It’s Tuesday, my blog day, but today, I had nothing to write. Blame it on the viral infection that had me down. The doctor told me to avoid walks, but I couldn’t resist. And I’m so glad I didn’t.

That evening, I went on my usual walk with a friend, and what started as a casual conversation turned into one of the most thought-provoking discussions I’ve had in a while. Maybe The Alchemist was right—our intuition never lies, and we should always listen to it.

The Glamourization of God

As we walked, the topic of God came up, specifically how Maghi Ganeshotsav has become more popular lately. From there, the discussion drifted to the grand Ganeshotsav celebrations and the way people are treated at famous Ganpati mandals.

We all know the places I’m talking about, so let’s not name them. The core of the discussion was simple: The Ganpati is the same, whether at home or in a public mandal. Yet, certain places have glamorized God, creating VIP experiences, special privileges, and grand spectacles.

Ironically, the same people who have glorified these gods at certain places are often the ones who later complain about how they’re treated as “ordinary” devotees while VIPs get special access. My friend asked, Shouldn’t everyone be treated equally in a place of worship?

I told him, in an ideal world, there wouldn’t be a VIP Ganpati in the first place because that’s not how it works. But even if we put that aside, the truth is the complaint only comes from those who don’t have access to privilege.

Because let’s be honest—if you suddenly make these same complaining people rich, they’ll be the first ones demanding VIP treatment. As the Marathi proverb goes, कोल्ह्याला द्राक्षे आंबट.

Surrender: The Missing Piece

Earlier that afternoon, I was listening to Dr. K’s podcast about how true gurus worked in ancient times. He explained that the self-help industry today is an illusion, offering the appearance of help without actually helping.

Back then, real Gurus didn’t just offer advice; they required complete surrender. Only when a person let go of their ego and accepted that they knew nothing could they receive real guidance.

And that’s when something clicked in my mind. Isn’t that how God works too?

Whether it’s God, a Guru, or self-help, the path to clarity is the same. You have to surrender. You have to let go of what you think you know. Only then can you actually receive something meaningful.

God, Guru, and Self-Help: None of It Works Without Surrender

I told my friend everything that had just hit me.

It doesn’t matter which Ganpati you visit, how many hours you stand in line, which Guru you follow, or how many self-help books you read.

You won’t get anything out of it unless you’re actually ready to surrender—to accept that you know nothing, shut up, and listen.

And here’s the real truth:

If you’re humble enough to surrender, you don’t even need a God, a Guru, or self-help books.

Everything you need is already within you. But to access it, you have to get out of your own way.

The Walk That Proved a Point

I guess I’m glad I surrendered to my intuition and went for that walk.

Because had I stayed home, I wouldn’t have had this conversation, this realization, or this blog. And once again, life proves its point. Sometimes, all you need to do is trust, step forward, and let things unfold.

Because the answers? They come when you’re finally ready to listen.