Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sri Sri's message of non-violence in response to attempted attack on his life
Message de S.S. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
après une tentative terroriste
au centre international de l’Art de Vivre,
à Bangalore, en Inde
Le 30 mai 2010, aux environs de 6 heures, alors que Guruji montait dans sa voiture après un satsang public, quelqu’un a tiré et l’un des adeptes a été touché à la cuisse. Guruji est indemne et tout le monde va bien.
Même après cet incident, Guruji a continué les activités de son programme, comprenant des rendez-vous à Bangalore et un autre satsang, avec les participants au stage sur l’Ashtavakra Gita à l’ashram.
Ce que Guruji a dit après l’incident :
« Je sortais du satsang public lorsque nous avons entendu un coup de feu et quelqu’un qui se tenait près de moi fut touché. Voilà… Mais il va bien et je vais bien, donc je voudrais dire à tous les adeptes, et à tous ceux qui me regardent, de ne pas s’inquiéter pour moi : je vais bien et tout est comme d’habitude à l’ashram.
Un texte ancien dit : « Tat sanydhau vaira tyaga », ce qui signifie qu’en présence de gens qui pratiquent la méditation et le yoga, tous les êtres vivants laissent tomber leur hostilité.
Le monde est actuellement rempli d’actes de violence et la méditation et les pratiques sont le seul moyen pour mettre fin à cette hostilité.
Aujourd’hui entre 5h et 6h, un terroriste est venu ici et a tiré sur le public. Heureusement, personne n’a été sérieusement blessé.
Le mental de ce terroriste a également été changé lorsqu’il est venu ici et cela, c’est quelque chose de très important ! De plus il n’a pas fait de seconde tentative pour blesser qui que ce soit. Quelqu’un aurait pu perdre la vie, mais rien de tel ne s’est produit. Tout aurait pu arriver, mais son mental a été transformé en arrivant ici. Il aurait pu blesser 10 ou 20 personnes…
Le mental est transformé dans un endroit où les gens méditent. Et ce terroriste n’a tiré qu’une fois et s’est sauvé. Il n’a pas pensé à faire plus de mal ; on a en effet trouvé une balle ici.
Nous devons nous rassembler et propager ce message de Paix par la méditation et le yoga. La méditation devrait être pratiquée dans chaque foyer. Nous pouvons soulever une vague de paix dans tout le pays.
Chaque personne a des traits positifs uniques qui émergent par la pratique de la méditation. Tant que cette connaissance n’aura pas atteint les masses, il n’y aura pas de paix dans le monde.
C’est pourquoi nous devons tous œuvrer pour apporter la paix au monde. Si chacun d’entre nous peut atteindre 10 personnes, ce monde deviendra un endroit tellement meilleur !
Ne pensez-vous pas ?
Pensez simplement que vous êtes protégés par le Divin…. Et que personne ne peut vous faire de mal. »
Translated & Transcripted by Benoîte
Monday, March 1, 2010
Ravi Meher Back Again
Ravi Meher Video Re Uploaded on The Art of Living TV.
Enjoy
In Service
The Art of Living TV Team
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sejal Parmar Interview
Sejal Parmar Interview
Your Name?
Sejal Parmar
Where are you from?
I'm from Gujarat.
Since how many years have you been in YLTP?
Since 5 years in AOL & since 1 1/2 years in YLTP.
In which area do you work & what work do you do?
Basically, I'm from Bhavnagar but at present I'm staying & doing full time seva here. We start our work at 9.00 a.m. & finish at around 12.30 - 1.00a.m. We start on time but the time we complete is not fixed.The administrative dept. of the Gujarat YLTP office & all the projects of YLTP of whole of Gujarat are handled by me.The projects include Broom Project, Sewing Classes, Self-help Project, the Project for banning plastic bags & encouraging the use of cloth bags.
Besides that, we run a school in tribal area - Ved Vigyan Mahavidyalaya.
What's youe experience in YLTP? What was your inner eexperience when you did the course?
I joined AOL thr' the Basic Course.
Then I went for TTC-1.
Thereafter YLTP was organised in my home town Bhavnagar. A YLTP teacher, Ketakiji had come.
She worked hard moving around for one month but nothing happened. I came to know that this lady has come, is trying but in vain.
So I told her that I'll support her & we will have YLTP here.
That was the first time YLTP was organised in Bhavnagar District. We moved around for one month; travelled about 400 kms. gathering youth.
We could enrol 20 boys, that was the first time YLTP took place. I directly assisted that YLTP. I had never done the YLTP course. I didn't know the contents of the course.
I enjoyed so much! When a boy enters here, he is a mere villager & when he comes out as a leader form here. The kind who have no self-confidence, who cannot even speak & put their demands
to his own family come to YLTP.They are so naive when they come for the course, but when they come out they become leaders. We don't have to assign them any responsibility; they explore the seva activity in their village & take it up.
When I saw all this I realised that if you want to understand & work for Guruji's aim & purpose for which Guruji has come on this earth, it is YLTP.
I experienced; I've done all the courses - right from the Basic to TTC. After TTC I came to YLTP. Then I understood that it took all these Courses right from the Basic Course to Phase-1for me to feel Guruji's Grace; whereas in YLTP, people start experiencing Guru's Grace within just 8 days.
Then I realised that YLTP is the best bet to feel Guruji's Grace, understand Guruji's vision & to contribute to His work.
The Yuvacharyas are the invisible roots of the blossomed tree you see as the Art of Living.
When did the first YLTP take pllace in Gujarat?
In Gujarat the work is going on since last 8 to 9 years. Ever since Mr. Hiteshbhai has taken oer as the co-ordinator 2 years ago; the program has picked up very well.
It's not only about conducting YLTP & creating Yuvachryas; we also provide them with everything necessary in their personal lives.For example as a villgre he does not know English.
He can speak about Post Office but he stands near a Railway Station or a Post Office totally unaware because he doesn't know how to read.
They encounter many such challenges. For that we make them attend English classes every month in the Ashram free of charge.
Some of our devotees who are professors conduct these classes. Besides, we counsel them about how to come up in life & consider the challenges related thereto.
We dont talk about it directly with the Yuvacharyas else they will be tempted to come here for wrong reasons. We try to probe into their problems through other sources.
We do not want them to come here out of some greed that here we get all these things so let us join. We make him like a king! Besides we wish to retain their self-respect so that they can be proud of themselves.
We work for their economic development too. There are HR heads such as Nandaben & Mrudulaben who are associated with big companies in Gujarat.
They give talks to these Yuvacharyas on vocational guidance. We conduct a one-day workshop for all the Yuvacharyas so that they come & discover their potential.
After they have chosen their field of work we give thempractice in that particular area & see them through till their financial indepandence.
What is the secret of YLTP according to you? You say that it gives them personal development & social upliftment.
The secret is Guruji & Sudarshan Kriya. We have been watching a number of NGOs that are workiong since decades for the upliftment of society & youth.
A lot of work is being done in the name of development like making roads, contructing toilets, pucca houses, etc. Even after doing all this, if they do not know how to use it;
how can you call it development? In many villages constructed toilts are used to stack logs of wood & such due to lack of awareness.
This kind of awareness cannot be taught in school or by one-to-one talk.
It is only in Art of Living where there id Sudarshan Kriya, Padma Sadhana & Guruji's Grace which instills devotion in them. This devotion makes them assertive & as a result they turn to the right path.
The secret of Art of Living & YLTP is Sudarshan Kriya through which people's lives, mentality & even thoughts can be transformed.
What is your source of motivation since you are a full-time in YLTP.
Sometimes I do feel exhausted or fed up & feel like quitting. This is due to some problems like when in spite of we putting in a lot of energy; people do not understand or accept.
Then we surrender it to Guruji & feel that is is not we who are holding AOL & YLTP, but there is an unseen power which binds us to itself & that is one & only Guru Shakti.
Guruji is my idol. He says - "Whenever we get something, we should make it better before we leave it." These words had quite an impact on me. I thought I've got this Universe,
let me contribute something to it to make it better. I left my Govt. job to perform full-time seva here. Before, on waking I used to ask myself - why have I come on this earth, why have I taken birth. But today when we sleep, we are satisfied that we have brought transformation in someone's life.
Can you remember any example regarding someone's transformation?
Yes there are many.There is a lady, Madhuben from Kukawati with physically challenged limbs. We met her yesterday. She attended YLTP 4 years back.
Naswadi Taluka was handed over to me to develop. I suggested to meet the existing Yuvacharyas & find out about their opinions, achievements & future plans.
While travellingthrough different villages,I met this woman, Madhuben. She was elated to see me as a representative of Guruji after 4 years. I saw her family's condition
& felt like doing something for them.Then we thought of starting a financial development project here. Today she is a full time Yuvacharya, travelling villages, conducting Nav Chetna Shibir.
Some time ago her family had to take care of her. Today she looks after the whole village.The whole village seeks her advice before beginning anything. She got employment ..............
There are 30 women & 5 men who work under her, resulting into employment for 35 people. They propose to start '0' Budget Farming in her village. This is a story of a big transformation.
I am glad that I was the instrument for it.
Translated & Transcribed By Preity Thomas
Your Name?
Sejal Parmar
Where are you from?
I'm from Gujarat.
Since how many years have you been in YLTP?
Since 5 years in AOL & since 1 1/2 years in YLTP.
In which area do you work & what work do you do?
Basically, I'm from Bhavnagar but at present I'm staying & doing full time seva here. We start our work at 9.00 a.m. & finish at around 12.30 - 1.00a.m. We start on time but the time we complete is not fixed.The administrative dept. of the Gujarat YLTP office & all the projects of YLTP of whole of Gujarat are handled by me.The projects include Broom Project, Sewing Classes, Self-help Project, the Project for banning plastic bags & encouraging the use of cloth bags.
Besides that, we run a school in tribal area - Ved Vigyan Mahavidyalaya.
What's youe experience in YLTP? What was your inner eexperience when you did the course?
I joined AOL thr' the Basic Course.
Then I went for TTC-1.
Thereafter YLTP was organised in my home town Bhavnagar. A YLTP teacher, Ketakiji had come.
She worked hard moving around for one month but nothing happened. I came to know that this lady has come, is trying but in vain.
So I told her that I'll support her & we will have YLTP here.
That was the first time YLTP was organised in Bhavnagar District. We moved around for one month; travelled about 400 kms. gathering youth.
We could enrol 20 boys, that was the first time YLTP took place. I directly assisted that YLTP. I had never done the YLTP course. I didn't know the contents of the course.
I enjoyed so much! When a boy enters here, he is a mere villager & when he comes out as a leader form here. The kind who have no self-confidence, who cannot even speak & put their demands
to his own family come to YLTP.They are so naive when they come for the course, but when they come out they become leaders. We don't have to assign them any responsibility; they explore the seva activity in their village & take it up.
When I saw all this I realised that if you want to understand & work for Guruji's aim & purpose for which Guruji has come on this earth, it is YLTP.
I experienced; I've done all the courses - right from the Basic to TTC. After TTC I came to YLTP. Then I understood that it took all these Courses right from the Basic Course to Phase-1for me to feel Guruji's Grace; whereas in YLTP, people start experiencing Guru's Grace within just 8 days.
Then I realised that YLTP is the best bet to feel Guruji's Grace, understand Guruji's vision & to contribute to His work.
The Yuvacharyas are the invisible roots of the blossomed tree you see as the Art of Living.
When did the first YLTP take pllace in Gujarat?
In Gujarat the work is going on since last 8 to 9 years. Ever since Mr. Hiteshbhai has taken oer as the co-ordinator 2 years ago; the program has picked up very well.
It's not only about conducting YLTP & creating Yuvachryas; we also provide them with everything necessary in their personal lives.For example as a villgre he does not know English.
He can speak about Post Office but he stands near a Railway Station or a Post Office totally unaware because he doesn't know how to read.
They encounter many such challenges. For that we make them attend English classes every month in the Ashram free of charge.
Some of our devotees who are professors conduct these classes. Besides, we counsel them about how to come up in life & consider the challenges related thereto.
We dont talk about it directly with the Yuvacharyas else they will be tempted to come here for wrong reasons. We try to probe into their problems through other sources.
We do not want them to come here out of some greed that here we get all these things so let us join. We make him like a king! Besides we wish to retain their self-respect so that they can be proud of themselves.
We work for their economic development too. There are HR heads such as Nandaben & Mrudulaben who are associated with big companies in Gujarat.
They give talks to these Yuvacharyas on vocational guidance. We conduct a one-day workshop for all the Yuvacharyas so that they come & discover their potential.
After they have chosen their field of work we give thempractice in that particular area & see them through till their financial indepandence.
What is the secret of YLTP according to you? You say that it gives them personal development & social upliftment.
The secret is Guruji & Sudarshan Kriya. We have been watching a number of NGOs that are workiong since decades for the upliftment of society & youth.
A lot of work is being done in the name of development like making roads, contructing toilets, pucca houses, etc. Even after doing all this, if they do not know how to use it;
how can you call it development? In many villages constructed toilts are used to stack logs of wood & such due to lack of awareness.
This kind of awareness cannot be taught in school or by one-to-one talk.
It is only in Art of Living where there id Sudarshan Kriya, Padma Sadhana & Guruji's Grace which instills devotion in them. This devotion makes them assertive & as a result they turn to the right path.
The secret of Art of Living & YLTP is Sudarshan Kriya through which people's lives, mentality & even thoughts can be transformed.
What is your source of motivation since you are a full-time in YLTP.
Sometimes I do feel exhausted or fed up & feel like quitting. This is due to some problems like when in spite of we putting in a lot of energy; people do not understand or accept.
Then we surrender it to Guruji & feel that is is not we who are holding AOL & YLTP, but there is an unseen power which binds us to itself & that is one & only Guru Shakti.
Guruji is my idol. He says - "Whenever we get something, we should make it better before we leave it." These words had quite an impact on me. I thought I've got this Universe,
let me contribute something to it to make it better. I left my Govt. job to perform full-time seva here. Before, on waking I used to ask myself - why have I come on this earth, why have I taken birth. But today when we sleep, we are satisfied that we have brought transformation in someone's life.
Can you remember any example regarding someone's transformation?
Yes there are many.There is a lady, Madhuben from Kukawati with physically challenged limbs. We met her yesterday. She attended YLTP 4 years back.
Naswadi Taluka was handed over to me to develop. I suggested to meet the existing Yuvacharyas & find out about their opinions, achievements & future plans.
While travellingthrough different villages,I met this woman, Madhuben. She was elated to see me as a representative of Guruji after 4 years. I saw her family's condition
& felt like doing something for them.Then we thought of starting a financial development project here. Today she is a full time Yuvacharya, travelling villages, conducting Nav Chetna Shibir.
Some time ago her family had to take care of her. Today she looks after the whole village.The whole village seeks her advice before beginning anything. She got employment ..............
There are 30 women & 5 men who work under her, resulting into employment for 35 people. They propose to start '0' Budget Farming in her village. This is a story of a big transformation.
I am glad that I was the instrument for it.
Translated & Transcribed By Preity Thomas
Friday, February 5, 2010
GURUJI’S INTERVIEW ON NDTV India 60 Minutes Verdict
GURUJI’S INTERVIEW ON NDTV India 60 Minutes Verdict
HOW STRESS IS AFFECTING OUR HEALTH
IS URBAN STRESS KILLING US SOFTLY?
Interviewer: Sri Sri Ravishankar, if I can begin with you. You began the Art of Living 25 years ago. But do you find that in recent years that the problems that people bring to you are changing, have they been brought on by the lifestyle? How has stress affected their lives of those who come to you?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: Yeah, you know, there are various different kinds of problems that people face, where there is no telephone they are stressed and where there is telephone there is stress too. (Chuckles) So conflict whether it is in the society of within oneself is prevalent all over the world today.
Interviewer: Do you think that the conflict is caused by the way we live?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: Yeah, absolutely. It is obvious because we don’t take time for ourselves. Because we don’t see life from a broader perspective, broader vision. So we get stressed over small things, you know.
Interviewer: Dr.Prabhakaran, you have actually done a study on this. Study funded by WHO and by the AIIMS. Did the findings actually startle you? In that study, it says that 80% of the heart disease is caused by stress.
Dr. Prabhakaran:
(Cardiology Professor at AIIMS): The findings of the study of course startled us because the risk factor levels for cardio vascular diseases that is heart attacks and strokes are pretty high because this was the study of a very young population with an average age of 40 years and many of then had the several of the risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and tobacco smoking. The most important factor I think is related to the life style. I wouldn’t call it stress. Life style changes related to urbanization such as high saturated fat consumption, consumption of cigarette and low levels of physical activities. In fact, this is one of the most important factors for high level of heart disease related risk factors.
Interviewer: But then how would you define stress? It is this kind of almost metaphor for life style today. What actually is stress? How can you medically relate it to physical illnesses?
Dr.Prabhakaran: Stress can arise in various forms. Most people think that stress is related to excessive working or excessive activity. That is not really stress. Stress is much more complex. For example, your boss may be working for more that 18 hours, be may not be stressed. But you may be stressed because you may not have any control over your time. That’s all stress is all about. Second form of stress is called as suppressed hostility, that is you hate somebody but unable to do anything. These are two main types of stresses that can increase your risk for heart disease and third of course is depression.
Interviewer: Right, Dr. Prabhakaran. Joining me in this studio right now is somebody who has actually lived what we are talking about. Why did you choose to opt out of this rat race, as advertisement is one of the irregular jobs where everybody seems to be like stressed like television perhaps? Did you find it actually affecting your health?
Ganesh Eashwar:
(Former Advt executive): No, I don’t think it was stress at work that bothered me as much. It was possible to adjust to it. I think Sri Sri Ravishankar talked about how we live is the reason behind our problems. I think it is how we handle life is the real problem. Stress is something that is going to hit us. Stress from job, stress for your families, from any where. You need to handle it and that’s what most of us aren’t trained for, whether we are MBA or anyone. MBA teaches us how to succeed, it doesn’t teach us how handle failure and that is the major problem and that are where we all get grounded into this stress factor.
Interviewer: I think that is quest for answer. Sri Sri Ravishankar, while so many people are now looking at alternative techniques, they are looking at new age spiritual Gurus, they are looking at yoga, they are looking at meditation, what advise would you give people who come to you wanting answers, answer to urbanization or new life style as it were.
Sri Sri Ravishankar: You know, there are two ways to combat stress. One is reduce your work load which is not being possible these days. It is not practical because the work load is increasing every day thought the technology has advanced but our work has not reduced. The other option is to increase your energy level. How can you increase your energy level? That you need to see. I would say that there are four sources. The first is food, proper food, proper diet, second is right amount of sleep, 6 to 8 hours of sleep not more or less and then the third I would say is the breathing exercises. You know. Through breath our Prana can be regulated. So when the Prana, the life force energy is increased or enhanced you are able to work for May more hours without getting stressed. Stress is a phenomenon that happens either emotional or physical but we need to learn the methods how to get over them, get rid of them from our system. For this meditation is the fourth source of energy which would immensely benefit people. It has been happening that way. A little bit of Pranayama, Kriya and Meditation a person is able to smile again. The whole attitude and life style change happens quite naturally.
Interviewer: A sound advice. So you obviously draw 1000 and 100s of followers to the Art of Living. But tell me how you would answer critics that say that very often spiritual Gurus all these alternative therapies capitalize stress syndrome. What would your response to critics who say that?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: Pardon, capitalize what?
Interviewer: Many critics would say that spiritual gurus, new age gurus like I said that often capitalize on people’s weakness by giving advice which is basically just common sense?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: I mean people are allowed to have their own opinions. (Chuckles). Everybody doesn’t need to agree with everyone else. Whatever is useful for people and they will all learn it and it will catch on to the people. So what is wrong in people learning the techniques or going to counseling or taking advises from people who know in that field. You don’t ask that when it comes to hospitals or doctors or tax consultants. There are many such avenues in society, they continue to help people. But it is a prejudice you know against a Guru, spiritual leader that has been a block for some people. That’s not just in India, but world over. 20 0r 25 years ago there was so much more prejudice but today that prejudice is going down actually.
Interviewer: It is a nice word: The Spiritual Consultant:. It is different. I think it is important aspect in everyone’s life. Dr. Prabhakaran, is that something you find the traditional version of medicine is actually insufficient to deal with the kind of problems people come with to you nowadays?
Dr. Prabhakaran: I think the traditional systems of medicine or whatever are complimentary to what we say. All we are suggesting is that you have a proper life style, increase your physical activities, that is do some walking, participate in some non-competitive sports, take the right kind of food. That’s what they also say. The problem arises when the traditional; systems of medicines say that everything can be cured and we can cure a particular kind of disease and a chronic disease like heart disease within tow or three weeks which is where the problem arises. If we go hand in hand then these should be no problem. People should take our advise and also follow the lifestyle advises given by the Spiritual Guru or the traditionalists as you put it across.
Interviewer: Thank you so much Spiritual and physical consultants. Ganesh, you have been lucky. You managed to opt out what many would say is the rat race. What would you say to those who have no chouse but to stay in and one of the SMS we got is, it says: People actually choose stress. If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.”
Ganesh: Actually all stress is man made. There are three causes for it. You could have the inability to control the actions of others is one reason, the inability to manage your own expectations, or the inability to live up to the promises you have made to others or yourself. These are the causative factors what Dr.Prabhakaran was talking about was treating the results of stress which leads to heart attacks and a whole lot of others. If you can control the stress itself now for that there are simple ways. As Sri Sri Ravishankar was saying there are other simpler ways which we all of us in the corporate life would find it easy. Take a paper and a pen and put down what is the best case scenario and what is the worst case scenario and somewhere in between you have to accept. The minute you see it in that light a whole lot of tension goes off. You don’t pass it on to others. You don’t add it to others. Therefore it becomes a lot more meaningful. And the only thing I would like to add we talked about is urban stress. It is not urban stress. It is human stress where ever we are. We also pass it to plants and tress and other things around us. If we can cut that, will be a great thing for all of us.
Interviewer: Sri Sri Ravishankar, final words from you Sir to all our viewers, to all your followers are what would you say is the way out today?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: See your life with a broader vision, what is that you actually want in your life. What is the aim of life, what is the purpose of life and just be happy, you see. Take every challenge that comes in your life with such an ease you see. See that self confidence in yourself or trust in the Divine, the Lord of creation who helps you, take you in a long way. And Dr.Prabhakaran has mentioned we need to have a holistic approach. I wouldn’t say that everything can be cured just by doing some exercises. You need to take a holistic approach and prevention is far better than cure. So take care of your health mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
Interviewer: Not to leave that out. Thank you all very much, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Dr. Prabhakaran, Ganesh Eashwar for joining me. Be happy, perhaps the simple solution to what is taking many of us in our cities. Let us just look at SMS poll, the way you have voted:
Verdict: Stress and the city: Is urban stress killing us softly”
Yes….93%
No……7%
Thanks so much for voting on the debate.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
HOW STRESS IS AFFECTING OUR HEALTH
IS URBAN STRESS KILLING US SOFTLY?
Interviewer: Sri Sri Ravishankar, if I can begin with you. You began the Art of Living 25 years ago. But do you find that in recent years that the problems that people bring to you are changing, have they been brought on by the lifestyle? How has stress affected their lives of those who come to you?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: Yeah, you know, there are various different kinds of problems that people face, where there is no telephone they are stressed and where there is telephone there is stress too. (Chuckles) So conflict whether it is in the society of within oneself is prevalent all over the world today.
Interviewer: Do you think that the conflict is caused by the way we live?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: Yeah, absolutely. It is obvious because we don’t take time for ourselves. Because we don’t see life from a broader perspective, broader vision. So we get stressed over small things, you know.
Interviewer: Dr.Prabhakaran, you have actually done a study on this. Study funded by WHO and by the AIIMS. Did the findings actually startle you? In that study, it says that 80% of the heart disease is caused by stress.
Dr. Prabhakaran:
(Cardiology Professor at AIIMS): The findings of the study of course startled us because the risk factor levels for cardio vascular diseases that is heart attacks and strokes are pretty high because this was the study of a very young population with an average age of 40 years and many of then had the several of the risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and tobacco smoking. The most important factor I think is related to the life style. I wouldn’t call it stress. Life style changes related to urbanization such as high saturated fat consumption, consumption of cigarette and low levels of physical activities. In fact, this is one of the most important factors for high level of heart disease related risk factors.
Interviewer: But then how would you define stress? It is this kind of almost metaphor for life style today. What actually is stress? How can you medically relate it to physical illnesses?
Dr.Prabhakaran: Stress can arise in various forms. Most people think that stress is related to excessive working or excessive activity. That is not really stress. Stress is much more complex. For example, your boss may be working for more that 18 hours, be may not be stressed. But you may be stressed because you may not have any control over your time. That’s all stress is all about. Second form of stress is called as suppressed hostility, that is you hate somebody but unable to do anything. These are two main types of stresses that can increase your risk for heart disease and third of course is depression.
Interviewer: Right, Dr. Prabhakaran. Joining me in this studio right now is somebody who has actually lived what we are talking about. Why did you choose to opt out of this rat race, as advertisement is one of the irregular jobs where everybody seems to be like stressed like television perhaps? Did you find it actually affecting your health?
Ganesh Eashwar:
(Former Advt executive): No, I don’t think it was stress at work that bothered me as much. It was possible to adjust to it. I think Sri Sri Ravishankar talked about how we live is the reason behind our problems. I think it is how we handle life is the real problem. Stress is something that is going to hit us. Stress from job, stress for your families, from any where. You need to handle it and that’s what most of us aren’t trained for, whether we are MBA or anyone. MBA teaches us how to succeed, it doesn’t teach us how handle failure and that is the major problem and that are where we all get grounded into this stress factor.
Interviewer: I think that is quest for answer. Sri Sri Ravishankar, while so many people are now looking at alternative techniques, they are looking at new age spiritual Gurus, they are looking at yoga, they are looking at meditation, what advise would you give people who come to you wanting answers, answer to urbanization or new life style as it were.
Sri Sri Ravishankar: You know, there are two ways to combat stress. One is reduce your work load which is not being possible these days. It is not practical because the work load is increasing every day thought the technology has advanced but our work has not reduced. The other option is to increase your energy level. How can you increase your energy level? That you need to see. I would say that there are four sources. The first is food, proper food, proper diet, second is right amount of sleep, 6 to 8 hours of sleep not more or less and then the third I would say is the breathing exercises. You know. Through breath our Prana can be regulated. So when the Prana, the life force energy is increased or enhanced you are able to work for May more hours without getting stressed. Stress is a phenomenon that happens either emotional or physical but we need to learn the methods how to get over them, get rid of them from our system. For this meditation is the fourth source of energy which would immensely benefit people. It has been happening that way. A little bit of Pranayama, Kriya and Meditation a person is able to smile again. The whole attitude and life style change happens quite naturally.
Interviewer: A sound advice. So you obviously draw 1000 and 100s of followers to the Art of Living. But tell me how you would answer critics that say that very often spiritual Gurus all these alternative therapies capitalize stress syndrome. What would your response to critics who say that?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: Pardon, capitalize what?
Interviewer: Many critics would say that spiritual gurus, new age gurus like I said that often capitalize on people’s weakness by giving advice which is basically just common sense?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: I mean people are allowed to have their own opinions. (Chuckles). Everybody doesn’t need to agree with everyone else. Whatever is useful for people and they will all learn it and it will catch on to the people. So what is wrong in people learning the techniques or going to counseling or taking advises from people who know in that field. You don’t ask that when it comes to hospitals or doctors or tax consultants. There are many such avenues in society, they continue to help people. But it is a prejudice you know against a Guru, spiritual leader that has been a block for some people. That’s not just in India, but world over. 20 0r 25 years ago there was so much more prejudice but today that prejudice is going down actually.
Interviewer: It is a nice word: The Spiritual Consultant:. It is different. I think it is important aspect in everyone’s life. Dr. Prabhakaran, is that something you find the traditional version of medicine is actually insufficient to deal with the kind of problems people come with to you nowadays?
Dr. Prabhakaran: I think the traditional systems of medicine or whatever are complimentary to what we say. All we are suggesting is that you have a proper life style, increase your physical activities, that is do some walking, participate in some non-competitive sports, take the right kind of food. That’s what they also say. The problem arises when the traditional; systems of medicines say that everything can be cured and we can cure a particular kind of disease and a chronic disease like heart disease within tow or three weeks which is where the problem arises. If we go hand in hand then these should be no problem. People should take our advise and also follow the lifestyle advises given by the Spiritual Guru or the traditionalists as you put it across.
Interviewer: Thank you so much Spiritual and physical consultants. Ganesh, you have been lucky. You managed to opt out what many would say is the rat race. What would you say to those who have no chouse but to stay in and one of the SMS we got is, it says: People actually choose stress. If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen.”
Ganesh: Actually all stress is man made. There are three causes for it. You could have the inability to control the actions of others is one reason, the inability to manage your own expectations, or the inability to live up to the promises you have made to others or yourself. These are the causative factors what Dr.Prabhakaran was talking about was treating the results of stress which leads to heart attacks and a whole lot of others. If you can control the stress itself now for that there are simple ways. As Sri Sri Ravishankar was saying there are other simpler ways which we all of us in the corporate life would find it easy. Take a paper and a pen and put down what is the best case scenario and what is the worst case scenario and somewhere in between you have to accept. The minute you see it in that light a whole lot of tension goes off. You don’t pass it on to others. You don’t add it to others. Therefore it becomes a lot more meaningful. And the only thing I would like to add we talked about is urban stress. It is not urban stress. It is human stress where ever we are. We also pass it to plants and tress and other things around us. If we can cut that, will be a great thing for all of us.
Interviewer: Sri Sri Ravishankar, final words from you Sir to all our viewers, to all your followers are what would you say is the way out today?
Sri Sri Ravishankar: See your life with a broader vision, what is that you actually want in your life. What is the aim of life, what is the purpose of life and just be happy, you see. Take every challenge that comes in your life with such an ease you see. See that self confidence in yourself or trust in the Divine, the Lord of creation who helps you, take you in a long way. And Dr.Prabhakaran has mentioned we need to have a holistic approach. I wouldn’t say that everything can be cured just by doing some exercises. You need to take a holistic approach and prevention is far better than cure. So take care of your health mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
Interviewer: Not to leave that out. Thank you all very much, Sri Sri Ravishankar, Dr. Prabhakaran, Ganesh Eashwar for joining me. Be happy, perhaps the simple solution to what is taking many of us in our cities. Let us just look at SMS poll, the way you have voted:
Verdict: Stress and the city: Is urban stress killing us softly”
Yes….93%
No……7%
Thanks so much for voting on the debate.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
HAITI - NOUVILLE VIE YOUTH CORPS
HAITI - NOUVILLE VIE YOUTH CORPS
How do we build a new life in Haiti? How do we heal the entire population's trauma? How we we feed the millions of people? How do we repair a land that was already, ravaged by the deforestation. How do we ensure that Haiti will not for ever depend on foreign aid? We empower nation to do it. We empower Haitians to heal their own people, to revive their own land, to build their own future. As one world family we create a power of a nation. Since October 2007 the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) has developed 350 youth leaders in 5 cities. IAHV has 27 years of experience in over 40 countries developing youth leaders with tools to handle their own stress and take personal responsibilities for their communities. In light of the January 12th earthquake we are taking it to the next level. "Most Haitians have hidden talents. They don't develop their talents because they think they are inferior. But it is not true at all. One should develop the qualities of the self. One should work." Over the course of 6 months we are training a youth corp of 50 Haitians, young adults who will serve Haiti for 2 years. The youth corp will be trained to heal their own communities of trauma. They will be trained to develop sustainable systems to provide food, water, sanitation and safe buildings for their communities. "There is a lot of stress. Now with this program it helps people let go of stress to relax. Here in Haiti peope are discouraged. We bring the energy that people can have confidence in themselves. For me in teaching others this program we are Haitians first. In the past, I thought that it is from the outside that things are going to come. From the program we learnt that it is Haitians that are going to change Haiti. We are working to change things." The youth corp would become instructors of IAHV"s trauma relief program. After the training each youth corp member woule provide trauma relief to 100 people per week totalling 500,000 for the entire youth corp after 2 years. The youth corp would teach in implementing sustainable systems for food, water, security, sanitation and safe building constructions. They wull be trained and mentored by experts from aroudn Haiti and around the world. After the training they will travel to IDP camps and villages teaching as they develop. " I work helping street children, helping people who don't have means to succeed in life. That's my biggest passion. I feel totally proud when the kids say, "Jackson, how are you?" I'm good.That's my biggest pride."
Support and Nouvelle Vie Youth Corps, Support and new life for Haiti.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
How do we build a new life in Haiti? How do we heal the entire population's trauma? How we we feed the millions of people? How do we repair a land that was already, ravaged by the deforestation. How do we ensure that Haiti will not for ever depend on foreign aid? We empower nation to do it. We empower Haitians to heal their own people, to revive their own land, to build their own future. As one world family we create a power of a nation. Since October 2007 the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) has developed 350 youth leaders in 5 cities. IAHV has 27 years of experience in over 40 countries developing youth leaders with tools to handle their own stress and take personal responsibilities for their communities. In light of the January 12th earthquake we are taking it to the next level. "Most Haitians have hidden talents. They don't develop their talents because they think they are inferior. But it is not true at all. One should develop the qualities of the self. One should work." Over the course of 6 months we are training a youth corp of 50 Haitians, young adults who will serve Haiti for 2 years. The youth corp will be trained to heal their own communities of trauma. They will be trained to develop sustainable systems to provide food, water, sanitation and safe buildings for their communities. "There is a lot of stress. Now with this program it helps people let go of stress to relax. Here in Haiti peope are discouraged. We bring the energy that people can have confidence in themselves. For me in teaching others this program we are Haitians first. In the past, I thought that it is from the outside that things are going to come. From the program we learnt that it is Haitians that are going to change Haiti. We are working to change things." The youth corp would become instructors of IAHV"s trauma relief program. After the training each youth corp member woule provide trauma relief to 100 people per week totalling 500,000 for the entire youth corp after 2 years. The youth corp would teach in implementing sustainable systems for food, water, security, sanitation and safe building constructions. They wull be trained and mentored by experts from aroudn Haiti and around the world. After the training they will travel to IDP camps and villages teaching as they develop. " I work helping street children, helping people who don't have means to succeed in life. That's my biggest passion. I feel totally proud when the kids say, "Jackson, how are you?" I'm good.That's my biggest pride."
Support and Nouvelle Vie Youth Corps, Support and new life for Haiti.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
Monday, February 1, 2010
Senior Art of Living Faculty Vinod Kumar Menon's Direct to Heart Points Part 1 & 2
Senior Art of Living Faculty Vinod Kumar Menon's Direct to Heart Points
To Watch the Video
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRdqQQUDsM0
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMeTHiA14V0
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRdqQQUDsM0
Over a period of time as we mature we start probing and wondering in the next level where do I need to graduate to what is further than where Iam today. Ourselves leads to a word called 'Spirit" and the science and understanding and the sdudy of spirit is called spirituality. As and when we start indulging in an activity it could leave impressions and the impressions will further drive us to indulge in the same thing repeatedly to such a point that it becomes an addiction, a pattern of behaviour or habit. Now we need relaxation from such habits and patterns and addictions. We need to cut off and learn to shut off and meditation is one tool to be able to do that. That's why a Guru is essential.It is very important to learn things in a formal, bonafide format with the prescribed syllabus and curricullum and the Guru has this kind of methodology of imparting the techniques of self development. The ability in problem solving in human relationship for me is a very important part of success. Now how to do that and the interesting part is that is where I need to have a spiritual referral, self referral with immense stamina to apply my mind to the process of relating to a conflict, empathizing with the conflict. And as such I need some key how to get connected to my self referral and that is where the Guru can give me those keys. He can guide you through where you are in your own level in your pursuit of your spiritual progress. Important point is that you must have a Guru.
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMeTHiA14V0
The senses by which we live, our sight, our touch, our sense of hearing, taste and smell are all limited. Because of such erroneous understanding and perceptions our perspectives becomes limited and thereby we experience pain, indulgences in activities of our daily routine. Now we need a dimension to keep resourcing fuel, to keep energising us. And we need a solution, we need a boost of enthusiasm, energy, creativity, innovation. Now where do we get this from? We need to connect, connect to the source of enthusiasm, source of energy and then we need a tool to make this transition and that I call the smart power. That is Yoga, Pranayama, Breathing techniques, Meditation techniques, understanding the scritures. So this is what we are looking at spirituality. And this is possible. A spiritual pursuit is only progress. There is no regression at all.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
To Watch the Video
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRdqQQUDsM0
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMeTHiA14V0
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRdqQQUDsM0
Over a period of time as we mature we start probing and wondering in the next level where do I need to graduate to what is further than where Iam today. Ourselves leads to a word called 'Spirit" and the science and understanding and the sdudy of spirit is called spirituality. As and when we start indulging in an activity it could leave impressions and the impressions will further drive us to indulge in the same thing repeatedly to such a point that it becomes an addiction, a pattern of behaviour or habit. Now we need relaxation from such habits and patterns and addictions. We need to cut off and learn to shut off and meditation is one tool to be able to do that. That's why a Guru is essential.It is very important to learn things in a formal, bonafide format with the prescribed syllabus and curricullum and the Guru has this kind of methodology of imparting the techniques of self development. The ability in problem solving in human relationship for me is a very important part of success. Now how to do that and the interesting part is that is where I need to have a spiritual referral, self referral with immense stamina to apply my mind to the process of relating to a conflict, empathizing with the conflict. And as such I need some key how to get connected to my self referral and that is where the Guru can give me those keys. He can guide you through where you are in your own level in your pursuit of your spiritual progress. Important point is that you must have a Guru.
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMeTHiA14V0
The senses by which we live, our sight, our touch, our sense of hearing, taste and smell are all limited. Because of such erroneous understanding and perceptions our perspectives becomes limited and thereby we experience pain, indulgences in activities of our daily routine. Now we need a dimension to keep resourcing fuel, to keep energising us. And we need a solution, we need a boost of enthusiasm, energy, creativity, innovation. Now where do we get this from? We need to connect, connect to the source of enthusiasm, source of energy and then we need a tool to make this transition and that I call the smart power. That is Yoga, Pranayama, Breathing techniques, Meditation techniques, understanding the scritures. So this is what we are looking at spirituality. And this is possible. A spiritual pursuit is only progress. There is no regression at all.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Clare Agius Malta - Interview Dec 09 ..PART 4/4
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Clare Agius Malta - Interview Dec 09 ..PART 4
To watch the video goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2UvsarsdlI
Clare: It doesn't matter where it originates from as long as it is good to the human society.
Guruji: Correct, correct. We need to understand a little bit about all the religions of the world. That will make you strong, wise, broad minded and a loving person. Because when you read Bible, what Jesus said many things
were also said by Lord Krishna. There are many similarities with Lord Buddha's teachings as well. So one is to celebrate the diversities. Though every religon, every prophet and every pholosopher has contributed
something unique to the world. And the diversity needs to be celebrated and not taken as a source of conflict. Unfortunately today the conflict is because we cant tolerate diversity. That should be put to an end.
Clare: So spirituality surpasses religion.
Guruji: Correct.
Clare: How can I practise my religion and be spiritual at the same time?
Guruji: As I said to be a nice and good human being, to be compassionate, to be caring, to widen the scope of knowledge we need to have an experience. This is spirituality. Spirituality is having the inner stillness and
unconditional compassion and joy. This does not contradict our religion. It in fact supports your religion. You should follow your religion and enrich your religion by following spiritual practices because that brings more
energy in the system.
Clare: On another thing about Malta. Malta is an island. From ancient thimes it had a lot of feminine energy. It had goddess and even this devotion is today is transformed into our love for Virgin Mary. What would this
symbol of feminism this island represents mean to you?
Guruji: You know, from millions of years the civilisation had great respect for women, the goddess power. If you visit all the ancient cinilisations in the world everywhere there is a great respect for goddess. Earth herself is
considered as feminine energy. In the Hindu mythology, in the Hindu tradition, Earth is called the "Bhoodevi". The mother Earth is the host of all the species. She holds all of them in her lap. So feminine energy has found
great acceptance, respect in all the culture and civilisations. And it doesn't surprise me that feminine energy is worshipped as Mother Mary. It is quite natural that makes people more beautiful.
Clare: What would you say the feminine role in this world, the female role in this world be in today's age?
Guruji: I think the women should take more active role in all the fields. They should never feel that they are being suppressed. I know in many countries they don't enjoy equal status. We have been holding International
women's conferences every 2 years and women from all over the world come and participate in that and they share. I have created a forum for that. In fact I shouldn't sasy that I have created. They have created for
themselves. Of course I have encouraged them to do so. And the rural women and the urban women come together. They discuss their problems and see how they can move forward in their life. I feel that more and more
work must be done to empower women.
Clare: What do you say that women can contribute that perhaps male cannot in a society, in a family or perhaps in the world?
Guruji:Well, don't put me into trouble. (laughs) It is not man versus woman. Woman has a un ique place in the world which man cannot replace obviously. And man has certain unique responsibility which woman cant replace
either. So everybody is unique in their own way, in their own contribution. And in India we say that a man and a woman are the two sides of the body. Woman is considered the left and the man the right of a human
physiology. Because every human being is made of both mother and father, both man and woman. So now what is that woman can do in this world? She should take more prominent role in business, in politics also in
spirituality, social entrepreneurships. All these roles are waiting and inviting women to come and join.
Clare: What wil the families nuclear suffer if the women....
Guruji: This we will have to manage. They have to see that the family structure is not disturbed where she is being a part of the bigger family of a nation or society. Taking leadership doesn't mean you have to sacrifice one.
They can do both. They can manage.
Clare: That's a lof of responsibility on the women. I understand. One of the few final questions. One of which I always wanted to ask...can any one be wise? how is wisdom acquired?
Guruji: Wisdom comes to you through experience and integration of knowledge with life and by experience. The third option only I think is the gift of God. It just comes to you as a gift of God. You haven't done anything for
it.
Clare: But you have to be open to it.
Guruji: Correct.
Clare: And one final question. We are starting the year 2010 and this is another fresh year for everybody and the whole world seems to be looking forward to it becoming a better place. What message would you have and
what role will you be executing this year?
Guruji: I wish everyone a very happy new year 2010. I know 2009 had been a financial roller coaster over the world, swine flu and other problems were there in the world. This year lets hope would bring more prosperity,
less conflict or no colflict. I would love to bring people together, the hearts and minds together to protect the environment. I wish all the people of Malta and all the world a very very happy new year. May God Bless.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
To watch the video goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2UvsarsdlI
Clare: It doesn't matter where it originates from as long as it is good to the human society.
Guruji: Correct, correct. We need to understand a little bit about all the religions of the world. That will make you strong, wise, broad minded and a loving person. Because when you read Bible, what Jesus said many things
were also said by Lord Krishna. There are many similarities with Lord Buddha's teachings as well. So one is to celebrate the diversities. Though every religon, every prophet and every pholosopher has contributed
something unique to the world. And the diversity needs to be celebrated and not taken as a source of conflict. Unfortunately today the conflict is because we cant tolerate diversity. That should be put to an end.
Clare: So spirituality surpasses religion.
Guruji: Correct.
Clare: How can I practise my religion and be spiritual at the same time?
Guruji: As I said to be a nice and good human being, to be compassionate, to be caring, to widen the scope of knowledge we need to have an experience. This is spirituality. Spirituality is having the inner stillness and
unconditional compassion and joy. This does not contradict our religion. It in fact supports your religion. You should follow your religion and enrich your religion by following spiritual practices because that brings more
energy in the system.
Clare: On another thing about Malta. Malta is an island. From ancient thimes it had a lot of feminine energy. It had goddess and even this devotion is today is transformed into our love for Virgin Mary. What would this
symbol of feminism this island represents mean to you?
Guruji: You know, from millions of years the civilisation had great respect for women, the goddess power. If you visit all the ancient cinilisations in the world everywhere there is a great respect for goddess. Earth herself is
considered as feminine energy. In the Hindu mythology, in the Hindu tradition, Earth is called the "Bhoodevi". The mother Earth is the host of all the species. She holds all of them in her lap. So feminine energy has found
great acceptance, respect in all the culture and civilisations. And it doesn't surprise me that feminine energy is worshipped as Mother Mary. It is quite natural that makes people more beautiful.
Clare: What would you say the feminine role in this world, the female role in this world be in today's age?
Guruji: I think the women should take more active role in all the fields. They should never feel that they are being suppressed. I know in many countries they don't enjoy equal status. We have been holding International
women's conferences every 2 years and women from all over the world come and participate in that and they share. I have created a forum for that. In fact I shouldn't sasy that I have created. They have created for
themselves. Of course I have encouraged them to do so. And the rural women and the urban women come together. They discuss their problems and see how they can move forward in their life. I feel that more and more
work must be done to empower women.
Clare: What do you say that women can contribute that perhaps male cannot in a society, in a family or perhaps in the world?
Guruji:Well, don't put me into trouble. (laughs) It is not man versus woman. Woman has a un ique place in the world which man cannot replace obviously. And man has certain unique responsibility which woman cant replace
either. So everybody is unique in their own way, in their own contribution. And in India we say that a man and a woman are the two sides of the body. Woman is considered the left and the man the right of a human
physiology. Because every human being is made of both mother and father, both man and woman. So now what is that woman can do in this world? She should take more prominent role in business, in politics also in
spirituality, social entrepreneurships. All these roles are waiting and inviting women to come and join.
Clare: What wil the families nuclear suffer if the women....
Guruji: This we will have to manage. They have to see that the family structure is not disturbed where she is being a part of the bigger family of a nation or society. Taking leadership doesn't mean you have to sacrifice one.
They can do both. They can manage.
Clare: That's a lof of responsibility on the women. I understand. One of the few final questions. One of which I always wanted to ask...can any one be wise? how is wisdom acquired?
Guruji: Wisdom comes to you through experience and integration of knowledge with life and by experience. The third option only I think is the gift of God. It just comes to you as a gift of God. You haven't done anything for
it.
Clare: But you have to be open to it.
Guruji: Correct.
Clare: And one final question. We are starting the year 2010 and this is another fresh year for everybody and the whole world seems to be looking forward to it becoming a better place. What message would you have and
what role will you be executing this year?
Guruji: I wish everyone a very happy new year 2010. I know 2009 had been a financial roller coaster over the world, swine flu and other problems were there in the world. This year lets hope would bring more prosperity,
less conflict or no colflict. I would love to bring people together, the hearts and minds together to protect the environment. I wish all the people of Malta and all the world a very very happy new year. May God Bless.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Clare Agius Malta - Interview Dec 09 ..PART 3/4
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Clare Agius Malta - Interview Dec 09 ..PART 3
To Watch The Video Goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDi5-AUuDwQ
Clare: People like to relate to others depending on where they are coming from and what were the similar things rather than the differernces between one culture and the other. What was your chilhood like?
Guruji: You know, my childhood never ended. It is still continuing. Today Iam a child who refuses to grow up. I think we all have the child likeness within each one of us. Somehow it all gets covered up with our conditioning. I saw to it that I dont get conditioned by anything else and perhaps that is the education and support I got from my parents and teachers and the general spiritual atmosphere I grew up. So my childhood days most of the time I spent with all the wise people, elderly people and now that Iam getting o0lder Iam spending time with the children. I would like everyone to be a child again. To me child is the teacher because the child teaches how to be in the present moment, how to accept people and things. If you observe a baby anywhere in the world from the time it is born to the age of three, it will do all Yoga postures. Every posture of Yoga the child does, the way the child sleeps with all the mudras. Perhaps the founders of Yoga must have observed the child and also all the species of the world and how they integrated one's body, nind and spirit into exercises, processes which would uplift you, make you feel light from within and loving and caring everyone. I think this switch we need to make today in the world otherwise there is no hope for the world. Today when there is so much of greed, so much of terrorism, fear and uncertainity, broken families, domestic and societal violence, we have to come back to human values. We have to come back to spiritual values where we honour each other and where we create a sense of belongingness for each other and make the work as one family. I often say technology has shrunk the world into a global village. It is spirituality that connects it as a family.
Clare: That's true. People who are listening Iam sure are saying it is true we may practice but we still have to go to work, we still have to take the children everywhere, pay the bills. So how is the integration of practise in our life, real practical life go to make it different?
Guruji: See, this is the difference between Art Of Living and other spiritual practices and exercises because you can do some practices, exercises, meditation in your room and then when you come out you are the same person as you were before. It doesn't integrate with your work place. But here what I say is you have to take responsibilty at your work and how much enthusiastic, energetic and creative you are in your day to day life depends on how clear and compassionate you are deep within yourself. So they are complimentary, very much complimentary. The more responsibility we have the more pressure we have, the more we need to take time to do this exercise and thats the main thing about Art Of Living. It is not like running away from responsibility. It is to gain abilities to fulfill your responsibilities much better.
Clare: What is that you tell people who ask you but how can I be calm and not angry when I was educated like this? Educated to fight back. I know you have travelled the world, spoken with many people who are suffering. How can we sent the message to the people who dont know otherwise?
Guruji: But they need to know how to manage their mind, how to manage their emotions. Once you know how to manage your own mind, your own emotions, then you simply dont react but act consciously. You act with awareness. You act after thinking about it. Not just act and then think later. That's one of the major benefits. Second thing is it improves your immune system. It boosts your immune system. You see 90% of the impurities in our body goes out through our breath and we have not learnt anything about our breath. So these few hours of lessons in breathing and in exercising and in meditation brings such a transformation in life. And you will see and you have seen in yourself nobody can easily upset you. You are able to smile through the day, you are being able to be energetic ev en in the late evenings and at the end of the night. That energy increaces many times.
Clare: Something that you reminded me of when you were talking about children is something that Jesus said " to enter the Kingdom of my Father you have to be like a child." So may with this relation to Jesus, what, how does Jesus symbolise in your life? What does He mean to you?
Guruji: You know as a child in India we used to celebrate all the festivals of other religions though we are Hindus. We didn't consider it as another religion because we used to keep Jesus picturre in our home, we used to go to Church on the Christmas day to greet the Father there. So there was very good harmonious inter faith culture that we all grew up with. In Mahatma Gandhi's satsan everyday, Mahatma Gandhi's prayer meetings he used to recite prayers from all the religions. Lord Krishna in the Upanishads has said what we need to is to bring into our educational system is our global wisdom. Otherwise when the child grows up thinking my religion is the best in the world is is the only way for salvation they don't connect with other people. That leads to terrorism. As long as even a small pocket of world is left with this ignorance that only my religion is the best everything else is bad they are going to create problems for the world. Thats what is happening in Afganistan. Because they are not embracing the wisdon of the world. Because it is part of the whole world. Any wisdom anywhere in the world belongs to you.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
To Watch The Video Goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDi5-AUuDwQ
Clare: People like to relate to others depending on where they are coming from and what were the similar things rather than the differernces between one culture and the other. What was your chilhood like?
Guruji: You know, my childhood never ended. It is still continuing. Today Iam a child who refuses to grow up. I think we all have the child likeness within each one of us. Somehow it all gets covered up with our conditioning. I saw to it that I dont get conditioned by anything else and perhaps that is the education and support I got from my parents and teachers and the general spiritual atmosphere I grew up. So my childhood days most of the time I spent with all the wise people, elderly people and now that Iam getting o0lder Iam spending time with the children. I would like everyone to be a child again. To me child is the teacher because the child teaches how to be in the present moment, how to accept people and things. If you observe a baby anywhere in the world from the time it is born to the age of three, it will do all Yoga postures. Every posture of Yoga the child does, the way the child sleeps with all the mudras. Perhaps the founders of Yoga must have observed the child and also all the species of the world and how they integrated one's body, nind and spirit into exercises, processes which would uplift you, make you feel light from within and loving and caring everyone. I think this switch we need to make today in the world otherwise there is no hope for the world. Today when there is so much of greed, so much of terrorism, fear and uncertainity, broken families, domestic and societal violence, we have to come back to human values. We have to come back to spiritual values where we honour each other and where we create a sense of belongingness for each other and make the work as one family. I often say technology has shrunk the world into a global village. It is spirituality that connects it as a family.
Clare: That's true. People who are listening Iam sure are saying it is true we may practice but we still have to go to work, we still have to take the children everywhere, pay the bills. So how is the integration of practise in our life, real practical life go to make it different?
Guruji: See, this is the difference between Art Of Living and other spiritual practices and exercises because you can do some practices, exercises, meditation in your room and then when you come out you are the same person as you were before. It doesn't integrate with your work place. But here what I say is you have to take responsibilty at your work and how much enthusiastic, energetic and creative you are in your day to day life depends on how clear and compassionate you are deep within yourself. So they are complimentary, very much complimentary. The more responsibility we have the more pressure we have, the more we need to take time to do this exercise and thats the main thing about Art Of Living. It is not like running away from responsibility. It is to gain abilities to fulfill your responsibilities much better.
Clare: What is that you tell people who ask you but how can I be calm and not angry when I was educated like this? Educated to fight back. I know you have travelled the world, spoken with many people who are suffering. How can we sent the message to the people who dont know otherwise?
Guruji: But they need to know how to manage their mind, how to manage their emotions. Once you know how to manage your own mind, your own emotions, then you simply dont react but act consciously. You act with awareness. You act after thinking about it. Not just act and then think later. That's one of the major benefits. Second thing is it improves your immune system. It boosts your immune system. You see 90% of the impurities in our body goes out through our breath and we have not learnt anything about our breath. So these few hours of lessons in breathing and in exercising and in meditation brings such a transformation in life. And you will see and you have seen in yourself nobody can easily upset you. You are able to smile through the day, you are being able to be energetic ev en in the late evenings and at the end of the night. That energy increaces many times.
Clare: Something that you reminded me of when you were talking about children is something that Jesus said " to enter the Kingdom of my Father you have to be like a child." So may with this relation to Jesus, what, how does Jesus symbolise in your life? What does He mean to you?
Guruji: You know as a child in India we used to celebrate all the festivals of other religions though we are Hindus. We didn't consider it as another religion because we used to keep Jesus picturre in our home, we used to go to Church on the Christmas day to greet the Father there. So there was very good harmonious inter faith culture that we all grew up with. In Mahatma Gandhi's satsan everyday, Mahatma Gandhi's prayer meetings he used to recite prayers from all the religions. Lord Krishna in the Upanishads has said what we need to is to bring into our educational system is our global wisdom. Otherwise when the child grows up thinking my religion is the best in the world is is the only way for salvation they don't connect with other people. That leads to terrorism. As long as even a small pocket of world is left with this ignorance that only my religion is the best everything else is bad they are going to create problems for the world. Thats what is happening in Afganistan. Because they are not embracing the wisdon of the world. Because it is part of the whole world. Any wisdom anywhere in the world belongs to you.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Clare Agius Malta - Interview Dec 09 Part 2/4
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Clare Agius Malta - Interview Dec 09 Part 2/4
To watch the video goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtxX4310JT4
Clare: If all sounds so nice, simple and beautiful, but Iam sure you found people who are not ready to be reached and to in dialogue with and who are not yet ready to believe. How do you deal with people who are in that situation?
Guruji: There used to be a lot of prejudice before when I started it 29 years ago. But now with the flow of knowledge, with the flow of information they are more open now. They are not that prejudiced as they were before. Before there used to be racial prejudice, religious prejudice, even people of other religions were not that welcome, that type of prejudice was there, but now I feel that world is moving on a different note, that there is more harmony, more inter faith dialogues are happening, inter cultural events are happening, people are coming closer to each other to, understand better. Thats why I say that we need to realise this ancient idea of one family, one human family. So we drop the prejudice and we drop narrow mindedness and see the world from a wide angle lens.
Clare: One of the old technique is called the Sudarshan Kriya, perhaps to the people who have no idea about it how can you explain it to them?
Guruji: You know it is very difficult to explain. It is like the sweetness of the pudding is in tasting it. But I can make an attempt to give a synopsis of what it is. YOu know we have rhythms in the naturre, seasons flowing in a rhythm and then there is a rhythm in the body, particular time when you do want to sleep, when you are hungry and when you are thirsty. There is a rhythm in the body, the bio rhythm, like that there is rhythm in tyhe nature there is a shythm in the breath too which we have never noticed and then we have a rhythm in the thought process and then there is a rhythm in our emotions and then there is a rhythm in our inner being, soul. Sudarshan Kriya brings a harmony between all these rhythms. It is a rhythmic breathing which brings the mind to a very blissful state deep within and twice if you do it you can do it on your own. In the beginnig you need a teacher, instructions to guide you through it. But afterwards at any time, any where you can do it , sit relaxed, twenty minutes you do it, ten minutes of Sudarshan Kriya and ten minutes of pranayam.
Clare: And who are the people who have benefitted from it across the world, you are in many countries, so many people are practicing it.
Guruji: Millions of people are benefitted out of it. In prisons you know, 300,000 prisoners all over the world have been benefitted by this. Where ever there is stress, where ever there is tension, health problems and when people do it they feel so good. Neither at home nor at school anybody teaches us how to manage our negative emotions, if you are feeling depressed, upset, unhappy or angry people simply tell you dont get angry, dont get upset but they dont tell you how not to. If it is a feeling, it is a reality. You are upset and you are jealous and you are greedy and you do not know how to get it out of your system. Thats where the Sudarshan Kriya is so beneficial. And if you learn it and do it in 5 minutes you are out of those negative feelings.
Clare: And so you practice breathing technique when you have these feelings?
Guruji: When you have rage, anger and in 5 minutes you do the Kriya and you are back to normal.
Clare: In fact I wanted to ask you this, whenever I have seen you, you seem to be always happy, smiling, you hyave the right words to say to people. Is it difficult to maintain this state always?
Guruji: No, No, because I dont make an effort. Otherwise I would be terribly tensed. I just remain in my element, in my nature and perhaps that is why Iam relaxed all the time. I dont make any effort to impress anybody or any effort to show or say which Iam not. So Iam like an open book. Iam the way Iam. Thats it.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
To watch the video goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtxX4310JT4
Clare: If all sounds so nice, simple and beautiful, but Iam sure you found people who are not ready to be reached and to in dialogue with and who are not yet ready to believe. How do you deal with people who are in that situation?
Guruji: There used to be a lot of prejudice before when I started it 29 years ago. But now with the flow of knowledge, with the flow of information they are more open now. They are not that prejudiced as they were before. Before there used to be racial prejudice, religious prejudice, even people of other religions were not that welcome, that type of prejudice was there, but now I feel that world is moving on a different note, that there is more harmony, more inter faith dialogues are happening, inter cultural events are happening, people are coming closer to each other to, understand better. Thats why I say that we need to realise this ancient idea of one family, one human family. So we drop the prejudice and we drop narrow mindedness and see the world from a wide angle lens.
Clare: One of the old technique is called the Sudarshan Kriya, perhaps to the people who have no idea about it how can you explain it to them?
Guruji: You know it is very difficult to explain. It is like the sweetness of the pudding is in tasting it. But I can make an attempt to give a synopsis of what it is. YOu know we have rhythms in the naturre, seasons flowing in a rhythm and then there is a rhythm in the body, particular time when you do want to sleep, when you are hungry and when you are thirsty. There is a rhythm in the body, the bio rhythm, like that there is rhythm in tyhe nature there is a shythm in the breath too which we have never noticed and then we have a rhythm in the thought process and then there is a rhythm in our emotions and then there is a rhythm in our inner being, soul. Sudarshan Kriya brings a harmony between all these rhythms. It is a rhythmic breathing which brings the mind to a very blissful state deep within and twice if you do it you can do it on your own. In the beginnig you need a teacher, instructions to guide you through it. But afterwards at any time, any where you can do it , sit relaxed, twenty minutes you do it, ten minutes of Sudarshan Kriya and ten minutes of pranayam.
Clare: And who are the people who have benefitted from it across the world, you are in many countries, so many people are practicing it.
Guruji: Millions of people are benefitted out of it. In prisons you know, 300,000 prisoners all over the world have been benefitted by this. Where ever there is stress, where ever there is tension, health problems and when people do it they feel so good. Neither at home nor at school anybody teaches us how to manage our negative emotions, if you are feeling depressed, upset, unhappy or angry people simply tell you dont get angry, dont get upset but they dont tell you how not to. If it is a feeling, it is a reality. You are upset and you are jealous and you are greedy and you do not know how to get it out of your system. Thats where the Sudarshan Kriya is so beneficial. And if you learn it and do it in 5 minutes you are out of those negative feelings.
Clare: And so you practice breathing technique when you have these feelings?
Guruji: When you have rage, anger and in 5 minutes you do the Kriya and you are back to normal.
Clare: In fact I wanted to ask you this, whenever I have seen you, you seem to be always happy, smiling, you hyave the right words to say to people. Is it difficult to maintain this state always?
Guruji: No, No, because I dont make an effort. Otherwise I would be terribly tensed. I just remain in my element, in my nature and perhaps that is why Iam relaxed all the time. I dont make any effort to impress anybody or any effort to show or say which Iam not. So Iam like an open book. Iam the way Iam. Thats it.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Clare Agius Malta - Interview Dec 09 Part 1/4
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Clare Agius Malta - Interview Dec 09 Part 1
To Watch the video goto
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCCczBh1hYA
Malta TV Presenter and Producer Clare Agius interviewed H.H. Sri Sri Ravi shankar in an exclusive programme filmed in Germany in the European Centre of the Art of Living.
The program starts with the chanting of Om Namah Shivaya.
Clare Agius starts the interview by thanking Guruji for his time despite the very busy schedule for which she is very grateful to him and is very appreciative.
Clare: I would like to start the interview by asking a few questions which I prepared with the people of Malta and my first question would be to introduce Art of Living. Would you kindly tell me how you were inspired to set up Art of Living and take it to the world?
Guruji: Whe I came up with the course in 1981 thought it very useful as it brings joy and smile in every one's life, relieves stress, unites family, the society and community. Hatred disappears from life and want it to go to every corner of the planet.
Clare: Now you are in Malta as well!
Guruji: Yes
Clare: Malta is a very Catholic country and people are very devoted. How can you integrate what you teach into our belief system?
Guruji: You deserve basic way to relief your stress. And it does not interfere in one's faith or religion. Like Yoga or Meditation they boost one's immune system, brings certain softness in mind and heart and helps one to pray deeply in whatever faith or religion they are following. It is in fact complimentary to the faith one is following rather than contradictory.
Clare: If I had to ask you who were the people that inspired you in your life and how you became a spiritual leader?
Guruji: In fact when I was a young boy my teacher was one who studied with Mahatma Gandhi. He used to tell us stories and how he was teaching Gandhi the Bhagawat Geetha and all the incidents that took place at that time. In fact my mother is also my very great source of inspiration and in India we all grow up with stories of saints and heroes.
Clare: How does one become a spiritual leader?
Guruji: It is the society which makes the leader and not the leader himself. I kept sharing with people what I know and talking what I know and then people get inspired and start teaching others. So it is a chain reaction that goes on.
Clare: But what you know is so simple and yet deep it is knowledge, it belongs to everyone, but how did it come to you?
Guruji: If I ask you a poet how did a poem come to you, what do they say? So they just sat with a pen and it started flowing out of it. In the same way it started flowing, the whole knowledge, started happening. I took a 10 day of silence and later on started teaching Some of the practices of course are there from 5000 years. Ancient tradition where there it kept it very secret to themselves. In India generally people do not give very high knowledge to everybody. They say only a worthy person will come and teach. I said this is not correct because this is is very precious and valuable knowledge. It will of use to the whole humanity. You cant hold it to just yourself, your community, your people. Anything is useful to the whole humanity should be thrown to the whole world and that step of course I tool it. Initially some people were not so happy about it but now everybody appreciates it.
Clare: Did your message change from first what you had started to now through the years depending on what people wanted to hear at tht time?
Guruji: No, the message is the same. The presentations are a little dinnerent from place to place, culture and communities, educational standards of people. That is different of course for business poeple it is presented differently with business jargons. And for student community with more games. But the principles are the same, to see a violence and stress free society and to have a healthy body mind complex.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
To Watch the video goto
Malta TV Presenter and Producer Clare Agius interviewed H.H. Sri Sri Ravi shankar in an exclusive programme filmed in Germany in the European Centre of the Art of Living.
The program starts with the chanting of Om Namah Shivaya.
Clare Agius starts the interview by thanking Guruji for his time despite the very busy schedule for which she is very grateful to him and is very appreciative.
Clare: I would like to start the interview by asking a few questions which I prepared with the people of Malta and my first question would be to introduce Art of Living. Would you kindly tell me how you were inspired to set up Art of Living and take it to the world?
Guruji: Whe I came up with the course in 1981 thought it very useful as it brings joy and smile in every one's life, relieves stress, unites family, the society and community. Hatred disappears from life and want it to go to every corner of the planet.
Clare: Now you are in Malta as well!
Guruji: Yes
Clare: Malta is a very Catholic country and people are very devoted. How can you integrate what you teach into our belief system?
Guruji: You deserve basic way to relief your stress. And it does not interfere in one's faith or religion. Like Yoga or Meditation they boost one's immune system, brings certain softness in mind and heart and helps one to pray deeply in whatever faith or religion they are following. It is in fact complimentary to the faith one is following rather than contradictory.
Clare: If I had to ask you who were the people that inspired you in your life and how you became a spiritual leader?
Guruji: In fact when I was a young boy my teacher was one who studied with Mahatma Gandhi. He used to tell us stories and how he was teaching Gandhi the Bhagawat Geetha and all the incidents that took place at that time. In fact my mother is also my very great source of inspiration and in India we all grow up with stories of saints and heroes.
Clare: How does one become a spiritual leader?
Guruji: It is the society which makes the leader and not the leader himself. I kept sharing with people what I know and talking what I know and then people get inspired and start teaching others. So it is a chain reaction that goes on.
Clare: But what you know is so simple and yet deep it is knowledge, it belongs to everyone, but how did it come to you?
Guruji: If I ask you a poet how did a poem come to you, what do they say? So they just sat with a pen and it started flowing out of it. In the same way it started flowing, the whole knowledge, started happening. I took a 10 day of silence and later on started teaching Some of the practices of course are there from 5000 years. Ancient tradition where there it kept it very secret to themselves. In India generally people do not give very high knowledge to everybody. They say only a worthy person will come and teach. I said this is not correct because this is is very precious and valuable knowledge. It will of use to the whole humanity. You cant hold it to just yourself, your community, your people. Anything is useful to the whole humanity should be thrown to the whole world and that step of course I tool it. Initially some people were not so happy about it but now everybody appreciates it.
Clare: Did your message change from first what you had started to now through the years depending on what people wanted to hear at tht time?
Guruji: No, the message is the same. The presentations are a little dinnerent from place to place, culture and communities, educational standards of people. That is different of course for business poeple it is presented differently with business jargons. And for student community with more games. But the principles are the same, to see a violence and stress free society and to have a healthy body mind complex.
Transcribed By Lakshmi Ravishankar
Friday, January 29, 2010
English Transcripts of "Satsang With Sri Sri in Mumbai, Covered By Star News"
To Watch The Video Goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=radx7HqPVCk&feature=player_embedded
The founder of Art of Living Sri Sri Ravishankar graced a devotional music programme (satsang) yesterday in Mumbai for select devotees.
This was organized by Venu Gopal Dhoot, Chairman of the Videocon group. Renowned personalities like Vinod Khanna and Jagjit Singh participated in it.
Now we have Swami Sri Sri Ravishankar who has specially come to Mumbai to bless his devotees and disciples. Let us have a talk with him.
Reporter-"Swamiji please tell us, what is the relationship between a devotee and a Guru?"
Sri Sri- ‘Like that between a mother and her children, that much amount of love and concern is there’.
Reporter-“Swamiji, in today’s lifestyle people do not have time to worship God. In such a situation what would you suggest to people so that they can reduce their mental tension?”
Sri Sri-“Saying that I don’t have time is only an excuse, time has to be taken out. If you manage to take out time you will be able to get more time.”
Reporter-“How does life differ for a common person and a celebrity or a star? What type of problems do they face on different levels?
Sri Sri-“Only the problems may differ, types may differ but the person is the same whether he is a celebrity or a farmer or a common person.
Deep inside the person is same.
When the inner power awakens - if naturalness, simplicity, belongingness - the quality of accepting all people dawns in life then there is a big transformation in life.”
Reporter- We want to understand that people today have huge amount of money, and also lot of resources for reaching out to God, but then how true are these resources, how much peace of mind can be gained through it?
What would you like to say?
Sri Sri- “Peace and satisfaction cannot be bought by money.
Human qualities are to be increased. Service, Spiritual Practices and Satsang (group devotional singing) - these three give happiness and satisfaction.”
Reporter –“what is your message for the people for happiness and peace in their life?”
Sri Sri-“Make service a part of your life, and from time to time do spiritual practice, pranayaam, meditation and have faith in life.”
Reporter-Swami Sri Sri Ravishankar is present here and his thoughts are very great, due to his presence the whole surrounding has become very pure.
-Baya Agarwal, Star News Mumbai
Reporter – Come let us see What does the owner of Videocon group, Mr.V.N.Dhoot has to say about this concert.
V.N.Dhoot- I had attended a very nice 3 day program of Guruji in Mumbai.
after that I requested him to come to my house for a satsang as some of our people could not attend that satsang with Guruji. Here we are doing satsang with guruji now.
I am a very big devotee of Guruji Sri Sri Ravishankar ji from the very beginning. Guruji’s blessing is always with the Videocon Group. I requested Guruji to come at Videocon house and meet our friends and family member. More than 300-400 people are here. Doing satsang with them, my friends and people from my house should also get the benefit of this satsang. There is a big need of Guruji's satsang in the country.
The founder of Art of Living Sri Sri Ravishankar graced a devotional music programme (satsang) yesterday in Mumbai for select devotees.
This was organized by Venu Gopal Dhoot, Chairman of the Videocon group. Renowned personalities like Vinod Khanna and Jagjit Singh participated in it.
Now we have Swami Sri Sri Ravishankar who has specially come to Mumbai to bless his devotees and disciples. Let us have a talk with him.
Reporter-"Swamiji please tell us, what is the relationship between a devotee and a Guru?"
Sri Sri- ‘Like that between a mother and her children, that much amount of love and concern is there’.
Reporter-“Swamiji, in today’s lifestyle people do not have time to worship God. In such a situation what would you suggest to people so that they can reduce their mental tension?”
Sri Sri-“Saying that I don’t have time is only an excuse, time has to be taken out. If you manage to take out time you will be able to get more time.”
Reporter-“How does life differ for a common person and a celebrity or a star? What type of problems do they face on different levels?
Sri Sri-“Only the problems may differ, types may differ but the person is the same whether he is a celebrity or a farmer or a common person.
Deep inside the person is same.
When the inner power awakens - if naturalness, simplicity, belongingness - the quality of accepting all people dawns in life then there is a big transformation in life.”
Reporter- We want to understand that people today have huge amount of money, and also lot of resources for reaching out to God, but then how true are these resources, how much peace of mind can be gained through it?
What would you like to say?
Sri Sri- “Peace and satisfaction cannot be bought by money.
Human qualities are to be increased. Service, Spiritual Practices and Satsang (group devotional singing) - these three give happiness and satisfaction.”
Reporter –“what is your message for the people for happiness and peace in their life?”
Sri Sri-“Make service a part of your life, and from time to time do spiritual practice, pranayaam, meditation and have faith in life.”
Reporter-Swami Sri Sri Ravishankar is present here and his thoughts are very great, due to his presence the whole surrounding has become very pure.
-Baya Agarwal, Star News Mumbai
Reporter – Come let us see What does the owner of Videocon group, Mr.V.N.Dhoot has to say about this concert.
V.N.Dhoot- I had attended a very nice 3 day program of Guruji in Mumbai.
after that I requested him to come to my house for a satsang as some of our people could not attend that satsang with Guruji. Here we are doing satsang with guruji now.
I am a very big devotee of Guruji Sri Sri Ravishankar ji from the very beginning. Guruji’s blessing is always with the Videocon Group. I requested Guruji to come at Videocon house and meet our friends and family member. More than 300-400 people are here. Doing satsang with them, my friends and people from my house should also get the benefit of this satsang. There is a big need of Guruji's satsang in the country.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Jeevan Ram Rajwade Transcript
To Watch The Video Goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vukcGsvbsSw
My name is Jeevan Ram Rajwade, from village Purna, Sarbhuja, Chhatisgarh. I did the (Art of Living) Basic course through my wife’s motivation. After doing the course I benefitted on Physical, Mental and Spiritual Level. After doing the course I felt that I also should inspire others to take this course. And after doing this course I immediately prepared fifty people in a village to take this course. We prepared and organized the Basic Part-1 course which started on 10th November. After that, as soon as that course got completed, we started to organize another course for 1500 people in Sarbhuja. In that 1500 people course I managed to get 340 forms filled through a single person. Furthermore in this increasing trend in the village… we are seeing this increasing trend because today in the village many have become susceptible to magic and sorcery of charlatans and to those who offer sacrifice to the devil. After getting knowledge of the Sudarshan Kriya people are getting liberated from their clutches. I got a patient who was suffering from epilepsy. And now in that mega course, that girl who was suffering from epilepsy, after doing that course after doing Sudarshan Kriya got relief from her epilepsy and today is very nicely relaxed.
Translated By Tanuj Narain
My name is Jeevan Ram Rajwade, from village Purna, Sarbhuja, Chhatisgarh. I did the (Art of Living) Basic course through my wife’s motivation. After doing the course I benefitted on Physical, Mental and Spiritual Level. After doing the course I felt that I also should inspire others to take this course. And after doing this course I immediately prepared fifty people in a village to take this course. We prepared and organized the Basic Part-1 course which started on 10th November. After that, as soon as that course got completed, we started to organize another course for 1500 people in Sarbhuja. In that 1500 people course I managed to get 340 forms filled through a single person. Furthermore in this increasing trend in the village… we are seeing this increasing trend because today in the village many have become susceptible to magic and sorcery of charlatans and to those who offer sacrifice to the devil. After getting knowledge of the Sudarshan Kriya people are getting liberated from their clutches. I got a patient who was suffering from epilepsy. And now in that mega course, that girl who was suffering from epilepsy, after doing that course after doing Sudarshan Kriya got relief from her epilepsy and today is very nicely relaxed.
Translated By Tanuj Narain
Monday, January 25, 2010
English Transcript for YLTP Teacher Vilas Dhoke's Experience
To watch the video goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOwo94kmN7c
Jai Guru Dev
I am native from Akola, My name is Vilas Dhoke. I had a YLTP course in 2008 at a temlpe(Godess Annapuna temple) in a village near Akola. There is a nice story happen in that course. There is a lady in that village for which we were went her home two three times but her health was not good. When we told her to come in to YLTP her family member told that tomorrow will be the operation of her eyes in hospital. So we left to Akola because 13th was the reporting day. When that lady went to hospital , the doctor who held the operation was absent, so she decided to come in YLTP . After first day of sudarshan kriya that lady had some pain in her eyes but next day when she did second sudarshan kriya, something from her eyes came out and she went into sleep. After seven days when she went to hospital again for the operation. The Doctor said that"your eyes is normal. There is no need for the operation now. How did this miracle happen!!!!" She replied that this is the magic of sudarhan kriya. I have been suffering this pain from last 6 months and now its allright. Now 6 months has passed and that lady is alright and there is no operation requied till now. Her family had to spend 1.5lacs Rupees in the hospital which was saved and inturn saved her family from a financial crisis. This is all due to the blessings of Guruji.
Jai Guru Dev
Translated By Girijesh Kumar
Jai Guru Dev
I am native from Akola, My name is Vilas Dhoke. I had a YLTP course in 2008 at a temlpe(Godess Annapuna temple) in a village near Akola. There is a nice story happen in that course. There is a lady in that village for which we were went her home two three times but her health was not good. When we told her to come in to YLTP her family member told that tomorrow will be the operation of her eyes in hospital. So we left to Akola because 13th was the reporting day. When that lady went to hospital , the doctor who held the operation was absent, so she decided to come in YLTP . After first day of sudarshan kriya that lady had some pain in her eyes but next day when she did second sudarshan kriya, something from her eyes came out and she went into sleep. After seven days when she went to hospital again for the operation. The Doctor said that"your eyes is normal. There is no need for the operation now. How did this miracle happen!!!!" She replied that this is the magic of sudarhan kriya. I have been suffering this pain from last 6 months and now its allright. Now 6 months has passed and that lady is alright and there is no operation requied till now. Her family had to spend 1.5lacs Rupees in the hospital which was saved and inturn saved her family from a financial crisis. This is all due to the blessings of Guruji.
Jai Guru Dev
Translated By Girijesh Kumar
Sunday, January 24, 2010
An Up Close & Personal Video of Guruji Playing The Piano
Close Shots Of Guruji Playing The Piano. Rare Video. Must Watch.
Subscribe to the Official You Tube Channel of the Art of Living Foundation for more such videos.
Regards,
The Art of Living TV Team
Transcript of Vijay Watkar Interview In English
To watch the video goto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4IsGE-lT0I
Jai gurudev !!
I am Vijay Watkar.
I am from district Akola, Malkapur.
Since 2004 i am working as a Yuvacharya.
Till now i have taken Navchetna Shibir(course) in many villages.
Out of these one of my experience is from a Village called WAI.
Wai comes in Taluka Acrot.
Over there is a man called Purshottam. Purshottam Kharade.
This experience is of his wife.
She had a severe back pain.
She even could not sit on floor and her expenses for operation was estimatted 50000.
When this lady came to my Navchetna Shibir she sat on chair for first day.
Second day again she sat on the chair.
But third day I asked her to Sit on floor,
But she replied "I cant sit on floor.
Even my all house work is done by my children and husband and you are asking me to sit down!. I cant sit on the floor". But still i insistead her to sit on the floor,and told her," you can sit, you sit on the floor".that boosted her confidence and slowly slowly she sat down. she is wife of Mr.Kharade of WAI and today her 50000Rs the expese of her operation is been saved. And today she is looking nicely after her household routine.
Another experince of mine is from a Navchetna Shibir in Omra, in Omra Village there is Mahulker family.
Mr.Mahulkar used to drink alot. When he came to the Shibir(course) on the first day he was drunk and he told me, "Your Art of Living cures the addictions of people,Even my habbit of drinking should go".
I replied," Why not! if Guruji wants it will be done, your addiction will go".
Even on second day he drank and came for Shibir.
And when he came on the third day just before i started the Shibir. He went to an alcohol shop and asked for a drink and as soon as he took the glass in his hand he could see this big worms in the glass.
He threw the glass over there only and came back to the course.
Its the experience of Mr.Maholker of Omer.
Also in near our village promotion of organic farming is going on apart from this we are also taking tree plantation projects in many small villages.
Jai gurudev!!!
Translated By Pranay Gangwal
Jai gurudev !!
I am Vijay Watkar.
I am from district Akola, Malkapur.
Since 2004 i am working as a Yuvacharya.
Till now i have taken Navchetna Shibir(course) in many villages.
Out of these one of my experience is from a Village called WAI.
Wai comes in Taluka Acrot.
Over there is a man called Purshottam. Purshottam Kharade.
This experience is of his wife.
She had a severe back pain.
She even could not sit on floor and her expenses for operation was estimatted 50000.
When this lady came to my Navchetna Shibir she sat on chair for first day.
Second day again she sat on the chair.
But third day I asked her to Sit on floor,
But she replied "I cant sit on floor.
Even my all house work is done by my children and husband and you are asking me to sit down!. I cant sit on the floor". But still i insistead her to sit on the floor,and told her," you can sit, you sit on the floor".that boosted her confidence and slowly slowly she sat down. she is wife of Mr.Kharade of WAI and today her 50000Rs the expese of her operation is been saved. And today she is looking nicely after her household routine.
Another experince of mine is from a Navchetna Shibir in Omra, in Omra Village there is Mahulker family.
Mr.Mahulkar used to drink alot. When he came to the Shibir(course) on the first day he was drunk and he told me, "Your Art of Living cures the addictions of people,Even my habbit of drinking should go".
I replied," Why not! if Guruji wants it will be done, your addiction will go".
Even on second day he drank and came for Shibir.
And when he came on the third day just before i started the Shibir. He went to an alcohol shop and asked for a drink and as soon as he took the glass in his hand he could see this big worms in the glass.
He threw the glass over there only and came back to the course.
Its the experience of Mr.Maholker of Omer.
Also in near our village promotion of organic farming is going on apart from this we are also taking tree plantation projects in many small villages.
Jai gurudev!!!
Translated By Pranay Gangwal
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Transcript of Jayesh N Patel Interview In English
To Watch The Video Goto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqAc1riDgaM
My name is Jayesh M Patel.
From Navsari District,Wamdha Village.
In 2001 i had done my YLTP phase -1.
When in Surat the course was going on, on the sixth day a huge earthquake took place.
We had heard about earthquakes before but never felt it, we didnt know what its actually.
The first time when tremors shook us, we were very scared we felt like we should leave the course,
the YLTPand rush back to our homes, But our teacher Girish BHAi had told us that SEVA, SADHNA and SATSANG our only way to enlighten yourself. That made us stay there and on next day we were sent Bhujwal were tremors were still shakinga the land. Everyone in Bhuj were very scared as tremors over there were highest. Many people died and others were horrified, so over there in village we took Navchetna Shibir,
we did Satsangs, Everyone who forgot how to laugh were laughing in Navchetna Shibir like durring Bhastrika Pranayam and started taking complete enjoyment and involvement in Satsang.
With me Bhavesh Bhai was there, with him in 18 days we took 54 courses in which more than 2000 participants were there. And in personal i took 16 Shibir's. Altogether throughout bhuj i took around 70 courses and more than 2500 participants were there. And we did more than 20 Satsangs, this all happened in 2001after that we went to villages, but in starting people hmm people didnt use to support us but later the participation increased so tremendously that in Wamda District i have taken more than 52 Shibir's and more than 100 satsang in which more than 2000 people joined our family actually in villages everyone believes in some religion, every one of diffrent different cast, they used to believe that art of living is also some religion,
but we made people understand that its not about a particular religion, In it being in SEVA, SADHNA and SATSANG you take the pleasure of your life, then people really cooperated very nicely and in a very nice manner the Shibirs took place in that village. In that village a temple was to be construted for that in 2008 we organised a SHIV KATHA, and in Raniparya Village there is new temple constructed, temple of MARI MATA,and the donation from SHIVKATHA, the money which we got from it we constructed this MARI MATA temple. And now in 2010, in Bimangaon from feb 05 to february 12 we have organised SHIV KATHA, and the money and donation which we will receive from it, will be utilised for constuction of this temple. In november Swami Shri Chetnaya ji came to Rameshwar, over there also a huge arrangments was made, more than 1000 people who came got privellaged by Dhyan Satsang and Gyan wani.
And along with Sanjay Bhai, who is from Waghda we have made more than 34 wihris (wells), around 25 toilets, 14 Gobar gas plants and we took more than 14 group marriages.
Also in Wabdha at dhavtari trust we have done more than 60 cataract operations.
And we all have pledged that we will live in this world but with SATSANG SEVA and SADHNA
we will make our lives DHANYA (Blessed).
But in our village, Our state, and our whole nation we will spread message of SATSANG SEVA and SADHNA and we will accomplish the mission of Guruji.
Jai Gurudev!!!
Translated By Pranay Gangwal
My name is Jayesh M Patel.
From Navsari District,Wamdha Village.
In 2001 i had done my YLTP phase -1.
When in Surat the course was going on, on the sixth day a huge earthquake took place.
We had heard about earthquakes before but never felt it, we didnt know what its actually.
The first time when tremors shook us, we were very scared we felt like we should leave the course,
the YLTPand rush back to our homes, But our teacher Girish BHAi had told us that SEVA, SADHNA and SATSANG our only way to enlighten yourself. That made us stay there and on next day we were sent Bhujwal were tremors were still shakinga the land. Everyone in Bhuj were very scared as tremors over there were highest. Many people died and others were horrified, so over there in village we took Navchetna Shibir,
we did Satsangs, Everyone who forgot how to laugh were laughing in Navchetna Shibir like durring Bhastrika Pranayam and started taking complete enjoyment and involvement in Satsang.
With me Bhavesh Bhai was there, with him in 18 days we took 54 courses in which more than 2000 participants were there. And in personal i took 16 Shibir's. Altogether throughout bhuj i took around 70 courses and more than 2500 participants were there. And we did more than 20 Satsangs, this all happened in 2001after that we went to villages, but in starting people hmm people didnt use to support us but later the participation increased so tremendously that in Wamda District i have taken more than 52 Shibir's and more than 100 satsang in which more than 2000 people joined our family actually in villages everyone believes in some religion, every one of diffrent different cast, they used to believe that art of living is also some religion,
but we made people understand that its not about a particular religion, In it being in SEVA, SADHNA and SATSANG you take the pleasure of your life, then people really cooperated very nicely and in a very nice manner the Shibirs took place in that village. In that village a temple was to be construted for that in 2008 we organised a SHIV KATHA, and in Raniparya Village there is new temple constructed, temple of MARI MATA,and the donation from SHIVKATHA, the money which we got from it we constructed this MARI MATA temple. And now in 2010, in Bimangaon from feb 05 to february 12 we have organised SHIV KATHA, and the money and donation which we will receive from it, will be utilised for constuction of this temple. In november Swami Shri Chetnaya ji came to Rameshwar, over there also a huge arrangments was made, more than 1000 people who came got privellaged by Dhyan Satsang and Gyan wani.
And along with Sanjay Bhai, who is from Waghda we have made more than 34 wihris (wells), around 25 toilets, 14 Gobar gas plants and we took more than 14 group marriages.
Also in Wabdha at dhavtari trust we have done more than 60 cataract operations.
And we all have pledged that we will live in this world but with SATSANG SEVA and SADHNA
we will make our lives DHANYA (Blessed).
But in our village, Our state, and our whole nation we will spread message of SATSANG SEVA and SADHNA and we will accomplish the mission of Guruji.
Jai Gurudev!!!
Translated By Pranay Gangwal
Friday, January 22, 2010
Transcript of the Ravi Meher Interview in English
To watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJLFOBfc1hQ
Jaigurudev
Im Ravi Meher recently elected mayor from Sakriya Nagar, Bilaspur, Chhatisgarh in MP.
I was told of this YLTP programme and that it makes one tough, I thought at that time when so many good & well statured people are doing this course,why shouldn't I who am a very small insignifcant person also do this. I had always been very spiritual and was expecting that this course would also consists of only meditation & sadhana(Spiritual Practices), but we were being taught about how to be a good leader, what should be the qualities of a leader, i.e. he should be like an good servant of the society. Along with thinking about one's own self he/she should also think about the society, about the people. Get ahead in one's life and help others get ahead in theirs. There is a saying in Chhatisgarh that First Tie The Harvest in Your Own Field Then Tie Harvest for Others. I was unable to understand that how could I help other people, but I was also told by my teacher Arjit Bhaiya, that if we have regular Sadhana(spiritual practices) in our life then we would definitely progress. We were given a target of 3 months, that we should do the sadhana regularly for 3 months and we'll see a positive change in our life. In reality I did these practices regularly and in just one month I could see a significant change in my situation. In just one month the attitude of my friends, family and relatives towards me changed so drastically that I myself couldn't understand that what was happening to me. My economic situation started improving, my father every year used to get sick, but in my house just by my doing Sadhana(spiritual practices) ....
others seeing me ....today my mother & father have also done the basic course..
My brother did the YLTP course, one brother is an editor, 2nd brother is in the police, I myself who used to polish shoes on the roadside after getting associated with the Art of Living when Spiritual practices entered my life, I completed my BA then I did my LLB(Law).
I then felt that there has been a huge change in me and Guruji has fulfilled all my desires and now I must do something for the society. I just had one thought in my mind that I should do something for the society, and as soon as this thought came there were election to be held in the Nagar Panchayat(5 member governing body of the town).
There was a meeting of the locals in which was selecting the people with good thoughts and intentions who could do something for the society, amongst 20 other people my name also came up.... " That Ravi Meher can do something good for the society". And Bharatiya Janta Party which is a very big national party of this country, gave me a ticket to represent them and contest elections from my constituency.
With the help of Guruji's Grace and With the help of my fellow Youth Leaders Brothers today Im the Mayor of Sakriya Nagar Panchayat. I today sincerely thank Guruji and Art of Living who picked up a Road Side Hawker and Turned Him Into a King, Polished him(me) like a diamond I would like to tell the youth only one thing that if you get attached to a spiritual practice and attached to a Sadguru, you will definitely become a Real Star, like me who used to polish shoes on the roadside have become the most influential man- the mayor in the very same city. I would request you all to join the art of living and with Guruji's Grace bring about a progress(change) in yourself, bring about a progress(change) in your family, progress(change) in your village(town/city), progress(change) in your state, bring about progress in the whole country
and in the whole world spread Guruji's message of "One World One Family".
Jaigurudev
Jaigurudev
Im Ravi Meher recently elected mayor from Sakriya Nagar, Bilaspur, Chhatisgarh in MP.
I was told of this YLTP programme and that it makes one tough, I thought at that time when so many good & well statured people are doing this course,why shouldn't I who am a very small insignifcant person also do this. I had always been very spiritual and was expecting that this course would also consists of only meditation & sadhana(Spiritual Practices), but we were being taught about how to be a good leader, what should be the qualities of a leader, i.e. he should be like an good servant of the society. Along with thinking about one's own self he/she should also think about the society, about the people. Get ahead in one's life and help others get ahead in theirs. There is a saying in Chhatisgarh that First Tie The Harvest in Your Own Field Then Tie Harvest for Others. I was unable to understand that how could I help other people, but I was also told by my teacher Arjit Bhaiya, that if we have regular Sadhana(spiritual practices) in our life then we would definitely progress. We were given a target of 3 months, that we should do the sadhana regularly for 3 months and we'll see a positive change in our life. In reality I did these practices regularly and in just one month I could see a significant change in my situation. In just one month the attitude of my friends, family and relatives towards me changed so drastically that I myself couldn't understand that what was happening to me. My economic situation started improving, my father every year used to get sick, but in my house just by my doing Sadhana(spiritual practices) ....
others seeing me ....today my mother & father have also done the basic course..
My brother did the YLTP course, one brother is an editor, 2nd brother is in the police, I myself who used to polish shoes on the roadside after getting associated with the Art of Living when Spiritual practices entered my life, I completed my BA then I did my LLB(Law).
I then felt that there has been a huge change in me and Guruji has fulfilled all my desires and now I must do something for the society. I just had one thought in my mind that I should do something for the society, and as soon as this thought came there were election to be held in the Nagar Panchayat(5 member governing body of the town).
There was a meeting of the locals in which was selecting the people with good thoughts and intentions who could do something for the society, amongst 20 other people my name also came up.... " That Ravi Meher can do something good for the society". And Bharatiya Janta Party which is a very big national party of this country, gave me a ticket to represent them and contest elections from my constituency.
With the help of Guruji's Grace and With the help of my fellow Youth Leaders Brothers today Im the Mayor of Sakriya Nagar Panchayat. I today sincerely thank Guruji and Art of Living who picked up a Road Side Hawker and Turned Him Into a King, Polished him(me) like a diamond I would like to tell the youth only one thing that if you get attached to a spiritual practice and attached to a Sadguru, you will definitely become a Real Star, like me who used to polish shoes on the roadside have become the most influential man- the mayor in the very same city. I would request you all to join the art of living and with Guruji's Grace bring about a progress(change) in yourself, bring about a progress(change) in your family, progress(change) in your village(town/city), progress(change) in your state, bring about progress in the whole country
and in the whole world spread Guruji's message of "One World One Family".
Jaigurudev
Ravi Meher: From Polishing Shoes on Roadsides To Becoming the City Mayor
Check out Ravi Meher's Journey in Art of Living. Ravi Meher who used to polish shoes on the roadside went on to become the city mayor after going through the YLTP Course. A great great experience and an equally great lesson in what Responsibility and in turn an Art of Living Experience can do to a person.
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