ABOUT
PANDIT'S JOURNEY
My parents migrated to the U.S. from India in 1980 with very little money. I was just a little child and one of the first things my parents did to earn an income was to set up a small shop on the boardwalk at Venice Beach in Los Angeles which is where I began to taste American culture for the first time.
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When I lived as a monk, everyone asked me why I became a monk. Now that I’m no longer a monk people want to know why I’m no longer a monk. The answer is not so simple and instead of trying to overwhelm people with my answer and to answer many other questions people had, I wrote a book, Urban Monk.
I DIDN’T JUST WAKE UP ONE DAY THINKING TO LIVE IN A MONASTERY...
without money and minimal possessions. My journey inward  began after my family lost their multimillion dollar jewelry business in Los Angeles and we went almost completely broke.
Life only got more exciting when we left everything behind and decided to explore new business opportunities in post-communist Bulgaria in the early 1990s. After living in a politically unstable environment for two years, we decided that the best thing would be to move back to the US.
AFTER A LOT OF SOUL-SEARCHING
After my Indian visa expired, I came back to New York and realized that I wasn’t ready to live life with a 9-to-5 job, so I ended up
SPENDING 15 YEARS IN A MONASTERY
in the Lower East Side of New York City. Having learnt so much from the monkhood, I began sharing the wisdom with college students around the country. Now, in my post-monk life, I’ve been sharing messages of resilience, leadership, stress management at work life balance with corporate audiences and just people around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pandit Dasa?
Pankaj Sri is a keynote speaker, workplace mindfulness teacher, and former monk who spent 15 years immersed in the study and practice of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-leadership. He now works with organizations to improve culture, reduce stress, and help teams feel more grounded, connected, and resilient.
What makes Pandit Dasa’s approach unique?
Pankaj blends ancient contemplative wisdom with modern workplace psychology. His style is practical, engaging, and rooted in real-world experience from teaching thousands of professionals across tech, finance, healthcare, and education.
Do you offer virtual programs?
Yes. All keynotes and workshops can be delivered virtually over Zoom, Teams, or your preferred platform. Virtual sessions are interactive and include guided practices, Q&A, and practical tools.
Do you offer one-on-one coaching?
Yes. Coaching is available for leaders, founders, managers, and individuals seeking clarity, presence, emotional resilience, or support in navigating transitions.