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Welcome to the wisdom podcast exploring spirituality and awareness. Discover enlightenment and mindfulness with author Yakub Mathew.
Yakub Mathew spent 35 years in global finance, but a severe near-death experience at age 58 radically shifted his perspective. To mark his 60th birthday, he took his wife and 17 friends to the Mahakumbha Mela in Prayagraj—a sacred, once-in-144-years gathering of 660 million seekers. What began as a birthday celebration evolved into a profound exploration of the infinite.
Drawing from his book Seeking the Infinite: Mahakumbha 2025, Yakub shares how childhood encounters with Mother Teresa and Archbishop Gregorios shaped his worldview, and how facing mortality in a Delhi ICU taught him the true meaning of detachment and service. He explores the unifying message of Ek Onkar (oneness of divinity), the difference between religion and spirituality, and why the infinite is not a destination to reach, but an inward journey where “within you lies a horizon without end.”
Recording date: April 2, 2026
In this episode, we explore:
- How a near-death experience reshapes our understanding of enlightenment and presence
- The unifying power of spirituality and India’s multi-faith diversity
- Why mindfulness and selfless service (seva) are the ultimate expressions of faith
- Finding awareness and wisdom through the philosophy of “zero” (Shunya) and cosmic consciousness
- The difference between religion and spirituality, and why “God is love”
Thanks to Yakub Mathew for sharing the music sources that were used during parts of this episode.