
There is something about travel—especially the kind that challenges you physically and mentally—that reveals the deepest truths about life. After six days of trekking through rugged landscapes, enduring exhaustion, and witnessing the grandeur of nature, I found myself reflecting on six profound realizations. Some are old truths rediscovered; others felt like whispers from the universe, meant just for me.
These six lessons are not just for the mountains—they are equally applicable to life and work. They remind us that growth, balance, and fulfilment come not from resisting life’s challenges but from embracing them fully.
1. Pain Leads to Gain; Gain Leads to Pain—Detach and Walk the Path
On the third day of my trek, my legs ached unbearably. Every step felt like a battle. But with each painful stride, I became stronger. By the sixth day, I had gained stamina, endurance, and a deeper sense of self.
This is life’s first truth: Pain leads to gain. Whether in work, relationships, or personal growth, struggle builds strength. Athletes push their limits to improve; entrepreneurs endure failures before finding success. Without pain, there is no progress.
Yet, once we achieve something—a promotion, financial success, or recognition—pain often follows. The burden of maintaining success, the fear of losing what was gained, and the weight of expectations can make us suffer.
So, what’s the solution? Detach.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
The wisest ones do not cling to pain or gain. They walk the path, embracing both without attachment.
2. Passion Breaks Rules; Rules Kill Passion—Balance Is the Key
Passion is fire—it burns bright, breaks barriers, and fuels greatness. Every artist, innovator, and leader who has left a mark on history has done so by breaking the conventional rules. Steve Jobs disrupted the tech world because he refused to follow existing norms. Beethoven defied musical traditions to create symphonies that still move us.
Yet, passion without structure burns out. Rules provide order and discipline, ensuring that passion doesn’t turn into recklessness. The greatest musicians master classical techniques before they compose masterpieces. Writers must learn grammar before crafting stories. Passion needs discipline to thrive.
The challenge is finding the balance. Only the mindful can walk this tightrope, knowing when to break the rules and when to follow them.
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” – Pablo Picasso
3. Knowledge Comes from Seeing Differences; Wisdom Comes from Seeing Unity
At the beginning of my journey, I noticed how every mountain peak was unique, every path different. The more I observed, the more I learned—about terrain, weather, and survival.
This is knowledge: recognizing that all things are not the same. In life, knowledge allows us to differentiate good from bad, right from wrong, effective from ineffective.
But wisdom? Wisdom is seeing unity in all things.
By the end of my trek, I realized that despite their differences, all mountains are part of the same earth. Similarly, all people—despite race, religion, or nationality—share the same essence. The wise do not focus on division; they see the interconnectedness of all things.
“When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.” – Buddha
To grow, we must move beyond knowledge and step into wisdom.

4. Everything Is Nothing; Nothing Is Everything—The Key to Happiness
One evening, standing at a high-altitude pass, I gazed at the vast sky, feeling small against the universe’s infinite expanse. At that moment, I understood: Everything we chase—money, power, recognition—is ultimately nothing.
And yet, in that nothingness, there is everything. The present moment, the breath in our lungs, the joy of existence—this is where true happiness lies.
The happiest people are not those who have the most but those who need the least. True fulfillment comes when we stop seeking happiness in external things and realize that we already have everything we need within us.
“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” – Socrates
5. No Two Parallel Taps Hear Each Other; No Two Parallel Tracks Meet—Flow and Float
During my journey, I saw two mountain streams flowing side by side, never merging, never colliding. It reminded me of how we often compare ourselves to others, forgetting that each of us has our own path.
Comparison is a thief of joy. Two birds flying in the same sky don’t compete; they simply soar. Two musicians playing different instruments don’t outshine each other; they create harmony. In life, the goal is not to outdo others but to flow in our own rhythm.
“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.” – Zen proverb
The secret to a fulfilling life is simple: Stop comparing. Just flow and float in your own pursuit.
6. Climbing Expands Vision; Digging Connects to Roots—Both Are Part of Living
As I climbed higher, my perspective widened—I could see farther, understand more. Climbing represents ambition, growth, and reaching for greater things.
But climbing alone is not enough. We must also dig—into our past, our roots, our foundations. Our history, values, and traditions ground us, giving us stability. A tree that only grows upward will collapse in the wind; it needs deep roots to stand tall.
The key to true living is to embrace both: soar high, but never lose touch with where you come from.
“A tree with strong roots laughs at the storm.” – Malay proverb
Final Thoughts: The Journey Never Ends
These six lessons are not just insights from a trek; they are reminders for all of us, wherever we are in life or work.
- Embrace pain and gain, but do not cling to either.
- Balance passion and discipline to achieve greatness.
- Move beyond knowledge and seek wisdom.
- Find happiness in simplicity.
- Let go of comparison and follow your own path.
- Aim high, but stay rooted.
The journey of life, like a trek, will test us. There will be steep climbs, sudden drops, and moments of exhaustion. But if we walk with awareness, we will see that every step, every hardship, and every lesson is part of something far greater.
And when we reach the summit—not of a mountain, but of understanding—we will look back and realize: The journey itself was the destination.
Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh).
MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management (BITS, Pilani),
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru).
Senior Professor and former Head,
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery.
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India.
My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius. I want to be a person with a bundle of experience.
My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!
My Values: Creating value for others.
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Dear Dr. Prahlada N.B Sir,
Your blog post, *Six Lessons from the Journey*: Wisdom for Life and Work,' is a masterpiece that weaves together threads of wisdom, experience, and insight. It's like a rich tapestry, with each sentence building upon the last to create a narrative that's both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Your analogy of *pain and gain* being interconnected is reminiscent of the ancient Indian concept of 'tapas' – the transformative power of heat and discipline. Just as a sword is forged in fire to become strong and resilient, our struggles and challenges shape us into the person we're meant to be.
The lesson on balancing *passion and discipline* resonated deeply with me. It's like the delicate dance between the sun and the moon – each one's presence enhances the other's beauty. Without passion, discipline becomes dry and monotonous; without discipline, passion can become reckless and unproductive.
Your insight on *knowledge and wisdom* being distinct is akin to the difference between a map and the actual terrain. Knowledge provides the map, but wisdom comes from experiencing the journey itself – the twists, turns, and unexpected surprises.
The concept of *nothing is everything* reminds me of the Zen koan, 'The empty cup.' It's only when we let go of our attachments and expectations that we can truly experience the fullness of life.
Your words on comparison being a thief of joy are a timely reminder. It's like the story of the *two arrows* – one arrow causes pain, but the second arrow, which is our reaction to the pain, causes even more suffering. By letting go of comparison, we can avoid the second arrow and find peace.
Lastly, your analogy of *climbing and digging* being essential for growth is a beautiful reminder of the importance of balance in life. It's like the ancient Indian symbol of the 'padma' – the lotus flower that grows in the muddy waters yet remains unsoiled. We must dig deep into our roots to stay grounded, yet climb high to reach our full potential.
Thank you for sharing these profound lessons with us, Sir. Your writing is a gift that keeps on giving, inspiring us to reflect, grow, and evolve.
With deepest gratitude and respect….🤝😊.
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