Hello, beautiful souls, and welcome to today’s episode, where we dive deep yet keep it light. Today, we’re exploring a fascinating concept from ancient wisdom—Neti Neti. Two words that are simple, yet profound: Neti Neti. In Sanskrit, it literally means ‘not this, not this.’ It’s a tool for self-discovery, helping us realize who we are by realizing who we are not.
Imagine walking through life surrounded by labels: ‘I am sad,’ ‘I am anxious,’ ‘I am not enough.’ Neti Neti invites us to question those labels. Instead of clinging to them, we gently say, ‘Not this, not this.’ Slowly, layer by layer, we peel away the identities, the fears, the expectations, until we glimpse something timeless—our pure consciousness, untouched by the stories we tell ourselves.
It’s like cleaning a foggy mirror. The more we say ‘not this,’ the clearer our reflection becomes.
Let me share a story. There was once a man named Arjun. He was successful, rich, and admired by everyone, yet he felt a gnawing emptiness inside. He tried everything—new hobbies, travel, even fame—but nothing filled the void. One day, a wise teacher asked him, ‘Who are you?’
Arjun listed everything: ‘I am a businessman, a husband, a son, a friend…’ The teacher smiled and said, ‘Neti Neti.’
Confused, Arjun asked, ‘What does that mean?’
‘It means everything you are saying is not the true you. Strip it away. Not this, not this. Eventually, what remains is who you really are.’
At first, Arjun resisted. But as he practiced, he realized something astonishing: the empty feeling wasn’t emptiness—it was space. Space for peace, joy, and freedom that didn’t depend on success or approval. The more he let go of what he wasn’t, the more he discovered what he truly was—alive and present.
Neti Neti isn’t about rejecting life. It’s about embracing the essence beneath it. Every time we say ‘not this,’ we create a little room for truth to shine through.
So, the next time you feel lost in labels or expectations, remember Arjun, and remember two simple words: Neti Neti. Not this. Not this. And in that gentle release, you may just find yourself.
Thanks for joining me today. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and above all, keep discovering the wonder that is you.
This will be the last episode for the year 2025. We will be back in a few weeks in 2026. And so, before we sign off, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year—while once again reminding you to be YOU. Take good care of yourselves, and we will talk to you very soon.
