In our fast-paced world, we often mistake frantic motion for real progress. Spiritual teacher Eknath Easwaran taught the opposite: the speed of doing is not the speed of completion. Mere busyness scatters the mind, while true accomplishment arises from an unhurried, focused state.Easwaran lived this truth. He was deeply active—teaching, writing, guiding thousands—yet always calm, never rushed. He could pause deliberately to plan, then act swiftly and effectively, all without inner tension. As he wrote, “However tight our schedule, we don’t need to hurry.”
The foundation for this unhurried life? Slowing down the mind through his Eight-Point Program, a practical, universal path blending wisdom from all traditions.
At its core is passage meditation: sitting quietly each morning, slowly repeating a memorized inspirational passage with full attention. This trains the mind to move deeply and steadily, building patience, clarity, and inner peace.Two Powerful Practices to Embody Slowing DownAmong the eight points, two stand out for transforming everyday life—especially amid demands like work:
These two practices beautifully reinforce slowing down: The mantram calms the mind moment by moment, making selfless action natural. Selflessness, in turn, deepens the mantram’s peace, freeing us from hurry’s grip.Easwaran’s gift is this paradox: By slowing down inwardly, we live more fully—accomplishing more with less stress, acting decisively yet calmly. Start with these two points, and watch true movement emerge from mindful stillness.
The foundation for this unhurried life? Slowing down the mind through his Eight-Point Program, a practical, universal path blending wisdom from all traditions.
At its core is passage meditation: sitting quietly each morning, slowly repeating a memorized inspirational passage with full attention. This trains the mind to move deeply and steadily, building patience, clarity, and inner peace.Two Powerful Practices to Embody Slowing DownAmong the eight points, two stand out for transforming everyday life—especially amid demands like work:
- Repetition of the Mantram
A portable tool to calm the racing mind anytime, anywhere. Choose a meaningful holy name or phrase (e.g., “Rama,” “Jesus,” or “Om mani padme hum”) and repeat it silently while walking, waiting, or facing stress.It interrupts turbulent thoughts, slows inner speed, and draws on deeper reserves of strength. Easwaran called it his “staff of life,” like Gandhi. Used throughout the day, it keeps you unhurried even in chaos. - Putting Others First
Shift from self-centeredness by consciously prioritizing others’ needs. This reduces ego-driven hurry and fosters harmony.In the workplace, it means listening fully, helping colleagues selflessly, and acting for the greater good.
These two practices beautifully reinforce slowing down: The mantram calms the mind moment by moment, making selfless action natural. Selflessness, in turn, deepens the mantram’s peace, freeing us from hurry’s grip.Easwaran’s gift is this paradox: By slowing down inwardly, we live more fully—accomplishing more with less stress, acting decisively yet calmly. Start with these two points, and watch true movement emerge from mindful stillness.