17 hours ago
Last Updated:March 16, 2025, 22:29 IST
Lex Fridman described the fasting as a way to honour the discussion with PM Modi and reach a "spiritual level."
PM Modi appears on Lex Fridman Podcast (Photo: YouTube/ Lex Fridman)
US-based podcaster and AI researcher Lex Fridman revealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he had been fasting for about 45 hours “just to get into the right mindset" before the “epic" conversation.
He described the fasting as a way to honour the discussion with PM Modi and reach a “spiritual level."
“I am fasting right now — it’s almost been 2 days, 45 hours. Just water, no food in honour of this conversation, just to get into the right mindset, get into the spiritual level," Fridman told PM Modi during the conversation.
The Prime Minister broke into laughter and expressed surprised and gratitude for Fridman’s gesture.
“All the more because it feels like you’re fasting as a tribute of respect for me. So, I express my deepest gratitude to you for doing this," PM Modi said.
PM Modi also highlighted the benefits of fasting and explained how ancient the practice is and how it has transformed his life, helping him “think out of the box" and heightening his senses.
“Fasting is a way to cultivate discipline… It is a powerful tool to bring both the inner and outer self into balance. It shapes life in profound ways. When you fast, every single one of your senses, especially smell, touch, and taste, becomes highly sensitive. Another thing I’ve experienced is that fasting can greatly accelerate the thinking process and can, uh, give a fresh perspective. You start thinking outside the box," he said.
PM Modi further outlined how the Supreme Court has seen Hinduism as not only “about rituals or methods of worship, but rather as a way of living."
“In simple terms, it is a powerful tool to bring both inner and outer self into balance. It shapes life in profound ways," he said.
The Prime Minister further said that he keeps various fasts through the year, including a major one for almost four-and-a-half months during which he has just one meal. During two auspicious periods of nine days each on Navratri, on one occasion, PM Modi just has a fruit once daily, and during the second period of nine days, he survives just on hot water.
Fridman Attempts Chanting Gayatri Mantra
During the conversation, the podcaster also made an attempt at chanting ‘Gayatri Mantra’.
He said that he was trying to do the chants while fasting and sought PM Modi’s insights on the significance of this Mantra.
“In this moment, I was wondering if you could guide me perhaps through a Hindu prayer or meditation for a few moments. I learned, I’m trying to learn the Gayatri Mantra. In my fast I was trying to do the chants. Perhaps I could try chanting. You could tell me about the importance of this mantra and maybe others in your life, in your spirituality? Should I try?" Fridman asked PM Modi.
The podcaster then chanted the Mantra in the tune it is traditionally chanted in India.
Location : First Published:March 16, 2025, 22:29 IST
News india ‘Wanted Right Mindset’: Lex Fridman On Fasting For 45 Hours Before Podcast With PM Modi
