If you had it all, then what would you do?

At the age of 20, Daria Hosseinyoun, who graduated from an accelerated program at the University of Southern California so he could take the reins in his father’s company, already appeared to be set for a lifetime of success but the thought of missing something essential bugged him: “I had everything and I had nothing.”

To most, he had it all: a loving family, the car of his dreams, a beautiful girlfriend, two houses, and a family business to fall back on but something was missing. “All I want is happiness and it’s not there,” he said.

When one of his closest friends died at the age of 21, he was shaken to every root of his being. Witnessing death for the first time, he questioned every aspect of life including the origins of suffering and happiness.

From the age of 16, he always had been curious about deep contemplation and meditation as he aspired to learn the essence of Buddhism. At the age of 22, he set out on an adventure that forever changed his life. He learned from experts in their respective fields about Aikido, yoga, and Buddhism. Authorities such as 8th dan instructor Isoyama Shihan, who has taught many globally known individuals, freely shared their knowledge of the truth of Aikido. Also, he studied at the Sivananda ashram where the spirit and teachings of Sivananda, regarded as an authority on Vedanta yoga, remains intact in its legacy. Finally, his encounters in Nepal with one of the foremost monks in the Nyingma lineage were especially transformative as he imparted deep fundamental Buddhist truths that normally would take years to grasp and comprehend.

As he ventured through Mongolia, Bali, Japan, India, Nepal, and Mount Everest, he kept meticulous journals that became the basis for his first book which is scheduled to be published in 2012. His story does not disappoint. Every emotion he experienced is evident in this youthful, energetic, and passionate chronicle.

Always running nonstop, Daria sat for a quick 15-question chat on Twitter with The Selective Echo. He answered some questions about what readers can expect from his book.

15 Questions on Twitter

@DariaHoss What are five words to describe Daria Hosseinyoun?

@selectiveecho Selectively curious, kind-hearted, stubborn at times, open-minded, culturally diverse

@DariaHoss Did you hesitate about taking this trip?

@selectiveecho I initially had doubts but once I decided on it, the hesitation vanished and turned to excitement.

@DariaHoss Had you intended originally to write a book about your experiences?

@selectiveecho No, the plan was to have a journal for myself to reminisce on, but so many encouraged me to write about it.

@DariaHoss What surprised you most about your experiences during your travels?

@selectiveecho How often the foods made me sick. I always had an upset stomach and lost 25 lbs.

@DariaHoss How did your parents react to your decision to make this journey?

@selectiveecho My father loved the idea. My mother was worried about the inherent dangers but quickly became supportive.

@DariaHoss Why is “Roots of Gratitude” so important to the title?

@selectiveecho After a year I realized that a billionaire without gratitude is poor & a poor man with it is a billionaire.

@DariaHoss Does this spiritual journey ever reach a satisfying conclusion?

@selectiveecho No, it is a lifelong journey. When the time is right and I am mentally ready, I will return to the path.

@DariaHoss Your account is candid. How (or) do you protect the innocent and the guilty in your book?

@selectiveecho I show ppl as I saw them & unfriendly characters became close friends as they were initially misunderstood.

@DariaHoss You were just in your early 20s when you did this. Does age really matter in this experience?

@selectiveecho Mental preparedness supersedes the importance of age in a journey like this. I believe that the mind is our most fragile & powerful tool. It should be nurtured so as not to receive information that can damage it.

@DariaHoss How do stories from different countries weave into the narrative of the journals?

@selectiveecho Every country prepared me 4 what was coming next. Had I started in Nepal, my journey would’ve been a failure.

@DariaHoss What was the biggest surprise you learned about yourself in writing this book?

@selectiveecho Looking back at the events gave me a better sense of the events that unfolded.

@DariaHoss Who was your biggest inspiration as a teenager?

@selectiveecho My history teacher, who actually wasn’t even my teacher, took hours after school to discuss philosophy & life.

@DariaHoss What advice do you have for anyone who might embark upon a similar trip?

@selectiveecho Say no to nothing. Embark on your journey as if you are about to jump out of a plane, with full faith knowing the universe will be your parachute.

@DariaHoss Any advice about the quest for spirituality especially for young people?

@selectiveecho Don’t take more than you can handle; the mind is fragile. Trust in something greater. Great faith is the backbone for great accomplishments.

@DariaHoss What’s in store for your future?

@selectiveecho I’m taking on a new experience: business. I am open 2 life’s cycles. Each experience sets up what comes next.

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