Acclaimed journalist and author Samaran’s debut book, ‘A Spiritual Nexus-Gut’, published by Discovery Book Publication. This book, unraveling the author’s personal life journey, and weaving it with scientific insight and spiritual wisdom, reveals the gut to be not only the ‘second brain’ of the human body, but the spiritual and intuitive centre of human existence itself.
Through his book, Samaran beckons readers to understand and listen to their inner voice, trust their gut’s voice and its transformative power, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Samaran is a seasoned journalist, and with this powerful debut, he enters the literary world to offer a fresh perspective to look at the human body’s intrinsic wisdom, that could help us live an easier and peaceful life.
In order to delve deeper into Samaran’s journey of bringing, ‘A Spiritual Nexus-Gut’, to reality, Sonakshi Datta of GoaChronicle put up a few questions to him.
‘A Spiritual Nexus-Gut’ Author Samaran
‘A Spiritual Nexus – Gut’ traverses your 10-year long journey. What aspects of life and realizations led you to write this book and unravel your journey?
For 36 years, I never practiced meditation, yoga, or formal spiritual disciplines, yet my gut’s intuition—my silent guru—guided every decision, from choosing my life partner to embracing my media profession and writing ‘A Spiritual Nexus – Gut’. These choices felt pre-designed, woven into a decade-long tapestry of anxiety and gut issues that left me disconnected from my purpose. After seven years, I realized my gut was the voice of my anxiety, sparking a quest for deeper meaning, unbound by religion, which I see as separate from true spirituality.
One early morning, between 3 and 5:30 a.m., a lightning surge coursed through my gut, as if my soul briefly left and returned. In that stillness, a clear voice from my gut answered my questions, revealing the essence of manifestation. My journey—suffering, realizing, recovering, and understanding—taught me that the gut is a sacred nexus of body, mind, and spirit. I wrote this book to share this truth, offering a roadmap for seekers to trust their inner compass, embrace vulnerability, and find harmony. A Spiritual Nexus – Gut is my gift of hard-earned wisdom, inviting others to awaken to their pre-designed path.
You believe that ‘The gut is not just a biological organ; it is a spiritual nexus.’ What led to this paradigm of yours, and what do you think others should do to realize the true potential of their gut?
The perspective that the gut is not merely a biological organ but a spiritual nexus stems from an integration of scientific insights, philosophical considerations, and holistic health principles. The gut, often referred to as the ‘second brain’, houses the enteric nervous system, which contains approximately 100 million neurons and communicates bidirectionally with the brain via the gut-brain axis. This connection influences not only physical digestion but also emotional and mental states, as evidenced by research linking gut microbiota to mood regulation, stress response, and cognitive function (e.g., studies on the microbiome’s role in serotonin production).
Beyond biology, ancient traditions such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and various spiritual practices have long emphasized the gut as a center of intuition, vitality, and energetic balance—often associating it with concepts like the ‘hara’ in Japanese philosophy or the solar plexus chakra in yogic traditions. This convergence of modern science and timeless wisdom suggests the gut is a bridge between the physical and metaphysical, influencing both bodily health and spiritual well-being.
The paradigm arises from observing how gut health correlates with clarity of thought, emotional resilience, and intuitive decision-making. For instance, imbalances in gut microbiota are linked to anxiety and depression, while practices like fasting or mindful eating, common in spiritual traditions, enhance mental clarity and inner peace. Personal anecdotes, such as the sense of ‘gut feelings’ guiding intuitive decisions, further reinforce this view, aligning with philosophical ideas about the body as a vessel for consciousness.
To realize the true potential of their gut, individuals can adopt the following practices: Nourish Gut Health Scientifically: Consume a diverse, fiber-rich diet with prebiotics (e.g., garlic, onions) and probiotics (e.g., yogurt, kefir) to support a balanced microbiome. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugars, which disrupt gut flora; Practice Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and intentionally, focusing on the sensory experience of food. This enhances digestion and fosters a deeper connection to the body’s signals, aligning with spiritual mindfulness.
Engage in Stress Management: Chronic stress impairs gut function. Practices like meditation, yoga, or breathwork (e.g., diaphragmatic breathing) can regulate the gut-brain axis, promoting emotional and spiritual balance; Explore Intuitive Practices: Reflect on ‘gut instincts’ during decision-making. Journaling or meditative introspection can help individuals recognize the gut’s role in guiding intuition, strengthening their trust in this inner wisdom.
Incorporate Traditional Wisdom: Explore practices like intermittent fasting, herbal remedies (e.g., ginger, peppermint), or energy-focused disciplines (e.g., qigong, Reiki) to harmonize the gut’s physical and energetic functions.
By integrating these practices, individuals can cultivate a holistic relationship with their gut, unlocking its potential as both a biological powerhouse and a spiritual nexus for intuition, vitality, and connection to the self.
What do you think should be done by every human being to strike a connection and balance between the physical and the divine? What all makes this balance an utmost necessity, especially in today’s times of hustle and bustle?
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, global connectivity, and the relentless pace of modern life, achieving a harmonious balance between the physical and divine aspects of existence is both a profound challenge and a vital necessity. The physical realm encompasses our material needs, daily responsibilities, and tangible experiences, while the divine refers to the spiritual, transcendent, or higher purpose that provides meaning and connection to something greater than oneself. Below, we explore actionable steps for fostering this balance and discuss why it is essential in today’s fast-paced world.
Some steps to achieve balance between the physical and the divine could be: Cultivate Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Practicing mindfulness through meditation, journaling, or quiet contemplation allows individuals to connect with their inner selves and the divine. Allocating even 10–15 minutes daily to reflect on personal values, gratitude, or purpose fosters a deeper awareness of both physical needs and spiritual aspirations. Techniques such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or guided meditation apps are widely accessible and effective.
Engage in Purposeful Rituals: Rituals, whether religious, cultural, or personal, serve as bridges between the physical and divine. These may include prayer, attending spiritual gatherings, or creating personal rituals like lighting a candle or practicing gratitude. Such acts anchor individuals in the present while connecting them to timeless values, fostering a sense of purpose and community.
Prioritize Holistic Well-Being: Balancing physical health (through exercise, nutrition, and rest) with spiritual practices (such as yoga, tai chi, or contemplation) nurtures both body and soul. For instance, yoga integrates physical movement with breathwork and meditation, harmonizing the material and spiritual. Regular physical activity, paired with moments of stillness, supports mental clarity and spiritual grounding.
Foster Connection with Nature: Spending time in natural environments—whether walking in a park, hiking, or simply observing the beauty of the outdoors—helps individuals reconnect with the divine essence of life. Nature serves as a universal reminder of interconnectedness, offering a space to transcend daily stresses and align with a higher sense of purpose.
Practice Compassion and Service: Engaging in acts of kindness, volunteering, or supporting community initiatives aligns the physical act of giving with divine principles of love and unity. Service to others transcends cultural and religious boundaries, creating a shared sense of humanity and spiritual fulfillment.
Set Boundaries with Technology: In today’s digital age, excessive screen time and constant connectivity can disconnect individuals from both their physical well-being and spiritual core. Setting intentional boundaries—such as digital detoxes, limiting social media, or designating tech-free hours—creates space for meaningful reflection and divine connection.
Seek Knowledge and Wisdom: Exploring philosophical, spiritual, or religious texts from diverse traditions (e.g., the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Quran, or secular philosophies like Stoicism) broadens perspectives and deepens understanding of the divine. Joining discussion groups or attending interfaith dialogues fosters a global, inclusive approach to spirituality.
This Balance is an utmost necessity in today’s times for, firstly, Counteracting the Hustle Culture: The relentless pace of modern life—driven by work demands, social pressures, and constant digital stimulation—often leads to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. Balancing the physical and divine provides an antidote by grounding individuals in purpose and resilience. For instance, studies show that spiritual practices reduce stress and improve mental health, with a 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology noting that mindfulness and spiritual engagement lower cortisol levels.
Secondly, Addressing Existential Disconnection: In an increasingly materialistic world, many experience a loss of meaning or connection to something greater. The divine—whether interpreted as a deity, universal energy, or personal purpose—offers a framework for understanding one’s place in the cosmos. This connection fosters hope and combats feelings of isolation prevalent in urbanized, fast-paced societies.
Next, Navigating Global Challenges: Today’s world faces complex issues—climate change, social inequality, and geopolitical tensions—that demand both practical action and ethical reflection. A balance between the physical and divine encourages individuals to act with compassion, wisdom, and a sense of global responsibility, aligning personal efforts with collective well-being.
Further, Enhancing Mental and Emotional Resilience: The pressures of modern life, including financial strain and social comparison amplified by social media, can erode mental health. Spiritual practices, such as meditation or prayer, have been shown to improve emotional regulation and resilience. A 2019 Journal of Clinical Psychology study found that spiritual coping mechanisms significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
It is of utmost necessity also for Fostering Global Unity: In a diverse, interconnected world, embracing the divine through universal values like love, compassion, and respect bridges cultural and religious divides. This balance promotes mutual understanding and peace, countering polarization and fostering a shared sense of humanity.
And finally, for Sustaining Long-Term Well-Being: The pursuit of material success alone often leads to fleeting satisfaction. Integrating the divine—through purpose, gratitude, or connection to a higher power—creates lasting fulfillment. This holistic approach aligns with the World Health Organization’s definition of health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being’, emphasizing the need for spiritual health alongside physical vitality.
Achieving a balance between the physical and divine is not only a personal endeavor but a universal imperative in today’s fast-paced world. By cultivating mindfulness, engaging in rituals, prioritizing well-being, connecting with nature, serving others, managing technology, and seeking wisdom, individuals can forge a meaningful connection between their material existence and spiritual essence.
This balance is essential to counter the stresses of modern life, address existential disconnection, navigate global challenges, and foster resilience and unity. In embracing both the physical and divine, every human being can contribute to a more harmonious, purposeful, and interconnected world.
Your book explores how listening to the gut’s voice is the key to a better life; what ‘messages’ from your gut in life’s different situations helped you have better experiences?
As a journalist and a rationalist with a deep connection to spirituality, I have always been guided by an inner voice—my gut instinct—that has profoundly shaped my life’s journey. While I do not adhere to organized religion, my spiritual inclination has allowed me to tap into the subtle messages of my intuition, leading to transformative experiences across various facets of my life. These gut-driven decisions, often arising in moments of quiet reflection or early morning contemplation, have been pivotal in navigating both personal and professional choices.
One of the most significant instances where my gut spoke to me was in choosing my career path. Initially, I was not part of the media industry, nor did I have any background in writing. In fact, I struggled to write even a single paragraph. However, a persistent inner voice urged me to pursue journalism.
Trusting this instinct, I took a leap of faith, and today, I have authored a 110-page book on a complex topic—an achievement I never imagined possible. This career shift, driven purely by intuition, not only fulfilled me professionally but also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to society through my work.
Another profound moment came when choosing my life partner. This deeply personal decision was guided not by logic alone but by a strong gut feeling that resonated with clarity and certainty. Listening to this inner voice led me to a partnership that has enriched my life with love, understanding, and shared growth.
My constant search for a guru, a spiritual guide, has also been fueled by my gut’s prompting. In the early mornings, when I sit in silence and connect with myself, I feel this inner voice speaking clearly, guiding me toward wisdom and self-discovery. I believe every human being is designed with inherent wonders and miracles, and by giving time to listen to our bodies and engage in self-dialogue, we can uncover our true selves and the guidance we seek.
For me, listening to my gut is about creating space for introspection and trusting the subtle messages that arise. Whether it’s choosing a career, a life partner, or a spiritual path, these intuitive nudges have consistently led me to experiences that are authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with my deeper purpose. By honoring this inner voice, I have not only navigated life’s complexities but also embraced a journey of continuous growth and self-awareness.
What makes ‘A Spiritual Nexus-Gut’ a must-read for all, no matter what walk of life they come from?
‘A Spiritual Nexus-Gut’ is an essential read for individuals from all walks of life, offering a groundbreaking exploration of the gut as the nexus of intuition, validated through both medical science and spiritual wisdom. This book transcends cultural, professional, and ideological boundaries by revealing how the gut, a singular organ activated by nature, serves as a universal guide for decision-making, self-awareness, and a more fulfilling life.
What makes this book uniquely compelling is its integration of medically and spiritually substantiated insights. It unveils the gut as the only organ in the human body naturally designed to bridge the physical and the spiritual, activating our intuitive faculties. Far from being a collection of spiritual anecdotes, every statement in A Spiritual Nexus-Gut is grounded in rigorous medical evidence and timeless spiritual truths, making it accessible and credible to rationalists, scientists, and spiritual seekers alike.
The book draws inspiration from the lives of revered spiritual figures such as Jesus Christ, Mahavatar Babaji, Ramana Maharshi, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Swami Vivekananda, each of whom exemplified the power of gut-driven intuition. By analyzing how these luminaries relied on their inner voice to navigate profound life choices and guide humanity, the book illustrates the transformative potential of the gut across diverse spiritual traditions. These examples resonate universally, offering readers from any background a deeper understanding of how to tap into their own intuitive wisdom.
The unique selling point of A Spiritual Nexus-Gut lies in its revelation that the gut is not merely a digestive organ but a divinely designed center of intuition, supported by both cutting-edge medical research and ancient spiritual teachings. This dual validation empowers readers—whether they are corporate leaders, students, artists, or homemakers—to trust their gut instincts in personal, professional, and emotional decisions. Through my own experiences, such as transitioning to a media career and choosing a life partner guided by intuition, the book provides relatable narratives that demonstrate the practical application of this wisdom.
In a world overwhelmed by external distractions, A Spiritual Nexus-Gut serves as a universal call to reconnect with our innate inner voice. It equips readers with practical tools to cultivate self-awareness and listen to their gut, fostering clarity, purpose, and inner peace.
By blending science, spirituality, and real-life insights, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to unlock the miraculous potential within themselves and live a more intentional, connected, and enriched life.
