IKIGAI, the Japanese concept which means 'The reason for being' is the reason for a happy and long life. According to Francesc Miralles, author of IKIGAI: The Secret to a Long and Happy Life', finding the "Why "of life is the most important step towards IKIGAI.
The conversation between C Balagopal and Miralles brimmed with lessons for life. Miralles said that "This is a book to read and think." He shared his experience of writing IKIGAI. He had met his co-author who was in search of his IKIGAI and learnt about the Japanese island of Okinawa, where Ikigai has its origins, and is said to be home to the largest population of centenarians in the world.
When asked about how difficult the approach to the community was, Miralles said that it was difficult, as in Japanese culture senior citizens are considered the highest authority. Due to the same, there were many people to get permission from, but once they could get into the community they realized that everyone was happy there as they led a simple life there. He exerted on the fact that the lack of internet connectivity nurtured the deeper human connections.
Dwelling into the plot of the work, Miralles discussed many of the techniques to find one’s IKIGAI. Speaking about the same, Francesc also said that "There are two moments in life where IKIGAI is important; one is at retirement and the other is when one is about to decide their future, hence, the work is relevant to youngsters as well as those in old age.”
The session concluded with an interaction which gave further insights to the book.