Talks & Lectures
Over the course of my long journeys, I have lived through moments that have stirred, nourished, and transformed me. These encounters with the world — and with the soul — now find their way into my talks and lectures, where I share their essence with depth, humour, and heart.
A Good Death
Varanasi: Living and dying in the City of light
Among all the places I have visited, the Indian city of Varanasi has touched me most deeply. Also known as Benares or Kashi — “City of Light” — it is considered the holiest site in India. It is said that whoever dies here is freed from the endless cycle of rebirth.
With its rich culture of death, Varanasi is a place unlike any other — where mortality is ever-present, yet viewed through an entirely different lens than in the West. Here, people accept death and even celebrate its existence through diverse rituals, rather than turning away from its reality.
What moves me most is the Indian attitude towards death: it is not seen as final or tragic, but as a natural, transformative passage — one that can be met with trust and serenity.
I spent much time at Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi’s main cremation ground, learning about the sacred rites performed there. In collaboration with the late Dom Raja, the King of the Cremators, I was able to witness:
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how the intricate pyres are built and lit
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how long it takes for a human body to turn to ash
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which rituals guide the soul on its onward journey — and why
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how gold is sifted from human ashes
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and what, from a Hindu perspective, constitutes a good death
I also met the Aghora Sadhus, India’s wandering monks of death, and visited the so-called death hotels of Varanasi — places where the dying come to spend their final days in peace, awaiting liberation.
All this — and more — I share in my multimedia lecture “A Good Death”
Combining evocative images and videos by photographers Atin Mehra and Krishna Singh, I bring the spirit of Varanasi to life through personal stories and scientific research.
My lectures have been hosted by Wiesbaden University of Applied Sciences and St. Ferrutius Hospice, among others.
“Thank you so much for your wonderful lecture yesterday. It was truly moving and multi-layered! The students were also really blown away (that’s the exact word one of them used).”
I also offer talks & lectures on the following topics:
Yoga Philosophy
As part of yoga teacher trainings, I give lectures on various aspects of yoga philosophy — such as the Vedic scriptures, the yogic way of life, mantra, Vedic fire ceremonies, traditional tantric practice, aspects of spiritual discipline, and more.
Please contact me to discuss your requirements.
Spiritual Life in India
I spent several years living in Indian ashrams and in the Himalayas, immersing myself deeply in spiritual practice and Vedic culture. In this lecture, I share my experiences and offer practical guidance for cultivating one’s own spiritual practice.
The Modern Nomad Life
How does one spend ten years wandering the world as a modern nomad? From 2007 to 2017, that is exactly what I did — living simply, following intuition, and letting life itself be the teacher. In this illustrated lecture, I share stories and insights from a decade on the road, offering both inspiration and practical guidance for those who feel the call to step beyond the familiar — or simply wish to glimpse what such a life can reveal.
“Your lecture was lively, inspiring, and fascinating. I got such a vivid impression of the customs and rituals — I could almost smell what it must have been like there… and I definitely don’t want to bathe in the Ganges!”
Interested in a lecture or collaboration?
Contact me to explore possible topics or make a booking.