Swami Paramtej - art of living experience

Senior Yoga and Meditation Teacher, Art of Living Foundation

I was born and bought up in Delhi, India. Since the age of 10 years, I started meditating on my own. I was fascinated by epics like the Ramayana and the Krishna Leela, especially Lord Hanuman (The Monkey God) and his devotion to Lord Rama and his ability where nothing was impossible for him. I used to love listening to their stories but at the same time had little doubts whether these incidences actually happened.

Living a full life - with joy and contentment

I knew from the beginning that I did not exist in this world only to eat, drink, sleep and work. I also used to wonder how and what I would like to do before I leave this body, so that I have no regrets later on. Until the age of 27, I desperately wanted some guidance and started spiritual shopping. At last, I found Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji at a big public gathering in December 2000. I knew that this is the path I have to follow! I completed the Art of Living course in January 2001 and found all the answers in the course. I found that there is a buffet of everything I wanted to do. Be it service, singing dancing, yoga, knowledge and all in such abundance. I cannot imagine any other way of living life which is so full, which can give such joy and contentment. Being a teacher to impart this highest knowledge, to make people stress free and joyful, makes life a true celebration - it is amazing. I see it everyday - so many people get healed with yoga, pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya and blessings. I see so many benefits and miraculous improvements in people by doing the Art of Living courses. There is definitely a divine power which is working to give a direction to the world, irrespective of religion, nationality, caste, color, social status.




                     Video - Art of Living Course Experiences

How does Guruji manage this responsibility? He does it with such simplicity, as though it is not a big deal. And who wouldn't be charmed by his unconditional love?  In fact I just feel so grateful to be born at this time where I can not only see and be with him, but also have the opportunity to bring his knowledge to many people.

Shreya Chugh - Art of Living Experience:

Art of Living Teacher, ARTExcel, YES, National Director for The Art of Living -Youth Empowerment programs

I was born and raised in Bangalore, India. I went to Sri Aurobindo Memorial
School and hold a Masters degree in International Business. I’m an ardent lover
of adventure sports and hold the Kirmani Award for rappelling . I've also won
many accolades in white water rafting and trekking. My passion lies in graphic
design, photography, music, cartooning and painting. I’m currently working
as the National Coordinator for The Art of Living -Youth Empowerment programs
and focusing on teenage youth from all across India.

The ABC of My Master

My Friend - My Guide - My support - My ALL

I was raised on a golden platter with luxury at its highest peak! Money, gadgets, cars, 5 star hotels meant everything. I thought I owned the world. My ATTITUDE was up in the air until I met Ajay, who was my best friend at school and HIS UNCLE (His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar), mother– Bhanu Didi, Narasimhan Uncle, Amma– Gurudev’s mother, Pitaji – Gurudev’s father and Arvind! Not to miss, Chickoo - Ajay’s little pet dog !

Years passed by and I started to work for an Australian firm – Your Practice Online. Every day I would somehow feel I could be much more useful to the world in a different way. Every evening, I saw myself running back home, Ajay’s Uncle’s home – Sri Sri’s home! Often, I would visit the Art of Living International Ashram with Ajay, Pitaji and Amma to see Guruji. Initially, it was a picnic for me, a joy ride down the country side. In the ashram, I would sing, play, dance, meditate, serve and make new friends. All my friends were people from different countries, races, religions and backgrounds – This was an ideal place for me! My life! My Vision! My Expression! - An ideal Home! A One World Family!
After playing in the ashram, I would visit the Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth school
with Bhanu Aunty. This school was started by Guruji in 1986 with a handful of students and now it provides primary education to over 2000 students from over 20 villages around the ashram. The children studying in the school were mostly first generation learners. Aunty, Ajay, Arvind and I would visit the school very often and distribute books, uniforms and stationary to them. Aunty would listen to the children with such intensity and reply with such positivity, as if they were her own children. She herself would serve them their mid day meals. This was the atmosphere in the school. One always felt loved and at home. Bhanu Aunty inculcated great values in my life. From her, I learnt to love, to stretch my hand first and to share and care.

I heard Uncle – “His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar” once say - " Rich are those who share their food, richer are those who share their wealth, even richer are those who share their power and Richest are those who share themselves".  This ONE statement Transformed my life, 180 degrees!

Guruji’s simple messages to me as a child gave such depth to my existence! He would call me aside and give me small responsibilities. I remember, one day during Shiva Ratri celebrations, in the center, He called me and told me to light the lamp that was placed on the stage. I went running looking for the match and some oil. It was a windy day and each time I lit the lamp, it would go off. He watched me with such love and care, that look in his eyes which said – go ahead!  I'm here with u, it will light up! and there it did!  He always taught me to do small things, with great love!

Some years later, the ashram was to celebrate the inauguration of its new Meditation Hall – The Vishalakshi Mantap. Dignitaries, Heads of States, Saints, Spiritual leaders, Industrialists, Farmers and Students, had to be invited. For this, an invitation card had to be designed. The ad agencies were approached and they came up with certain design formats. Gurudev, looked at the designs and immediately said, “Our shreya, she is very good, she will make a beautiful design".  I looked at Him and wondered ' Where did He see such talent in me? I was a child! To design a card that would reach the world, inviting people, for this huge event?' He looked at me and asked "By evening it will be ready, right ?" I immediately, said ‘YES! Guruji ‘ With great confidence in my voice. I sat down to work, and it was done! I quickly took a color print and took it to Him. He looked at it with such appreciation and shared – "She is brilliant, right!" There were so many
others in the room, who smiled and applauded! This is Guruji. He uplifts you. He sees the best in you. He gives you the freedom to express! He makes you aware of the impossibilities that you can do!

In time I started to volunteer for the the Youth Empowerment Seminars in Bangalore city. At the end of each course, I observed a beautiful change in the participants.  There was so much belongingness, love, care, happiness, joy, celebration and smiles. People came together and broken homes got repaired! Relationships between parents and their children improved. I observed the same effects in my best friends who underwent the program. Then one day, I thought to myself, what am I doing? Guruji is doing so much for the society. He visits over 40 countries every year, transforming so many millions of lives. I can be of much more use. I decided to be an instrument of change! I wanted to bring a smile on every face!  Guruji was arriving in Bangalore after 3 months. This time, there was only one thought in my mind. I wanted to ask him, if I could teach and before I did, He read my mind. He told me, “Go do YES!”. For a second, I didn’t understand what He said. As I walked down from his Kutir, I saw myself becoming a part of the Teachers Training Program.

I had decided, I will do something BIG. Guruji has always blessed me with such confidence and guided me in every step of my life, just like a father would do to his child. He gave me such FAITH, that nothing in the world seemed impossible.  I had decided to be his BEST INSTRUMENT! His best teacher! 

My first challenge was going to Nagaland to conduct the YES program there.  Before I left, I seeked His blessings for the youth of Nagaland - "I always prayed for a stress-free and violence-free world."  As soon as I reached Nagaland (a small state in the fast east of India, troubled with insurgency ,drugs and AIDS), I organized Youth Empowerment Seminars.  We had 50 youth to start with and have now reached out to several thousand. The training not only focused on building their personality and communication skills, but it also worked on their emotional and spiritual aspects as individuals.  It inspired the participants to be free from violence, quit drugs, alcohol and smoking . Moreover they were inspired to volunteer for rural projects. The youth built homes for the homeless, organized health and cleanliness camps and also educated others about HIV- Aids.

In Nagaland, Guruji's teachings of love, practical wisdom, and service have promoted
harmony among people, and encouraged individuals to come together, love each
other and follow their chosen spiritual path, while honoring other paths.  Guruji travels to so many countries every year to share his message of social responsibility, conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation, women's empowerment, female foeticide, child labor, and access to education.

Today, with His Love and Care, I have touched the lives of over a million youth.
How much ever I write, its only going to fall short. I sincerely believe that dedicating myself to this cause, I am surely fulfilling the purpose of my life.

My pranams to my Guru , Jai Gurudev!

Lakshmi Jagad - Art of Living experience

Art of Living YES Teacher, Software Engineer 

I was born and raised in Bombay. Of course, the name of the city has now been changed to Mumbai but for me (and for many others in my generation too,  I am sure), it will be Bombay. The city of memories, family, school and college, friends and fun.

I had a liberal upbringing. My parents are possibly two of the most generous and open-minded individuals I have ever met. They placed no restrictions whatsoever on either of us (I have a younger sister). We got pretty much everything we asked for.  My sister and I were good students. We learned classical music and dance, performed at various events, and were fairly good daughters, if you discount the occasional tantrum, fuss or outburst. As I completed high school and joined junior college (in India, you join college at age 16), I found a great bunch of friends. We shared a common love for music, films, art and humor. Boring college lectures, surprise birthday parties, New Year celebrations, art films and rock music, walks along the beach, night-long conversations on philosophy and life, dreams and ambitions - these were the highlights of my junior college years. Soon after, I joined an engineering college. New friends, bigger parties, overnight treks... and life went on. Then I graduated from college and started working as a software developer. Everything continued as before.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - The Inspiration



It was all wonderful and exciting and adventurous and yet at the age of 25, I felt like I had come to a full stop. Until then, life had been a series of events, people, places and experiences for me but suddenly it seemed that there had to be a deeper idea to it. Certain incidents in the past couple of years made me wonder if I really knew myself. I felt at conflict with my own self and with certain others in my life. I found myself thinking - Is there any purpose to all this? Who am I? Is there a meaning to these incidents and situations and people?

Suffices to say that The Art of Living Course came at the right time to me. I attended an Art of Living Course, then a couple of Art of Silence Courses, and then The Art of Meditation Course.

A year after my first course, I met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living Foundation. Even before I met him, I had seen many videos of his. To me, he always came across as someone familiar, someone who I had known since a very long time. And when I finally met him, it felt like a true homecoming.

I had had no experience with Gurus or spiritual masters while growing up. Yet, it was a matter of few months before I came to see Sri Sri as my personal Guru. There was zero deliberation or thinking involved. It's interesting how some of the major decisions in my life were not decisions at all; they just came to be in the most natural way possible. Some things you simply know without having even a single thought. 

Youth Empowerment Seminar(YES!)

I conduct the Youth Empowerment Seminar (YES!) for teenagers, and on one course, I remember talking about Sri Sri to the young participants. I said, "To me, Sri Sri or Guruji is a person who makes me feel like I can do anything. In his presence, I feel strong, complete, powerful. I feel like there is no limit to what I can achieve and accomplish. When I am around him, all my doubts and concerns disappear."

There is so much more I can say about Guruji and how he has truly brought out the best in me on so many levels. Intellectual maturity, a broader sense of perspective about the self and the world, a desire to learn and share... and most of all, a sense of abundance and fullness. Today, I feel like I lack nothing and I want nothing. Moment to moment, my life is full and complete. To Guruji, I owe this precious realization and many many others. 

Sangeeta Kapoor's Art of Living Experience

Art of Living Teacher, Dubai, UAE

I was born in Delhi and brought up in different parts of India. Had a very comfortable and secure childhood with loving parents and a younger brother. I was loved and pampered never spoiled. I realized early in life all what I was blessed with and Gratitude to God was a part of my daily prayers. I studied in a convent and hence gained some insight into the Christian faith. Most of my school lunch breaks I would definitely visit and spend time in the church in the school.

My grandparents used to spend a lot of time with us at Pune where we were based. My grandmother would pray and do Aarti every evening. Gratitude to knowledge and the Divine was a part of my life from early childhood. There was some element missing which I was still searching for. That search came to a culmination on my meeting with MY GURU.

Meditation and Sudarshan Kriya Experience

I was seeking for something soul fulfilling for a long time before I came into Art Of Living. I was into Yoga, Reiki, Merkaba Meditation, Taichi and A Course in Miracles. I was leaving one of my Reiki meetings when a friend of my asked me to drop her off  home. On the way home, a discussion regarding the Art of Living course came up. Next morning, when I opened the newspaper there was an article on Michael Fischman - an Art of Living teacher visiting Dubai from USA and giving an introductory session. I decided that  nature was sending me a signal and decided to attended it with a few of my friends.

The course was starting the following week and my husband and I decided to go for it. The course went on and I had some beautiful experiences in my meditations and Sudarshan Kriya. One that I cannot forget is when I was lying down after the Sudarshan Kriya, I felt a bearded man with a beautiful smile and long white flowing clothes came to me, smiled at me and blessed me.

I did not know who he was as there were no pictures of the founder displayed throughout the whole course. It was only much later when I came across the book, “Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker” when I saw His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji’s picture and realized it was his presence I had felt and his picture I had seen. I repeated the course and started volunteering for Art of Living Foundation. That is when I realized LIFE started happening to me. I was just existing before Art of Living and had now started living life.

Teaching Art of Living Courses in schools, colleges and prisons 

In the ten years that I have been with Art of Living I have never felt the need to look anywhere or do any spiritual shopping. I feel everything I have ever wanted to know, needed in my life was present on this path. Knowledge, Love, Celebration, Peace and Joy. I feel so blessed to have discovered Art of Living and Guruji. I cannot even begin to imagine a life without all the precious tools given by him - Sudarshan Kriya, Sahaj Samadhi (Art of Meditation), knowledge. He is a great inspiration in my life as he is not only transforming millions of people but also continues to spread the message of love and peace with his presence. A year and half later, I became an instrument in teaching this knowledge, tools and precious skills to many in prisons, schools, colleges and different forums in different countries around the world, especially in middle-east.

Teaching Art of Meditation in Abu Dhabi

I have learned to serve, to give by being in close quarters with Guruji and Bhanu Didi (Bhanumati Narasimhan - Sri Sri's younger sister) - the two people who made such a difference to my life and my world. My observations reveal that Guruji  is continuously and selflessly giving all of us more and more with one objective of taking all of us to true liberation. A giver of spiritual knowledge, love and bestowing our lives with gifts which only a sadguru can do. A being who walks the talk and lets us learn by his example, giving each one of us enough time and space to unfold and blossom naturally. Just being in his presence is learning to live life every moment, to give love every moment, to be in a state of awareness every moment. I have learned to LOVE unconditionally which I do not think I would have if it had not been for meditation, Sudarshan Kriya and knowledge opening my heart.

Art of Living Course Participants

 

I learned the Art of Giving unconditionally from Bhanu Didi (Bhanumati Narasimhan). She broke my small mindedness and got me out of me, mine - without me even realizing it. She has always given me and continues to give me so much love and guidance. In her, I found an older sister (Didi)  which I always wanted.

I am forever indebted to Sri Sri for filling  my life with so much understanding of my mind, Love, Joy and Happiness. I feel his presence with me continuously guiding me like a beacon of light, taking me on my journey of life like a pilot at the helm of his plane. Today I feel that I take his vision of a stress-free, violence-free world to people across the world. I now have the faith and confidence that whatever is necessary to take the work ahead will be bestowed on me to finish it. Whatever is needed will be provided. I believe, in life, to be in the presence of a Sadguru is truly a blessing - a culmination of good deeds of many lifetimes. 

Patti Montella - Art of Living Experience

Senior Full-Time Faculty Member, Denver, Colorado USA

I took the Art of Living Course in 1995 in Boulder, Colorado.  At the time, I was a corporate executive for a major airline.  A client told me about the program.  In ‘95 there was no website, no brochures…just a flyer that said this program was about the breath.  I had recently moved to Colorado to get away from allergy-ridden Texas and to start a new chapter in my life, hoping to leave my career and start my own company.   I had suffered for years from migraine headaches in Texas.  For 2 years, an inner message kept telling me to pay more attention to how I breathe to alleviate the headaches.  So when a flyer about breath work was presented to me I immediately signed up for the course.  Little did I know at the time just how much my life was about to change from this one course.

Sudarshan Kriya Experience

The first night of the course I clearly thought I was in the wrong place.  The friend who brought me even offered to return my money because she also thought it was the wrong course for us both.  But we had paid so I said, let’s just finish it out and see what happens.  Of course the experience of the Sudarshan Kriya as it does for everyone.  It was amazing to witness how much emotional residue is left in our “self” in spite of thinking we have moved on.  A week later I was watching the Patanjali Yoga Sutras and falling in love with the knowledge.

A few months  before I met Guruji  I had a prophetic dream The theme of the dream was  unconditional love.  When  I awoke, I knew my best friend was coming and all I had to do was wait a bit more and he would reveal himself.  That morning I wrote in my journal about the dream and as I put the pen down, I felt confident and secure that secure that my best friend, the person I would dedicate my life to was going to show up…finally! It was clear that he would be a source of the unconditional love I’d been seeking and knew had to exist (but couldn’t find it) throughout my life.  The thing is…I had no idea that this person would arrive in the form of a Guru!

Patanjali Yoga Sutra

Jesus, Krishna and Saints

A few months later I received Guruji  at the  Denver airport, meeting him for the very first time.  He walked right over to me, looked into my eyes for what felt like a very long time without either  of us saying a word. A few minutes later when we were in the car driving him to the course  venue it hit me.  He was the one in the dream! He was the best friend I had waited my whole life to find again. Summing up my courage I told him this.  He threw his head back and laughed. That night I dropped my worries about who to pray to…Jesus, Krishna, the Catholic saints I had read about all my life…I just dropped all conflict in my mind and surrendered to the Divine.  When I told Guruji this the next day he smiled and said, “don’t worry, we compare notes!”.

One year later I met Guruji in Denver, Colorado and within 24hours of meeting he told me I would be a full-time teacher for the Art of Living Foundation.  The next year (1997) I traveled to India for the first time, spent more time with Guruji and in Rishikesh he told me that yes, it was time for me to become a full time teacher.  The following year I walked out of a 20 year corporate career and into life as a spiritual teacher for His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.  I was with Guruji  the very day I left my old life for my new life.  That was in 1998 and my life has been an extraordinary and dynamic stream of experiences under the protection, grace and direct teaching at a personal level from Guruji ever since.

It wasn’t easy at first for me, for the people around me or for the Guru in the early years. I didn’t know a thing about our tradition, Guru’s, India or what I had gotten myself into and I clearly wasn’t anchored in the knowledge just yet!  I wasn’t a regular meditator and was full of  restlessness to “be someone, to do something, to experience a result” as are most of us who are from the world of business especially.

When I first met Guruji and walked out of life as I knew it – my actions were all based purely on a gut feeling that I knew him, I trusted him and that he was here to protect me and teach me as a dear friend and guide.  I’ve been a full time Art of Living teacher now for 13+ years and  never once has he let me down.  When I have been full of doubt, fear, anxiety or uncertainty – this knowledge has helped me to go back to my “self” to see what the truth is for me – and Guruji has always been there to support me in whatever it is I wanted.

Teaching Art of Living - Breath, Meditation, Knowledge and Service




Through Guruji’s ever present grace, protection, love and teachings….over time the hard edges softened, the knowledge took root and the heart blossomed.  Through years of teaching people the world over and sharing this knowledge, breathing, meditating and serving – life has truly become a celebration of dynamic activity combined with infinite patience…which I understand is a recipe for enlightenment!

The next  year I walked out of my  corporate career and into the Art of Living German Ashram as the first USA President of the International Association for Human Values and as an Art of Living teacher.  In fact I had only just finished teacher training a few months before.  The year  was 1998 and still today I travel the world teaching the Art of Living Course, helping to start up new cities, I continue to lead numerous projects of all kinds, meet with thousands and thousands of people from all walks of life in all kinds of environments– and this  extraordinary journey called my life… continues.

Through all of this, Guruji was the only one I knew and trusted and I counted on him to show me the way. When I came to Art of Living.  I didn’t know anything about Guru’s, India, ancient traditions, nor had I even heard of the term enlightenment. I was successful in my career yet it wasn’t fulfilling. I traveled the world in first class and played a lot – but it was short-lived pleasure and over time unfulfilling.  I had done service work most of my life but it was transitory. I wondered if this was all there was to life…make more money, travel more, work hard and then die.  For years I had secretly prayed to God to help me to become the best human being I could be, to show me the way.  When I came to Sri Sri what I knew to be true was simply that the Sudarshan Kriya had transformed my life , that I belonged to Guruji, that he was the “real deal” and that this path was an opportunity to transform myself to finally become that best human being on earth that I could be.  It was an answer to a prayer and so what if it came in the form of a Guru from India? This made the experience all the richer! So I  closed my eyes and jumped into this life and while it has had its advantages and disadvantages over the years like anything does  - it has offered me the most fulfilling, interesting, dynamic and purposeful path one could every wish for – all the time filled with love and peace with the protection of Guruji  who cares for each and everyone one of us 1,000x more than  we could ever imagine.

Guruji  is so very wise,  funny, regal, playful, brilliant, mystical, compassionate, caring, available to everyone, inclusive to all and oh so universal.  He walks his talk and leads with grace, vision peace and enthusiastic dynamism full of creativity and caring for each and every person who comes his way.  He is a role model for how to a full, purposeful and passionate life of selfless service based in divinity and human values.

Through his love and guidance I wove my way through this new world as a spiritual teacher, and I continue to today to keep my commitment to uplifting the world, to rising above life’s challenges and to apply  the wisdom of his teachings in each and every moment so as to let go of any negativity or action that does not support a sense of belonging, love and peace with myself and others.

I have been blessed to be trained and coached directly under Sri Sri all these years and like they say, “he is the gift that keeps on giving”.  I have seen Guruji be of service to others with infinite patience, love and concern countless times putting aside his own personal needs. He is the rare individual who authentically cares for the world.  He has given up any sense of a personal  life or anything  at all that falls under the category of “I” – so as to be used fully and completely for the upliftment of humanity. Sri Sri is an amazing mentor, teacher, Guru and friend !

It is my absolute blessing in life to follow in his footstep.  Sometimes I trip,  sometimes I fall, but always - - through his love, friendship and support and the incredible wisdom and techniques he has given us so freely– I always get up stronger, more confident, more empowered, wiser and happier.

It is because of Guruji ‘s love and patience as a teacher…watching and learning from him, that I  have  been able to continue to dedicate my life to this path of divinity and the upliftment of humanity as he does day in and out.   My sincere hope and all that I continue to strive for is to share this knowledge with millions and millions of more people the world over so that they too can experience life with the  ultimate freedom I have been blessed with….through Guruji’s unending love and support.

Beatriz V. Goyoaga Art of Living Experience

Journalist, Foreign Correspondent, Former Competitive Horse Rider

I am a journalist from Spain and a citizen of the world. My dad was the General Attorney Public for the Spanish army, and my mum a lady of noble birth. My partner was an Italian Marquis, and also world champion in horse show jumping. I worked in Latin America as a foreign correspondent and headed a press office with 14 major publications, specialized in politics and economics.  I learned also seven languages. For 25 years I was a successful competition horse rider. Since the dawn of my life God has blessed me with a fascinating life.

Adventures around the world

I started looking for something more in life since I was seventeen.  I left my parental home to live in England, then in France, Germany, the USA and Argentina.. There was something in me that told me that life was more than fun, work, challenges, gin & tonic and sex.

For my 40th birthday I started a trip around the globe of 355 days interviewing queens and bedouins, beggars and terrorists. I climbed mount Everest twice, lived in the North Pole with the reindeer farmers, crossed Africa on the back of a truck as well as Siberia,  I sailed the Antarctic to the south pole on an ice breaker and traveled through the burning desserts of Arabia and the Yemen.  I worked in war torn countries like Afghanistan and Lebanon, In all these years I met and interviewed amazing people like Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela, George Bush, the Dalia Lama,  Her Royal Highness Queen of England and many more.

But nothing, absolutely nothing, means as much to me as having met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, having heard my name from his lips and  being able to serve his wonderful foundation.

Sri Sri visits Argentina 2008

Meeting with Guruji

Finally I met Guruji in a crowded conference hall at the most respected theater of Argentina. My husband would always take me to these places, and I would always go to sleep for I was not interested in spirituality. However, on this occasion I did not sleep but rather I was woken up! Literally,  that day I started a new life. At the end of the conference it was announced that people could go and meet the Sri Sri, I quickly said "What for, Let's go and have a drink". I repented for years to come.

Nevertheless we were touched enough to take the Art of Living course for stress management.  I wept and laughed and felt that life was a dream of love. Of course it took me about a year to fully accept this gentle, long haired person I did not know.  My left brain used to say,  "I am a catholic I need no Indian Master". I even put his photograph in a drawer, face down, so I need not see him when opening the drawer. But my heart said something else. I felt soft when I thought of him and a smile would appear on my face.

Teaching Art of Living to thousands

I had done 26 courses in little over a year. I then became a teacher. Since then I have taught tens of thousands,  from people in prisons to heads of governments, doctors,  deans of universities, CEO's, housewives and thousands of students.

I have encountered strong opposition from my family in Spain and suffered in silence the destitution. But nothing will make me change my mind or life style. I know now that I have come to this world to serve and spread this knowledge. Nothing absolutely nothing is more important than bringing the Knowledge Guruji has put together to uplift the human spirit from sorrow and desperation to freedom and serenity. In all of these years he has never asked me to do any thing, never demanded or questioned any thing. He allows me to flow, work in freedom and expand.

These days I am capable of crossing the globe just to spend a few hours in the presence of Sri Sri..in silence. Sri Sri's love and presence is amazing. I recharge my batteries to go on another tour of helping Latin Americans switch from crime to peace, from complains to gratitude and from stress to freedom.

Nakul Dhawan - Art of Living Experience

Engineer, Art of Living Teacher

Why I did not want to do the Art of Living Course

The simple reason I did not want to join the Art of Living was that it was my mom who asked me to. It was considered against the teenage code of conduct to listen to mom, especially if it was good advice. I had just cracked the engineering entrance, seemed as weird as youngsters are supposed to be, had a healthy circle of smart and directionless friends and no remote intention of finding a deeper purpose to life. No way was mom going to force me out of my paradise.

As such stories often end, I was forced to attend the course.

But I liked it a lot.

I grew more and more inclined to Guruji’s talks and found both depth and simplicity in his words. What drew me was that even though not all of what he said was very evident to me at the time, it still had the ring of truth in it.

 “Wake up and see, there is no misery in this world.”

What?

There are aspects to this world that can easily drive you to despair, suspicion, mistrust, fear etc. And everybody, for some strange reason, was showing me all that can go wrong in life. Such perspectives only served to make me more and more timid. But here was somebody telling me in his tender voice that there is no misery in this world. It was just beautiful!

After I finished my engineering course, I started working at a multinational corporation in Bangalore and started visiting the ashram on weekends. This was a phase when, because I was living outside the protection of my family, I had to learn to be independent. I had to lead life on my own. There was nobody I could immediately turn to for advice. So far, I had just been following the current. I had never really taken charge of my life. Playtime was over.

It was during this time that I found Guruji’s knowledge invaluable. I can say, after all these years, that whatever challenges one can face in life – relationships, facing unpleasantness or hostility, betrayal, personal loss, confusion about life’s direction and other mind games, Guruji ‘s knowledge preemptively educates you about all this. The refinement of thought in our ancient texts, whose names even I would probably never have heard otherwise, I had the privilege of contemplating over.

After a few years, I took the Teachers Training Program. Teaching the Art of Living courses, where people come from various backgrounds and experiences, gives a panoramic view of our society that is just not available in the papers or on TV. Our service projects are spread over such diverse fields of activity, that they offer innumerable opportunities to learn as well as contribute. I got interested in our education initiatives and have been involved with children and parenting workshops.

I quit my job to join Art of Living full time after working for six years. The day I sent my farewell mail, a number of seniors at office came and confided, “We also wanted to do something like when we were your age. All the best.” I have since been living at the beautiful International Campus at Bangalore and have been loving it. There are hundreds of other people, many of them youngsters like me, here who are growing and learning under Guruji’s love and guidance.

I never thought it was possible but its playtime again. Muhuhuhuhahahaha (looks at the mirror smugly)

Manikya Vikram - Art of Living Course Experience

Water Treatment Professional, Art of Living Teacher, Chennai

In mid-80's, my boss, Shri. K.N. Koushik attended a course in an Ashram on Kanakapura Road, Bangalore and came back thoroughly impressed. Shri. Koushik wanted me to attend the course. Of course, I did not. I had not even bothered to find out the details. It was many years later, in Dec 2003 that I got to do the course at Chennai. It was the Art of Living course. Well, I guess, all in good time!

Before I go further, let me share a little about my self. I have lived a very happy & healthy life. As a student, a responsible husband and father - I have kept my life very simple and happy. I'm not at all a religious kind of person.

Vishalakshi Mantap, Art of Living International Center, Bangalore, India

It was a simple SMS that sent me & Pavani to a "Satsang" with Sri Sri Ravishankarji in the Anna University, Chennai on 30-Nov-2003. We were both overwhelmed by the personality of Sri Sri. His simplicity inspired me the most. He made spirituality & religion very simple for me. That was the first time in my life I meditated. My experience with meditation that Guruji led that huge gathering or around 20,000 was very relaxing. Suddenly spirituality began to make a lot of sense to me. Incidentally, I quit all my addictions. I did have a couple of serious addictions. It was not at all difficult with regular practice of "Sudarshana Kriya" that I learnt in the Art of Living course.

It is only natural that both me & Pavani got into volunteering in the Art of Living. Eventually, both of us are Art of Living teachers. I wish more people would join in and spread the good around the world.

Rajita Kulkarni Bagga Art of Living Experience

Art of Living Teacher, Apex Teacher, TLEX Teacher

I am born in an illustrious family. My paternal grandmother had a very deep knowledge of our ancient scriptures and was very spiritual. All her four brothers have made milestone contributions to the Indian economic, scientific , cultural and social landscape. My entire extended family of uncles, aunts ,cousins are doctors, engineers, doctorates in niche subjects, architects, serving in the Indian armed forces at senior positions like air vice marshal and  brigadier general ,civil servants, industrialists, scientists & social entrepreneurs. My parents themselves were representative of the emerging intellectual middle class of a free India and professionals with the Indian Government.  From a very young age, the values of hard work, excellence, innovation, contribution to the society, appreciation of our rich heritage & spirituality were inculcated in me. 

Meeting with Sri Sri Ravishankar

I was a conscientious and hardworking student.  It may feel strange but even as a child I knew that I was born for a purpose different than normal kids! I had the best of everything, but there was a sense of thirst, a certain quest for life. I used to actually feel a funny pit in my stomach all the time- a remembrance that I need to put my life to a bigger use.  

I graduated a top of the class student, with many academic laurels. As a young 21 year old MBA , I joined Citibank as a Assistant Manager. Life was exciting, with new found confidence, independence, exposure to the best minds in the industry and lot of fun. Yet there was that pit in the stomach reminding me of my real goal !!  In 1993 by mere chance ,a family friend of ours invited us to a satsang with his Guruji- Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji. I went for the satsang and that was the beginning of the most miraculous phase of my life. Little did I know how my life would start getting gradually and effortlessly steered in a direction to serve a higher purpose! 

Art of Living course experience 

I took the Art of Living course soon thereafter.  It was a fantastic experience. I felt my whole being was glowing with a new found radiance ! In a amazing turn of events , I got married almost immediately and my husband also took the course.  Within a month of this, we got a chance to visit the Art of Living International  Headquarters in Bangalore to participate in the Advance level course (Art of Silence course). The day we arrived in the ashram, the most amazing thing happened! I realized that I did not have the pit in my stomach anymore!  I couldn’t believe it.  That’s it. I knew I had reached home!

Almost miraculously we both got transferred from Mumbai ( where we were living) to Bangalore within a week of finishing the Art of Silence course (Advanced course) ! There began my journey with this most amazing organization called the Art of Living Foundation, with its luminous teachers & selfless volunteers. All spread across around the world in more than 150 countries. A true global family. I had heard of the  term “ the world is your oyster”, it became a real life experience for me with my Art of Living world family.

Professional Excellence and Spiritual progress

I continued to prosper and progress as a banker, getting promoted from one role to the next and at the same time taking joyous strides along the path of spirituality.

For the past decade and a half of my association with Art of Living, I have seen Guruji  work tirelessly  day after day, to make this world  a stress free & violence free place . I have seen him travel from town to town and country to country sharing his message of love and peace, teaching people  how to live happy & healthy lives and giving hope of a better tomorrow to the world
Whether it’s the corporate world or simple village folk, youth or children, prisoners or terminally ill patients, the thought leaders of society or first generation literates, the Art of Living Foundation has a solution for every person and any national challenge.

I have been personally a part of the symposiums held by the Ethics in Business Leadership  International Association for Human Values ( a sister organization of the Art of Living Foundation) at the European Parliament for the past six years. I have seen how senior policy makers, corporate CEOs, parliamentarians and bureaucrats ,inspired by Sri Sri's vision and knowledge have taken steps to integrate ethical governance in their fields.

I have also had the honour of working with one of the largest free schools that the foundation runs on the outskirts of Bangalore. One of the over 100 free schools that it runs in India, this school in the past two and half decades has brought free education to more than 25,000 children. 80 % of these children have been first generation literates in their families and are today employed in government jobs etc. This is a lasting contribution towards building a strong future for our nation.

My own life has beautifully unfolded to me, revealing many untapped qualities and limitless potential. There is a sense of oneness with the world, a sense of universal brotherhood that I feel. I don’t feel a stranger in any part of the world and feel perfectly at home in any situation with any kind of people. I have become fearless and have a great joy and enthusiasm in anything I do. I see myself giving more, loving more and living more.  All this has only happened because of the incredible breathing techniques that  I have been practicing ,Gurujis  precious knowledge and the unconditional love that I have got from the entire Art of Living family .Over these past years, me and my husband  Ajay Bagga, rose to a great positions of seniority in our professional fields winning many awards for excellence & gaining considerable recognition as an experts in our fields.

Art of Living Foundation - building a better world

Today I am a certified instructor of the Art of Living Part 1 course, the Achieving Personal Excellence ( APEX) workshop , The TLEX ( Transformational Leadership for Excellence( TLEX) workshop and Sahaj Samadhi (Art of Meditation) course.  I am deeply associated with the many service projects of the foundation, serve on its boards and feel humbled to witness, how one individuals desire to leave a better world for our future generations, is transforming the living reality of millions of people around the world.

If it was not for Sri Sri, thousands of children wouldn’t have had education, conflict ridden places wouldn’t have had peace, disaster hit people wouldn’t have got relief and rehabilitation and millions of people around the world wouldn’t have know a better ,happier ,stress free way to live life.

Shalin Desai Art of Living Experience

Art of Living Course Teacher, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation Teacher

I was born in Baroda, India and am now living in Indianapolis with my wife, working in supplier management for a Fortune 200 company. In the years since I have been in the Art of Living, I have had the opportunity of traveling and spending time with Sri Sri on a number of occasions. Those moments have been the best moments of my life.

Path to unbridled joy and love

I did my first Art of Living course when I was 17 years old, in my high school. Just a year ago, my mother had gotten into severe depression and the same person who was always bubbling with enthusiasm suddenly seemed to have lost the drive in her life (which eventually affected the whole family as well). Completely helpless looking at my mom’s situation, I used to pray to God to get my mom out of this. We had consulted many doctors, but it kept on getting worse. Later I figured out most of the medications were treating just the symptoms, not the actual disease. Then my mom’s sister got her into doing the “Art of Living” course, which she insisted would kick the depression out of her. And that’s EXACTLY what happened!!!! Within few months, she was completely out of it and there was a new zest for life in her.

Seeing this amazing transformation, I and my brother also ended up in the Art of Living course soon. I just loved the course and started practicing my breathing exercises everyday as I saw a noticeable change in my concentration and focus. Then Sri Sri had come to a neighboring town and there were lots of people going from my town to see him there. I had heard about him a lot and also decided to join the troupe. It was love at first sight. There was something in his presence that just made me feel so much at home and the word “Unconditional Love” didn’t remain an intellectual concept anymore, it became an experience. During my next trip to see Sri Sri, he asked me what I was doing in my life and told me to become an Art of Living Teacher after completing studies. I was still 19 years old and at that time it seemed very “cool”. But now, after years of teaching the Art of Living course, I realize the incredible value of this. It is in fact an honor to be an instructor for the Art of Living Course and to be part of such a noble cause.

How miracles became a part of life!

I have always been happy with my life, but the Art of Living added a new dimension to it. Suddenly, life became a celebration; at the same time adding depth to my life. After pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I moved to the US to pursue further studies. I completed my studies and promptly did my teachers training course. Life was good, but it became even better now!!!! Many “coincidences” started happening in life. At first they seemed like “coincidences”, but then I realized that there is much more than what meets the eye. Like when I wanted to go for my Teachers Training Course. That year, over the thanksgiving weekend, I really had this desire for going for my training course happening in the Canadian Ashram over the December end – January beginning time frame. I had no vacation left (in fact I was already one week over the permitted vacation time that year), we had a very important launch at work early next year, so all of us were asked to work through the Christmas break. Suddenly, out of the nowhere next Monday, my boss asks me go to India to take care of some business in early January and he nonchalantly tells me “Hey Shalin, why don’t you take two weeks off and spend some time with your family in India”. Those two weeks were the exact two weeks of my Teacher Training Course. He even offered to buy two economy class tickets to India instead of a business class ticket, so my wife could also accompany me!!!

Sri Sri – the guiding Light

What has inspired me about this path is that it is full of celebration. The highest knowledge is given in such a simple form that any layman can understand. He gives such profound knowledge, yet has a child-like innocence.

As part of my work, once, I had to travel to 4 countries (with 4 different time zones) in 3 weeks without any break. After these three grueling weeks, I had to take some time off just to recuperate. It is mind boggling to see how Guruji does that throughout the year, day-after-day and has been doing this for years. I don’t understand how it would be humanely possible. Yet, he is always smiling and wherever he goes, people’s faces light up with a smile. I often tell people that every business school in the world should study Sri Sri. How one man’s vision can inspire millions of people around the world is just prodigious.

I had traveled with him to Mexico few years ago and spent practically the whole time with him during the trip. My wife thinks I am a workaholic, but I was amazed and astonished by the number of things Guruji would accomplish in a single day. Here is a man addressing emails from more than 100 countries, radio and TV interviews, public talk, meeting course graduates, board members, dictating an article for a newspaper, etc. And all this with a smile…not an iota of tension. It was like a dance flowing from one action to another. He could relate to Mexicans who are completely alien to Indian culture, many of them not being even able to understand English, because he spoke the language of the heart. In between all this, he would take care of those who would be travelling with him and ask if we were doing fine, if we were comfortable in our rooms, etc. What really touched me was how accepting he is with people coming with all different kind of problems and questions. He exemplifies the point of “Accept the People as they are”. He indeed does!!!

Karishma Anand, San Francisco, USA

Management Consultant, Boston Consulting Group, Art of Living YES Plus Teacher

Last year I completed my MBA from The Wharton School and I now work as a management consultant at The Boston Consulting Group in San Francisco, California. I live in the Bay Area with my husband Amit.

Sri Sri - a Beacon of Strength, Peace, Serenity

I met Guruji in a meditation program in Bandra in Mumbai. There were close to 5,ooo people on that course. I distinctly remember the scene - On a hot and humid Mumbai afternoon, under a bare bones tent he walked for more than 4.5 hours, meeting every single person who wanted to see him. He heard their stories, he gave blessings. He made it personal for 5,000 people that hot humid afternoon. I was touched by the discomfort he underwent to just meet with everyone. The crowd pulled at his clothes and his hair, jumped to get his attention, people came right in front of him such that he could have almost tripped. He just floated, a beacon of strength, peace and serenity – untouched by the crowd.

Caring so much for everyone

Later that evening, I had the chance to observe him again. He was meeting the volunteers who had put the entire course and celebration together. This time I noticed another phenomenon. Everyone’s faces lit up and he walked into the room. As he spoke to people, he seemed to kindle in them the same strength, peace and serenity that was so obvious within him. I walked away from the meditation course rejuvenated and but with one question - Why does he care so much about people? But at some level the question didn’t matter – because I had experienced myself that his presence was special.

Fast forward today. I teach the Art of Living’s YES+ program for college students and young professionals and lead the Outreach Support team for the Art of Living Foundation in the US.

Over the years I have had the privilege of meeting him, interacting with him many times. In Dec –Jan of 2006, before the Art of Living’s Silver Jubilee Celebration, I lived at the Art of Living Bangalore ashram to volunteer and help with the event. In the ashram, I realized that each day Guruji met at least hundreds of people. Each day was like that afternoon in Mumbai. He met everyone such that they all left feeling special and most importantly happy. He was actually there for people.

Simplicity and profound wisdom

I am continued to be amazed by Guruji. He can share the most profound wisdom, in the most simplest manner. He is wise yet playful.

To watch him go through his day is an inspiration. To have known him and spent time with him is a privilege – and to be able to have him as a ‘Guru’ (spiritual teacher) is nothing less than just plain old fashioned good luck!

Sanja Kordić, Croatia

International Art Of Living Teacher, Croatia

I am an international full time teacher from Croatia. In April last year, I had a terrible car accident in Bulgaria. I was injured very much. Art of Living people from Bulgaria found the best hospital for me, came every day to see me in numbers that was problem for the staff in the hospital, bringing me everything what I needed.

From the very beginning of this story, from the accident, I had a very strong awareness of Guruji’s presence all around me. He phoned me twice in the hospital and helped me so much. Also at least more than 10 young Art of Living Bulgarians gave their blood for my operation. A girl from Art of Living Macedonia, came daily from Macedonia to take care of me, and after 15 days came Snježana. Art of Living full time volunteer from Croatia and continued to take daily care until the end of my stay there. I've got so many cards, SMSes, from satsang groups all over Europe.

Love Beyond Anything I Knew

After coming home, I was completely immobile and I live alone. So, Art of Living Croatians had a list where they put their names to cover me 24 hours a day. I had full care from them and it wasn't just bringing me a tea, remember, I was immobile, I couldn't do anything for myself, even toilet or washing. Still I wonder how they could do this. It was love beyond anything I knew. They gave me so much love, care, attention, service, that for all doctors, my recovering was a miracle. After one year, I started to walk. Ayurvedic doctor recommended 28 massages, 14 Marmas and 14 Abhyangas, you know how expensive that is. Then one couple, both Art of Living teachers from Slovenia took me to their house and during 3 weeks they gave me massages and special Ayurvedic treatments just for seva. After that, I could walk without crutches.

The security and feeling of being protected

I was twice in Art of Living International Center Bangalore to see Guruji. Every time I've got the best accommodation and nobody ever asked me for any money. Now, everybody treats me as a miracle. I'm walking, I still have some problems with my body, but Art of Living family saved my soul. From the very beginning of this story,from the accident, I had a very strong awareness of Guruji's presence all around me. He phoned me twice in the hospital, but I don't mean just that. It was just a feeling of being protected and security that I'll have place in his life whatever happened. However this ends, he will give me the meaning of life, include me in spreading of the knowledge. My body was suffering, I was in pain, but my soul was very relaxed. This is the secret of my recovering.

For a year and a half, I was not able to work, but they, the Art of Living Foundation pays me regularly. God bless them all, my gratefulness is unlimited.

I fell so very grateful to Guruji. It is just a feeling of being protected and the security that I'll have place in his life whatever happens.

Shailey Sharma, Maryland, USA

Healer, Artist, Activist, Art of Living Teacher
Degree in Occupational Therapy

Born in Nepal, brought up in various parts of India and Libya, I grew up - loving life! A premature baby making it without being stuck in an incubator, in a little town in Nepal, I have always felt a little extra ‘Divine’ spotlight on me. Growing up in a traditional religious family, I was aware of a power greater than myself, had immense faith in that power and knew that I was taken care of, no matter what. I was a peace - loving and content child, averse to discord and altercations finding refuge instead, in the nearest temple and found myself in quiet communion with my God.

I graduated from Delhi University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. I was drawn to the human interactive aspect of my profession, and felt fortunate to have heard my calling. After working in India for a brief period, I moved to Florida in pursuit of professional satisfaction. I am a Healer, an Artist, Activist and now an Art of Living Teacher. I currently live and work in Maryland .

From cynicism to gratitude

I was introduced, by my sister, to the Art of Living Foundation in 2002, on one of my trips home to India. My sister had seen a flyer about this life-transforming course, that focused on breathing techniques, meditation and some pearls of ancient wisdom, enrolled in it and seen tremendous change in her life. She was undergoing a tough time personally (to put it mildly) and it was truly life-giving for her.

She tricked me into meeting her Course teacher, and I ended up arguing with both of them, convincing them I was not ‘stressed out’, did not need this course, and I was satisfied with the current level of spirituality in my life. I was also averse and cynical to the concept of a "Guru" , as I felt, I had a direct connection with God and didn’t want an interpreter. Here I must mention , I had been intrigued and interested in reading the works of an Indian Scholar, Swami Vivekananda, and his teachings on the Vedanta Philosophy. His discourses had brought me immense peace and solace.

However in February of 2004, still cynical about this spiritual course and questioning the validity of it in my life, I was yet again tricked by my family, on yet another trip to India, to accompany my mother to the Art of Living International Center in Bangalore, India. During my stay at the Ashram, I would experience little magical moments of grace as well, yet chose to ignore them. Finally at the end of 10 days, I caved in and took the Art of Living Course.....and, no, wasn’t hit by lightening but I felt human again. I had tremendous amounts of Gratitude for the Founder of the organization, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who had truly blessed us with this gift of a course.

Service inspired by Sri Sri

I was instantly taken in by the various humanitarian programs led by the organization, the holistic approach to life and re-kindling a sense of community, and service in thousands of people in over 145 countries. I believe in redemption and second chances and was immediately drawn to the Prison S.M.A.R.T Program( Stress Management and Rehabilitation Techniques) led by Art of Livings’ sister organization I.A.H.V ( International Association for Human Values) also inspired by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (‘Guruji’ as he is adoringly called by me and many).

Benefits: health, creativity, awareness, relationships,

If I felt blessed to be alive before, now I am only more so - my health has improved, I experience more energy, accomplish more, more creativity blossoms and my relationships have improved both at work and personally. I had never been so connected to myself before and interested in observing the workings of my own mind. I am better able to handle my emotions, mind and due to an increased awareness, my whole life is slowly, very subtly transforming -- one breath at a time!!!

I have found my therapy being profoundly affected by this shift - I am more in touch with my patients, more compassionate, more present. My patients report feeling better with fewer sessions of therapy, regardless of the setting (Trauma Hospitals, Nursing homes, Out patient centers) or their individual diagnoses and the treatment rendered. This is nothing short of miraculous. The premise of the organization is “from peace within, comes peace without” and I see it in action every day!

Over the years I have taken a variety of courses that Art of Living offers, and each one enhances my life, bringing with it a new flavor, revealing more of myself to me. I have also been fortunate to be in the presence of and interact with Guruji, an enlightened being who walks the talk and reveals to me “Love in not just an emotion, it is our very existence”

And so, it starts with the breath - our life.

Embrace it! Live it! Love it!

Jennifer Stevenson's Story

Personal:
I was born in Tokyo, Japan to an American father and Japanese mother. Soon after, we moved back to the US where I spent most of my childhood. For university, I attended Boston College during which I spent one year studying in Spain. After graduating with a degree in Marketing, I moved back to Tokyo and later worked for Bloomberg, a financial services firm. Currently, I live in Washington, DC where I work for the Art of Living Foundation. When I’m not doing yoga or meditating, I love to travel, hang out with friends and occasionally go salsa dancing. :)

My Art of Living Experience:
I was living and working in Tokyo, Japan in early 2002 when a friend told me about the Art of Living Course. It was not too long after 9/11 and the Art of Living was offering donation-based courses all over the world to help alleviate the trauma that reverberated as a result. I really didn’t know much about the course and just took it on a whim. Everything began to change for me after that. The breathing practices improved my health, reduced the stress I was experiencing and gave me lots of energy. I found that I was able to handle various life situations – whether it be family, office politics, cultural differences – all with more ease. My relationships began to improve and most importantly, my relationship to myself improved. I became more aware of my mind and emotions and found that I was experiencing more and more joy in life. I soon after began volunteering for the Art of Living by providing interpretation on courses from Japanese to English. I have made the best of friends through volunteering.

Over the years, I’ve taken a variety of Art of Living courses that have enriched me tremendously. I’ve also been fortunate to meet the Founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a number of times. I never would have thought that I would have such an amazing teacher – a Guru – to guide me in understanding something as complex as one’s mind, the mysteries of life and really, how to have the most fulfilling life. Sri Sri has been a huge inspiration for me. I’ve never met anyone else who is so selflessly and compassionately in service to every person in this world. He has empowered me to go beyond my limits, to grow in service and to have the sweetest life possible.

I now work full time for the Art of Living Foundation at their national headquarters in Washington, DC. I teach the Art of Living Course and Sri Sri Yoga Course for the general public, the Youth Empowerment Course (YES) for High School students and the Yoga-Empowerment – Service + Course (YES+) for college students and young professionals. Teaching Art of Living programs is by far the most fun I’ve ever had.

I feel very blessed. This journey has been the most fulfilling and only continues.

Ajay Tejasvi's Story

About myself:

I was born and raised in Bangalore, India. I went to Sri Aurobindo Memorial School. I graduated as an Engineer in Computer Science from Bangalore University. Since then I have earned two master’s degrees (Computer Science and International Relations) and am presently working towards my PhD in Political Science and Economics. Over the past six years, my work at the World Bank, including the Africa Capacity Building Task Force, has focused on the central task of building capacity of national governments across countries. This experience has convinced me of the need to move beyond supply-side reforms and promote the demand for governance from civil society, media and parliaments in an holistic manner. On a personal note, my parents live in Bangalore along with my brother Arvind. Madhushri (my better half) and I currently live in Washington DC.

My Art of Living Experience:

Being born into a family involved in community development for over 100 years, I learnt about the importance of service as a very young child. As the Prime Minister (Diwan) of the Mysore kingdom, my great great grandfather helped bring electricity to South Asia; my parents lead initiatives on women’s empowerment and rural education. My greatest source of inspiration is my uncle, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader, who founded the Art of Living Foundation, with community service projects in more than 150 countries. Having Guruji (as Sri Sri is fondly called by many) in my life, no doubt, has shaped the way I live my life but has also influenced how my family as raised me as well.

My grandfather used to tell us stories with morals from all religions – and we were always encouraged to ask questions and be interactive. My great-grandfather used to be with Mahatma Gandhi and my grandfather used to tell me of his experiences with Gandhiji. He would tell me that his father used to serve in Sevagram along with the other freedom-fighters and that they always fought for social justice and human rights. He would tell me of times when he would run away from school and go and attend rallies for India’s freedom movement. This really helped me cultivate a multi-cultural, multi-religious mindset and I feel very happy for this gift from my grandfather.

My family always placed a lot of emphasis on education and literacy.To promote education for rural children, Guruji started a school for primary education in the Ashram in 1986. My grandfather used to say that we had a special responsibility to help the first generation learners in our Ashram school – as we had educated parents who could help us with our doubts and questions – we had to help the children who came to our school. I would go along with my mother and help the children learn English and mathematics. The school now has over 2000 students, many of whom are still the first in their family to get an education.

I fondly remember traveling with my grandparents to rural Karnataka, encouraging parents to send their children to school. I would also go with my grandfather to important meetings and functions at the Chief Minister’s office and the Governor’s residence. My grandfather always attached a great degree of importance to our country’s progress and fought against corruption and other social evils. I remember he instituted awards for the best government servant – the best postman, the best policeman, the safest driver in public transport and so on – to honor diligence and excellence in public service.

Looking back, it is really amazing – the responsibility I felt as a young child – being entrusted to help with the education of another. Even now my interest continues – I am still a student and I continue to encourage those around me to seek education.

The trust that my family had in me was so total – it was truly empowering. My grandfather is 87 today, and he still only thinks of how best to serve others. I once asked him to rest for a little and told him that he had done a lot of service in his life. His response really reflects his character – “When I pass, I would like to go vertically – serving our people – and not horizontally – lying on a bed,” he said. It is this sense of caring and service that inspires me everyday.

My father instilled a sense of discipline and fairness in my life. He always treated me and my friends in the same way – he would expect them to work hard and do well in their exams – just like me. He always encouraged me to keep my belongings in the best way possible and share them with others. He would teach us to wrap our textbooks in brown paper and they would look like new – even at the end of the school year. I would then give my textbooks (which still looked like new!) to the children at our school. During a school year, most of us go through many pens (the nib breaks, you lose it, etc.). My father would buy me four fountain pens – I would keep one for myself, give one to my younger brother (who was still too young to write with fountain pens ;) ), and give the other two to students in our Ashram school – with the promise that they would treat it well and use it for the whole year! Even though we always had abundance at home, we learned to appreciate everything that we had – and also share what we had with others. As a result of my interactions with the children in our schools, I have seen both sides of life – and am grateful for this experience as it has inculcated practical values in my life.

Guruji today is among the most respected spiritual and humanitarian leaders in the world and travels to over 40 countries each year. He is honored by heads of states and welcomed by universities and parliaments. Even though he is so busy and famous, Guruji's humility and simplicity continue to touch my heart. One other aspect of Guruji's wisdom that really resonates with me is his concept of “Practical Wisdom.” Guruji doesn’t just preach – he walks the talk. Even as kids, we observed him do everything himself and guide us by example. For instance, he would always ask us to keep our home neat and tidy. He would even take a cloth and a bucket and clean the window, when we had forgotten to do it and show us how to do it meticulously. Even now, I have seen him open doors for elderly women and regularly refusing to jump ahead of the line when offered. He respects social norms and never asks for favors. He never asked anyone to do anything that he would not do himself. He is my greatest source of inspiration and he continues to amaze me (for over thirty years now!). He is both my venerable Guru and my beloved uncle. I feel really blessed! I am so amazed by the multitude of people and the different types of people that come to him and find solace – from leaders of nations to simple village folk – Guruji is available to everyone. What blows my mind is how much he cares – for all of us and how much attention he gives each devotee.

Guruji always encouraged my interest in knowledge and education. As a young child, I remember going to Guruji’s Kutir and seeing many nice toy cars and planes – both of which I loved – but I also remember seeing a book of Indian folklore and at that moment I really wanted nothing else but that book. Without even asking, Guruji called me and asked me “You want this book right?” and gave it to me. I was sooo happy! Guruji has always supported my interest in education - I found myself going through engineering school, two Master’s programs and a PhD in political science and economics – with fellowships and scholarships and Guruji’s grace! Guruji always emphasizes the importance of inculcating a scientific temper and an open minded approach to learning – and I find this helps me in grappling with different subjects and themes with ease. As I move towards completing my PhD, I feel a renewed passion for helping promote literacy around the world – as education can really help people climb out of poverty. Guruji says that it is of no use to speak high knowledge to a hungry man. Thus, in our Foundation’s schools, students learn modern science and other skills to help them make a living and are also schooled in the human values of friendliness, caring and sharing – thus facilitating the development of a well-rounded individual.

Belongingness and togetherness are two important lessons I have learnt in my life so far. We grew up in an environment of friendliness – my grandmother and mother would ensure that everyone felt welcome in our home and no one left hungry. Such an atmosphere imbibed a sense of caring and helped me realize the feeling of a one world family. This practice continues in our homes even today. Wherever I go, Guruji has given me so many brothers and sisters – he has shown me how to create my own environment of friendliness – where others feel welcome. When you feel the belongingness with those around, you have a deep sense of caring and wanting to serve those in need. But you realize that it is difficult to do it alone – and this is where togetherness can help – together we can make an impact on the issues that the world faces. I was fortunate to be blessed as an Art Excel and Yes! Teacher when I was in my teens. Over a period of five years from 1997 - 2002, I traveled around India and was able to bring thousands of young people into the knowledge. I strongly feel that if more young people can realize the spiritual dimension of their lives, they can live fuller lives and be of service to society and the world at large. One of my most fulfilling experiences has been my work with the Foundation’s Youth Leadership Training program, which has reached more than 30,000 villages in India to provide basic services and foster communal harmony. There is a focus on leadership, teamwork, and communication skills to help the youth leaders form teams of local youth with an emphasis on service within their own communities.

Guruji has shown us that life can be lived skillfully through spiritual awareness. There is no conflict between spirituality and life in the world. In fact, it nourishes and enriches your skills and ability to appreciate life in its fullness. I find that I have time to appreciate and play music, read books, study for my PhD exams, work at the World Bank and remain engaged in service activities – and keep my wife happy as well :) - all this due to my daily Sadhana ( Sudarshan Kriya, Yoga, and Meditation). Guruji’s knowledge and wisdom have shown me that we are capable of doing so much. My experience with Art of Living cannot be compartmentalized – my whole life is The Art of Living!