23-yr-old advocates ‘Rishi mode’ for healthy, stress-free modern life

A23-year-old student of BA-III, Karanpal Singh, who has penned a book on use of ancient wisdom for the modern body — Rishi Mode — speaks to Mahesh Sharma on the resolution of issues of stressful life using the elements of art and culture besides ancient systems of naturopathy and ayurveda.

n What inspired you to work and write on several non-academic subjects?

I got the inspiration to work beyond the curriculum from my father Kirpal Singh, who is a police officer, and my mother, who never tried to cage my spirit. Rather my parents and grandparents encouraged me to explore paths that others might call strange.

n What are your main achievements beyond your syllabus during graduation?

Besides art and culture, I worked in the field of spiritualism, nature, natural resources, flora and fauna, sociology, human health and biohacking in relation to Rishi Mode.

n What is your masterpiece that you consider most useful for human life?

Rishi Mode, which illustrates ancient wisdom for simplification, detoxification and easing modern human life, is my most favourite creation as it can help an individual live a healthy stress-free life without denouncing his or her routine.

n What exactly do you mean by ‘Rishi mode’?

Rishi Mode, scripted by me, is not focused on escapism or denouncing family life. Rather it is a creation to awaken human beings through information and inspiration. It does not ask you to abandon your career, toss your phone into the river or run to mountains in isolation. Instead it invites you to unlock an ancient code that has always been hidden within your cells, your breath, your appetite and your inertia.

n What other contrasts does Rishi Mode explain and demonstrate?

My Rishi Mode is of course a bridge between the timeless and timely; meditation and metabolism; between fasting and freedom and sacred fire rituals and the heat of your digestion of food.

n What prompted you to correlate natural phenomena with intricacies of modern life?

We live in a world of overstimulation and under connection — surrounded by ultramodern gadgets and devices, deadlines and distractions, yet deeply disconnected from our own bodies, breaths and inner truth. In such a world I chose to offer not just a guide, but a clarion call, a return to rhythm and a return to self-care.

n Is there any parallelism between ancient Rishi and modern biohacker?

Though Rishi and Biohacker seem to be distant ends of a long rod, there is concrete parallelism between the two. Both are on the same quest — How can I live longer, stronger, clearer and more satisfied (fuller). Both want to know — how can I reverse aging, unlock focus, heal naturally and experience life beyond survival?

n What are your views regarding modern lifestyle that is more dependent on unnatural modes of food, clothing and shelter?

According to me, the mere existence and flourishing of multispecialty hospitals and medical research institutes is due to drastic change in our lifestyle. We have ignored roti, kapda aur makan concept and almost depleted our natural resources to get ill-processed food items, synthetic clothes and build skyscraper-closed buildings, a tendency that has resulted in our pain and agony.

n What formula (sutra) do you recommend for living a healthy and tension-free life without undertaking any special or harsh steps?

I don’t mind if you appreciate science and technology but do try simple life dependent on natural resources which the biosphere has in stock for unlimited times. Stick to the kitchen pattern of our great-grandmothers with minimum procession of raw food materials, wear natural clothes and spend maximum time in the open air and sun. Remember that the flora and fauna of nature are sufficient for our healthy and tension free life. Adopt ayurveda and naturopathy in case of need, that’s it.

Ludhiana