Gregory David Roberts - Spirituality, finding solace in solitary confinement and life in an Indian slum

Gregory David Roberts is the author of best selling novel, Shantaram and sequel, Mountain Shadow. Selling over 6 million copies, it is partly based on Gregory's own life experience of escaping prison in Australia and being on the run, during which time he lived in a slum in India. After ten years as a fugitive, Gregory was re-captured in Germany and spent time in both solitary confinement and maximum security before being released over seven years later. After five years on parole, Gregory finished writing Shantaram, got it published and sold the movie rights.

After withdrawing from society around seven years ago, and going 'off  grid,' Gregory committed himself to exploring and researching spirituality in a 'leap of faith'. This  resulted in him writing a book called The Spiritual Path; a personal account of his journey looking at science, belief, faith and devotion. 

Gregory tells me his story about escaping from prison and being on the run for ten years. He reflects on how his time in prison and how solitary confinement was transformative for him. He talks about what it's like to be a fugitive, when the need to 'fit in' and go undetected is paramount and he shares his experience of living in an Indian slum. We talk about faith and how having purpose has the potential to ease the most dire of circumstances.

We talk about self and ego, as well as the importance of devotion, and Gregory gives some sage advice for the spirituality curious (despite his protestations that he is ineligible to provide advice on such matters). 

Excitingly, Gregory shares some intel about the upcoming Apple + series of Shantaram starring Charlie Hunnam (if you've read the book you'll no doubt be as excited as I am). And finally,  he gives some great words of wisdom which are certainly evidence of a life less ordinary.

Pick up a copy of Shantaram here and The Spiritual Path here.

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