Jaina Desai's Experience

My Art of Living Experience:

About Myself: I was born and brought up in Mumbai. I studied in St. Xavier's College, Mumbai and then went on to study Law.vI also have a degree in French. Today, I take care of the International Office for the Art of Living and I live in Bangalore at the headquarters of a movement that has spread to 151 countries and touched the lives of millions, rekindled hope, brought a sense of spirituality along with tangible service projects that have aided in community development, bringing peace and prosperity to many across the globe.

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew that life was more than just studying, making money, getting into relationships, having a great career....there had to be a better value to this Existence. I found it the day I saw my beloved Guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar or Guruji. I met him when I was 24 and studying to be a lawyer. Through his teachings, I realised that my life had a more beautiful dimension, a deeper purpose and a more joyful commitment. I learned to be happy even in adverse circumstances, and found the ability to share joy with other people.

I taught the Art of Living Course for children - ART Excel - All Round Training in Excellence to thousands of children from the slums of Dharavi in Mumbai, India to the groups who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. In teaching them, Guruji taught me to be more loving and patient, to give without expecting and to rekindle human values, a sense of confidence in the younger generation.

In our scriptures they talk of being born again, I can truly say that I had a new birth when I met Guruji. I have first-hand witnessed the transformation that has taken place in so many villages in India due to the Art of Living's 5H Program (Homes for the Homeless, Hygiene, Health, Human Values and Harmony in Diversity). And right across our ashram is a school that Guruji started with a vision to educate every child. This school imparts free education to over 2000 children.

This morning, I spoke to a lady whose husband was killed by Naxal terrorists a few years ago. She decided that instead of seeking revenge on the killers, she would teach the Art of Living programs to the Naxal terrorists so that they could find a path of inner peace and social acceptance. I asked her what made her do this. She said: "Didi (Sister), if Guruji can love thousands and millions unconditionally, let me at least do this for a few people!"

I believe that what Guruji offers to this planet is practical wisdom, solutions to economic, social and emotional challenges that people face in contemporary times. These solutions are founded on a bedrock of spirituality and human values that resonate with people of all religions, cultures and nationalities.

I remember teaching this program to a group of 18-20 year olds in France in a Banlieue (Suburb) a few years ago. They had the same experiences that a young person from Dharavi, Mumbai would have. Talk of a Global Village!

In these past few years, I have met with and coordinated projects with so many incredible people from all over the world who have been inspired by Guruji's vision and who have created such a beautiful world through service, spirituality and their smiles!!!

Maybe you will meet some of them right here on this blog! :)