Ikigai is Ikigai (it's a life philosophy - it's not a framework)

© Dr Sanjeevv Khanna 2022 All rights reserved All rights reserved by author. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author. Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within. First Published in May 2022 ISBN: 978-93-5628-039-7 Price: INR 599 BLUEROSE PUBLISHERS www.BlueRoseONE.com [email protected] +91 8882 898 898 Cover Design: Aveek Typographic Design: Namrata Saini Illustrator Design: Shreya Kapoor Distributed by: BlueRose, Amazon, Flipkart

Dedication

My this book on IKIGAI is dedicated to, (1) To all the awakened souls, who realize that there is nothing more important in life than, to realize our very purpose of life, the reason of our existence and, (2) To all those who have understood that “to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, one must not only wish but findout the purpose of their life - their IKIGAI” I've found my IKIGAI in spreading this life-transforming Japanese philosophy to as many people as possible in my lifetime, to enable them to live a life of purpose and fulfilment.

Remembering the golden words of Robert Byrne "The purpose of life is Life of Purpose"

Foreword

By Mr.Hari T.N., Author, Angel Investor, Arkam, Fundamentum, BigBasket.

"I met Sanjeevv for the first time after joining BigBasket in 2015. Sanjeevv was then the Business Head for the Northern region. The first thing that strikes you on meeting Sanjeevv is his infectious smile and positive energy. He was a firm believer in lifelong learning. ‘Life never stops teaching us lessons, so how we stop learning’ has been his motto. Sanjeevv is a certified and licensed IKIGAI coach and has launched the “Academy for Self-Maximization”. Over last decade, Sanjeevv began focusing on coaching and mentoring people around him. He is a certified ICF coach as well as a certified NLP practitioner. As a natural progression in his journey of coaching and helping people derive purpose and fulfilment, he has written this wonderful book on IKIGAI with the potential to transform the life of the reader. The book helps a reader establish a connection between her inner-self and the universe, and in the process find meaning and fulfilment. The book is based on the Japanese concept of IKIGAI, and written in a simple and easy to understand style The book is concise yet comprehensive and touches on all the important aspects of one’s life including career, money, and relationships. The book is structured around the 4 core

elements of mission, passion, profession, and vocation. The book could potentially be a guide for: Identifying and capitalizing on your innate capabilities and inner desires, to live a long, happy, and fulfilling life, Achieving professional success, irrespective of where you are in your lifecycle. Building strong relationships & networks, and these could be both personal, professional. And interestingly, with your own self too. I wish Sanjeevv the very best with this book, and hope this book on IKIGAI would add value to the lives of the readers and help them maximize their individual potential at every stage in their life.

(Hari T.N.)

Book Reviews

Dr.Sanjeevv Khanna is our highly valued Ikigai Partner for India. His character, wisdom and deep knowledge about Ikigai make him an excellent partner to go to, if you are seeking to unlock your own Ikigai. This book offers a great way to get a deeper understanding of Ikigai and all of its applications. While Ikigai is a widely used concept, Sanjeev gets to the essence of Ikigai and makes it available to the greater public in India. Paul Donkers, Creator – Ikigai Coaching Institute, Netherlands

The book does a great job of relating the concept of Ikigai to modern day psychology in a simple manner. It talks about how purpose plays an important role in a man's life and the different ways in which it manifests itself. I am highly attracted to the simplicity and straight-to-the-point approach of this book on deep art of staying young while growing old. Dr.Sanjeevv Khanna has specific recommendations on how to make these changes and never retire in your life. The vivid language instantly transported me into the world of IKIGAI Dr. Saagarika Ghoshal - MD Match Board & DEI evangelist

Dr. Sanjeevv Khanna has not only mastered the art of IKIGAI himself; but also possesses the unique quality of communicating with his audience to help them realise life’s objective & purpose in a very subtle manner. I wish Dr.Khanna, the very best for his path breaking work on transforming lives and helping people realise their potential and self-worth! Dr. Atul Sud – Director Legal, Regulatory & Government Affairs Perfetti Van Melle India Pvt. Ltd.

Sanjeevv’s this book on IKIGAI is one of the best reads that I’ve come across in a long long time – precise enough to keep it interesting and elaborative enough to help readers get complete clarity on this popular Japanese life-philosophy, to enable readers explore their purpose of being, to live a life of contentment. Chitranjan Dar, Ex Divisional CEO – ITC Ltd.

If you're looking for a book to help you evaluate, introspect and ponder about your purpose in this life, this would be it. Dr. Khanna is a master at his craft. No bookshelf is complete without this masterpiece. Jaspreet Dhingra, Founder & CEO BANC

Dr Sanjeevv Khanna is a seasoned professional who has been successful in various leadership roles across industries and functions. He has the ability to motivate his team to achieve greater heights as well as bring out their personal strengths. No wonder his book on IKIGAI is full of practical insights for the reader. Vishal Sehgal, Managing Director – Nischay Educorp

Contents

I- TRUE MEANING OF IKIGAI ........................................ 1 Chapter 1: Meaning and Origin of Ikigai............................ 3 What do you understand by ikigai? ..................................... 4 The Origin of Ikigai & Rise in Popularity ........................... 5 The Definition of Ikigai ....................................................... 6 The core concept ................................................................. 7 Key Takeaways ................................................................... 7 Chapter 2: Ikigai vs. The Venn Diagram of Purpose ......... 9 Ikigai Misunderstood ......................................................... 10 The Origin of The Venn Diagram ..................................... 11 Key Takeaways ................................................................. 13 Chapter 3: Taking advantage of the Venn Diagram ........ 15 What are the things you have an inherent talent for? ........ 16 What is the thing you love doing the most? ...................... 17 What is the current demand of the world? ......................... 19 What can help you earn money? ....................................... 20 Key Takeaways ................................................................. 22 Chapter 4: Can’t My Ikigai Be This Venn Diagram ........ 24 Ikigai Is Not About…. ....................................................... 25 Key Takeaways ................................................................. 25 Chapter 5: What Does Ikigai Mean To The Japanese ..... 26 Ikigai is much more than a sweet spot! ............................. 26 Comparison of the two approaches ................................... 27 Key Takeaways ................................................................. 28 You must be able to answer these? .................................... 29

II- FINDING YOUR IKIGAI ............................................. 31 Chapter 1: Fundamental concepts of Ikigai ...................... 33 Key Takeaways.................................................................. 35 Chapter 2: Ikigai and Mindfulness .................................... 36 Categories of Mindfulness ................................................. 37 Internal mindfulness: ..................................................... 37 External mindfulness: .................................................... 37 Be mindful ......................................................................... 38 Key Takeaways.................................................................. 39 Chapter 3: How to find your inner Ikigai .......................... 40 Some Tips! ......................................................................... 42 Key Takeaways.................................................................. 44 You must be now able to answer these .............................. 45 III OTHER ENORMOUS BENEFITS .............................. 47 Chapter 1: Benefits of Mindfulness .................................... 49 Practice mindfulness at this moment ................................. 55 Key Takeaways.................................................................. 55 Chapter 2: The Health Benefits of ikigai ........................... 57 Ikigai & Physical Health .................................................... 59 Ikigai & Mental Health ...................................................... 60 Key Takeaways.................................................................. 62 Chapter 3: Ikigai and Longevity ........................................ 63 The question is How? ........................................................ 64 Okinawa's unique characteristics ....................................... 64 Key Takeaways.................................................................. 65 You must be now able to answer these .............................. 66 IV- FOLLOW WHAT THE JAPANESE DO ................... 67 Chapter 1: Keep up with what they're doing .................... 69 An Ikigai is a way of life. .................................................. 70 Dietary habits should be based on plants. .......................... 70 Put some effort into gardening........................................... 71

Make soy a part of your diet. ............................................. 71 Ensure that a moai is maintained. ...................................... 71 Take advantage of the sunshine. ........................................ 71 Maintain an active lifestyle. .............................................. 72 Consider planting a medical garden. ................................. 72 Have a positive attitude. .................................................... 72 How does Moai work? ...................................................... 72 What does Hara Hachi Bu mean? ...................................... 73 In summary ........................................................................ 74 Key Takeaways ................................................................. 74 Chapter 2: Retirement in Japan......................................... 76 Living in Japan when you retire ........................................ 76 Seniors in Japan ................................................................. 77 There is a flaw in our concept of retirement ...................... 78 Key Takeaways ................................................................. 78 Chapter 3: A diet based on Ikigai principles..................... 80 There's More to It Than Food ............................................ 81 Food high in nutrients from Japan ..................................... 81 The Kindness of My Grandkids - Mago Wa Yasashii....... 81 Beans (MA - Mame).......................................................... 82 Seeds from the sesame plant (GO - Goma) ....................... 82 A seaweed from WA called Wakame................................ 82 The YA is an acronym for Yasai (vegetables). ................. 82 The Sakana fish (SA) ........................................................ 82 Potatoes are called Imo (I) ................................................. 83 Food isn't the only thing that matters ................................ 83 Key Takeaways ................................................................. 83 You must be now able to answer these.............................. 84 PART V OTHER LIFESTYLE CONCEPTS IN COMPARISON TO IKIGAI .............................................. 85 Chapter 1: Hygge................................................................. 87 What Represents Hygge? .................................................. 88 Key Takeaways ................................................................. 89

Chapter 2: Lagom ................................................................ 91 Ways to Pursue Lagom ...................................................... 92 Key Takeaways.................................................................. 94 Chapter 3: Ubuntu ............................................................... 95 Ways to Achieve Ubuntu ................................................... 97 Key Takeaways.................................................................. 98 Chapter 4: Comparison ....................................................... 99 You must be now able to answer these ............................ 100 VI IKIGAI IN BUSINESS, LEADERSHIP, AND WORK....................................................................... 101 Chapter 1: The concept of Beginner's Mind for Mindfulness ........................................................................ 103 What are the qualities of a beginner?............................... 104 Practicing mindfulness for others .................................... 106 Key Takeaways................................................................ 107 Chapter 2: Ikigai in business and leadership .................. 108 Putting ikigai into practice ............................................... 108 How can you introduce ikigai at your workplace? .......... 111 Key Giveaway ................................................................. 112 Chapter 3: You and your ikigai: Till delayed death do you part ............................................................... 114 When you find your ikigai ............................................... 115 Key Takeaways................................................................ 115 You must be now able to answer these ............................ 116

I- TRUE MEANING OF IKIGAI

“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” - Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

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