Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur is known for his interest in learning and reflection, often sharing his thoughts and observations on social media. On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, he posted a short anecdote from a trek in the Himalayas, where a brief conversation with a monk left a lasting impression on him. Kapur described the moment as a turning point that marked the beginning of a new journey in his life.
Shekhar Kapur shares life changing anecdote from Monk on Buddha Purnima: “Open your heart to love”
Shekhar Kapur penned, “Today is Buddh Jayanti. Budh in Sanskrit means ‘the enlightened one’…. ‘The one that is aware’ I was trekking alone in the Himalayas, and came across a Monk that was meditating in his Cave… it was freezing, and yet he barely had any clothes on. His eyes closed. It was like a strong ‘Do not disturb’ sign. ‘Aren’t you feeling cold? ‘I finally had the courage to ask him. Of course I had so many deeper questions and kicked myself for asking the stupidest question .. ‘I was not aware of the cold’ He laughed’ But now that you’ve asked me, yes, it is cold’. And he closed his eyes again. With slight smile on his face. The kind of smile you have when a child asks you a question. And you know there’s another one coming.”
Continuing his anecdote, he added, “‘Are you enlightened? ‘I asked. He looked at me with a deep gaze. His eyes seemed to change colour. I have no idea how long the gaze lasted. But I was suddenly aware that the sun had set. And the stars were out… or was I just imagining it all? ‘Shekhar’. … I asked myself back, ‘Are you not feeling the cold? How long had I been sitting there beneath his gaze? ‘Are YOU enlightened?’ The Monk asked me suddenly. I stuttered. ‘I don’t even … know what it means?’ I managed to say. ‘Go back to where you came from. Open your heart to love. When you find love everywhere you look, you’ll know that love came from your heart. From within yourself. Let it flow everywhere…outward…. ‘It’s when your love flows back inwards…that’s when pain, desire selfishness takes over….let your love flow outwards….The Monk closed his eyes. I suddenly realised how cold it was. I suddenly realised it really was night. How was I going to find my way back? My journey began.”
Such knowledge bombs are always welcome, especially when they come from a celebrated filmmaker and a learned and well-read personality, such as Shekhar Kapur. Recently conferred with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award for his contribution to the field of art & films from Maharashtra, the filmmaker is currently working on the sequel to his cult directorial debut Masoom 2, which will not only bring back the OG stars Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah, but also features his daughter Kaveri Kapur, in a rather pivotal role.
Also Read : Shekhar Kapur praises Operation Sindoor as India’s “Befitting” response to Pahalgam terror attack
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