“When you align your thoughts, actions, and purpose with the deeper energy that connects us all, life stops being a race and becomes a revelation.”
— Deepak Parashar
In a world where the pace of professional life often leaves little room for introspection, Deepak Parashar’s journey offers a refreshing and profound perspective. A seasoned energy industry veteran who has led multiple power initiatives in numerous countries, and an engineer and MBA by training, Parashar has seamlessly bridged the realms of science and spirituality through his groundbreaking work, Life—The Spiritual Essence: An Engineer’s Insights into the Integrated Nature of Divinity. Spanning 38 countries and over a decade of research, his book is more than just a spiritual guide—it’s a strategic, techno-spiritual roadmap designed to help high-performing individuals find peace, purpose, and inner alignment amid life’s most demanding challenges.
In this exclusive conversation, Parashar sits down with Stacey Chillemi to share the extraordinary experiences that shaped his journey—from a chance encounter with the Dalai Lama to an energy-transmitting war veteran, and from structural religious analysis to a spiritual travelogue spanning the globe. Together, they explore the transformative power of subtle energy, the surprising common ground among world religions, and the timeless principles of true leadership. Whether you’re a curious seeker or a results-driven professional, this interview is a compelling invitation to rethink what it means to live—and lead—with depth, clarity, and spiritual essence.
Thank you so much for joining us, Deepak! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me, Stacey. A heartfelt Namaste to you and to all your readers. My story begins in India, where I was born and raised, before moving to the United Kingdom for my studies. I pursued electrical engineering and later completed my MBA there. After spending a decade in the UK, I transitioned into a dynamic international career. In 1990, I moved to the U.S. and eventually worked with cross-functional teams in over 30 countries managing major power infrastructure projects. It was a demanding yet immensely enriching experience, involving high-stress environments and global teams. While immersed in this dynamic arena, I began to explore deeper questions about life, divinity, and the interconnectedness of our existence. That curiosity and the quest for answers ultimately led to the creation of my book, Life—The Spiritual Essence: An Engineer’s Insights into the Integrated Nature of Divinity.
Your book journey started in quite an unexpected way. Can you tell us what triggered it?
Absolutely. The catalyst came during a six-month period commencing at the end of 2008. First, I picked up a profound Hinduism scripture called the Bhagavad Gita—about 1,200 pages long—hoping to find a structured approach to manage the intense stress I was experiencing. As an engineer, I took a slow and methodical approach, reading less than a page a day, accompanied by extensive side studies. Four months later, I was on a flight to Tokyo when something extraordinary happened—His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama was seated just across the aisle from me. For eleven hours, I observed his calm, luminous presence. Just before landing, he encouraged me over, blessed me, and smiled with such warmth that it left an imprint on my soul. I knew it was no coincidence. A couple of months later, while in Istanbul visiting a power plant, I met a Vietnam War veteran. Something about him was extraordinary—he seemed to possess tangible spiritual energy. These three incidents—the scripture, the Dalai Lama, and the veteran—were all deeply experiential, exuded a profound energy, and I sensed they were somehow interconnected. That’s when I decided I had to investigate the concept of divinity through the lens of energy and science. That journey took 14 years touching 38 countries and eventually became this book.
That’s incredible. What is the central theme of Life, The Spiritual Essence?
The book explores how all aspects of our lives—science, spirituality, religions, Nature, people, and culture—are fundamentally interconnected through energy. It’s based on the idea that divinity is not just some distant concept but a tangible, integrated force within and around us. Drawing from my research across 38 countries, and with guidance from over 100 thought leaders and spiritual figures, this techno-spiritual book offers a holistic system for personal transformation. It’s designed for professionals seeking not just success, but also meaning, peace, and higher purpose amid their demanding careers in the global workplace.
Your book spans an incredible 38-country journey and draws from over 25,000 pages of research. What was it like weaving together such diverse fields—science, spirituality, Nature, religions, philosophy, and culture—into one experiential cohesive narrative?
It was both exhilarating and humbling. Each field brought a unique lens through which I could explore the concept of divinity and the unifying thread of energy that ties us all together. Whether I was studying scriptures, walking through WWII concentration camps, or speaking with astronauts, war heroes, or clergy, the insights I gathered all pointed to the same truth: that our existence is deeply interconnected. Creating a cohesive narrative meant distilling all of this into a structured framework that global professionals could use—both as a practical tool and a source of inspiration.
You approached this from a very unique angle—what does it mean to do an engineer’s analysis on divinity?
That’s an important distinction. As an engineer, I’m wired to look at systems, frameworks, and repeatability. I applied this mindset to spirituality and religion, note there are 15 religions sub analyzed within the larger auspices of interconnected energy herein. And in particular, rather than comparing faiths, I developed a structural analysis of five major religions—Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism—using 16 foundational pillars. These represent the iterative sciences and philosophies within each belief system. I worked closely with monks, rabbis, ministers, and holistic educators to build these frameworks over several years. It wasn’t about validating one religion over another, but about identifying their shared vision of transcendence and human potential.
How did working with various global leaders influence your insights?
Immensely. Throughout this journey, I was blessed to connect with remarkable individuals. Benjamin Ferencz, WWII Trials Nuremberg prosecutor, told me how he donated all his savings and asked his children daily, “What did you do for humanity today?” That level of selflessness deeply moved me. Colonel James Harvey III of the Tuskegee Airmen became a mentor. NASA astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave contributed blurbs to the book, along with the two great leaders aforementioned. They embodied the principles of humility, humor, and service. By sitting with them, I was able to draw clear parallels between spiritual teachings and the qualities of exceptional leadership.
What is the “Six Trigger Points” system you developed?
It’s a powerful, action-oriented framework designed for daily introspection. Spread across six mental action quadrants, these 25 points help analyze and align your behaviors with higher ideals. I used this system myself every morning for seven years, refining it through real-world application. It incorporates timeless concepts—like purity, passion, dynamic quietude, interconnectedness—and creates a mental toolbox. The beauty of it is that if you align even 50% with these triggers, your day is likely to be fulfilling. It’s essentially a subliminal tool to help you rewire your thinking and elevate your consciousness.
How did your encounter with the Dalai Lama influence your path?
That experience was transformative. Just being near him was like stepping into a field of serene energy. When he smiled at me and offered his blessing, it felt like the universe had spoken. I realized then that my journey had deeper spiritual significance. Ten years later, I met him again, and each interaction reaffirmed the divine nature of energy and presence. These weren’t coincidences; they were cosmic nudges.
Did you find more similarities than differences among the religions you studied?
Very much so. While the metaphysical structures may differ—some emphasize a monotheistic God, others polytheism or even a system of energy—the core teachings are astonishingly similar. Every religion acknowledges suffering as a fundamental part of the human experience and offers a pathway toward liberation and joy. Whether through prayer, meditation, service, or discipline, the goal remains the same: transcendence, compassion, and self-improvement.
How can readers apply your book’s insights in daily life?
It starts with awareness and action. The book offers a blueprint—through the Six Trigger Points, structural religious analysis, and an integrated energy model—that anyone can use to evaluate and uplift their thoughts and actions. I also emphasize identifying your natural tendencies—are you analytical, intuitive, emotional? Once you know yourself, you can pick one or two spiritual or personal growth practices to cultivate with discipline. The goal is balance, not multitasking. With daily alignment and sincere effort, anyone can become a more effective, compassionate, and spiritually grounded individual.
Your work places a strong focus on the concept of energy. For those who may not be familiar, how does energy play a role in spiritual growth?
Energy is the unifying force that links all forms of existence. Everything—thoughts, words, people, nature—is composed of energy vibrating at different frequencies. When you become aware of this, you start to see how your actions, emotions, and even intentions ripple through the world. Spiritual growth is essentially learning to harmonize your personal energy with that of the universe—moving from chaos to coherence, from self-centeredness to universal compassion.
Throughout your journey, were there any moments that felt truly otherworldly or beyond explanation?
One unforgettable moment occurred with the Vietnam veteran in Istanbul. He asked me to put up my hands across the table, and then he simply gestured toward me. I felt an undeniable force—a physical jolt of energy, like a doctor tapping your knee reflex, but much stronger. That blew my mind as an engineer. It showed me that energy could be directed and received in real, tangible ways. That moment became a key turning point in my decision to fully commit to the research, ultimately 14 years touching 38 countries.
What impact has the book had on readers?
I’ve received deeply touching feedback. A war veteran once wrote to me from page 191 of the book, saying it had reignited his faith and helped him cope with trauma. Another reader from Abbott Labs told me it felt like a double PhD in spiritual science. These messages confirm that the book resonates not just intellectually but also emotionally and spiritually. That, for me, is the most rewarding part of this journey, and I am donating all the proceeds for poor children.
What’s the core message you want readers to take away?
That every human being carries within them the seed of divinity. You are not just your job title, your stress, or your struggles—you are a spark of something far greater. Life is an invitation to rise above your limitations, to serve others selflessly, and to find joy in that service. By understanding and embracing your inner light, you can become an agent of peace in your family, your community, and the world.
One of the most striking elements of your book is the integration of a spiritual travelogue. What role did these global experiences play in transforming abstract concepts into real, lived understanding? Yes, one of the most enriching parts of the book is a section where I narrate 22 real-life experiences from my travels. These range from visiting cacao farms in Ecuador, to the deserts of Atacama, to the great plains of tornado alley, to WWII concentration camps, and even to the Cu Chi tunnels of Vietnam. Each location served as a laboratory where I tested spiritual concepts against real-world energy. These weren’t just research trips; they were moments of awakening, where theory met reality. By sharing these stories, I wanted readers to feel that spirituality isn’t confined to temples or texts—it’s alive in the people we meet, the places we go, and the questions we dare to ask.
These are vivid, pictorial stories that bring the book’s philosophical principles to life.
How do you maintain balance and positivity in your own life today?
I practice what I write about. Every morning, I revisit the Six Trigger Points. I aim to maintain inner silence, contain anger, and nurture cheerfulness. Cheerfulness is the first sign of spiritual growth, after all. I also stay grounded by helping others whenever I can. Life becomes more beautiful when you’re not just trying to get ahead, but also lifting others as you go.
What advice do you have for today’s youth?
Discover your inner power. You are capable of far more than you think. Focus on excellence, remain humble, and never lose your sense of wonder. Learn from those who’ve come before you, especially your elders. And always remember that true greatness lies in service. The world needs your light—so shine it brightly.
What makes the book unique?
Techno-spiritual, interdisciplinary, encyclopedic, experiential, and action-oriented—these are the words often used to describe Life – The Spiritual Essence, a 296-page synthesis shaped by insights from global leaders, clergy, and holistic educators. The book weaves together philosophical, spiritual, religious, scientific, and experiential analyses into a seamless framework—serving as a navigational system for high-performing individuals to understand where they stand within a universe of interconnected material and subtle energies. These energies manifest daily through nature, people, places, science, culture, religion, and spiritual traditions. By guiding readers to distinguish between the “Real Me” and the “Perfect Me”—in essence, the space between the ego and our innate divinity—it offers structured, practical pathways to transcendence based on one’s unique energetic makeup, ultimately bridging inner alignment with outer excellence.
Where can our readers find your book?
The book is titled Life—The Spiritual Essence: An Engineer’s Insights into the Integrated Nature of Divinity. It’s available globally in both e-book and paperback formats on major platforms including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and more. Simply search for the full title or my name—Deepak Parashar—when browsing. Just a heads-up: there’s also a classic Indian film actor with the same name, plus I have a UK-based doppelganger with the same name who has also written a technical book!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
The best way to stay connected is through LinkedIn. You can find me at linkedin.com/in/deepak-parashar-author, where I regularly share insights, reflections, and updates related to my work and ongoing journey. I’m also expanding on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X. I always welcome meaningful dialogue and love connecting with individuals who are curious about spirituality, personal growth, and purposeful living. For more direct communication, you’re also welcome to reach out via email at: [email protected]. Whether it’s a question, a shared experience, or a spark of inspiration, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
This has been an extraordinary conversation. Thank you so much for taking us through your incredible journey—from building power plants across the globe to decoding the divine through science, spirituality, and human experience. Your insights into leadership, energy, and inner transformation offer our readers a truly unique and powerful perspective.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been a genuine pleasure and an honor to share this space with you. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to discuss the message behind Life—The Spiritual Essence. I hope it inspires your readers to explore their own inner light, pursue excellence with humility, and embrace a life of purpose and service. A heartfelt Namaste to you and to everyone tuning in—may your journey be filled with clarity, compassion, and cheerful dynamism.
Deepak Parashar is a global energy industry veteran, an engineer / MBA, and spiritual explorer whose life’s work bridges the worlds of technical precision and transcendent wisdom. With a career that has taken him across 30+ countries managing complex infrastructure projects, Deepak’s path took a profound turn when he had an unexpected, life-altering encounter with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A moment beyond words—receiving the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose presence ignited a spiritual journey that would span decades.
That sacred meeting sparked a 14-year odyssey into the integrated nature of divinity, ultimately culminating in his book, Life—The Spiritual Essence. The joy is unmistakable—this divine encounter marked the turning point that transformed an engineer’s path into one of soul-searching, global exploration, and higher purpose. Through that journey, Deepak blended his analytical background with deep philosophical and spiritual inquiry—creating a legacy work that speaks to seekers, leaders, and professionals around the world.
Life—The Spiritual Essence: An Engineer’s Insights into the Integrated Nature of Divinity is a transformative, cross-disciplinary guide that blends science, spirituality, leadership, and global wisdom into a single, accessible resource. The cover holds deep personal meaning—featuring the author, his father, and his son—symbolizing three generations united by purpose. Three generations united by purpose—my son, my father, and I—standing with the book that took 14 years and a lifetime of wisdom to create. The author’s father, a distinguished CEO who met world leaders like President George H. W. Bush and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was instrumental in shaping the book’s clarity and vision. He held it in his hands just weeks before passing at 92—a promise fulfilled, a legacy honored. Available globally in both print and eBook formats, the book can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and other major platforms.