Steve Jobs' connection to the Hare Krishna temple:
- As a young man, Jobs regularly attended the Sunday Feast at an ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple.
- In his famous 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Jobs mentioned that he would walk 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get "one good meal a week" at the Hare Krishna temple.
- He stated, "I loved it," indicating the positive impact these meals had on him.
- This occurred shortly after he dropped out of Reed College but continued to audit classes there.
- It was during a financially difficult time when Jobs didn't have a dorm room and was returning coke bottles for deposits to buy food.
- Jobs' mention of the Hare Krishna temple meals in his speech thrilled ISKCON devotees.
- It has since become something of a legend within the ISKCON world
- Some versions claim Jobs stayed at the temple for some time.
- There are anecdotes about devotees remembering washing pots with Steve each week.
Spiritual influence:
- While Jobs later became more interested in Buddhism, his early experiences with ISKCON seem to have played a role in his spiritual journey.
- Jobs' connection to ISKCON has been seen as part of the broader influence of Eastern spirituality on the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s in the United States.
- It's important to note that Jobs' attendance at the Hare Krishna temple is well-documented through his own words
- Jobs began to trust his intuition when making decisions, even when they seemed to contradict market trends. This intuitive approach became a signature element of his leadership style at Apple. He noted that people in rural India relied more on intuition than intellect, viewing this as a powerful capability. Jobs believed this intuitive approach was "more powerful than intellect" and credited it with making "all the difference" in his life. Chant Hare Krishna and run your business.
Neem Karoli Baba connection: (Mayavadi guru - 'we are all one with God' philosophy)
Steve Jobs' trip to India. In 1974, at age 19, Jobs traveled to India seeking enlightenment and life purpose after dropping out of college.
He spent 7 months in India. While he didn't find the spiritual guru he was seeking (Neem Karoli Baba had passed away), the trip profoundly impacted his thinking. Jobs discovered the concept of "prajna" or transcendent wisdom. This led him to value intuition over pure intellect or logic.
Long-term influence: This philosophy, shaped by his experiences in India, played a crucial role in building Apple into a two trillion-dollar company.
Steve Jobs' connection to Buddhism:
- In 1974, at age 19, Jobs traveled to India seeking enlightenment and spiritual guidance.
- This trip was a pivotal point in his life, sparking his interest in Buddhism.
- Jobs' experiences in India led to his conversion to Buddhism.
- He returned from India with a shaved head and wearing traditional Indian clothing.
- He practiced meditation regularly until becoming a parent.
- Jobs reread "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki several times.
- For years, Jobs met weekly with a Buddhist monk, Kobun Chino Otogawa, for spiritual counseling. Otogawa later presided over Jobs' wedding to Laurene Powell.
- Jobs sought to blend his search for personal enlightenment with his ambition to create world-changing products.
- His Buddhist beliefs influenced his leadership style and vision for Apple.
- While not described as "devoutly" Buddhist in his later years, the spiritual discipline informed his life in subtle and profound ways.
- Buddhism provided Jobs with a framework for dealing with challenges, including his battle with cancer.
Influence on personal philosophy:
- Buddhism shaped Jobs' views on life, death, and his approach to business.
- He embraced concepts like impermanence and the continuous process of becoming non-existent(Nirvana).
- Jobs believed in focus and simplicity, which aligned with Buddhist principles.
- The Buddhist concept of minimalism influenced Apple's product design philosophy.
- Jobs' focus on simplicity in design was attributed to his Buddhist beliefs.
Conclusion:
While Jobs' initial quest for enlightenment may not have gone as planned, the trip clearly had a lasting impact on his worldview and business philosophy. His emphasis on intuition and "thinking different" became hallmarks of Apple's innovative approach under his leadership. Not all who wander are lost. Spirituality enhances your corporate career. Chant Hare Krishna every day and be Happy.
