How Enlightened Masters Helped Me Transform Grief into Purpose
Rajiv Tewari
Founder Global Media Network I Formerly with The Indian Express Newspapers Delhi & Zee News in Leadership Roles I Independent Director in Consultancy, Healthcare, Education & Media domains I
By: Dinesh Chandra
On November 10, 1992, my life changed forever. My wife succumbed to leukemia after a two-year battle that included extended hospital stays and a bone marrow transplant at Sloan Kettering in New York. It was a devastating loss that left me grappling with profound grief. Beyond the emotional devastation, I faced the daunting responsibility of raising our two daughters, aged 12 and 10, on my own.
How does one navigate life when the foundation feels utterly broken? It was during this turbulent time that I encountered several enlightened souls whose wisdom illuminated a path forward. Their guidance, profound yet simple, transformed my grief into a source of strength and purpose.
One of the most pivotal moments in my journey came during a Transformational Leadership Program that I co-facilitated with Anil Sachdev & Peter Block . It was there that I met Anu Aga , a remarkable leader who had recently endured unimaginable losses—her husband and only son had passed away within months of each other.
During a walk together, she shared a piece of wisdom that became a turning point for me: "Caring for those who are here—your two daughters—is far more important than mourning those who are gone."
Her words resonated deeply. Until that moment, I had been consumed by my grief, unable to see beyond the void left by my wife’s passing. Anu’s insight reminded me of the responsibilities and opportunities still in front of me. My daughters needed me—not as a broken father but as a source of love, guidance, and strength.
By the end of that walk, my perspective had shifted. I began to see my grief not as a permanent state but as a chapter, one that could coexist with my role as a father and my capacity to nurture what remained.
An Audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama,1995
Shortly after that another profound encounter came shortly after, during a meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Just being in his presence was transformative. His calm demeanor radiated compassion and an unshakable sense of peace.
In our conversation, he spoke about the impermanence of life and the importance of embracing joy, even in the face of suffering. His teachings helped me reimagine my life and inspired me to develop a personal mission: To create a life of peace, prosperity, and compassion.
This mission became my guiding principle, influencing not only how I raised my daughters but also how I approached my life and work.
Discovering True Wealth at an Open Space Conference,2001
By 2001, my daughters had graduated from college and embarked on their own journeys. It was during this transition that I participated in an Open Space Conference on True Wealth.
Our group had the privilege of meeting the Dalai Lama again, and we posed a simple yet profound question: "What is true wealth?"
His response reframed my understanding of abundance. True wealth, he explained, is not about material possessions but about the richness of connection, purpose, and well-being. This wisdom deepened my understanding of intangible wealth and culminated in a collaborative effort to co-edit a book titled What is True Wealth and How Do We Create It?
In the book, I shared a metrics-based approach to defining and cultivating true wealth, inspired by my journey and the teachings I had received. For more: Click here .
Lessons That Changed My Life
Through these encounters, I embraced three key lessons that reshaped my life:
A Ripple Effect: Inspiring a Mission of Well-Being
The wisdom and guidance I received during those challenging years didn’t just transform my journey; it also created a ripple effect that continues to shape every aspect of my life.
Yesterday Nov 18, 2024, I had the privilege of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama once again. I asked him a question that resonates deeply with our current work at Global Wellbeing Network : "How can one dedicate their life to improving the well-being of all?"
His response was simple yet profound: "Serve the larger purpose and let go of personal desires." This philosophy aligns perfectly with the mission of the Global Wellbeing Network (GWN), where we dedicate much of our energy to foster well-being in all its forms by:
If you’re facing what feels like insurmountable challenges, know this: the right guidance and perspective can illuminate a path forward. Even in the depths of despair, resilience and purpose are waiting to be discovered.
Grief is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to define it. By embracing acceptance, gratitude, and purpose, we can transform even the most painful experiences into opportunities for growth, connection, and renewal.
As I reflect on my journey from loss to purpose, I am filled with profound gratitude—for the many teachers who guided me, including those whose actions seemingly broke my heart but, in doing so, opened a new way forward. As Rumi beautifully said, “The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons and given me the privilege to share these insights with others. Together, let us strive to build a world grounded in peace, compassion, and well-being for all.
If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to reflect on your own challenges. What lessons might they hold? What purpose might they reveal?
#LifeLessons #HealingJourney #EnlightenedMasters #PurposefulLiving #Resilience #Wellbeing #Gratitude #Leadership