Lessons from a Master

Weekly wisdom to level up your creative life in 3 minutes, for free.

A SHORT STORY

Last week, I flew to India for just 24 hours to see my teacher, Gurukkal.

I’ve been his student for the past 12 years, and I’ve written about him numerous times in this newsletter.

As his student, I’ve trained in the world’s oldest martial art—Kalaripayattu. Yet, as the years go by, I find that the lessons are less about physical training and more about the spirit.

This time, I came because I’ll be teaching elements of Kalaripayattu at NYU as an adjunct professor for the Tisch School of Drama’s new Innovation Studio.

But, more than that, I came to reconnect with him on what it means to be a teacher.

Each time I visit with Gurukkal, he shares something profound that I continue to reflect on for years after. During this visit, I asked him about his role as a teacher and how that has grown over time. He paused for a moment and then shared with me the origin of the word Gurukkal.

“Guru,” he told me, “means mastery of form, and kkal is the calling to embody how that mastery is taught.”

That really floored me.

He went on, “As a guru, I must master my form. But, even more importantly, my job is to pass that form by embodying whatever relationship my student needs in that moment—a father to a son, a calming presence, or strength.”

I believe we each have this calling, in whatever form we choose to master. Whether it’s our work, our relationships, or a sport, as we progress in our mastery, we are called to embody it for others.

In a world often focused on individual success, Gurukkal’s words remind me that true mastery lies in service.

“Everything I do is for the others,” he told me. “That is true happiness.”

Perhaps that’s the ultimate lesson: that fulfillment comes not from perfecting our craft for ourselves, but from giving it back to those who come after us. To be both master and guide, for others. To live as Gurukkal lives—an embodiment of wisdom, and a bridge for others to cross.

What form are you mastering in your life? How can you use that to guide others this week?

A CREATIVE TOOL

There is a larger trend in the emerging technology space that involves AI Agents - digital AI assistants that will automate tasks for you that include purchasing products, gathering research, and even booking your flights. You may see this as early as the holidays!

OpenAI CPO Kevin Weil even hinted that ChatGPT will have the ability to messages users first, and that performing tasks for users will be a big theme in 2025.

A PIECE OF ART

“Narrative Theology #1” by Padraig O Tuama

And I said to him
Are there answers to all of this?
And he said
The answer is in a story
and the story is being told.

And I said
But there is so much pain
And she answered, plainly,
Pain will happen.

Then I said
Will I ever find meaning?
And they said
You will find meaning
Where you give meaning.

The answer is in the story
And the story isn’t finished.

Grateful,

Michael