In my early thirties, I experienced what can only be described as a moment of divine intervention—one that broke the chains and cycles of years of unconscious self-loathing, abuse, and abasement. That single event set me on a long and winding journey of spiritual self-discovery.
Early in this journey, I stumbled upon Gangaji’s Hidden Treasure while browsing the spiritual section of a bookstore in London. I was deeply struck by the honesty and openness with which she shared her own struggles and the turning points on her spiritual path. The wisdom and enlightening moments she recounted felt offered with such generosity and abundance that I could feel them gently softening the armor I had built around my soul.
A few years later, I discovered The Diamond in Your Pocket, and it became a constant companion. I read it over and over, carrying it with me everywhere—on commutes, in quiet corners, and even across continents. Gangaji’s words felt maternal and nurturing, filled with gentleness, care, and forgiveness. The book offered both solace and inspiration as I navigated life’s challenges and joys.
On one fateful day, during a flight back to Japan, I accidentally left the book in the seat pocket in front of me. When I realized it was gone, the book I had journeyed with for so long, I was surprised to feel not loss, but a deep, abiding peace. It was as if I instinctively knew it was time to let it go and to live the teachings rather than simply read them. Gangaji’s message was no longer just words; it had become a living presence within me.
It has now been nearly 15 years since I first encountered The Diamond in Your Pocket. The journey it inspired is reflected in a trilogy of short films that I recently completed as a long standing passion project—visual parables that I wrote, produced, and directed. These films explore stories traditionally told verbally, reimagined through imagery and film. Each chapter examines a different facet of awakening consciousness: from the sleep of unawareness, to a rude awakening and the death of an ego, through struggles of attachment and detachment, and finally to liberation.
The trilogy begins with The Mosquito Man, continues with The River, and concludes with this final chapter, The Thief & The Gentleman. The first two films are scheduled for release in the coming weeks, with this film serving as the culmination of the series.
The Thief & The Gentleman is directly inspired by the opening story of Gangaji’s book—a story she received from her beloved teacher, H.W.L. Poonja. That story has lived in my heart ever since, profoundly shaping my own spiritual path.
To have this film viewed by Gangaji herself is an honor beyond words. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share it here, through her foundation, with everyone on their own journey of self-discovery. My hope is that the spirit of Gangaji’s teaching shines through and offers inspiration to all who encounter it.
