Latest news with #Vipassana
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Business Insider
14 unusual CEO habits, from the rideshare bosses who work as chauffeurs to daily trips to the grocery store
CEOs are often known for having extreme sleep schedules. One rises at 3:30 a.m. daily. Others go to great lengths to understand their businesses inside and out. "I drive to learn about what our riders are going through," Lyft's CEO said. Running a company is a stressful job, especially if you're running one of the biggest firms in the world. That high stress can lead to some intense and unconventional daily habits. Here are some of the most unusual routines of CEOs: 1. Waking up at 3:30 a.m. and launching into a 90-minute workout CEOs are known for waking up early: Tim Cook and Richard Branson both rise around 5 a.m. But Josh York, the 40-year-old CEO of in-home personal training company Gymguyz, takes it further and starts his mornings at 3:29 a.m., he told Fortune. After a cold rinse in the shower, he launches into an hour-and-a-half workout followed by a three-minute ice bath. "It's what makes me superhuman," he told the outlet. 2. Bob Iger prefers to work out in a dark room with the TV on mute The CEO of Disney works out first thing in the morning in a darkened room, he says in his MasterClass on "using your time effectively." He keeps a TV on silent during his workout so he can watch it against the backdrop of his own choice of music. "It's my most creative time in many ways," Iger said. 3. A teaspoon of Icelandic cod liver oil washed down with black coffee to start the day Mikael Berner, CEO of email software company Edison Software, starts his day with a dose of cod liver oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D. It's meant to have benefits like promoting heart health and benefiting cells. Experts warn against taking more than one tablespoon daily to avoid consuming too much vitamin A. 4. Or, if you're Elon Musk, your morning routine includes eating a doughnut Tesla CEO Elon Musk opts for a sugary start to the day. A post on X said that sugar is poison. Musk replied, "I eat a donut every morning. I'm still alive." 5. Mark Zuckerberg's diet requires eating 4,000 calories a day intermittent fasting. 6. Taking an afternoon nap in the office Robin Zeng, whose role as leader of the world's largest EV battery manufacturing firm CATL makes him known as China's "Battery King," takes a daily nap at noon in the office, according to an interview with the FT. Some mental health professionals recommend short naps of between 20 and 30 minutes to improve focus and combat fatigue. 7. Two hours of meditation a day Jack Dorsey, who runs financial services company Block, adhered to a strict wellness schedule that allowed him "to stay above water " while he was also CEO of Twitter. Each day involved walking five miles, meditating for two hours, and eating one meal. Dorsey is a big proponent of meditation. For his birthday in 2018, he participated in a 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat, during which he meditated for nearly 17 hours daily. "It's extremely painful and demanding physical and mental work," he said on a thread on Twitter at the time. 8. 'Eyes-open' meditation She advocates "eyes-open" meditation, which involves being mindful at any moment in everyday life. "Once you learn how to do eyes-open meditation — something you can literally incorporate at any time — you can be engaged with the world but still very connected to yourself," said previously told Business Insider. "I rely on it to feel more whole." 9. When faced with a tough problem, Jeff Bezos engages in some mind-wandering The former Amazon CEO held meetings that lasted an undetermined amount of time. He used this time to let his mind wander and generate creative ideas. "When I sit down at a meeting, I don't know how long the meeting is going to take," Bezos told the Lex Fridman Podcast in December, "the reality is we may have to wander for a long time. "Real invention, real lateral thinking that requires wandering," he said. Letting your mind wander may seem like an inefficient use of time, but some psychologists believe it helps increase creativity and improve working memory. 10. A massage just before midnight If reading a book and meditating aren't relaxing enough, Steven Barlett, a former CEO and founder famed for his Diary of a CEO podcast, recommends an 11 p.m. massage. "I often get massages in the evening — it sounds crazy, but usually my masseuse comes over at 11 p.m.," he told The Telegraph. 11. A more unusual habit among CEOs, Tobias Lutke says he never works later than 5:30 p.m. While some CEOs brag about their long hours in the office and spending nights sleeping on the office floor, Shopify CEO Tobias Lutke previously said he never works later than 5:30 p.m. "The only times I worked more than 40 hours in a week was when I had the burning desire to do so. I need 8ish hours of sleep a night," he said in a thread on Twitter, now X. 12. Bernard Arnault spends his weekends visiting LVMH-owned stores The 75-year-old CEO and chairman of retail empire LVMH doesn't sleep in on Saturday mornings. Instead, Arnault and his entourage take the time to visit the stores of any one of the several brands that LVMH owns. He's not there to shop but to point out any issues that might depart from his vision for the company, Bloomberg reported. Celine, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Tiffany & Co. are a few of the luxury brands under LVMH's umbrella. Arnault's sons told Bloomberg that his notes can be extremely detailed. "He made a bunch of comments that were very, very detail-oriented," Alexandre Arnault said. "Things that you wouldn't typically notice, but once you've seen tens of thousands of stores over the years, I think it's what comes to your mind immediately." 13. Going to the grocery store 14 times a week Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel doesn't just manage the supermarket giant — he also makes sure to visit "at least twice a day, every single day," Fortune reported. A self-proclaimed "foodie," Buechel told Fortune that he usually peruses the cheeses and salad bar and likes to pick up new products to try out different recipes. Of course, it helps that his office is located above Whole Foods' flagship store in Austin. "I can't host a party without asking our cheesemongers for their recommendations on putting together an impressive cheese and charcuterie board," he said. 14. Driving for Uber and Lyft in their spare time The CEOs for ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft have both gotten behind the wheel themselves to drive around riders. Lyft CEO David Risher previously told BI that he works as a driver about every six weeks. "I drive to learn about what our riders are going through when they get in the car and why our customers choose us over the other guys," Risher said. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi told The Wall Street Journal in 2023 that he made dozens of trips in a used Tesla Model Y under the alias "Dave K." He got stuck in traffic on a trip back into San Francisco from an Oakland dropoff, the Journal reported. He saw for himself the difficulties that Uber drivers face on a daily basis. "The industry as a whole, to some extent, has taken drivers for granted," Khosrowshahi said in the interview.
Time Business News
24-07-2025
- Time Business News
Exploring Igatpuri: A Scenic Gateway to Nature and Spirituality
Nestled in the lush Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Igatpuri is a serene hill station known for its misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and spiritual retreats. Located just 120 km from Mumbai and 45 km from Nashik, this tranquil destination offers a perfect escape from city life with its cool climate, verdant landscapes, and adventure opportunities. You can read : Exploring Kolhapur: Best & Perfect Blend of Spirituality, History & Natural Beauty Igatpuri is famous for the Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre, one of the world's largest meditation centers, attracting seekers of inner peace. Nature lovers can explore stunning spots like Bhavali Dam, Igatpuri Waterfall, and Camel Valley, while trekkers can challenge themselves at Kalsubai Peak, Maharashtra's highest point. History buffs will appreciate ancient forts like Tringalwadi and Balvantgad, while the Myanmar Gate and Ghatandevi Temple add cultural charm. Whether you seek meditation, trekking, or simply a peaceful retreat amid nature, Igatpuri promises a refreshing experience year-round. 1. Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre Overview: One of the world's largest Vipassana meditation centers, offering 10-day silent retreats based on S.N. Goenka's teachings. How to Reach: 3 km from Igatpuri station; autos/taxis available. Significance: A global hub for mindfulness and meditation training. Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but winters (Nov-Feb) are most pleasant. Things to Do: Attend meditation courses, explore the peaceful campus. Travel Tips: Advance registration required for courses. Maintain silence inside. 2. Myanmar Gate Overview: A striking golden archway built by Burmese disciples near the Vipassana Centre. How to Reach: Adjacent to Dhamma Giri; easily accessible by foot or auto. Significance: Symbolizes Indo-Myanmar Buddhist cultural ties. Best Time to Visit: Early morning for photography. Things to Do: Admire the architecture, click pictures. Travel Tips: Combine with a visit to Dhamma Giri. 3. Bhavali Dam Overview: A serene reservoir surrounded by hills, ideal for picnics and nature walks. How to Reach: 10 km from Igatpuri; best by private vehicle. Significance: Scenic spot with tranquil waters and lush greenery. Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (July-Sept) for full water levels. Things to Do: Photography, birdwatching, short treks. Travel Tips: Carry snacks; limited facilities nearby. 4. Bhavali Falls Overview: A hidden waterfall near Bhavali Dam, cascading over rocky cliffs. How to Reach: Trek from Bhavali Dam; guides recommended. Significance: Offbeat spot for nature lovers. Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon (Sept-Oct). Things to Do: Trekking, photography, dip in natural pools. Travel Tips: Wear sturdy shoes; slippery during rains. 5. Camel Valley Overview: A unique rock formation resembling a camel, offering panoramic views. How to Reach: 15 km from Igatpuri; taxis available. Significance: Popular for sunrise/sunset views. Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening. Things to Do: Photography, short hikes. Travel Tips: Steep climb; avoid during heavy rains. 6. Ghatandevi Temple Overview: A sacred hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Ghatandevi. How to Reach: 5 km from Igatpuri; autos/taxis available. Significance: Believed to protect travelers on the ghats. Best Time to Visit: Navratri for special rituals. Things to Do: Seek blessings, enjoy valley views. Travel Tips: Modest attire preferred. 7. Vaitarna Dam Overview: A picturesque dam with lush surroundings, great for nature lovers. How to Reach: 20 km from Igatpuri; best by private vehicle. Significance: Supplies water to Mumbai and Nashik. Best Time to Visit: Monsoon for overflowing waters. Things to Do: Picnics, birdwatching. Travel Tips: No swimming allowed. 8. Kalsubai Peak Overview: Maharashtra's highest peak (1,646 m), offering thrilling treks. How to Reach: Base village Bari (25 km from Igatpuri). Significance: Known as the 'Everest of Maharashtra.' Best Time to Visit: Oct-Feb for clear skies. Things to Do: Trekking, sunrise views. Travel Tips: Start early; carry water and snacks. 9. Igatpuri Waterfall Overview: A stunning seasonal waterfall near the Mumbai-Nashik highway. How to Reach: 5 km from town; autos available. Significance: Refreshing stop during monsoon. Best Time to Visit: July-Sept. Things to Do: Photography, enjoy the misty spray. Travel Tips: Slippery rocks; caution advised. 10. Tringalwadi Fort Overview: A 12th-century fort with a historic temple and lake. How to Reach: 10 km from Igatpuri; trek from Tringalwadi village. Significance: Offers panoramic Sahyadri views. Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon for greenery. Things to Do: Trekking, explore ruins. Travel Tips: Moderate fitness required. 11. Vihigaon Bridge Overview: A scenic railway bridge amidst dense forests. How to Reach: On the Igatpuri-Kasara route; best viewed from trains. Significance: Famous for viral 'floating train' videos. Best Time to Visit: Monsoon for misty views. Things to Do: Photography, train spotting. Travel Tips: No direct access; view from nearby trails. 12. Balvantgad Fort Overview: A historic fort near Vaitarna Dam with lush surroundings. How to Reach: 25 km from Igatpuri; trek required. Significance: Offers solitude and nature trails. Best Time to Visit: Winter for comfortable trekking. Things to Do: Explore ruins, enjoy lake views. Travel Tips: Hire a local guide for the trail. Travel Tips for Igatpuri ✔ Best Season: Monsoon (July-Sept) for waterfalls; winter (Nov-Feb) for trekking. ✔ Transport: Autos/taxis for local travel; private vehicles for remote spots. ✔ Must-Try Food: Local Maharashtrian thali, vada pav, and Nashik's misal. ✔ Packing: Comfortable shoes, rain gear (monsoon), and light woolens (winter). FAQs Q1. Is Igatpuri good for a weekend trip? A: Yes, its proximity to Mumbai/Nashik makes it ideal for 1-2 day getaways. Q2. Can beginners trek Kalsubai? A: Yes, but proper shoes and stamina are needed. Start early. Q3. Is photography allowed at Dhamma Giri? A: No, the center maintains a strict no-photography policy. Q4. Are there wildlife sanctuaries near Igatpuri? A: Yes, Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is nearby. Q5. Which is the nearest railway station? A: Igatpuri station, well-connected to Mumbai and Nashik. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Chennai Students Find Stillness Through Meditation
Children as young as 10 and 11 sitting quietly, doing nothing but observing their breath might seem an impossibility given their minuscule attention spans. But some school and college students in Chennai are not just learning to meditate but are practising it by themselves later. Nearly 2,000 students across 20-odd schools in Chennai have been taught 'anapana' sati (breathe in and breathe out in Pali language) meditation, a beginner version of the famed Vipassana (a ten-day course that is more intensive), in the past three years, an initiative of the Vipassana network and 'It's a simple technique and helps keep the children grounded in today's fast-paced world,' says Uma Manohar, principal of Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda Vidyalaya in Anna Nagar. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai The core principle, says Venkatasubramani of Damma, is the connection of the mind with the breath. For instance, when angry, the breath becomes hard and irregular; when calm, the breath is subtle and regular. 'With regular practice, the children gain mastery over the wandering, wild mind, improve self-confidence and also deal with stress in studies, exams and relationships,' says Venkat. Not all students take meditation seriously but some like Yasika M, an engineering student at Gojan College has been practising rigorously for a year now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo 'When we meditate, our capabilities for self-reflection increases. Usually, I think about a hundred things at the same time. But when I meditate, my mind is free and becomes a space where I can focus on studies.' She has also been able to patiently think and take decisions, she says. 'Initially, it was difficult to practise but then it came easy. I practice at home too for 10 minutes every morning and evening. Even if it's just 10 minutes, if done effectively it works.' Children today are addicted to visual stimulation through screens and practices such as meditation will help them wean off this dependency, says Sharanya Ravichandran, clinical psychologist and behavioural therapist. 'It also depends on the sitting tolerance of the child. Children with autism for example, might not be able to practise it by themselves. But with the right kind of support, even hyper active children will benefit from such calming exercises,' she says. 'Anapana has a lot of benefits by itself, especially to calm down in stressful situations,' says Venkat, adding that volunteers from the Vipassana organisation go to schools wherever possible and hold 90-minute sessions for three days consecutively, after which they practice by themselves. The training is free. Anapana was taught in certain prisons as well, including the Tihar jail, which the organisation is trying to replicate in Chennai prisons.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
HEIs still struggle to attract foreign students, pushing down global rankings
Indian higher education institutions have improved their position in global rankings in-part by beefing up research and earning employer respect for the degrees offer. But poor foreign student enrollment continues to hamper a significant boost to their rankings. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 report, the total number of foreign nationals enrolled in Indian universities or colleges was 46,878 across 170 countries. This was a slight decline from 49,348 in 2019-20, likely due to Covid. Officials in the Ministry of Education say this climbed to 64,000 in 2023-24. In the past academic year, a total of 72,218 international students from over 170 countries have enrolled in the academic year 2024-25 in India. While these figures are impressive, there's a long way to go say experts who point out that the lower turnout of foreign nationals studying in India is largely due to lack of quality, flexibility and infrastructure in the country's educational institutions. 'Attracting international students is quite a different market where the institutions work hard to figure in the ranking among other premier institutions in the world. The ranking is a flawless system as our institutions must be ranked at better positions in various metrics. It plays a vital role among international students as they can get into better ranked institutions at a reasonable cost than opting for lower ranked colleges,' says Dr Vijender Singh Chauhan, a professor at Delhi University. Prof. Chauhan added that the educational institutions need to focus on elevating their academic quality and providing space employment opportunities to attract more international students. 'We have to increase our spending to influence the perception, ensure high quality and job employability at the end of courses. It cannot be achieved in a decade as it is a long journey,' says Dr Vijender Singh Chauhan, a professor at Delhi University. Ground report Lack of job prospects for foreign students in India remains a key driver behind the continued lukewarm interest in Indian HEIs. Sayedehfatemeh Mirhosseiniamiri chose to study in India after she was introduced to Vipassana meditation technique back in Iran. She likes India as it is a stable country providing affordable education. 'The education system in Iran and India are different as it is more practical here. But I was expecting more extra curricular activities during the course. People are friendly in India but only superficially. I share bonding with other international students. As a psychology student I understand that Indians culturally restrict themselves from mingling with others,' says Sayedehfatemeh Mirhosseiniamiri, an Iranian and a final year psychology student at St. Philomena's College in Mysuru. However, she has not considered India for her post graduation as job employability is not guaranteed in India. 'I am yet to decide in which country I want to pursue my masters. I understand that India is overpopulated and available jobs are insufficient for the existing population,' says Mirhosseiniamiri. Undergraduate programs accounted for three-fourth of the foreign students population, postgaduate some 16%. Daniel Bugula's friend recommended him to study in India. He is from Congo in Africa studies MBA in Jain university Bengaluru. He says, 'The transition to English from French was very difficult in the beginning. I had to learn the language and also the Indian accent to understand my classes. I had a teacher who spoke English with a British accent which I could comprehend easily. I learnt my syllabus by asking more questions with the teachers.' He narrates that the main difference in the education system between Congo and India is that over 100 students share a single room, where space is cramped, in Congo. 'But in India, we are given a small space in the university to manage ourselves,' Bugula says. 'It is tough to receive a work permit in India. It is a cumbersome procedure involving more paperwork. I will go back to my country after finishing my post graduation,' says Bugula. Current status According to the AISHE report, the foreign countries with the largest contribution to the Indian student fraternity at the undergraduate level are Nepal with a cumulative figure of 13,126 students, Afghanistan with 3,151, USA with 2,893, Bangladesh with 2,606 and UAE with 2,287. The AISHE report suggests that there are 13 programmes having an enrolment of more than 1,000 foreign students. Of which, 11,461 foreign students are enrolled in Bachelor of Technology which is followed by Bachelor of Business Administration with a total of 3,346 students and Bachelor of Science with 3,289 students. The traditional hubs such as Singapore, Australia and other European countries which serve as favourite destinations among Indian students have sent negligible numbers of students to India. In 2021-22, the number of foreign students who undertook their post graduation in India from the following countries are Singapore with 17 students, Switzerland with 15 students, France with 20 students and Germany with 11 students. 'The main factors that influence foreign nationals getting themselves enrolled in Madras Christian College are existing cultural diversity in campus, liberal education system and green environment. We have established an innovation hub which is the first of its kind in arts and science colleges. In the academic year 2024-25, nearly 64 reputed international universities visited us. We had signed several MoUs including students and faculty exchange programmes,' says S Samuel Rufus, Associate Professor of English, Madras Christian College. Statewise performance Although Karnataka tops the list of states in enrolling the maximum number of foreign students in undergraduate programmes, it is the only destination that has witnessed a dip when compared among the top 5 states soon after COVID. Karnataka which figures in the top five States continuously between 2019 and 2022, showing the highest intake of foreign nationals, registered a dip from 8,274 in 2019-20 to 6,004 students in 2021-22. Likewise, the number of foreign nationals studying post graduation in Karnataka registered a drop soon after COVID. 'A significant number of private institutions available in Karnataka is one of the reasons for the highest intake of foreign nationals. The dip in numbers after COVID is due to increasing competitiveness in the market. The premium institutions have started establishing their colleges in the neighbouring countries which opens up opportunities of receiving good education at an affordable rate,' says Prof. Chauhan. The Madras Christian College also witnessed a dip in the number of foreign nationals soon after the COVID. 'We were shocked and recovered soon after the ease of international restrictions across the world. Currently we have students from Indonesia, Ireland, Germany, United Kingdom and South Korea,' Mr. Rufus says. Nearly a decade ago, the college undertook visits to international universities to encourage collaboration with them. 'This has changed now as we are consistently ranked among the top 15 premier institutions in India. Things are picking up here as education is affordable when compared with the other western countries like the U.S. We provide very good education along with affordable housing and healthcare here,' Mr. Rufus says. Push by UGC In a push to boost India's global standing in higher education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country to ramp up efforts to attract international students, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP). UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi called on universities and colleges to implement the Commission's 2022 guidelines, which allow for the creation of up to 25% 'supernumerary seats', on top of the existing enrolment, for foreign nationals in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The move, he said, is aimed at fostering a more inclusive and globally oriented academic environment, positioning India as a preferred destination for higher education. Prof. Joshi said that the internationalisation of higher education is one of the essential aspects of the NEP and many Indian HEls are now committed to increasing their global outreach. The 2022 guidelines were introduced to streamline the admission process for international applicants, enabling HEIs to consider candidates based on the equivalence of their entry qualifications, thereby simplifying procedures and widening access. Internship and industry linkages Several HEIs are forging corporate partnerships to offer internships and placement support to foreign students to improve enrollment and retention. These internships often became a gateway to longer-term employment. The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE), Visakhapatnam, has recently introduced a global internship programme, which provides research and internship opportunities to foreign students. Under the initiative, the institute covers 75% of the total expenses while the remaining 25% would be managed by the students. Aligning with the trend, premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are entering strategic partnerships with major corporate players to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and enhance career opportunities for students. At IIT (BHU), a recent tie-up with Hindalco Industries Ltd. has paved the way for a six-month, research-focused internship programme for students. Similarly, IIT Tirupati has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kia Motors India, establishing a comprehensive framework for cooperation. As part of the agreement, students will have access to internship opportunities that come with the potential for Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs), providing a direct pathway to employment with the automotive major. There is a provision for international academic partnerships with Korean universities, which includes student and faculty exchange programmes and joint research initiatives.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- IOL News
Discover the transformative power of silent retreats in South Africa
As the pressures of modern life mount, the value of stillness is being rediscovered. Image: Freepik In a world filled with constant noise, both digital and mental, more South Africans are seeking stillness through silent retreats. These retreats, often held in natural settings far from the bustle of daily life, offer people an opportunity to step away from external distractions and tune into their inner world. The Buddhist Retreat Centre in KwaZulu-Natal is one of the country's most respected spaces for this kind of introspective experience. It offers intensive meditation retreats ranging from two to ten days, conducted in an atmosphere of Noble Silence. This purposeful quiet helps deepen meditation, sharpen self-awareness, and bring attention to the present moment. A typical programme includes a blend of sitting and walking meditation, qigong or gentle stretching, and silent walks in nature. Even meals are held in silence, encouraging mindfulness in every activity. For longer retreats, teachers offer one-on-one interviews to check in with each participant's progress. But this centre is just one of several across South Africa catering to the growing interest in silent retreats. In the Western Cape, the Dhamma Pataka Centre near Worcester hosts 10-day Vipassana retreats in the tradition of S.N. Goenka, widely respected for their structure and discipline. These retreats are completely silent, with no physical contact, digital devices, or even reading materials allowed, creating an environment of total inward focus. Further north, the Emoyeni Retreat Centre in the Magaliesberg offers insight meditation retreats that also unfold in silence. With views over the bushveld and a combination of yoga, meditation, and contemplative walking, Emoyeni attracts both newcomers and experienced practitioners. Along the Garden Route, Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat near Stanford blends spirituality and wellness in its silent and semi-silent retreats, held among ancient forests and fynbos-covered hills. For those seeking solitude in the mountains, Dharmagiri in the Southern Drakensberg offers silent Buddhist retreats led by experienced teachers, often with a focus on deep healing and spiritual insight. Whether set in mountains, forests, or farmland, these silent retreats share a common goal: to help people slow down, turn inward, and reconnect with themselves. As the pressures of modern life mount, the value of stillness is being rediscovered.
