Hip-hop culture and Eastern spirituality aren’t obvious bedfellows, but self-made multi-millionaire Russell Simmons makes the connection seem natural in his new self-help book, “Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All.”
He’ll be in Buckhead promoting the book Jan. 31. Here, the founder of Def Jam Records, the Hip-Hop Summit, Def Poetry Jam, Def Comedy Jam and Phat Farm clothing, talks about his message of spiritual enlightenment as a path to pay day.
Q: You preface a lot of your advice in this book with such phrases as, “I know you’re rolling your eyes right now…”. Did you have doubts about writing a book that tells people wealth could be theirs if they focus on their spirituality, especially while unemployment is so high?
A: I want to break this cycle of a poverty mindset in communities. People don’t expect or really believe that joy comes from the work itself. This book is meant to instill courage.
I also have proof that when you do better, the road to enlightenment is paved with riches. That, I can prove. The happy, giving, sweet attentive worker rises in the ranks. The road to enlightenment is paved with accolades and junk and toys and all the things people want. So I can promise you if you go down this route, you’ll have these responses. I have faith this message can deliver change and growth for people.
Q: Do you feel like your take on Eastern religion will be an introduction for most readers to ideas like transcendental meditation and yoga?
A: With the exception of some of the practices that bring you to the place I’m referring to, of being ‘super rich,’ which is a state of needing nothing, everyone who reads this book has thought about every one of these things before.
We all know them through all the scriptures that prophets, imams, rabbis and preachers tell us. It’s nothing new. But I hope it’s a twist in the way it’s delivered. The reason that the prophets were different colors and came at different times delivering the same message is that there are different ways of listening to the same idea.
Q: For quite some time, you’ve lived in a world of wealth and status few of us have any concept of. What do you do to make sure you stay connected with people who would buy this book?
A: I work in the hood! I have PeaceKeepers programs (an anti-violence campaign Simmons funds). There is a tax bracket that separates us, but I don’t think for a moment that we’re any different. I still feel aligned with the people in the community I came from.
Q: In this prescription for success that you lay out, what were the hardest parts of it for you to apply in your own life?
A: All of them. In the physical practice of yoga, they tell you to smile and breathe through the poses. They’re so painful. This practice relieves suffering, but not pain. Pain is inevitable. You smile even though it’s a tough pose. That’s life.
Meditation is the part of yoga we all want to get to. Can we be still and comfortable in our seat? No matter how big your mansion is, you can only sit in one seat at a time. Learning to be comfortable in your seat is life’s journey.
“Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All” book signing
Signing event and photos with Russell Simmons at 7 p.m. Wristbands will be handed out at 9 a.m. At least one book must be purchased on-site. The signing line forms at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31. Barnes & Noble, 2900 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite 110. 404-261-7747.
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