This project is a gift to the gentleness of our “inner roommates”; the healthy voices in our head that assist and give us constant clues into the inner workings of our lives. We teamed up with ten extraordinary photographers around the globe who have given their time and support to this project in order to bring awareness to a profound philosophy in a truly artistic and tangible manner. Daisaku Ikeda explains these ten worlds as the condition of people ’ s hearts, or the state of lives. He sees them to be the se worlds that are present within each instant or “moment of life” of an individual. The geniuses in these photographers have distilled the essence of each world with their self - curated pieces of art. This is the process of making friends with our inner r oommates, getting to know their different worlds better!
Read more in Issue #3Hell is a state of life in which one feels that living itself is suffering and that whatever one sees or encounters causes more suffering. We could also say that in the world of hell we are controlled by destructive impulses. War, which embodies extremes of human misery, can be considered an expression of the world of hell. The Roommate from Hell: “ I am not beautiful anymore. ” Photographer: Waleed Shah (Dubai, UAE)
Read more in Issue #3Desire in itself is neither good nor bad. Without a sense of hunger when our bodies need nourishment, we would starve to death. Desires and wants can provide impetus for self - improvement, for human advancement. In the world of hunger, however, we are unable to use desires creatively. We become slaves to them and suffer as a result. The Roommate from Hunger : “ I’ll never be enough. ” Photographer: Omer Kaplan (New York, USA)
Read more in Issue #3The world of animals, or animality, is characterized by motivation based on immediate gain or loss rather than on reason or logic. When in the state of animality, one acts based on instinct or impulse, unable to distinguish between right and wrong or good and evil. The Roommate from Animality: “ You are worthless. ” Photographer: Pina (Paris, France)
Read more in Issue #3People have a strong tendency to not only compare themselves to others but attempt to surpass them — it defines the humans of this world. When they see themselves as superior to others, these people become consumed with arrogan ce and contempt. If, on the other hand, they encounter a person who seems clearly superior, they become obsequious and given over to flattery. On the surface, those in this world may appear well - intentioned and civil, even humble. Inwardly, however, they h arbor jealousy or resentment toward those they sense as better than them. This conflict between outward appearance and behavior and inner feelings and orientation makes those in the world of the ego prone to hypocrisy and betrayal. The Roommate from Anger: “ You are nothing, I can destroy you. ” Photographer: Dmitry Raybov (Moscow, Russia)
Read more in Issue #3The world of human beings, or humanity, is a condition of composure and tranquility. One aspect of the world of humanity is the quality of reason that enables us to distinguish right from wrong and to make judgments based on that distinction. In this condi tion, a person also has a fair degree of self - control. To remain in this state of humanity, however, requires effort. In a world rampant with negative influences, it is not easy to continue to live in a truly human manner. Without consistent effort, it is actually impossible to improve oneself. The Roommate from Humanity: “ I am so vulnerable. ” Photographer: Arif Minhaz (New York, USA)
Read more in Issue #3T he world of Rapture refers to a condition of life in which one experiences the joy of having their desires fulfilled. Human beings experience many kinds of desire. There are fundamental or instinctual desires such as sleep and food. There are desires for m aterial things as well as social, intellectual, and spiritual desires. In general, we can think of the world of heaven as the condition of joy that pervades our lives when any of these various desires are fulfilled. But the joy associated with the world of heaven is not lasting; it eventually weakens and disappears. The world of heaven, therefore, is not the condition of genuine happiness that Buddhism aims to achieve. The Roommate from Rapture: “ I wish this could last forever. ” Photographer: Daria Łamejko (Warsaw, Poland)
Read more in Issue #3The world of learning expresses those who have achieved a partial awakening through hearing or listening to the words of wisdom passed through the generations. People in these states may be inquisitive, intellectual, and creative. The shortcomings those in these conditions face, however, are complacency — the assumption that one has reached a pinnacle of development — and a preoccupation with personal attainment to t he exclusion of concern and effort for the good of others. The Roommate from Learning: “ I have seen so much. ” Photographer: Huibo Hou (San Diego, California)
Read more in Issue #3The partial enlightenment that characterizes this world consists of an awakening to the transience or impermanence of all things. Impermanence indicates the reality that all phenomena change with the passage of time and eventually die out and cease to exist. Those who possess the life condition of this world having overcome the tendency t o be attached to impermanent things can view themselves and the world objectively, awakened to the truth that everything in this real world changes and perishes with the passage of time. The Roommate from Realization : “ The more I learn, the less I know. ” Photographer: Astrid Verhoef (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Read more in Issue #3The world of bodhisattvas is a state of life in which one acts with a sense of mission for the sake of people. Compassion is fundamental to this world. It is the nature of those who exhibit the world of bodhisattvas to base their lives and actions upon compassion for all people. The Roommate from Bodhisattva: “ Have I done enough? ” Photographer: Anonymou
Read more in Issue #3The world of Buddhahood is a life condition rich in noble virtue and good fortune. It emerges when individuals awaken to the reality of their own inner lives. A Buddha is someone who opens this state of life within and thus embodies unsurpassed compassion and wisdom. Fueled by that compassion and wisdom, this person works constantly to enable all people to manifest the same world of Buddhahood. The Roommate from Buddhahood : “ How do I make them see what I see so clearly now? ” Photographer : Robert Bolton (England, UK)
Read more in Issue #3Noun “an unplanned fortunate discovery” Is serendipity a matter of chance or luck? Neha Jamani chats with Dr. Christian Busch, professor and director of CGA Global Economy Program at New York University (NYU) and author of The Serendipity Mindset about how the art and science of serendipity and how we all can create it in our lives
Read more in Issue #3A self - taught designer who started in the back alley of Essaouira in Morocco , her creations are an embodiment of her biographical journey traveling and living around the world, coupled with a primal urge to discover more about the world’s landscapes, people, nomadic tribes, and cultures. These drew her to places such as North and South Africa, Spain, New York, Brazil, Sicily, and Dubai before she went/landed back home in Australia. Her bold and innovative designs redefine jewel ry as wearable art. She pushes boundaries by pioneering different parts of the body to embellish, as her designs sweep lithely across collarbones, along napes of necks, and down wearer’s backs. Her designs stand as a testimony to her gift for incorporating items that transcend the traditional way, we perceive them.
Read more in Issue #3Yoga in recent years is often advertised as pretzel positions executed by seemingly blissful out people on tropical beaches; in reality, the poses are just one aspect of yoga. Neha Jamani chats with Nea Ferrier, the founder Ashtanga Yoga Dubai and Nilaya House about Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga.
Read more in Issue #3In the current times when going out is restricted, what if you decide to “go within”? Ryan Kayello takes us on an inner journey to unravel how the darkest aspects of our psychology and inner shadows are puzzle pieces to wholeness and purpose
Read more in Issue #3At first glance, I know that the idea of a connection between your gut and being a superhero who takes part in saving the planet could be a bit of a stretch. Shall we say, hard to digest? But hopefully, by the time you reach the end of this article, you will at least be receptive to the concept that we cannot take effective altruistic actions without first taking care of ourselves by way of our gut microbiome. Perhaps I should begin by sharing a profound personal experience I had during meditation a few years ago ..
Read more in Issue #3Aesha Ash is one of the few black women represented in the world of professional ballet in the United States. Trained at the legendary School of American Ballet, she joined the New York City Ballet at 18 and danced in numerous soloist and principal roles for eight years. In 2003 she moved to Switzerland to perform as a soloist in the Béjart Ballet. Hen’a Yadav chats with the ballerina about her journey, which was often isolating because of race, and about her initiative, The Swan Dreams Project, that encourages a new generation of kids to defy stereotypes.
Read more in Issue #2The Soma philosophy is rooted in the observation, understanding and expansion of human structure and form. The Dubai-based husband and wife duo come from two different yet complimentary backgrounds. Kris Rai, the academic and scientific half, is a trained and practicing osteopath and naturopath. He has spent over a decade developing and sharing his understanding of the human body with patients and students.
Read more in Issue #2Classically trained French-Colombian chef Charles Michel came into the spotlight after being featured as a contestant in the Netflix television series The Final Table. He has worked in several Michelin starred restaurants in France and Italy before diving deep in into exploring the science behind taste and perception as the chef-in residency at Oxford University’s Research Laboratory. Having published over 12 papers in peer-reviewed journals exploring the exploring plating, visual aesthetics and flavor perception, the rogue chef and culinary designer has been renowned for throwing out many ideas we have about food, what we eat and how to eat it.
Read more in Issue #1What is Health? The World Health Organization definition of health, formulated as part of its constitution in 1948, describes health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” However, when the same question is posed to the average individual, the majority would bring in some reference to diet. How is it that the absence of disease in the minds of people correlated to diet?
Read more in Issue #1Maiya Murphy wears many hats, a polymath artist, a creator, scholar, performer, actor, director, producer, and a teacher. An intriguing dialogue sparked our curiosity about the world of ‘physical theater’ a genre of theater where acting and dancing dissolve seamlessly into each other. She believes that an actor is a creator, not just an interpreter; and the program at NUS is centered on ‘thinking’ though ‘doing’. Maiya received her BA in Theatre Studies from Yale University, trained in Lecoq based pedagogy at the London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA), and then went on to do her Ph.D. in Theatre and Drama at the University of California, San Diego.
Read more in Issue #1“Be happy now! Why wait? Live your life now, get fulfilled now.”
With a wry grin, Travis Bell says that he is not “a robot in a suit like everybody else.” He does not buy into the status quo; he’s his own leader. When he first started public speaking, he felt he had to fit in and wore his suit and tie, but gradually he shed these societal strictures.
Travis made his first bucket list when he was eighteen. It became his compass and his reason to get up in the morning. He wrote the list out and re-read it every day; the process changed him. He believes that many people have lives filled with regret.
Read more in Issue #2Nitin Upadhye is a celebrated photographer and filmmaker in India. His professional and volunteer work is centered on helping individuals and communities to enhance their individual and collective wellbeing. He works with rural communities to develop their skills and their ability to live contributive lives.
Read more in Issue #1In 2005, Tuy Sobil (aka KK) opened his modest home to a handful of kids he had seen working or living on the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Back then, KK had just arrived in Cambodia himself. Born in the Thai refugee camps, he grew up in Los Angeles, fell into gangs and was eventually deported to Cambodia by the US Government. What happened next is what makes his story special.
Read more in Issue #1A dialogue with Razif Yusoff, the cofounder of “PushPullGive” a social enterprise in Singapore that keeps you fit. My first impression of Raz was deceptive, he had this Casanova aura paired with a charming smile along with a beautifully sculpted body, however I was far from reality. As I got to know Raz more I discovered a soft, compassionate trainer who has two sides.
Read more in Issue #1Amanda Archibald is widely recognized for her trailblazing work as a culinary nutritionist and dietitian based in Western Wisconsin. In 2015 she unveiled the concept of Culinary Genomics, a term she coined to express the revolutionary merging of nutrigenomics and the culinary arts. She is the founder of The Genomic Kitchen, a visionary company offering clients, clinicians, and chefs the opportunity to participate in the healthcare revolution driven by rapid advancement in DNA science and interpretation.
Amanda’s forward-thinking approach and unique perspective are derived from over two decades of work in nutritional science, nutritional biochemistry, culinary translation, as well as on-the-ground interaction with consumers, chefs and health professionals. Neha Jamani chats with Amanda to understand this unique approach of eating for your genes.
Read more in Issue #2These are dark times
The fog of war settles over the world
The enemies are dangerous and
merciless
Humanity is on the brink of the abyss
Threats are invisible They attack unexpectedly
Our life is delicate; we are susceptible
And
by failing to defend ourselves, they shall soon eradicate us
This issue hen’a.life bibliophile Swashbuckler explores books that challenge stereotypes.
Read more in Issue #2This project is a gift to the gentleness of our “inner roommates”; the healthy voices in our head that assist and give us constant clues into the inner workings of our lives. We teamed up with ten extraordinary photographers around the globe who have given their time and support to this project in order to bring awareness to a profound philosophy in a truly artistic and tangible manner. Daisaku Ikeda explains these ten worlds as the condition of people ’ s hearts, or the state of lives. He sees them to be the se worlds that are present within each instant or “moment of life” of an individual. The geniuses in these photographers have distilled the essence of each world with their self - curated pieces of art. This is the process of making friends with our inner r oommates, getting to know their different worlds better!
Read more in Issue #3Hell is a state of life in which one feels that living itself is suffering and that whatever one sees or encounters causes more suffering. We could also say that in the world of hell we are controlled by destructive impulses. War, which embodies extremes of human misery, can be considered an expression of the world of hell. The Roommate from Hell: “ I am not beautiful anymore. ” Photographer: Waleed Shah (Dubai, UAE)
Read more in Issue #3Desire in itself is neither good nor bad. Without a sense of hunger when our bodies need nourishment, we would starve to death. Desires and wants can provide impetus for self - improvement, for human advancement. In the world of hunger, however, we are unable to use desires creatively. We become slaves to them and suffer as a result. The Roommate from Hunger : “ I’ll never be enough. ” Photographer: Omer Kaplan (New York, USA)
Read more in Issue #3The world of animals, or animality, is characterized by motivation based on immediate gain or loss rather than on reason or logic. When in the state of animality, one acts based on instinct or impulse, unable to distinguish between right and wrong or good and evil. The Roommate from Animality: “ You are worthless. ” Photographer: Pina (Paris, France)
Read more in Issue #3People have a strong tendency to not only compare themselves to others but attempt to surpass them — it defines the humans of this world. When they see themselves as superior to others, these people become consumed with arrogan ce and contempt. If, on the other hand, they encounter a person who seems clearly superior, they become obsequious and given over to flattery. On the surface, those in this world may appear well - intentioned and civil, even humble. Inwardly, however, they h arbor jealousy or resentment toward those they sense as better than them. This conflict between outward appearance and behavior and inner feelings and orientation makes those in the world of the ego prone to hypocrisy and betrayal. The Roommate from Anger: “ You are nothing, I can destroy you. ” Photographer: Dmitry Raybov (Moscow, Russia)
Read more in Issue #3The world of human beings, or humanity, is a condition of composure and tranquility. One aspect of the world of humanity is the quality of reason that enables us to distinguish right from wrong and to make judgments based on that distinction. In this condi tion, a person also has a fair degree of self - control. To remain in this state of humanity, however, requires effort. In a world rampant with negative influences, it is not easy to continue to live in a truly human manner. Without consistent effort, it is actually impossible to improve oneself. The Roommate from Humanity: “ I am so vulnerable. ” Photographer: Arif Minhaz (New York, USA)
Read more in Issue #3T he world of Rapture refers to a condition of life in which one experiences the joy of having their desires fulfilled. Human beings experience many kinds of desire. There are fundamental or instinctual desires such as sleep and food. There are desires for m aterial things as well as social, intellectual, and spiritual desires. In general, we can think of the world of heaven as the condition of joy that pervades our lives when any of these various desires are fulfilled. But the joy associated with the world of heaven is not lasting; it eventually weakens and disappears. The world of heaven, therefore, is not the condition of genuine happiness that Buddhism aims to achieve. The Roommate from Rapture: “ I wish this could last forever. ” Photographer: Daria Łamejko (Warsaw, Poland)
Read more in Issue #3The world of learning expresses those who have achieved a partial awakening through hearing or listening to the words of wisdom passed through the generations. People in these states may be inquisitive, intellectual, and creative. The shortcomings those in these conditions face, however, are complacency — the assumption that one has reached a pinnacle of development — and a preoccupation with personal attainment to t he exclusion of concern and effort for the good of others. The Roommate from Learning: “ I have seen so much. ” Photographer: Huibo Hou (San Diego, California)
Read more in Issue #3The partial enlightenment that characterizes this world consists of an awakening to the transience or impermanence of all things. Impermanence indicates the reality that all phenomena change with the passage of time and eventually die out and cease to exist. Those who possess the life condition of this world having overcome the tendency t o be attached to impermanent things can view themselves and the world objectively, awakened to the truth that everything in this real world changes and perishes with the passage of time. The Roommate from Realization : “ The more I learn, the less I know. ” Photographer: Astrid Verhoef (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Read more in Issue #3The world of bodhisattvas is a state of life in which one acts with a sense of mission for the sake of people. Compassion is fundamental to this world. It is the nature of those who exhibit the world of bodhisattvas to base their lives and actions upon compassion for all people. The Roommate from Bodhisattva: “ Have I done enough? ” Photographer: Anonymous
Read more in Issue #3The world of Buddhahood is a life condition rich in noble virtue and good fortune. It emerges when individuals awaken to the reality of their own inner lives. A Buddha is someone who opens this state of life within and thus embodies unsurpassed compassion and wisdom. Fueled by that compassion and wisdom, this person works constantly to enable all people to manifest the same world of Buddhahood. The Roommate from Buddhahood : “ How do I make them see what I see so clearly now? ” Photographer : Robert Bolton (England, UK)
Read more in Issue #3Noun “an unplanned fortunate discovery” Is serendipity a matter of chance or luck? Neha Jamani chats with Dr. Christian Busch, professor and director of CGA Global Economy Program at New York University (NYU) and author of The Serendipity Mindset about how the art and science of serendipity and how we all can create it in our lives
Read more in Issue #3A self - taught designer who started in the back alley of Essaouira in Morocco , her creations are an embodiment of her biographical journey traveling and living around the world, coupled with a primal urge to discover more about the world’s landscapes, people, nomadic tribes, and cultures. These drew her to places such as North and South Africa, Spain, New York, Brazil, Sicily, and Dubai before she went/landed back home in Australia. Her bold and innovative designs redefine jewel ry as wearable art. She pushes boundaries by pioneering different parts of the body to embellish, as her designs sweep lithely across collarbones, along napes of necks, and down wearer’s backs. Her designs stand as a testimony to her gift for incorporating items that transcend the traditional way, we perceive them
Read more in Issue #3Yoga in recent years is often advertised as pretzel positions executed by seemingly blissful out people on tropical beaches; in reality, the poses are just one aspect of yoga. Neha Jamani chats with Nea Ferrier, the founder Ashtanga Yoga Dubai and Nilaya House about Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga.
Read more in Issue #3In the current times when going out is restricted, what if you decide to “go within”? Ryan Kayello takes us on an inner journey to unravel how the darkest aspects of our psychology and inner shadows are puzzle pieces to wholeness and purpose
Read more in Issue #3At first glance, I know that the idea of a connection between your gut and being a superhero who takes part in saving the planet could be a bit of a stretch. Shall we say, hard to digest? But hopefully, by the time you reach the end of this article, you will at least be receptive to the concept that we cannot take effective altruistic actions without first taking care of ourselves by way of our gut microbiome. Perhaps I should begin by sharing a profound personal experience I had during meditation a few years ago ..
Read more in Issue #3Aesha Ash is one of the few black women represented in the world of professional ballet in the United States. Trained at the legendary School of American Ballet, she joined the New York City Ballet at 18 and danced in numerous soloist and principal roles for eight years. In 2003 she moved to Switzerland to perform as a soloist in the Béjart Ballet. Hen’a Yadav chats with the ballerina about her journey, which was often isolating because of race, and about her initiative, The Swan Dreams Project, that encourages a new generation of kids to defy stereotypes.
Read more in Issue #2The Soma philosophy is rooted in the observation, understanding and expansion of human structure and form. The Dubai-based husband and wife duo come from two different yet complimentary backgrounds. Kris Rai, the academic and scientific half, is a trained and practicing osteopath and naturopath. He has spent over a decade developing and sharing his understanding of the human body with patients and students.
Read more in Issue #2Classically trained French-Colombian chef Charles Michel came into the spotlight after being featured as a contestant in the Netflix television series The Final Table. He has worked in several Michelin starred restaurants in France and Italy before diving deep in into exploring the science behind taste and perception as the chef-in residency at Oxford University’s Research Laboratory. Having published over 12 papers in peer-reviewed journals exploring the exploring plating, visual aesthetics and flavor perception, the rogue chef and culinary designer has been renowned for throwing out many ideas we have about food, what we eat and how to eat it.
Read more in Issue #1What is Health? The World Health Organization definition of health, formulated as part of its constitution in 1948, describes health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” However, when the same question is posed to the average individual, the majority would bring in some reference to diet. How is it that the absence of disease in the minds of people correlated to diet?
Read more in Issue #1Maiya Murphy wears many hats, a polymath artist, a creator, scholar, performer, actor, director, producer, and a teacher. An intriguing dialogue sparked our curiosity about the world of ‘physical theater’ a genre of theater where acting and dancing dissolve seamlessly into each other. She believes that an actor is a creator, not just an interpreter; and the program at NUS is centered on ‘thinking’ though ‘doing’. Maiya received her BA in Theatre Studies from Yale University, trained in Lecoq based pedagogy at the London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA), and then went on to do her Ph.D. in Theatre and Drama at the University of California, San Diego.
Read more in Issue #1“Be happy now! Why wait? Live your life now, get fulfilled now.”
With a wry grin, Travis Bell says that he is not “a robot in a suit like everybody else.” He does not buy into the status quo; he’s his own leader. When he first started public speaking, he felt he had to fit in and wore his suit and tie, but gradually he shed these societal strictures.
Travis made his first bucket list when he was eighteen. It became his compass and his reason to get up in the morning. He wrote the list out and re-read it every day; the process changed him. He believes that many people have lives filled with regret.
Read more in Issue #2Nitin Upadhye is a celebrated photographer and filmmaker in India. His professional and volunteer work is centered on helping individuals and communities to enhance their individual and collective wellbeing. He works with rural communities to develop their skills and their ability to live contributive lives.
Read more in Issue #1In 2005, Tuy Sobil (aka KK) opened his modest home to a handful of kids he had seen working or living on the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Back then, KK had just arrived in Cambodia himself. Born in the Thai refugee camps, he grew up in Los Angeles, fell into gangs and was eventually deported to Cambodia by the US Government. What happened next is what makes his story special.
Read more in Issue #1A dialogue with Razif Yusoff, the cofounder of “PushPullGive” a social enterprise in Singapore that keeps you fit. My first impression of Raz was deceptive, he had this Casanova aura paired with a charming smile along with a beautifully sculpted body, however I was far from reality. As I got to know Raz more I discovered a soft, compassionate trainer who has two sides.
Read more in Issue #1Amanda Archibald is widely recognized for her trailblazing work as a culinary nutritionist and dietitian based in Western Wisconsin. In 2015 she unveiled the concept of Culinary Genomics, a term she coined to express the revolutionary merging of nutrigenomics and the culinary arts. She is the founder of The Genomic Kitchen, a visionary company offering clients, clinicians, and chefs the opportunity to participate in the healthcare revolution driven by rapid advancement in DNA science and interpretation.
Amanda’s forward-thinking approach and unique perspective are derived from over two decades of work in nutritional science, nutritional biochemistry, culinary translation, as well as on-the-ground interaction with consumers, chefs and health professionals. Neha Jamani chats with Amanda to understand this unique approach of eating for your genes.
Read more in Issue #2These are dark times
The fog of war settles over the world
The enemies are dangerous and
merciless
Humanity is on the brink of the abyss
Threats are invisible They attack unexpectedly
Our life is delicate; we are susceptible
And
by failing to defend ourselves, they shall soon eradicate us
This issue hen’a.life bibliophile Swashbuckler explores books that challenge stereotypes.
Read more in Issue #2