raying me, like, X-raying my brain or something and, like, figuring out somehow he knew exactly what I needed.

22:57 And I felt so c And I felt so c

22:59 alm. And I felt like this, uh that I was in the presence of, um, a sort of a, a grounding power which was, you know, uh, almost becoming a mirror for me of what I needed to see. alm. And I felt like this, uh that I was in the presence of, um, a sort of a, a grounding power which was, you know, uh, almost becoming a mirror for me of what I needed to see.

23:15 Like, you know, somebody is holding up the mirror and showing you that this is what you're not able to see. And, uh, the way he did it, it was the first day that I've I met him in person. Like, you know, somebody is holding up the mirror and showing you that this is what you're not able to see. And, uh, the way he did it, it was the first day that I've I met him in person.

23:25 And I was very conscious. And I was very conscious.

23:27 I still remember. I was extremely conscious because, one, uh, A, I did not know much about Islam. And I knew that he's an Islamic studies scholar, is a peace activist. And though I've I've met people from his team before in Kolkata. I still remember. I was extremely conscious because, one, uh, A, I did not know much about Islam. And I knew that he's an Islamic studies scholar, is a peace activist. And though I've I've met people from his team before in Kolkata.

23:38 But then I honestly didn't know what to expect. And I was like, you know, I don't have any knowledge. So even if, like, he says anything I won't probably understand. But then I honestly didn't know what to expect. And I was like, you know, I don't have any knowledge. So even if, like, he says anything I won't probably understand.

23:47 And I don't know what to ask And I don't know what to ask

23:49 him. And I don't know Arabic. I haven't read the Quran. So I don't know what how this whole, um, conversation is going to be. him. And I don't know Arabic. I haven't read the Quran. So I don't know what how this whole, um, conversation is going to be.

23:58 But it just like, the moment I came into his presence and, um, I still remember him saying that so, uh, that, that thing that you told me that he says, "Tell me something," he just told me, "So why don't you tell me something, But it just like, the moment I came into his presence and, um, I still remember him saying that so, uh, that, that thing that you told me that he says, "Tell me something," he just told me, "So why don't you tell me something,

24:13 young lady?" And I was like, "Okay." My response was exactly the same. Like, you know, "I have come here to listen," you know, not to, uh, not to speak. young lady?" And I was like, "Okay." My response was exactly the same. Like, you know, "I have come here to listen," you know, not to, uh, not to speak.

24:23 I mean, what do I speak, like, in front of you? Like, you're such a celebrity. Yeah. Exactly. So I'm like, "What I mean, what do I speak, like, in front of you? Like, you're such a celebrity. Yeah. Exactly. So I'm like, "What

24:28 do I say?" And, um, then he said something like, "I was I was sitting like this." And I was already, like, sort of, you know, in that mode where I'm going to be listening to my grandfather share a story. do I say?" And, um, then he said something like, "I was I was sitting like this." And I was already, like, sort of, you know, in that mode where I'm going to be listening to my grandfather share a story.

24:41 So I sort of got comfortable that way. And I didn't even realize that So I sort of got comfortable that way. And I didn't even realize that

24:45 . So he just says that, "Looks like you're expecting something. And the way you have your arm placed tells me that, uh, you have a very big heart." And I was like, "Okay." And then I was conscious all of a sudden, like, how am I sitting in the presence of such an esteemed scholar? . So he just says that, "Looks like you're expecting something. And the way you have your arm placed tells me that, uh, you have a very big heart." And I was like, "Okay." And then I was conscious all of a sudden, like, how am I sitting in the presence of such an esteemed scholar?

25:00 And then he just it, it was just a very, uh, sweet way in which he got me comfortable And then he just it, it was just a very, uh, sweet way in which he got me comfortable

25:06 . And after, like, the first, I think, 15 minutes, I completely, like, that dissolved, that whole idea that, you know, I'm the only Hindu girl in the room. . And after, like, the first, I think, 15 minutes, I completely, like, that dissolved, that whole idea that, you know, I'm the only Hindu girl in the room.

25:16 And I'm meeting this esteemed scholar who, uh, teaches, I don't know, millions of people every day. I know nothing about his tradition, nothing about the Quran. And I'm meeting this esteemed scholar who, uh, teaches, I don't know, millions of people every day. I know nothing about his tradition, nothing about the Quran.

25:27 I'm just sitting here expecting what I'm just sitting here expecting what

25:29 ? And then he just starts speaking. And when he just starts speaking and he comes up with, uh, you know, certain points and, you know, wisdom. ? And then he just starts speaking. And when he just starts speaking and he comes up with, uh, you know, certain points and, you know, wisdom.

25:41 And I was exactly at that point where I needed to hear them. So it made sense to me when I was listening to him. And I was like, "Is this, like, is this, like, happening? And I was exactly at that point where I needed to hear them. So it made sense to me when I was listening to him. And I was like, "Is this, like, is this, like, happening?

25:54 Is this really happening? How did he know? Like, how did he know Is this really happening? How did he know? Like, how did he know

25:58 ?" And I was like, "Did anyone give him, like, a, a pretext or something?" And I was like, "It couldn't be because, you know, the-there are these are personal things I wouldn't be sharing with anybody. ?" And I was like, "Did anyone give him, like, a, a pretext or something?" And I was like, "It couldn't be because, you know, the-there are these are personal things I wouldn't be sharing with anybody.

26:08 And how would anybody know what kind of an emotional situation I' And how would anybody know what kind of an emotional situation I'

26:12 m going through?" I mean, I just came in just, like, kind of thinking. And that I think that stuck with me. That is what made me go back, that how can somebody, uh, actually understand the needs of a stranger, a complete stranger, in such a way that he makes his teachings so relevant to you at any given point? m going through?" I mean, I just came in just, like, kind of thinking. And that I think that stuck with me. That is what made me go back, that how can somebody, uh, actually understand the needs of a stranger, a complete stranger, in such a way that he makes his teachings so relevant to you at any given point?

26:38 It's almost like he does that for everyone. And that's so relatable. Yeah. He doesn't really I, I, I, I remember the same. It's almost like he does that for everyone. And that's so relatable. Yeah. He doesn't really I, I, I, I remember the same.

26:46 He starts reflecting. He starts reflecting.

26:48 Yeah. I remember the same thing. Uh, and as you said, his presence is so grounding that, you know, you cannot actually describe how it is. And actually, that's the thing that actually made me go back to him, uh, in the first place. Yeah. I remember the same thing. Uh, and as you said, his presence is so grounding that, you know, you cannot actually describe how it is. And actually, that's the thing that actually made me go back to him, uh, in the first place.

27:03 And, uh, like, exactly as, l-like you said, I kind of blabbered something. And I don't really know, uh, you know, what I said. And, uh, like, exactly as, l-like you said, I kind of blabbered something. And I don't really know, uh, you know, what I said.

27:12 And I, uh, like, I honestly don't And I, uh, like, I honestly don't, don

27:14 't remember. But, but I'm probably sh like, I'm sure that my friend would remember. I'll, I'll probably ask him, like, how I reacted. 't remember. But, but I'm probably sh like, I'm sure that my friend would remember. I'll, I'll probably ask him, like, how I reacted.

27:22 And then, uh, probably I'll get back to you. But, uh, it, like, I don't know if he does that to just to put people on the spot or, uh, uh, something similar. And then, uh, probably I'll get back to you. But, uh, it, like, I don't know if he does that to just to put people on the spot or, uh, uh, something similar.

27:33 But, uh, the whole process makes you very comfortable and kind of makes you leave all the baggage that you have outside and be there, uh, as a person who's just, like, wants to know things and, uh, wants to basically, uh, But, uh, the whole process makes you very comfortable and kind of makes you leave all the baggage that you have outside and be there, uh, as a person who's just, like, wants to know things and, uh, wants to basically, uh,

27:51 uh, sort out some things, uh, like, sort the things out that's going inside, uh, his or her uh, sort out some things, uh, like, sort the things out that's going inside, uh, his or her

27:56 mind. And I think that's been the common narrative in each of the sessions that I have, uh, been in. mind. And I think that's been the common narrative in each of the sessions that I have, uh, been in.

28:04 I know. It's like he switches he flicks on a switch inside you. Like, all of a sudden, you're, like, all reflecting. And you're like, "Okay. I didn't even know that I was capable of this." For me, that has been, uh, one of the biggest takeaways. I know. It's like he switches he flicks on a switch inside you. Like, all of a sudden, you're, like, all reflecting. And you're like, "Okay. I didn't even know that I was capable of this." For me, that has been, uh, one of the biggest takeaways.

28:16 I'm unfortunately, I'm not based out of Delhi. So it's not been possible for me to go visit him again and again. I've visited him, like, two, three times, uh, over the last couple of years. I'm unfortunately, I'm not based out of Delhi. So it's not been possible for me to go visit him again and again. I've visited him, like, two, three times, uh, over the last couple of years.

28:24 But I've been reading his books. And I've been, uh I, I sometimes follow his, uh, lectures as well, uh, whenever I have internet connection during my travels. But I've been reading his books. And I've been, uh I, I sometimes follow his, uh, lectures as well, uh, whenever I have internet connection during my travels.

28:35 But then it's always been like, you know, those are the few milestone moments in life when you realize that somewhere life is pushing you to evolve. But then it's always been like, you know, those are the few milestone moments in life when you realize that somewhere life is pushing you to evolve.

28:45 And maybe there are people like Maulana who actually sort of are still in here is in our lives, like, who come into our lives to sort of handhold you and just, you know, tell you that, "Okay. And maybe there are people like Maulana who actually sort of are still in here is in our lives, like, who come into our lives to sort of handhold you and just, you know, tell you that, "Okay.

28:57 Buck up. Buck up.

28:58 This is this is something you, you've got to be doing." I mean, you know, this is a phase. And I personally believe that that's how I started This is this is something you, you've got to be doing." I mean, you know, this is a phase. And I personally believe that that's how I started

29:05 out. I mean, I couldn't have the whole idea of, um, like, I didn't even know then when I met Maulana that I was going to step into the field of dialogue. out. I mean, I couldn't have the whole idea of, um, like, I didn't even know then when I met Maulana that I was going to step into the field of dialogue.

29:16 But, uh, it's this it's that encounter with Maulana which showed me that there is incredible strength in, uh, the intention to connect. But, uh, it's this it's that encounter with Maulana which showed me that there is incredible strength in, uh, the intention to connect.

29:29 And, uh, when we actually do that while deriving from the wisdom of our traditions and we connect in order to give, we always seek to give. And, uh, when we actually do that while deriving from the wisdom of our traditions and we connect in order to give, we always seek to give.

29:42 It's it, it d nothing else matters, you know, none of the other boundaries or barriers which are sort of put out, uh, to sort of stop you from exploring. It's it, it d nothing else matters, you know, none of the other boundaries or barriers which are sort of put out, uh, to sort of stop you from exploring.

29:54 I-it's like all of a sudden, I felt that my world opened up and opened up in a way I couldn't have imagin I-it's like all of a sudden, I felt that my world opened up and opened up in a way I couldn't have imagin

30:01 ed. Yeah. So my family had has a partition history. So my grandparents came in from, like my grandmother, particularly, came in from Bangladesh. ed. Yeah. So my family had has a partition history. So my grandparents came in from, like my grandmother, particularly, came in from Bangladesh.

30:10 Okay. And, uh, suffered severe communal riots and everything. So naturally, I grew up in a household where there were the scars of histor Okay. And, uh, suffered severe communal riots and everything. So naturally, I grew up in a household where there were the scars of histor

30:20 y. Yeah. And scars of, uh, those experiences. But it was always but I always thought of that a part of me wanted to be liberated of that history. y. Yeah. And scars of, uh, those experiences. But it was always but I always thought of that a part of me wanted to be liberated of that history.

30:32 It's like I wanted to see if there could be a new narrative. It scared me sometimes because, obviously, like, you know, when your elders are not that open to you exploring and your community is always sort of trying to instill fear in you, it's like. It's like I wanted to see if there could be a new narrative. It scared me sometimes because, obviously, like, you know, when your elders are not that open to you exploring and your community is always sort of trying to instill fear in you, it's like.

30:49 Yeah. Like, the boundaries. Yeah. Like, the boundaries.

30:50 Yeah. The boundaries. Like, you know, you don't do this. And if you go this far after this, you don't know where you're headed and all of that. But I've always somewhere felt this urge to explore. Yeah. The boundaries. Like, you know, you don't do this. And if you go this far after this, you don't know where you're headed and all of that. But I've always somewhere felt this urge to explore.

31:01 And that's why the first question I asked you was about, "What do you seek?" And that's why the first question I asked you was about, "What do you seek?

31:04 " Because I somehow very deeply believe that everybody who comes into the fold of Maulana or finds their way to Maulana somewhere, I think they're seeking something. " Because I somehow very deeply believe that everybody who comes into the fold of Maulana or finds their way to Maulana somewhere, I think they're seeking something.

31:15 And they're because, uh, because otherwise, you know, you wouldn't have that, uh, sense of wanting to connect, wanting to learn, wanting to And they're because, uh, because otherwise, you know, you wouldn't have that, uh, sense of wanting to connect, wanting to learn, wanting to

31:25 explore truth. So when that urge becomes really, really strong that you want to know, you want to see what will happen, what can go wrong, what can go wrong to go and, you know, just connect with someone who is teaching millions of people, let's just go listen to it. explore truth. So when that urge becomes really, really strong that you want to know, you want to see what will happen, what can go wrong, what can go wrong to go and, you know, just connect with someone who is teaching millions of people, let's just go listen to it.

31:43 Yeah. And that, that when that happens, I guess that is when you are pulled to people like Maulana, people who have such a beautiful grounding effect. Yeah. And that, that when that happens, I guess that is when you are pulled to people like Maulana, people who have such a beautiful grounding effect.

31:54 I mean, meeting him has changed my life completely, like, completely. And I have so many friends now. I mean, meeting him has changed my life completely, like, completely. And I have so many friends now.

32:01 Before, I honestly did not have many Muslim friends. Like, I'm not as lucky as you that I've had many Muslim friends. So I had Christian friends. I had, uh, Sikh friends. Before, I honestly did not have many Muslim friends. Like, I'm not as lucky as you that I've had many Muslim friends. So I had Christian friends. I had, uh, Sikh friends.

32:10 But I did not exactly have, uh, Muslim friends. And somewhere, something even stopped me, you know? So I had sort of, like, this I don't know. But I did not exactly have, uh, Muslim friends. And somewhere, something even stopped me, you know? So I had sort of, like, this I don't know.

32:20 I believe it was fear. It was prejudice. It was stereotype. It was this mental construct that I can't trust Muslims. I believe it was fear. It was prejudice. It was stereotype. It was this mental construct that I can't trust Muslims.

32:28 And this was I'm very honest about it these days. But then it just shifted, one, one encounter, and it just completely shifted. And these days, I have so many Muslims in my life. And this was I'm very honest about it these days. But then it just shifted, one, one encounter, and it just completely shifted. And these days, I have so many Muslims in my life.

32:40 CPS entire team is like a family to me. And, uh, I don't know. CPS entire team is like a family to me. And, uh, I don't know.

32:46 I mean, it's been so much easier for me to break free and, like, just start exploring. It's, it's been, uh, wonderful. I mean, it's been so much easier for me to break free and, like, just start exploring. It's, it's been, uh, wonderful.

32:54 I mean, it's also opened me up to exploring, uh, relationships with other communities more. Obviously, uh, once you start, uh, having, like, taking those steps, uh, it's, like, all around,right? I mean, it's also opened me up to exploring, uh, relationships with other communities more. Obviously, uh, once you start, uh, having, like, taking those steps, uh, it's, like, all around,right?

33:08 It's not just in one It's not just in one

33:09 direction. You'll, you'll be taking those steps and accepting people from all parts of life and all, you know, parts of religion. So obviously, uh, that will happen. direction. You'll, you'll be taking those steps and accepting people from all parts of life and all, you know, parts of religion. So obviously, uh, that will happen.

33:18 I have been, like, you know, really lucky that, uh, since childhood, uh, I had Muslim friends all, like, across, uh, some of my Muslim friends are Bengali. I have been, like, you know, really lucky that, uh, since childhood, uh, I had Muslim friends all, like, across, uh, some of my Muslim friends are Bengali.

33:28 Uh, and they come from, you know, Chobisbergana or some places like that Uh, and they come from, you know, Chobisbergana or some places like that

33:32 . And, uh, I interacted with him on a daily basis. And I didn't find any, uh, difference in how they have grown up and how I have grown up. . And, uh, I interacted with him on a daily basis. And I didn't find any, uh, difference in how they have grown up and how I have grown up.

33:43 They kind of grow like, grew up in a similar kind of a society. And I kind of grew up in a similar kind of society. And I, I always believed that, you know, it's like, we are very similar, uh, across religions. They kind of grow like, grew up in a similar kind of a society. And I kind of grew up in a similar kind of society. And I, I always believed that, you know, it's like, we are very similar, uh, across religions.

33:56 It's not just Muslims. But it's just that I have had more exposure with Muslims. So and I could never actually point out the differences that, you know, we are different here or probably we are different there. It's not just Muslims. But it's just that I have had more exposure with Muslims. So and I could never actually point out the differences that, you know, we are different here or probably we are different there.

34:09 And, uh, that's where the dialogue basically started, that, you know, it's and but, you know, as you said, as a society or the internal bound like, uh, mental construct that you have, uh, you are basically told that And, uh, that's where the dialogue basically started, that, you know, it's and but, you know, as you said, as a society or the internal bound like, uh, mental construct that you have, uh, you are basically told that

34:21 there's a difference. There's a difference. But I never found those differences, okay, on the, like, on the ground or the reality. And, uh, that's basically, you know, uh, asked me like, I basically asked myself that, you know, you need to explore more. there's a difference. There's a difference. But I never found those differences, okay, on the, like, on the ground or the reality. And, uh, that's basically, you know, uh, asked me like, I basically asked myself that, you know, you need to explore more.

34:37 You need to push those boundaries. So I started going to these, uh, people's homes, uh, started meeting their families. Okay. And, uh, they were very welcoming all the time. You need to push those boundaries. So I started going to these, uh, people's homes, uh, started meeting their families. Okay. And, uh, they were very welcoming all the time.

34:47 Okay. So and the common narrative is, you know, you have to stay away Okay. So and the common narrative is, you know, you have to stay away

34:51 . And, you know, you have to hold on to your identity, as you said. And I never found the need to it. Uh, so yeah. That has been, uh, the one of the major things that, you know, uh, helps me to actually go on and, you know, uh, . And, you know, you have to hold on to your identity, as you said. And I never found the need to it. Uh, so yeah. That has been, uh, the one of the major things that, you know, uh, helps me to actually go on and, you know, uh,

35:07 like, take the teachings from Maulana, from, uh, other religions. And, uh, Maulana has been very special because, uh, it's so easy to, uh, like, you kn like, take the teachings from Maulana, from, uh, other religions. And, uh, Maulana has been very special because, uh, it's so easy to, uh, like, you kn

35:18 ow, speak to him. And, uh, you like, I wasn't expecting someone who's, uh, a religious scholar like him, has written books. Uh, I don't know how many books. ow, speak to him. And, uh, you like, I wasn't expecting someone who's, uh, a religious scholar like him, has written books. Uh, I don't know how many books.

35:27 I'm not sure. And I won't be, uh, going there. But, uh, and he's recognized internationally. And he's so just so accessible, uh, to everybody. I'm not sure. And I won't be, uh, going there. But, uh, and he's recognized internationally. And he's so just so accessible, uh, to everybody.

35:38 That's something very, uh, interesting, like, very interesting. And the effect that you have like, he has on you is, like, a totally different, uh, narrative. That's something very, uh, interesting, like, very interesting. And the effect that you have like, he has on you is, like, a totally different, uh, narrative.

35:47 Sure. Sure. Sure. Sure.

35:50 Thank you so much. Uh, it has been an absolute pleasure learning from you. And, uh. Learning from you. I won't say that. Thank you so much. Uh, it has been an absolute pleasure learning from you. And, uh. Learning from you. I won't say that.

36:00 But. Of course. Of course. I, uh, I do believe and this is, like, the cornerstone of dialogue that we are it's a it's a two-way flow of conversation, two-way flow of information. But. Of course. Of course. I, uh, I do believe and this is, like, the cornerstone of dialogue that we are it's a it's a two-way flow of conversation, two-way flow of information.

36:10 And it's a mutual learning process, always. So when I came in to talk to you, the first thing that I did was I practiced my intention to listen to learn. And it's a mutual learning process, always. So when I came in to talk to you, the first thing that I did was I practiced my intention to listen to learn.

36:20 And that's what, uh, I always do. And that's what, uh, I always do.

36:23 So yes, I have learned a lot. And I will be definitely applying them in my life. And, um, uh, thank you so much for agreeing to do this again. So yes, I have learned a lot. And I will be definitely applying them in my life. And, um, uh, thank you so much for agreeing to do this again.

36:33 And, uh, it's, it's wonderful to sort of learn and reflect on this and share it with the world because that's what's necessary. For those who haven't done it yet, it's, it's so important to reflect. And, uh, it's, it's wonderful to sort of learn and reflect on this and share it with the world because that's what's necessary. For those who haven't done it yet, it's, it's so important to reflect.

36:45 It's so important to be critical of the, uh, narrative around of the narrative that shapes you and to ask yourself that, "Do you choose to stick to this narrat It's so important to be critical of the, uh, narrative around of the narrative that shapes you and to ask yourself that, "Do you choose to stick to this narrat

36:54 ive? Or do you want to explore? Do you want to explore?" So yeah. Yes. From, from one seeker to the other, it's been a it's been a it's been a great, uh, great morning talking to you. ive? Or do you want to explore? Do you want to explore?" So yeah. Yes. From, from one seeker to the other, it's been a it's been a it's been a great, uh, great morning talking to you.

37:05 Definitely. Uh, I, I'm sure this day would be nice. Definitely. Uh, I, I'm sure this day would be nice.

Discussions on the impact of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's Thought June 28, 2020