Unlocking Mental Wellness: The Transformative Power of Vedanta in Enhancing Your Daily Life

This is the first part of a three-part series.

Gautam Jain, known as Gautamji, is a dedicated Vedanta teacher and the leader of the Vedanta Cultural Foundation. With over 30 years of experience, he shares the wisdom of the Upanishads—ancient spiritual texts that date back thousands of years. In this conversation, Gautamji explains how these teachings can guide us in our daily lives. He has delivered talks on self-management to many respected organizations, including YPO, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs, and has appeared on ABC and PBS to discuss how ancient wisdom can address modern issues.

Mark Matousek: What led you to become a teacher of Vedanta, especially since your career started on a different path?

Gautam Jain: I see this journey not as a business but as a way to help others. About 30 years ago, while I was finishing college in the U.S., I realized that life is about more than just personal success. I wanted something deeper. After discussing this with my guru, whom my mother followed, I returned to India to study Vedanta. Ten years later, my guru encouraged me to teach back in the U.S., and I’ve been doing that ever since.

MM: For those new to Vedanta, what are its main ideas, and how can they be applied to modern life?

GJ: Vedanta means the culmination of knowledge. It helps us live peacefully and productively while pursuing wisdom and self-awareness. This knowledge is eternal—known as Sanatana Dharma—which offers guidelines that apply to all people, regardless of when or where they live. Just like the law of gravity, these principles are relevant at all times.

MM: How is Vedanta different from Buddhism or Judeo-Christian teachings?

GJ: Vedanta is unique because it doesn’t rely on a single founder. Many sages through history have contributed to its wisdom. It’s less about strict beliefs and more about a practical science of living. This knowledge is crucial for everyone, regardless of belief, as it addresses the root causes of stress, addiction, and societal issues. The need for practical education on living well exists globally, not just in any one culture.

MM: Many describe our time as the age of anxiety. How can Vedanta help with fear and trauma?

GJ: The first rule in dealing with life’s challenges is understanding that the real issue often lies in our response to the world, not the world itself. For example, one person sees a partner as a source of sorrow while another sees the same person as a source of happiness. What differs is their perspective. Stress and anxiety originate from our emotional reactions. Strengthening our intellect allows us to manage our emotions effectively, which is vital for personal growth.

MM: But what about real threats and challenges? How can we cope with difficulties in the world around us?

GJ: We need to accept that the world operates independently and won’t always meet our expectations. There will always be seasons and uncertainties that we can’t control. If we maintain control over our minds and manage our expectations, we can reduce stress. Understanding that our responses to the world shape our experience is key to finding peace amid chaos.