Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Message from H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji

The whole world belongs to you. But man identifies himself with his profession, religion, culture, nationality, language, region or sex and, maybe, as a human being. People today are stuck in religious practices, symbols & customs, and have forgotten the spiritual core - human values of compassion, friendliness, co-operation, peace of mind, joy… and a smile that is not fragile!
In a society plagued with domestic and communal violence, we need to globalize wisdom. Though we have advanced technologically, we have cared very little for the emotional and spiritual needs of people. A sense of belongingness with the whole world - rising above the narrow considerations of colour, culture or background, is the need of the hour. We are not living in isolated compartments - the world has become one family.
Knowledge and spiritual awareness should go hand in hand with social and political systems. I think religious leaders, political leaders, business establishments and social workers should get together and spread the message of unity. All religions and traditions have a common value system. These shared values have to reach every corner of the world. Even if one pocket of the world remains ignorant of these values, the world will not be a safe place. I often say religion is the banana skin and spirituality is the banana. The misery in the world is because we throw away the banana and are holding on to the skin.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Religion

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar travels extensively across the globe to inspire youth to work together for a better society.
As he says, "Religion is the banana skin and spirituality is the banana. The misery in the world is because we throw away the banana and are holding on to the skin."
Sri Sri believes that all religions and traditions have a common value system, and these shared values have to reach every corner of the world in order to make it a better place for all.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Biography Summary

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired a global phenomenon of compassion and service. A spiritual leader and humanitarian, his programs have impacted more than 25 million people worldwide.
In 1981, he started the Art of Living Foundation, an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization that works in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In the United States, the Foundation’s programs are helping youth in inner cities turn away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol, toward greater generosity and service.
In 1997, he founded the International Association for Human Values, a humanitarian Non-Governmental Organization that advances human values in political, economic, industrial, and social spheres. In India, South Africa, and Latin America, the Association is working in poor rural communities to promote sustainable growth, and has reached more than 30,000 villages.A leading figure in human development and social transformation, he is a multifaceted social activist whose initiatives include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation programs, youth leadership, women’s empowerment, campaigns against female feticide and child labor, and education for all. In Kashmir and Sri Lanka, Sri Sri is working to further dialogue between opposing parties to resolve the conflicts peacefully.Sri Sri travels to more than 40 countries and 100 cities a year (175 cities in 2004) to share his message that all the great spiritual traditions share common goals and values.He inspires leaders to balance business with ethics and social responsibility. His teachings of love, practical wisdom, and service promote harmony among people, and encourage individuals to follow their chosen spiritual path, while honoring the path of others.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

LOVE

Question: Guruji, why do we want to spend time more with the person, we are in love with?

Sri Sri : It would be unusual if you don't want to spend time with the one you are in love with. Similarly when you love yourself, you spend time with yourself. When you do that, it becomes meditation. Then it is wonderful. We like everything else, but ourself. The one who is resting inside, love that, know that!! Some people say oh ! I am bored with myself, cannot spend two hours alone. If you are bored with your self, how much boring will you be to others!! If you are not able to spend time with yourself, how will you manage to spend time with others? If you get to spend time with yourself, then I tell you are lucky. You will be contended. When this feeling comes, then no power in the world can make you shake and cry. Then Bhakti comes, mukti comes and then moksha happens. Two hours you cant spend alone!! You start sending sms to your friends; you start calling them, talking, restless. Know yourself by yourself. Khudi khud mein khud ko pao….

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Wealth

Question: Guruji, they say that if you are with Narayana then Laxmi follows. So should we not follow Lakshmi?

Sri Sri : Some people don't understand this. I would say pray to lakshmi. If you don't pray to either but just do some show off with some rituals, then that is of no use. Then you land up being nowhere!! I would say, do 'upasana'(prayer). If you do upasana, then how do you get corrupt and dishonest? Don't blame wealth, pray to wealth. In Sanskrit it is said everything is wealth. That doesn't mean only the note of money.
Health is wealth, Victory is wealth, Courage is wealth, you know the Ashta Lakshmi do Upasana and you will get the benefit. Just to fulfill our financial desires, you run behind lakshmi. Use skill; pray with devotion, lakshmi will come. It will never come with foolishness.