Master Trainer Prashant

Shortly after losing my rakhi sis (kindest soul I ever met) to GBM (Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive brain tumor), I had a change of heart & plans for future, left a comfortable calm beautiful life at high mountains of Chamba, Himachal, put all my books, writings, gadgets & few clothes in the car, hugged tight my family and left home, drove past gigantic mesmerizing mountains (that I love so much), waves of mixed emotions circling my heart throughout, steered for 4 days, crossing many villages, towns, cities & states, came to my first stop - Pune, Maharashtra (the city where I was certified in Fitness & Nutrition by my Revered Teacher). The place which will be my tapobhumi for next few months, from where I will try to teach & inspire as many as I can. Even if I am able to transform few & lead them to Health & Happiness, I'd consider myself blessed for all eternity.

For all of you who understand my heart & my ambitions, all of you who are helping me in unexpected ways, I am overwhelmed by how kindly you are contributing to this lovely dream that I have seen.
Thank you for standing by me and rooting for me!
Sending you love and regards! Now and Always!
Prashant

A pleasant afternoon in early months of 2014 at K11 School of Fitness Sciences (Mumbai).

Kaizzad Sir came to floor for his workout. He was sitting in leg curl machine, ready to work the hamstrings. Just two people with him at that time: Ajay and I.

Ajay expressed a concern, “Sir, I try to share my new learnings with my friends back home (over the phone); however, they give me a ‘we-know-it-all’ attitude and pay no attention. It breaks my spirit for learning as well as sharing.”

Kaizzad Sir smiled and responded:

“TEACH those who have expressed a need to learn, have the maturity to understand and are ready to listen, else don’t waste your time and energy. TEACH when the PERSON, PLACE and TIME, is RIGHT.”

These words from Sir, flooded my psyche. The lines began to play in my head like a divine musical loop. Sir finished his workout and left. I came to dormitory and sat on my bed in deep thoughts.

I dived into my past and realized that all those moments of life: talking unnecessarily, demonstrating superior knowledge, heated debates, flaunting facts, trying to teach and prove a point, was all pointless after all. I lost even when I won. Many got offended and relationships became sour. Even if I was technically correct, no one walked away a happy soul from such interactions. Today, I certainly don’t feel proud of my pompous behavior. A Sensible Teacher and A True Master, who I aspire to be, never acts this way.

Trying to teach or guide when you aren’t requested to, when your opinion isn’t sought, is an immature behavior. Trying to enforce your opinion is even worse. When you preach uninvitedly or when the listener is not in mood or the place is not apt, no matter how good your content is, the contentment from it will never come (to anyone). SPEAK, SHARE, TALK and TEACH when the PERSON, PLACE and TIME, is RIGHT. Sir had put it across so well.

Sitting on that bed, in conversations with myself, I made 3 self-promises that day:
-------------
1. I won’t speak, advise or teach till someone asks for it (in an appropriate respectable way).
How can we even give someone something when they haven’t asked for it or expressed any need of it?
We can’t pour into a cup that is already full. Don’t spill your nectar of knowledge on the table of unwantedness. Pour only into that needy cup, which sits on a saucer of modesty, and requests your advice from the table of thanks.

2. When a humble seeker has exhibited a genuine desire to learn, I’ll give this person my undivided attention and energy but at a right time and place. Real knowledge cannot be given as a fleeting idea at a wedding function. I will never give casual, road-side, chalte-firte, in-flight/ in-car, coffee table or gym-bro consultations. My talks, discussions, seminars, workshops and meetings will all be very well-organized and well-set (in right environment/ using right medium). Only then it will be of true value to the seeker. I will never engage in general chit-chat in noisy setting. All interactions with me will be super-focused and super-productive sessions. I will not waste anyone’s time and will not let anyone waste mine.

3. There will be times when I will come across ill-mannered, rude or snobbish people. Times, when I am not spoken to properly or given a ‘I am rich’ attitude or knowledge challenged with evil intentions by charlatans. At such times, I won’t retaliate or talk back or participate in the ‘I am bigger’ monkey menace. I will never go and sit at the desk of disdain. I will never entertain disrespect (will neither give it to anyone, nor take it from anyone). No amount of money or rewards earned in confinements of disrespect, can ever fill one’s heart with true joy of dignified labor. No appeasing VIPs or caving down to pressure from people in power. Undaunted and unbiased, I will be righteously engaged in noble work, filling my life’s purpose. If I see ridicule or contempt thrown at me, I’ll not go ahead and catch it. I will let it fall to the ground (in the dust, where it belongs) and walk off gracefully. You don’t belong where you are disrespected. Never wrestle an animal, nor behave like one. No heated arguments, no misbehaviors, no contempt, no revenge. Just a happy heart engaged in honorable toil. If work doesn’t bring honor and happiness in addition to wage, it is a very poor exchange. Don’t do it. Just make moral upright choices and life will find a way.
-------------

Making those promises and keeping them, did create a beautiful life for me. It not only pushed me up in world of respect, love, and admiration but also created so much value and happiness for every person I interacted with. I am so fortunate and extremely blessed that Kaizzad Sir handed over these pearls of wisdom to me in 2014 and I feel extremely blessed that I have the opportunity to share them with you today. I am not aware in what ways my writing will help you but I truly pray that it becomes of some value to you. May His blessings dawn upon you in abundance.

Love & Regards,
Master Trainer Prashant

(It was on Sep 05, 2023, Teacher’s Day, when I stood with folded hands in front of Sir’s portrait, looking at his radiant face when I first thought of writing this article. I was missing him and thanking him for the things he taught me. This one particular interaction with him was coming to my mind again and again: that pleasant afternoon in early 2014 when Sir was working out and gave me an incredible learning. Today is Oct 1, 2023 and I am glad I have been able to type it down. Sharing this with you makes me feel peaceful and I hope it brings the same to you. Thank you, K Sir, for everything. May you be immensely joyful wherever you are in this grand cosmos. We love you, we respect you and we will never forget you).

Tea & Talks at height of 6500 feet