What is
Mani Mahesh
A Symbol of Resilience, a Path to Transformation
It's August 2012. The time just before dawn is the darkest. Wrapped in half a dozen blankets, I'm kind of awake in my tent at Dhancho after climbing for six hours in the Northern Indian Himalayas. Many thoughts are running through my head while I listen to the gushing sound of the Parvati stream behind our camp. I'm trying to calm my mind, not holding onto any thought, just letting them flow – like the water in the river.
Abruptly, a chorus of joyful voices reverberates, punctuating the serene ambiance. Swiftly, I unzip the tent and step outside, the cool earth caressing my bare feet. In the distance, the majestic silhouette of Kailasha Parvata emerges, adorned with a mesmerising gleam.
Mt. Mani Mahesh Kailash, captured through my first digital camera
Mt. Mani Mahesh Kailash, captured through my first digital camera
They call it "Mani" - a precious gem gracing the crown of Shiva, also known as Mahesh, as the tales tell. And tonight, beneath the clear embrace of the full moon, its surface catches and casts the moon's luminance, a beacon of light amidst the high-altitude expanse that stands 4100 meters above the sea.
Nestled within the mist-kissed folds of the Pir Panjal Range in the Himalayas, the Mani Mahesh Kailash Peak remains an enigmatic and celestial journey for devotees of Lord Shiva, both within the country and beyond. And, this moment, unbound by the confines of faith or belief, captures the essence of an extraordinary event that transcends cultural boundaries. It's a spectacle that resonates with all who lay eyes upon it, regardless of their spiritual journey. In the embrace of nature's splendor, the Mani shines, a symbol of the timeless connection between humanity and the universe that envelops us all.
At the age of 19, this marked my inaugural trek, and I was minimally equipped for the challenges that lay ahead, including enduring a sudden cloudburst, navigating through floods, and narrowly escaping death after slipping on an ice slope. This entire experience proved transformative, fundamentally shifting something deep within me and reshaping the journey of my life.
Interestingly, my grandfather had named me Mani Mahesh when I was merely three months old. However, I never fully embraced that name and often sought ways to avoid it. It wasn't until this trek that the significance of my name began to truly resonate. This adventure became a turning point, prompting me to embrace my identity and the name that had been bestowed upon me.
My 19-years-old self in front of the Mt. Mani Mahesh Kailash
My 19-years-old self in front of the Mt. Mani Mahesh Kailash
Fast forward to the year 2021, during the midst of the pandemic era, I found myself immersed in a profound journey of self-discovery and growth. Engaged in a program focused on nurturing resilience while simultaneously apprenticing as a life design coach, I was navigating the twists and turns of my own evolution. Little did I realise that I was in the midst of my fourth career transition, a period that would only reveal its true nature once stability settled in.
Within the framework of this course called
‘Bounce Back’, which is deeply rooted in spiritual principles, a compelling task emerged – to forge a connection with a symbol of resilience within nature. As I contemplated this task, an image emerged with startling clarity: the majestic Mani Mahesh mountain. This towering natural wonder, shrouded in an aura of mystery, stood apart in my mind. It wasn't merely a geographical marvel; it encapsulated the essence of resilience itself.
Amid the course, another profound moment emerged, uniting eight participants from across the world in a call to summon our collective courage. During this pivotal moment, we were assigned the task of taking a sheet of paper and recording the enduring qualities of our unique symbols of resilience, fully welcoming them into our own identities. In my case, I picked up that piece of paper, transcribed the mountain's unwavering traits, and embraced them as my own. With determination, I penned the empowering affirmation, "I am [my symbol of resilience]," channeling the steadfast strength of Mani Mahesh mountain into every stroke of the script.
Guided by the program’s wisdom, I felt the mountain's strength seeping into my own being. I sensed the weight of its resilience settling within me, like a whisper of strong determination. This act was more than symbolic; it was a pledge to integrate these qualities into my daily life.
Bounce Back, 2021: a seven-week-long program on developing resilience, with participants from India, Germany, and the U.S.
Bounce Back, 2021: a seven-week-long program on developing resilience, with participants from India, Germany, and the U.S.
As I stood there, holding the paper that held my declaration, I recognized the power within me. These were not just the mountain's attributes; they were mine too, waiting to be channeled in each step of my journey. Life, much like the mountain, demanded that I embody these qualities, demonstrating them as I navigated challenges and celebrated triumphs. With this newfound understanding, I stepped into the world, heart brimming with the mountain's fortitude, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The Mani Mahesh mountain became, and continues to stand as, my emblem of strength and determination. Just as this mountain resiliently faces the elements, enduring storms and embracing moments of calm, it symbolizes my life journey through a series of transitions — across careers that failed to fulfill, through cities and towns that felt overwhelming, and within relationships that proved draining. It mirrors the path I've walked, the challenges I've courageously embraced, and the eventual emergence into newfound stability.
As I found myself at the crossroads of my fourth career transition, stepping into roles as a coach, consultant, author, and public speaker within the realm of social and ecological impact, this connection to the Mani Mahesh mountain heightened my resolve to embrace the path that lay ahead.
Having navigated through these transformative passages firsthand, I've gained the authenticity to empower others in their own paths of change and empowerment. Like weaving a tapestry of possibilities, my work empowers them to navigate and craft their unique routes to create positive change in the world.
I am Mani Mahesh, and I invite you to step into my virtual abode – a place where stories of resilience are shared, journeys of transformation find voice, and the spirit of the Mani Mahesh mountain which resonates within us all.
With warmth and sincerity,
Mani Mahesh,
August 2023.