A Life in Spirit
October 2006
By Mansi Agarwal
R. N. Grover, chairman of Osim India Limited, is an ardent follower of the Brahmakumaris, and subscribes to the philosophy of simple living and high thinking.
A Day in my Life
I try to wake up at four in the morning. This time is known as amritvela, and is considered the best time to commune with God; one receives so many blessings and pure bliss at this hour. At this time I remain silent and either meditate or read an inspirational book for about an hour. Then I have warm water with lemon and honey and head for my morning walk and yoga. At seven, I go for my morning discourses with the Brahmakumaris. As a group we have discussions on God and the self and how to recognize one’s self-worth. I am back by nine. I have a small platter of fruit before I get ready and come to office. I fully devote myself to work from ten am to four pm. In the evening, I have my social and chamber meetings. The rest of the evening is booked for my family, my soul and my God. The last thing I do before going to bed is ponder upon the balance sheet of my life and what I could have done to make it more balanced.
Wellness
I am 71 and people say that I don’t look my age. My salubrious lifestyle gets the credit. I have developed my routine in such a manner that I feel good not just spiritually but also mentally and physically. I am very careful about what I eat; it has to be pure satvik aahar, which one can carry to the temple. I refrain from onion as well as garlic, and supplement my diet with lots and lots of fruits and vegetables.
Business and Spirituality
They are two separate worlds but one can merge them. I define the body into two key areas. One is the physical or the visible aspect. The other is metaphysical, which is our invisible self, accounting for our thoughts, attitude, ego or self-respect. The metaphysical area needs to be mastered. Only then can one merge business with spirit. If I am alert at all times I will not speak wrong either in the presence of my client or my colleagues. Faulty decision-making can be averted. My thoughts are like the driver of the car and my actions are like the car. If I control the driver, the car can’t go wrong.
Spiritual Solace
About 12 years ago, I came in contact with the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya in Mount Abu. As a student of management, I was attracted to their systematic way of organizing a meeting of more than a thousand people. I fell in love with their simple philosophy of accepting anything and everything that life offers and found myself unfolding. Since then, I have been a regular follower of the movement.
Childhood
As a child I loved traveling, sight-seeing and going places. I had a keen interest in the subjects of management and health. I studied law at the Delhi University and did my post graduation in business management from UK. I was young and confused but I had a vision of my own, so I started my business from scratch. I learnt and grew. More than the money I earned, I valued the good reputation that I built. The sincere love and appreciation of people has been and still is the best return for my efforts.
Family
My wife is also spiritually active so it is easy to maintain a balance at home. I have three sons and daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren. I have always made sure that my three sons enjoyed independence. They voluntarily joined me in my business which I started in 1960. Now they run the show while I relax in the backseat. I love spending time with my grandchildren; my wife and I are always there for them. I don’t give them long sermons but make sure that they realize that building a strong character is essential. Never attack anybody in life but save all the avenues to defend oneself. Their company makes us once again feel young.
Give to Get
There are three things in life: respect, blessings and love that can’t be demanded. One receives them at the free will of the other. If I respect someone, that person will always give me more respect. If I keep the focus on doing things for others, one will earn their honest blessings, which can do miracles as they come straight from the heart. And finally love. It works silently; the vibrations emitted by a person out of love are always reciprocated in abundance.
Interests
Interaction is very necessary to keep up the learning process. As a part of my routine, I interact with people of varied interests. I try my best to exchange positivity. I have traveled to more than 85 countries and still love going to places with lots and lots of greenery and peaceful landscapes.
God
God is great; he has given us a life to realize our true worth. Never forget God in good times because he is always there for you in your bad as well as good times. Seek God in bad times and in good times thank God.
Art of Dying
To possess the art of dying is as essential as the art of living. One needs to be aware of death, else the meaning of life fades away. One must learn to let go, let go of loved ones and let go of possessions. Live well so that you don’t have any regrets and you are able to rest in peace.