June 12, 2017: Golf is as much a game played in the mind, as it is on the course. Anirban Lahiri understands it only too well, as is evident from his decision to spend a week in meditation. The 65th ranked Indian announced his intent to practice his favoured Vipassana meditation, taking advantage of his absence from the US Open.
Anirban declared his plans to strengthen his mind and gain peace through a ten day hiatus for meditation and reflection. Here was his tweet from last week –
Looking forward to 10 days of meditation starting tomorrow @VipassanaOrg. #mayallbeingsbehappy #impermanence ??
— Anirban Lahiri (@anirbangolf) June 7, 2017
The embattled Indian roared back to form with a spectacular weekend performance in the Memorial tournament. Anirban came in for some generous praise by none other than the great Jack Nicklaus. The Big Bear, host of the Memorial event, was impressed by the Indian’s golf and attitude.
After posting a brilliant 65 that gave him the clubhouse lead, Anirban was grateful to Nicklaus for his support and encouragement.
That was a truly special Sunday @MemorialGolf. Thank you Mr @jacknicklaus for inspiring me and believing in me. #currypower ??
— Anirban Lahiri (@anirbangolf) June 5, 2017
Eventually, Anirban finished T2 at the Muirfield Village Golf Club to reverse his slide in rankings. Anirban was down below the 90s before rising to 65 with his stellar performance in the iconic tournament.
Meditation has been a key source of strength for Anirban. He has been practicing the art for nearly a decade now, often crediting his work with Vipassana for getting through tight situations.
“When you practice meditation it’s all about controlling your breath, understanding what your body is feeling under pressure, whether your heart rate is high or low, whether your tight or relaxed or tense, anxious, or just happy,” Anirban told the Reuters in 2015.
“When I meditate it’s like an exercise in self-observation and when you observe yourself it kind of helps you to disassociate from pressure situations.”
Anirban’s growing legion of fans can look forward to see the ace golfer return energized from his ten day Vipassana work, as he seeks out a maiden victory on American soil.
By Anand Datla
