Interviewed in Dubai on February 17, 2015
Interview with Geshe Michael Roach on ZeeTV’s “ZeeConnect”
Best-selling author Geshe Michael Roach recently visited Dubai to speak at an event focused on ancient wisdom and modern success, held at the Grand Hathor Beach Resort. ZeeConnect caught up with him to discuss his philosophy, his journey, and how ancient Buddhist teachings can be applied to modern business.
Michael Roach is the best-selling author of The Diamond Cutter and a truly unique personality. He studied Buddhism in Tibet for over 25 years and now teaches how to apply these principles to modern organizations and businesses around the world.
During the interview, Michael shared how it all began. While studying at Princeton University, he had the opportunity to go study with Tibetan monks. What was supposed to be a short trip turned into a 25-year journey, during which he completed a rigorous degree known as Geshe at a Tibetan monastic university.
He later founded an international diamond company, which he helped grow to a valuation of $250 million. When asked about the key to that success, Michael explained a unique perspective:
“We are trained to understand that how we see the world is coming from seeds in our mind. Some people see opportunities, and some don’t — because of the seeds they’ve planted mentally.”
He shared a four-step method taught in the monastery for achieving goals, whether in business, health, or relationships:
- Decide what you want – Be clear about your goal.
- Choose someone who wants the same thing – A friend or family member.
- Help that person once a week – For example, assist your friend with their business idea every Friday for one hour, free of charge.
- Be aware while helping – Watch yourself helping. This creates a mental impression, or “seed”, that leads to future opportunities.
This method emphasizes that helping others is not only altruistic — it also plants the mental seeds for our own success.
When asked about the apparent contradiction between Buddhist detachment and worldly success, Michael clarified:
“When the Buddha said ‘don’t be attached,’ he meant don’t be attached to the old way — cheating, competing, or hurting others for gain. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good home, a nice car, or a loving family. Detachment means letting go of harmful approaches. Help others get what you want, and success will follow.”
The conversation concluded with a recommendation for viewers to start with The Diamond Cutter, a book that expands on these ideas in greater detail.
If any of this resonates with you, be sure to check out the book and dive deeper into the wisdom Michael Roach continues to share with the world.
