When my own path took an unexpected turn, leaving the structured serenity of monastic life for the corporate hustle, the lessons of ancient scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana proved to be an unexpected guide. Alongside my friends Nāma and Keli Woods, we share a heartfelt conversation about the inner workings of spiritual growth amidst life’s setbacks. We dissect the concept of 'falling upwards'—the idea that our greatest challenges can lead to even greater evolution of the soul. Our discussion reveals how an easy life may not always benefit our spiritual development, and we contemplate the importance of sincerity and perseverance in one's spiritual practice, diving into the Gita's wisdom to uncover the sanctity in steadfastness. Navigating through personal narratives and timeless teachings, we explore the delicate balance between humility and assertiveness, and the profound impact of support from a like-minded spiritual community. The conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss recognizing divine guidance and the power to elevate others through our own experiences, affirming that our challenges do not define us, but rather, can be the very means through which we serve. My transformation from monk to corporate professional unveils the unexpected parallels between ancient wisdom and modern leadership, driving home the message that the true rewards of life often lie in the lessons gleaned from our most daunting obstacles. Join us as we uncover the humility required to accept our limitations, and the unbelievable strength we gain when we rely on something much greater than ourselves. (0:00:00) - Spiritual Growth Through Setbacks (0:15:16) - Recognizing Divine Guidance and Elevating Others (0:25:57) - Monk's Journey Into Corporate World Want to connect further? Instagram: www.instagram.com/radhika_dasa/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/radhikadasmusic YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/RadhikaDas Website: www.radhikadas.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/radhikadas Linktree: linktr.ee/radhika_dasa