Rahul Kapoor, the leading Indian motivational speaker, was in the US recently to present programs in five cities. In a 2-part EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Lotus, he explained how it is possible for us to change for the better.
Lotus: Tell us about your academic background.
Rahul Kapoor: With a background in psychology and business management, I am a coach, speaker, and author. I also serve as a guest faculty member at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. My intellectual pursuits have spanned the intricacies of the human brain to exploring psychometric tools and delving into spiritual systems such as Reiki, Pranic Healing, and Vipassana. As a result, my quest for knowledge has traversed the realms of academics, psychology, and spirituality.
So how did you transition to becoming a motivational speaker?
From the age of 13 until now, at 47, my journey as a public speaker has been remarkable. It all began with an intense public speaking course at the age of 13, during which my coach predicted that I would become a prominent speaker one day. By the time I turned 18, I was already captivating audiences on the college circuit. At the young age of 21, I ventured into entrepreneurship, starting my own company to teach effective public speaking skills to others.
However, the turning point in my career came in 2010 when I had the privilege of meeting Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India and a renowned rocket scientist. That encounter opened my eyes to the vast potential of human capabilities. Up until then, my training programs catered to smaller groups of 30 to 40 people. But inspired by Dr. Kalam’s vision, I decided to make a more significant impact by shifting towards motivational programs, addressing hundreds of people at a time. At that time, motivational speaking was relatively unfamiliar.
As the years passed, my reach and influence grew, and I had the privilege of working with 400 companies worldwide. Some of my prestigious clients include Apple, Google, Samsung, and Cisco.
Throughout my journey, I have witnessed the transformative power of effective communication and motivational speaking, and I am grateful for the opportunities to inspire and empower individuals and organizations around the world.
You claim to use cutting-edge scientific discoveries relating to body and mind, what are they?
During my recent keynote speech at the JAINA convention (Federation of Jain Associations in North America) in Florida, I delved into two significant spiritual aspects: Purusharth (efforts) and Daily Rituals. My talks were on “The Power of Purusharth” and “How Jain Practices Shape Our Genes and Well-being.”
In my speech, I explored the concept of neuroplasticity, which reveals that our brain has the remarkable ability to continuously adapt and rewire itself based on our actions. This scientific discovery aligns with the long-standing belief in various spiritual traditions, be it Jainism, Hinduism, or Christianity, which have always emphasized the potential for personal transformation and growth. I highlighted examples like Emperor Ashoka, who underwent a profound transformation from being a cruel ruler to becoming a benevolent king, showcasing how human beings can change for the better.
The understanding of neuroplasticity offers profound insights into the power of our efforts, as it implies that we can redefine our destinies and shape our futures positively. By tapping into the inner workings of the brain, specifically the interactions between neurons and synapses, I aim to help people transform their lives and achieve their goals.
In my second talk for JAINA, I explored the concept of Epigenetics, demonstrating how adopting the right daily practices, such as meditation, forgiveness, and compassion, can lead to improved health and vitality. By understanding the impact of daily rituals on our well-being at a genetic level, individuals can reclaim control over their health and take proactive steps towards a more fulfilling life.
Overall, my speeches aimed to empower individuals by revealing the incredible potential within each of us to evolve, make positive changes, and lead healthier, more purposeful lives.
What are some psychological tools you give to people in your programs?
When it comes to achieving better performance, whether in our roles as family members or successful professionals, having the right tools and techniques is crucial. Among the many tools that I use, the most powerful one is the practice of Vipassana, an ancient form of meditation for self-purification, which creates a strong impact on the psychological level.
To illustrate the impact of our actions, let’s examine the Laws of Karma: “What you give is what you get – what you get is what you deserve. If you are unhappy with what you receive, then it’s essential to change what you are giving.”
When we react with anger towards someone or something, it’s important to realize that the first person to suffer from this reaction is ourselves. The functioning of our endocrine system can get disturbed, leading to a burning sensation within us, even as we direct harm toward others externally. The tool of self-control, known as ‘Pratisanlitana’, enables us to stay in the response zone instead of reacting impulsively, thereby preventing harm to ourselves and others.
In summary, having practices like Vipassana and mastering the art of not reacting impulsively empowers us to navigate the Laws of Karma wisely and enhance our well-being and that of those around us.
“The concept of neuroplasticity reveals that our brain has the remarkable ability to continuously adapt and rewire itself based on our actions. This scientific discovery aligns with many spiritual traditions’ long-standing belief in the potential for personal transformation and growth.“
–Rahul Kapoor
Please share the core of your workshop content with the readers of Lotus.
My mission is to help individuals recognize the distinction between their goals and life’s purpose. This profound realization has the power to transform their perspectives and approach to life completely.
Often, people pursue goals single-mindedly, and while they may experience temporary happiness, it tends to fade over time. What was once a source of joy can eventually become a cause of unhappiness. It’s akin to experiencing happiness with diminishing returns.
On the other hand, true happiness, boundless and continuously expanding, is attainable when we have a clear understanding of our life’s purpose and consistently walk on that path. Once individuals grasp this concept, they gain access to their limitless potential, enabling them to achieve success in all aspects of their lives effortlessly.
By guiding people to align their endeavors with their authentic purpose, I empower them to tap into their infinite potential and experience lasting fulfillment and success.
Agreed that we all want to be happy but aren’t. So, what can we do?
Happiness follows a straightforward formula: TAKE LESS, GIVE MORE. Let’s explore what this entails. Have you ever considered the significance of our breath? Most spiritual masters, for instance, take only six or fewer breaths per minute, compared to the average adult’s 12+. Additionally, they practice consuming minimal food while imparting abundant knowledge to others.
By adopting the practice of taking less and giving more, we can effectively reconfigure our brains, nurturing the science of our body, mind, and soul, ultimately leading to profound spiritual growth.
Now, let’s apply this principle to our daily lives. When interacting with people, such as colleagues, let’s take less and offer more in terms of support, kindness, and innovative ideas. With family, let’s give understanding, peace, and unwavering support generously. Engaging with the world, let’s give to charity, whether through our time or money. In doing so, we will witness the universe rewarding us with abundance in all aspects of life.
Gratitude is crucial when experiencing these rewards, understanding that we are mere trustees of the blessings that come our way. Instead of getting attached to them, let’s continue giving back to others and society, spreading happiness both in materialistic and spiritual realms.
By embracing the practice of taking less and giving more, we can embark on a path of profound fulfilment and enrich the lives of everyone around us.
Read on for Part II of interview
Rahul Kapoor
Rahul Kapoor is a leading motivational speaker, mindset coach, and author who lives with a vision and purpose to help people ignite their inner potential and achieve results that matter.
Over the past 25 years, his programs have inspired over 350,000 people across 15 countries including India, Australia, Canada, Singapore, UAE, and the USA.
He has delivered his customized content, which combines psychology, science, and spirituality, to hundreds of prominent organizations, including many Fortune 500 companies.
Rahul is a guest faculty at the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, India. He has authored two books: ‘Workwise – Lessons in Excellence for Young Professionals’ and ‘Dad & I – Inspiring Stories for Teens’.
You can learn more about him at www.rahulkapoor.in recently
