Russell Simmons, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Author and Activist
Russell Simmons, philanthropist and entrepreneur, discusses his journey into yoga, Transcendental Meditation, and veganism, highlighting their benefits for health, mental clarity, and planetary well-being. He also shares insights on success through stillness, giving, and learning from experiences.
Deep Dive Analysis
12 Topic Outline
Russell Simmons' Evolution: From Hip-Hop to Wellness
Initial Motivation for Yoga Practice
Transition to Meditation and Transcendental Meditation
Russell Simmons' Tantris School Meditation Approach
Activism for Veganism: Ethical, Health, and Environmental Impact
Critique of Factory Farming and US Meat Standards
Personal Health Benefits of Veganism and Meditation
Demographics of Veganism and Meditation Adoption
Meditation and the Philosophy of Giving in Business
Learning from Experiences and Redefining Failure
Russell Simmons' Relationship with Donald Trump
Russell Simmons' Current Projects and Resources
4 Key Concepts
Yoga's Purpose
Yoga is described as the science of quieting the mind and promoting happiness, leading to a state of bliss rather than sickness and sadness. It helps artists operate from a quiet, present mind for creativity.
Super Rich State
This refers to a state of needing nothing, akin to the state of yoga. It is associated with operating from a space of giving without expectation, which paradoxically leads to an abundance of riches.
Failure as Learning
Failure is reframed not as an end, but as an experience from which one learns. True failure only occurs when one quits; otherwise, it is an opportunity to gain context and direction, as evolution happens through struggle, not ease.
Cycle of Giving
This is a continuous process where one cannot receive without giving, and cannot give without receiving. It suggests that initiating giving, even when starting with nothing, is the fundamental way to attract what one desires.
8 Questions Answered
He initially started yoga because 'a lot of hot chicks' were in the class, which then evolved into meditation after his teacher introduced him to the Yoga Sutras.
While both are mantra-based, Tantris meditation uses a collective mantra ('rum') and emphasizes sitting erect like yogis, unlike TM which allows sitting however one is comfortable.
He believes it's crucial due to the tremendous sickness and destruction of the planet caused by factory farming, the abuse of animals, and the negative health impacts of animal products.
He believes his vegan diet, combined with yoga and meditation, is a major reason he looks and feels much younger than his age, avoiding the sickness and cancer prevalent among his non-vegan friends.
Meditation helps individuals operate from a place of presence and needing nothing, allowing them to do good work without worry or anxiety, which ultimately leads to success and abundance through the principle of giving.
One must give what they want to receive. Even with no money, one can start by offering services or value, like sweeping a store, which can lead to opportunities and ascent.
He sees failure not as an end, but as an experience from which one learns. He believes one only truly fails if they quit; otherwise, it's an opportunity to gain context and direction.
He was friends with Donald Trump for a long time and found him to be a good friend, but he strongly disagrees with Trump's political choices, agenda, and belief system as president.
8 Actionable Insights
1. Practice Daily Meditation
Engage in meditation for 20 minutes twice a day, repeating a mantra silently, or use the free ‘Meditation Made Simple’ app with the collective mantra ‘rum.’ This practice is key to quieting the mind, achieving happiness, and making choices informed by your inner spirit.
2. Adopt a Vegan Diet
Eliminate animal products from your diet to prevent sickness, avoid contributing to animal abuse and factory farming, and significantly reduce your environmental impact. The transcript states that milk destroys calcium and factory-farmed meat is ‘poison.’
3. Practice Yoga for Stillness
Regularly practice yoga (asana) to quiet your mind, which is crucial for fostering creativity and achieving a state of inner presence and happiness. The Tantris school emphasizes a compassionate practice beyond just physical postures.
4. Embrace Giving Without Expectation
Cultivate a mindset of giving what you wish to receive, operating without expectation, as ‘good givers are great getters.’ This practice, exemplified by starting with small acts of service, is presented as a path to ascension and abundance.
5. Reframe Failure as Learning
View struggles and setbacks not as failures, but as valuable learning experiences that provide context and direction. The speaker emphasizes that you only truly fail if you quit; otherwise, you are simply learning.
6. Make Spirit-Informed Choices
Utilize meditation and personal research to critically evaluate societal norms and advice, enabling you to make choices that are aligned with your inner spirit and well-being. This is particularly highlighted for decisions regarding diet and lifestyle.
7. Utilize Plant-Based Alternatives
Actively choose plant-based alternatives for meat and dairy, such as the Beyond Burger, to enjoy similar food experiences without the associated health risks like cholesterol and cancer, or the ethical concerns of animal products.
8. Meditate with Erect Posture
When practicing sitting meditation, maintain an erect posture, imagining a string pulling you upwards, as this yogic instruction helps you sit comfortably and focus without affliction.
6 Key Quotes
A quiet mind is bliss. A noisy mind is sickness and sadness.
Russell Simmons
You can't fail until you quit. So if you're still doing it, you didn't fail. You just learned something.
Russell Simmons
Good givers are great getters.
Russell Simmons
I went to class because a lot of hot chicks, it's true.
Russell Simmons
You are what you eat. A piece of you, at least.
Russell Simmons
I liked him as a friend. I don't like him as a president.
Russell Simmons
1 Protocols
Tantris School Meditation
Russell Simmons- Practice mantra-based meditation using a collective mantra, such as 'rum'.
- Sit erect, like yogis do, for comfortable practice.
- Utilize instructional principles based on the teachings of Maharishi, the inspiration for TM.
- Access the collective mantra and guidance through the 'Meditation Made Simple' app.