I practise Vipassana as taught by the late Shri S.N. Goenka in a long tradition of teachers from Myanmar. I value the practice for its discipline, quietness, and emphasis on careful observation of one’s own experience. The retreats have been important to me over the years, and I appreciate their non-sectarian, non-dogmatic format, rooted in the Theravada tradition.
Poetry is a powerful art—much like an encryption, capable of expressing the core of human emotions in minimal words, making it a science in itself. I find Hindi poetry, especially from the Chhayawaad period (1922–1938), particularly fascinating. This poetic style emphasises a classical approach with Sanskrit vocabulary and strict metrical rules. My favourite poet is Mahadevi Verma, one of the four pillars of Chhayawaad. A melodious recitation of her work “Jo tum aa jate ek baar” can be found here. A beautiful vocal rendition of a gem from this era, Madhushāla, can be found online.
Music feels to me like mathematics passing through the nervous system: ratio, rhythm, and resonance becoming feeling. I truly relish compositions in Indian classical music, particularly the Hindustani style. I find the Dhrupad style of vocal singing especially calming — the Alaap, that long unhurried opening improvisation, is as close to meditation as music gets. I love the Thumris & Khayaals of the legendary Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and the Ghazals of Mehdi Hassan.
Long-distance hiking, especially in mountains, and cycling are my favourite ways to clear the mind; I also enjoy cricket, badminton, table tennis, and inline skating whenever time permits. For films and series, I am drawn to adventure, fantasy, and sci-fi above all else. The Lord of the Rings trilogy remains a benchmark for its world-building and moral seriousness. The German series Dark is probably my favourite TV series: genuinely mind-bending, and naturally appealing to someone who thinks about spacetime. Lost follows closely. In sci-fi, The Expanse stands out for hard physics and real consequences.