Episode Summary
Executive Summary: Lewis Howes interviews Prita G of One World Academy about suffering, meditation, and spiritual vision. The conversation argues that modern stress and isolation come from self-focused thinking, and that wisdom plus practice can help people move into connection, joy, and calm courage without sacrificing success, wealth, or impact.
Main Topics: Suffering as self-focused thinking: Prita frames alienation, anger, fear, jealousy, and stress as states where thinking revolves around oneself, which increases separation and suffering. Spiritual vision and inner transformation: The academy emphasizes having a vision for one’s internal state—moving from suffering to joy, and from disconnection to connection—as the foundation for a meaningful life. Wisdom plus meditation as a transformational path: One World Academy combines teachings with direct practice so wisdom becomes lived experience rather than intellectual understanding alone. Practical tools for shifting state: They describe short practices, including a three-breath exercise and guided awareness techniques, to help people notice emotions and move into calmer states. Suffering is not required for success: Prita argues that people can achieve, create wealth, lead, and contribute from calm, joy, and connection rather than stress or fear. Personal origin story and the creation of the academy: Prita and Krishna’s early spiritual experiences, and a traumatic jet ski accident in Big Bear Lake, became the catalyst for founding One World Academy. Leadership, relationships, and social impact: The episode highlights how leaders like Tony Robbins and others use the academy’s ideas to improve their organizations, families, and communities.
Key Arguments: People suffer because their thoughts loop around the self; when attention shifts outward into love and connection, suffering decreases. Modern education does not teach people to look भीतर/within or recognize that they are in stress, anger, or anxiety, so many live unconsciously for years. A spiritual vision for inner joy and connection is as important as external goals like success, wealth, and contribution. Transformation requires both wisdom and practice; intellectual understanding alone does not create lasting change. Small, repeatable practices can help people recognize emotions in real time and shift states quickly. A calm, joyful state can increase effectiveness, creativity, and leadership; suffering is not a prerequisite for achievement. When leaders change their inner state, the impact extends to their families, teams, and larger communities.
Data Points: Episode number: 374 - Lewis introduces this as episode 374 of The School of Greatness. Academy founded: 2009 - Lewis states One World Academy was started in 2009. Program length: 3 minutes - Prita describes a short introductory practice of three conscious breaths / a three-minute practice. Program length: 9 to 12 minutes - Prita references a longer meditative practice after the initial short exercise. Program length: 2.5 days - She mentions a two-and-a-half-day process called Being Limitless. Program length: 5 days - She describes the India campus process as a five-day Field of Transformation. Academy age: 7 years old - Lewis notes the academy is seven years old at the time of recording. Prita age at first awakening glimpse: 9 years old - She says her glimpse of awakening started when she was nine. Prita started meditation: 17 years old - She says she began practicing meditation around age 17. Marriage duration: 20 years - Prita says she and Krishna have been married for 20 years. Daughter age during accident: 5.5 years old - She says their daughter was five and a half during the Big Bear Lake jet ski accident. Program volume in India: around 400 people per year - Prita estimates about 400 people go through the five-day experience in India each year. Upcoming Los Angeles dates: October 7th, 8th, and 9th - Lewis mentions a program scheduled in Los Angeles on those dates. Tony Robbins attendance: once - Prita says Tony Robbins came to the academy once.
Pivotal Quotes: "We are suffering. And the entire thinking is revolving around oneself." — Prita G: She explains her theory that suffering is driven by self-referential thinking. "You don't need to suffer all along in order to create wealth." — Prita G: She argues success and achievement do not require ongoing stress or pain. "My definition of greatness is to be in a place where you can connect and love." — Prita G: Her closing definition ties greatness to connection and love rather than status or achievement.
Implications: The episode reframes wellness and performance: inner state, not stress, should drive achievement. Listeners are encouraged to use small practices to reduce suffering, improve relationships, and lead with calm, connected presence.
About The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes is a New York Times best-selling author, 2x All-American athlete, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. The School of Greatness shares inspiring interviews from the most successful people on the planet—world-renowned leaders in business, entertainment, sports, science, health, and literature—to inspire YOU to unlock your inner greatness and live your best life.