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Bring in the values of non -violence, love, caring for each other, an attitude of service, respect for each other. These values are a part of us for ages. Only in recent years they are eroding. We have to re -establish them – is the message given to the whole world by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar , India's one of best known spiritual leaders (he hates to be called a godman). Guruji , Master or Sri Sri, as he is lovingly referred to, is today more than an individual or an institution. His Art of Living courses-which are workshops for spiritual growth and self-development-have reached more than a million people in over 130 countries around the globe. The Sudarshana Kriya breathing technique has become one of the most popular stress removing techniques today. The Art of Living Centre, known also as the Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, was established by Sri Sri in 1982 on a sprawling 60-acre hill about 25 km from Bangalore. Today, the place is thronged by followers from India and abroad.
Sri Sri is the only non-westerner to serve on the advisory board of Yale University's of Divinity. On the 50th anniversary of the UN, he spoke at the UN on how to raise awareness about human values. In 1996, he and the Dalai Lama were guests in a special program broadcast by Swedish Public Television on Effective Living and Peaceful Coexistence.
During his visit in USA this year , His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was a special guest at the Providence Missionary Church and at the Masjid Al-Muminun in Atlanta on 28 April. In the 135 years of the history of this oldest black Bapist Church, this was the first time that an Indian spiritual teacher was invited to address its congregation.1000 members of the congregation and hundreds of others from various background had attended this special service and all in praise for Him , His Art of Living Foundation and the remarkable humanitarian work done round the world.
Sri Sri addressed the current world situation offering a long term remedy for terrorism and violence and a way to bridge differences through harmony in diversity. The Imam of the Masjid Al-Muminun was all praise for the importance of Sri Sri’s message for the whole world.
On April 29 Sri Sri’s public talk event was marked by the highest award – The Phoenix Award from the Mayor’s office and a proclamation from the Senate of Georgia declaring April 29 as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day in Atlanta.
Sri Sri emphasizes on globalization of knowledge.
In an interview given this year to a leading Indian Magazine , The WEEK , he said –
Hinduism is not a religion; it is just a way of life that thousands of Rishis have written about. It is such a democratic religion where everybody has the freedom to think, write or say whatever they want. We have no opposition for any other philosophy coming into us. We have no opposition for the Bible to be part of our own study. Nobody here will say, 'If you read the Bible, you will go to hell'. It is an inclusive way of looking at life, and that is what we need in the world today. We have no objection taking food from every part of the world, listening to music from every part of the world. So we need to globalize wisdom too.
According to Sri Sri education can play a role in combating terrorism because terrorism is indoctrinated in the education system. “Changing the education system-bringing a wider range of knowledge to people... creating an open mind-will combat terrorism. People take pride in violence. It was not so, especially in India. Non-violence was the pride of people. But in the last 30 years or so, that has shifted to the pride in violence. Even in schools and colleges, the one who shows muscles, gets more attention. Their voices are heard more, instead, the voice of non-violence should be heard more.
Revolution need not mean bloodshed. I think there can be a very peaceful revolution too... for which India has been an example. India has shown to the world that a peaceful revolution is possible.”
Sri Sri emphasizes on re-establishing the Human values.
Human values are not being given importance anywhere... neither at home nor in school. Children are just being given information and are loaded with inhibitions. So they cannot communicate well with anybody. In the US, children fight each other with guns. We don't want such things to happen in this country. For that, we have to bring in the values of non -violence, love, caring for each other, an attitude of service, respect for each other. These values are a part of us for ages. Only in recent years they are eroding. We have to re -establish them.
Wealth has importance too when treated as a means for righteous purpose, says Sri Sri.
Wealth definitely has a role to play. Chankya said: ‘dharmasya moolam artha,
arthasya moolam rajya.’- That when there is prosperity, there will be righteousness, and development depends on how the state develops the economy. Wealth is linked to one's peace of mind, one's righteousness. But wealth should always be treated as a means, not a goal in itself. This can happen only if there is attention on human values. It is the greed in the person that alienates him.
Life is sacred. Celebrate life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those
less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you !
~ ~ Sri Sri
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