Kalpana

Kalpana  shares a profound journey shaped by her Indian roots, familial experiences, and spiritual exploration. Born in Pune, India, she grew up amidst diverse towns and cities, heavily influenced by her father as her first spiritual guide. Her mother’s traumatic loss of an older sister cast a shadow, leading to a vow against temple visits unless her wishes were fulfilled.

The birth of Kalpana’s younger brother brought solace to her mother, yet confusion for Kalpana, as his name mirrored that of her departed sister. Her father subtly introduced her to the spiritual teachings of the Gita, emphasizing karma yoga—unattached, correct actions in the present moment.

Moving to Mumbai, Kalpana encountered Swami Chinmayi during her teenage years, sparking an interest in spiritual development. Her father’s wisdom, especially during his aging and eventual passing, deeply impacted her perspective, instilling a commitment to karma yoga.

In 1997, facing personal and professional struggles, including changes in medicine, Kalpana embarked on a quest for meaning. Driven by a childhood fascination with life and death, she pursued pediatrics but became disenchanted with managed care. Her husband’s health challenges intensified the search for spiritual fulfillment.

Turning to Chinese medicine, Kalpana found a connection to nature’s mysteries and a more profound spiritual experience. In 2005, a call to teach physiology at an acupuncture school introduced her to Buddhism. Facing family deaths and her husband’s illnesses, she confronted her original wound and sought solace in retreats at the One Dharma Center.

In 2012, overwhelmed by exhaustion and her husband’s recovery, Kalpana attended a retreat, marking a turning point in her spiritual awakening. This marked the beginning of her intentional journey towards self-cultivation and enlightenment.

Kalpana reflects on her spiritual journey with a sense of gentle acceptance and being present in the moment. She sees the struggles and suffering throughout her life as necessary steps that prepared the path for her current state of understanding. The soil of her being has become porous through experiences, allowing her to absorb teachings more deeply.

Having matured over time, Kalpana appreciates that the process couldn’t have been rushed. She values the freedom to approach each moment without forcing outcomes or setting rigid goals. Whether engaged in studies or daily activities like gardening, she views each moment as an opportunity for Zen practice.

In 2013, Kalpana decided to attend a week-long retreat, initially planning to go alone. However, her husband, intrigued by the serene setting and nature-loving aspects, joined her. The retreat, set in a tranquil space with simple requirements, resonated with Kalpana. She found a community not focused on preaching but on sharing a healthy way of being.

In her interactions with the Sangha, Kalpana emphasizes the non-physical nature of their support, focusing instead on the exchange of ideas and experiences related to their spiritual practices. The Sangha members share their individual approaches, discussing obstacles and solutions, creating a valuable platform for learning from one another.

Kalpana shares her perspective on the intersection of science and spiritual truth, highlighting that science represents only one aspect of the broader truth. Drawing from her experience in medical school and the ever-evolving nature of scientific knowledge, she recognizes the essential truth about human beings that transcends scientific advancements.

Kalpana reflects on the limitations of medicine, especially in the face of mortality. She questions the pursuit of extreme measures in medicine and advocates for a more humane approach, acknowledging the unknowns and embracing humility. A good physician, in her view, acknowledges what they don’t know, demonstrating wisdom beyond technical expertise and fostering trust with patients.

She contrasts the technique of science with the humanity required in patient interactions, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s own limits and being honest about them. Kalpana critiques the notion of absolute truth in biomedical science, noting the shift in her own journey toward studying Chinese medicine and exploring the energetic aspects beyond the physical.

In discussing the role of a physician, Kalpana stresses the importance of guiding patients in understanding themselves, cautioning against the dangerous belief that a doctor can “fix” everything. She challenges the compartmentalization of mental, spiritual, and physical health in medicine, advocating for a holistic and nuanced approach.

Ultimately, Kalpana underscores the potential for misuse and corruption when science, intended as a tool, transforms into a weapon. She encourages a balanced understanding of what science can and cannot achieve in various fields, urging ethical and thoughtful applications of scientific knowledge.

In reflecting on her intellectual and professional development, Kalpana notes that her foundation in medicine, including studies in Chinese medicine and Daoism, provides a rooted understanding of her path. She emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, asserting that without practice, theory is dangerous, and vice versa.

Taking a relaxed approach to learning, Kalpana chooses to absorb knowledge at her own pace, without the pressure of meeting specific study requirements. She views her current phase of life, in her mid-seventies, as a time to live in order to learn, contrasting it with her earlier years when she learned intellectually to earn a living. Kalpana expresses a shift towards retirement and a focus on continuous education, particularly in the depths of Chinese medicine.

Her philosophy centers on absorbing the beauty of life, whether through nature or understanding one’s innermost nature, aligning with the core principles of Buddhism. Kalpana emphasizes the significance of letting this knowledge sink in without the need for extensive coursework. She describes her current learning phase as a peaceful exploration, free from the stress of perfection, recognizing that each moment offers an opportunity to learn.

Kalpana appreciates the value of conversations, like the one with the interviewer, as a means of learning and gaining insights into different individuals’ journeys. She acknowledges that these interactions contribute to the gradual process of awakening, emphasizing the importance of absorbing knowledge peacefully and embracing the continuous journey of learning.