The Nepalese government banished an American businessman this week for assaulting a Buddhist monk on the mountain of Manaslu. Sources say Jim Steelman, CEO of Steelman and Sons Petroleum, lost his temper after a weeks long spiritual journey ended in frustration.
Ram Dahal, also known as “the sage,” is famous worldwide for his spiritual teachings, and many have gone so far as to say he has discovered the secret of life. Even better, he is willing to freely give it to anyone able to climb the treacherous mountain path to his secluded cave.
Steelman, whose family owns numerous oil refineries in Texas, learned about Dahal from a business acquaintance who praised the monk’s teachings as life-changing. Steelman offered to pay for the secrets but his associate told him this was impossible, as the sage’s advice is tailored to each individual.
The CEO was frustrated but not dissuaded. Joe Sherman, who works at Steelman and Sons Petroleum, said Steelman became obsessed with learning the secret over a period of weeks:
“He was spending hours each day trying to figure it out. He really did want to better himself, and he thought the wisdom would give him an edge in the oil industry.”
A Journey East
A week later Steelman took leave from his high-powered position and chartered a private jet to Nepal. “He cancelled important meetings, let deadlines pass, and even postponed his wedding anniversary celebration,” said Sherman. He arrived in Nepal the next day and tried to hire a helicopter to take him to Dahal’s cave, but local authorities intervened. Steelman was reportedly upset but agreed to hike the path himself.
Bhintuna Rayamajhi, who guided Steelman and his personal assistants into the treacherous peaks, spoke to the Jest about his experience: “It is dangerous, miles of rock and cliff. You are moving upward entire time, and any wrong move can send you tumbling to certain death.”
Steelman spent several days climbing the mountain, stopping at tea houses and inns to rest along the way. Rayamajhi described the CEO’s increasing irritability as the journey progressed:
“He was not usual visitor. He constantly complained about the conditions, and refused to carry his own provisions. Each time there was setback, he told us how much money he could have made if he had been working. He kept adding these numbers together and reminding us.”
Despite the cold and dangerous mountain passes, Steelman did eventually reach the sage’s cave, but by this point he simply wanted the secret. Rayamajhi recalled his condition: “He desperately missed the comforts of America. His feet were covered in blisters and he would lash out at everyone if asked a question. He spirits did rise when the sage invited him to sit down and talk.”
“It’s about damn time,” Steelman reportedly said as he sat across from the monk.
Steelman discussed his recent interest in eastern thought and told him he had sacrificed much to come here. Rayamajhi said the sage listened carefully the entire time, sipping tea from a small cup and rarely moving from his meditative pose.
“What is the secret?” Steelman reportedly asked.
At this point Dahal supposedly looked at Steelman and told him:
“The riches you seek lie in the present moment.”
According to Rayamajhi, Steelman waited for several minutes for the sage to continue but finally realized there was no more.
“He laughed, then asked for more, but the sage only smiled and told him that was all he needed. I could see the frustration on his face. He turned red as beat, then balled his hands into fists.”
Steelman reportedly asked his assistants to decode the riddle, but no one had an answer. “He was angry,” said Rayamajhi, “and he began to accuse the sage of deception, asking him what kind of operation he was running.”
Steelman’s assistants helped him calm down for a short while. They moved to a secluded area of the mountain and sat down on some rocks, attempting once more to decipher the words. Unfortunately, they had no success, and Rayamajhi says it was at this point that Steelman entered a violent rage.
“What does that even mean? I’ve gotten better advice on a fortune cookie. It’s meaningless!” he shouted. Steelman then began flipping over pots and tables. When Dahal showed no reaction, the CEO grabbed him by the robes and shouted:
“I want answers you tiny son of a bitch!”
Eventually Steelman cooled down and left the mountain, but the authorities were alerted by the time he reached the nearest town and escorted him back to his jet. Sources say there was talk of charging the businessman with a crime but he fled the country before they could reach a decision. Not long after the government of Nepal announced that Steelman was banished for life.
Rayamajhi said he understood Steelman’s frustration but believed he handled the situation poorly. “He wanted a quick answer, but he does not realize what the sage told him is the secret. He simply did not realize it. It is shame.”
Steelman returned home last week. His office declined to respond to the Jest’s request for comment, but sources say he called Dahal’s advice worthless and said the experience taught him that eastern philosophy is a sham.
