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BHUBANESWAR: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar here on Monday said the growing incidents of terrorism in the world can be attributed to lack of proper education.

Talking informally to media persons at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in the city, Sri Sri said, "Spiritual education can stop people from taking the extreme path."

The spiritual leader lauded the role of security and intelligence agencies in nabbing suspected al-Qaida operative Abdul Rehman from Cuttack district.

He was in the city to address the zonal meet of Indian apex members of the Art of Living for the forthcoming World Culture Festival (WCF) scheduled from March 11 to 13 in New Delhi and a satsang on the Sri Sri University campus.

Source: TOI

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Visit Odisha

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Spiritual Leader, Humanitarian and Founder of The Art of Living and Sri Sri University, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji will be visiting Odisha on 21st December. He will address the zonal meet of Indian Apex members of the organization for the forthcoming World Culture Festival (WCF) and will also address at a Satsang on the Sri Sri University campus.

The World Culture Festival 2016 is a celebration of diversity, service, humanity, spirituality and human values. The festival marks the 35th anniversary of The Art of Living’s contribution to global peace, non-violence and the idea of One World Family The festival will celebrate the diversity in cultures from across the world while simultaneously highlighting our unity as a human family.

Spanning from 11th March to 13th March 2015, this festival will be held in New Delhi. Delegates from more than 154 countries will be joining the celebration of joy with an expected footfall of 3.5 million. The cultural heritage of various parts of India will be showcased in the festival.

More than thousand Odissi dancers and instrumentalists are planned to perform on the 18 acre stage designed for the festival.

Source: Odisha News Insight

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It Is Unfair to Call the Nation Intolerant

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Kolkata, 18th December 2015: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today said it was unfair to call the nation intolerant in the wake of some unfortunate incidents in some parts of the country.

"There were some sad and unfortunate incidents in some parts of the country. But for those criminal acts, don't call the nation intolerant," he told reporters when asked about his view on the current debate on intolerance in the country.

In the face of some criminal acts, it was unfair to pass judgement on the mentality of the people of the country, Ravi Shankar said on the sidelines of a seminar at the airport here.

Source: Economic Times

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Highlight Benefits of Meditation

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Guwahati, Dec 16: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, today urged the citizens of Guwahati to live a stress-free and violence-free life and contribute towards the betterment of the world.
Presiding over a public programme called ‘Guwahati Meditates’ at the Khanapara Veterinary Ground held under the banner of the Art of Living, the spiritual leader guided the citizens through a meditation session and spoke about the importance of living a stress-free life.

Ravi Shankar shared his wisdom with the assembly comprising citizens from all walks of life. The programme, which began in the evening, was interspersed with cultural performances and devotional songs.

Earlier, the spiritual leader was extended a traditional welcome by MGVK Bhanu, Principal Secretary, Government of Assam.

Ravi Shankar explained the importance of meditation in life to the gathering and said that everyone should embrace meditation as an integral part of their daily lives. “Doing meditation every day has many benefits. Meditation not only removes stress, it also strengthens our immune system,” he said, adding that creativity is enhanced through the process of meditation.

Highlighting other benefits of meditation, Ravi Shankar said that intuitive power is enhanced with meditation. “People from various professional backgrounds may need inspiration and intuition to go on with their life and work. Meditation helps them by providing inspiration and increasing their intuitive power,” he stressed, mentioning that parents should also focus on improving the intuitive power of children.

The spiritual leader asserted that the use of intuitive power is an art and maintained that those children, who have been trained to use their intuitive power, perform better than others who have not received such training.

He also spoke on various spiritual challenges and crises, and pointed out that the answer for all is within and with time.

Source: Assam Tribune

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Visit to Shillong on 14 - 15 December 2015

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living will visit Shillong for the second time at the invitation of the Asian Confluence on December 14 and 15 at the 5th Ground, Polo.

While speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Patricia Mukhim, Chairperson of the Organising Committee said, “He is a world leader who speaks a simple language since we are living in gloomy times with no attention on the inner self, his visit will add gems of wisdom that might add quality to our lives.”

Manas Choudhuri, former MLA and current head, Shillong Chapter-The Art of Living informed that many dignitaries will arrive in Shillong as well as people from various districts of Meghalaya will converge at Polo on December 15, whereas for the December 14 programme which is slated to be held at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture, only a select group of youth leaders, industrial leaders, political leaders, and religious leaders will attend the programme.

Toki Blah, President, Informed Conscious and Responsible Existence (ICARE) observed that Art of Living is beyond the self but it generates an interaction with fellow human beings which is a platform where one can display one’s leadership quality, “We are looking for guidelines on how to guide the society and the State for the future.”

Member Governing Council, Asian Confluence, P.P. Srivastava said that the event is a landmark programme and urged people to take advantage of such an event that focuses on values and leadership that will take the North Eastern part of the country forward.

“The events will be milestones in North East’s journey as a region considering the initiatives such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN), the Act East Policy and the Make in India programme that holds a promise for the region,” Srivastava added.

Sabyasachi Dutta, Director, Asian Confluence, informed that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, in the year 2008 was instrumental in intervening with the militancy problems in Assam that has softened some of the hardcore people by bringing them to the dialogue table. The interaction session slated to be held on December 14 is titled, ‘Leadership, Values: The way forward’ while on December 15, the leader will address a public meeting at Polo ground.

It may be mentioned that the humanitarian icon had visited Shillong way back in 2002.

Source: Shillong Times

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Peace Talks along with Military Action Required to Fight Isis

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Spiritual leader and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said that only peace talks are not enough to combat terror group ISIS. Simultaneous military action is essential too.

"Dialogue for peace along with military action is required to be undertaken simultaneously, because they don't understand other people in the world have rights too. They have killed more than 1 lakh Muslims till date," Sri Sri said while addressing a press conference here on Sunday.

In March this year, the Art of Living chief received death threats from the terror group ISIS while he was touring Malaysia.

Thereafter, in June, the Centre asked all the state governments to beef up the security of Sri Ravi Shankar whenever he visits their state as he is facing death threat from Jehadi militant groups like Middle East terror group ISIS and Pakistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that have issued death threat to him.

The threat letter alleged that the guru claims himself "as non-religious" person but his organisation Art of Living has been "converting Muslims in Iran and Iraq". It is "meddling in Islamic affairs", it said.

Sri Sri also said that terrorism has different parameters globally. Asia and Africa have faced similar attacks as Paris but response to terrorism in these continents is different than towards Europe.

"Terrorism is a global threat, and has the same face everywhere. But when things happen in India, it doesn't appear in main headlines. Boko Haram has killed more than 400 people in Nigeria recently and terrible attacks happened in countries like Pakistan and Turkey. Iraq is terror prone and bomb blasts happen every day. In fact after 26/11 it was said that it was a reaction for India's action. But it is only now that the world is taking note of global terror," said Sri Sri while addressing a press conference here on Sunday.

He however appealed to governments to 'fight unitedly against terrorism but don't make people in your country have prejudice against a community.' "Now, there is fear in a certain section of society and they are unable to walk in streets."

He expressed concern that terrorism is spawning religious divide in communities that is dangerous for the world. "Terrorism is removed from religion and this we have taught the world. India is resilient and has always stood up against terrorism."

Source: TOI

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Develop Intolerance for Rising Pollution, Injustice

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Amid the debate over alleged rise in intolerance in the country, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar today said there should be intolerance against rising pollution and injustice. “Misplaced tolerance and misplaced intolerance is dangerous for any society,” he said, while noting that the issue was highlighted so much in India that it found its way into the American press.

“Recently the issue of intolerance in India was raised so much that even ‘New York Times’ and ‘Washington Post’ wrote about it. I say we need intolerance in India against rising pollution, injustice, adharm (irreligious practices) and ashuchita (impurity),” the 59-year-old spiritual leader said.

He was addressing the inaugural session of a two-day seminar on ‘Global Warming and Climate Change: A Way Out’ organised in run up to the ‘Simhastha’ (Kumbh) festival to be held in Ujjain in May 2016. The founder of Art of Living Foundation said right proportion of tolerance and intolerance is missing in the country.

“People throw waste and garbage in the Ganga river and pollute farmland by using chemicals. All this despite the fact that our age-old traditions speak about conservation of earth and its resources,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised on conserving nature and avoiding over exploitation of its resources to ensure ecological balance.

He said in May a mega seminar on climate change will be organised and it will be inaugurated by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. The concluding session of the event will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Source: Indian Express

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A Chance to Meet Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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Dear one,

Here is a great opportunity to meet Sri Sri.

Login to Sattva Store and submit the questions which you want Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to address. The best question selected would be given a chance to meet Him in person and ask the same.

For more info: Click Here

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Sri Sri to Inaugurate National Symposium on Climate Change in Bhopal

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A two-day national symposium on 'global warming and climate change-a way out' in the context of Simhastha will be held at Bhopal on November 21 and 22. About 579 scientists and environmentalists will take part in the deliberations it. Art of Living's propounder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will be chief guest at inaugural session.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, MP and organising committee president Anil Madhav Dave said, "message to deal with environmental problems will be spread world over through the symposium."

"Recommendations of the symposium will form basis of ideological Mahakumbh to be held during Simhastha next year in April which will culminate in a Simhastha declaration on global warming and climate change that will be presented to the world," he said.

Around 579 scientists, experts and researchers from country's prestigious institutions would take part in the symposium. Besides, climate change nodal officers of various states, senior officers of Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change and selected woman sarpanchs will also participate in the symposium. Also, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj is likely to be a part of the concluding session.

Symposium is being organized jointly by Narmada Samagra, Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad and Centre for Community Economics and Development Consultants Society (CECOEDECON). Environmental Planning and Coordination Organisation (EPCO) is the nodal agency.

There would be 15 sessions on 5 topics in 2 days. Four exhibitions will also be put up at venue of symposium focusing on Simhastha, climate change, Madhya Pradesh's development and tourism separately.

Source: TOI

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LIVE Webcast from European Parliament: 20th November, 1:30 PM IST

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will give a keynote speech in the inaugural panel along with ex PM of Bhutan, Members of European Parliament and Global CEOs of Pvt. Sector at the European Parliament in Brussels!

Date: 20th November 2015 | Time: 1:30 PM IST

You can watch the live webcast on www.artofliving.org/webcast

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Inner Truth: You Are the Universal Wave, Writes Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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Everything in this creation has certain vibrations. Each animal is connected to the macrocosm and brings down a particular type of cosmic ray into the planet, that manifests particular vibrations. The gods are all depicted as riding on different vahanas (vehicles) - elephants attract the vibrations specific to Ganesha; tigers, the Devi vibrations; peacocks attract the vibrations of Lord Subramanya. Today scientists say, even if one animal species becomes extinct on the planet, the planet cannot survive. This is what our ancient people also said. So honour and respect every creature on the planet because God is present in every atom of creation. The whole creation is filled with consciousness, filled with knowledge. You are nothing but a particular vibration, a wave function, a frequency. Your body is emitting vibrations or energy all the time. You are losing energy and gaining energy from the cosmos. There is a continuous flow and every cell in your body is changing. You are exchanging energy all the time. Your consciousness is also a wave function and it has so many possibilities, so many avenues. It is like the sun. When the sun shines in your window, you can’t say, ‘Oh I have captured the sun!’ The same sun will be there in the neighbour’s window as well, and all over the world. So the sun is here totally and there also totally. And you are just a vibration. As the body you can’t be everywhere, but as consciousness you can be in many places. If you have touched a flower, your vibrations have gone into the flower. So the whole universe is a field of consciousness. Many times you meet someone and you feel that you should stay away from them. And with some other person, you feel like meeting them more frequently. Many times, you wonder why someone dislikes you. We are unable to understand this. This is because of our vibrations. Most of what we convey to people is simply by our presence. Through speech whatever is conveyed is on the next level, but first the vibrations in our presence influence others. We have to change our vibrations, make them more positive by doing meditation and pranayama. Vedanta and Buddhism talk about the same thing; both talk about that inner consciousness, only in a slightly different way. The emptiness in Buddhism is the fullness in Vedanta, that matter and everything is vibrations, and these vibrations keep changing, and it can change our life. It can bring what we desire or what we want for us. Every day, for ten minutes meditate and become hollow and empty. If someone is getting annoyed, just say, ‘Hey! Wave function! The frequency has changed.’ If someone is happy, they have a different frequency. If there is jealousy, ‘Oh, they have changed to third frequency.’ If someone is upset, or depressed, ‘frequency has changed again.’ Would anyone be upset about the changing frequencies? No. So see everybody as nothing but frequencies. Then nothing will touch you. Enjoy the variety, enjoy the diversity and don’t lose your smile.

Source: DNA

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Senior Citizens Special Programs at Bangalore Ashram in Presence of Sri Sri

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The Advanced Meditation Program helps one to go deep with in, quieting the mental chatter. The program involves guided meditations & advanced breathing techniques specially designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and enables one to experience ​a:

• Deep inner peace, the state of Samadhi
• Increased self-awareness and greater sense of clarity
• Heightened energy levels, renewed vitality
• Increased creativity

Senior citizens & many elderly people are not able to take advantage of these wonderful programs held in Bangalore Ashram owing to some of their physical limitations like mobility, non-availability of ground floor accommodation, venues involving climbing of stairs etc​.​

Also some of these people might need quick medical attention, in case something untoward happens.

Art of Living has launched a special, focused Advanced Meditation Program specifically targeting the Senior citizens & those who have problems mentioned above. Convenient allocation of rooms and venues and availability of exclusive set of transport shuttles ensures that the participants will be totally relieved of the burden of moving from place to place​.​​

There will not be any need to climb the stairs or inclines, as vehicles will be available totally at their disposal. TWO medical attendants will be provided at the venue itself & will be delivering round the clock support, backed by availability of an ambulance and clinic. Doctors oversee all the arrangements and ensure that any kind of medical emergencies will be professionally addressed.

You too can now register or sponsor elders known to you for these programs. The next program starts on 23rd November. Details below:​


Eligibility for Part II Program: One Happiness Program or One Part I Program
Eligibility for Blessing Program: 2 Part II Programs

Register online: www.bangaloreashram.org​​
For details call: +91 80 67262626 / 7 / 8

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Terrorism

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The attacks in Paris are a shocking and horrifying for the whole world. This is a direct assault not only on the European way of life but on values that are common to all liberal societies. India has also suffered greatly due to terrorism over many years – the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai were carried out in very similar fashion as in Paris.

Today, we are seeing terrorism of two kinds in the world: one that arises out of ideological reasons and one arising due to religious fanaticism. Many times people who feel very passionately for a cause feel justified in adopting violent means in its pursuit. These are not bad people but they end up making such choices due to circumstances or incorrect understanding. They are driven by a sense of righteousness, though misplaced and their commitment to their cause is commendable. They are willing to resolve differences through dialogue if approached in the right way. We have been able to successfully bring back many extremists from a life of violence and rehabilitate them in mainstream society. In fact, many of our free tribal schools in terrorist-affected regions in India are being run by former extremists. They were hostile in the beginning, threatening our volunteers but when they saw that these efforts were benefiting their own communities, they became volunteers themselves. Earlier this year, we had meetings with the Colombian rebel group, FARC as well. We impressed on them that in the five-decade-old conflict that they had been having with their government, both sides were victims and that non-violence was the only way towards social justice. They responded positively, immediately announcing that they would adopt the Gandhian way and soon declared ceasefire. The Colombian government also reciprocated with a ceasefire from their side.

However, the terrorism arising out of religious fanaticism is quite different. When people become utterly blinded by their beliefs, then instead of offering or seeking solutions, they see destruction as the only way. For them, violence is not a means to an end, violence is the means and the end. In their doctrine, people who think differently or do not believe in their scripture do not even have a right to exist. On my visit to Iraq in November, 2014, I offered to have a dialogue with the Islamic State group; they responded with a death threat! If even a small part of the world lives in such darkness, the world cannot be a safe place.

The real culprit is the indoctrination of hatred in the name of education. We have seen in numerous instances around the world that these attacks are carried out by youngsters, who have been brainwashed into this ideology of hatred. To counter this, religious leaders can play a big role in imparting a multi-religious education and an education in peace. There is a need to bring a shift from the idea of “sole ownership of heaven” to an ideology of “many paths to One Goal”. Diversity is an essential characteristic of our planet and it is through an education that honors this diversity that children can grow into responsible global citizens.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the attacks. Such incidents cause anger which can lead to polarisation based on ethnicity and religion, but the real polarisation is between open and narrow-mindedness. While a narrow fanatic outlook can only lead to differences that divide us, it requires wisdom and a broad vision to go past them and arrive at values that unite us. The world needs the latter a lot more than the former.

Source: Indian Express

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Interaction with Members of European Parliament and Sri Sri

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Dear all,

Jai Gurudev!

Bangalore Ashram is hosting Members of European Parliament Nirj Deva and Daniel Hannan. We are inviting all academics and entrepreneurs at the cutting edge of technology, for a unique opportunity for an interaction with them, in presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Date: 4th November 2015, 5:30 PM IST onwards

You can watch this event live on www.artofliving.org/webcast

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Degrees Conferred upon 872 Students at Jss University Convocation

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Degrees were conferred upon more than 800 students of JSS University during its sixth convocation held here on Wednesday.

Out of the 827 students, who were conferred degrees in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, bio medical sciences and management studies, a total of 440 received their degrees in person.

Also, 33 candidates shared 50 medals and awards for their exceptional performance while 21 candidates were conferred with Ph.D research degrees and four candidates given the medical super speciality degree.

“This is the first batch of students, who have graduated with super speciality degrees from this university,” said JSS University’s Vice-Chancellor B. Suresh.

Founder of Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar delivered the convocation address. Sri Shivarathri Desikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt and executive director of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, B.N. Betkerur, were also present on the occasion.

Source: The Hindu

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India Needs to Spiritualize Politics, Secularize Religion

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Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Monday said India needs to spiritualize politics, secularize religion and socialize business to create a harmonious society.

"Politics should have an element of spirituality. A spiritual leader with a compassionate heart would serve everyone, regardless of caste and religious affiliations," Ravishankar said, addressing the third international dharma dhamma conference.

The founder of Art of Living Foundation said Mahatma Gandhi was a great spiritual person. This helped him understand the depth of human plight and suffering. Leaders like Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Madan Mohan Malviya were spiritual scholars and had worked for human welfare.

Role of religion in the age of consumerism is to help us live a stress-free life he said, adding that dharma teaches us to control our desires and live a balanced life.

"Religion brings purity in hearts, clarity in mind and sincerity in our actions. Stress is the greatest killer of mankind today. According to statistics, seven people commit suicide in every two seconds. A person who understands 'darshan' and is spiritually enlightened, is unlikely to end his/her life," he added.

Highlighting the need to socialize business, Ravishankar said every big business house should work to help the poor in living a dignified life. The spiritual guru attributed rising crime and instances of violence to the decline in acceptance of religion.

"In modern times, people are swiftly drifting away from tenets of religion. We have never emphasized on value-based education of religion. This has led to the decline in faith among many of us. A person without faith in God can indulge in crime and violence," he said.

Advocating people to read and learn about dharma, Ravishankar said difference of opinions and diversity of beliefs brings happiness to the world.

"We have been kept away from religion and its fundamental teachings, and look where it has all landed us? Today, there is rampant corruption and intolerance for each other. Religion can never unleash violence or teach animosity. If there is tension in society, it is because we have abandoned religion and its teachings," he added.

Source: TOI

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Navratri Celebrations 2015 - LIVE Webcast

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Navratri, the festival of nine nights, is finally here. Get ready to soak in the bliss of ancient Vedic hymns and festivities, LIVE from the Art of Living International Center at Bangalore, India.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE NAVRATRI SCHEDULE

Watch the telecast of the celebrations exclusively on Anandam TV from October 13 - 22. You can also view the webcast by subscribing to www.anandamlive.com

For any queries related to the webcast, please write to admin@anandam.tv

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Sri Sri Inaugurates ‘Smart Village’ Project In Chikmagalur

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Art of Living Founder and Spiritual Leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar inaugurated a ‘Smart Village’ project in Sadarahalli village, Chikmagalur district on 1st October 2015.

Speaking on the qualities of an ideal village, Sri Sri said, “A village should be free of casteism and alcohol while maintaining cleanliness in its surroundings.Villagers are moving to cities for economic reasons. We should make our villages smarter and bring back our people. Everybody should work for our villages.”

The ‘Smart Village’ aims to have a yoga centre, ayurvedic research centre, digital library, food processing centre, permaculture centre, farmer training center, organic farming facilities herbal garden and a ‘Goshala’ for native cows.

Chikmagalur MLA, Mr. C.T Ravi, Ms. Gayatri Shantegowda MLC, Chikmagalure, Zilla Panchayat President Ms. Kavita Belliprakash, District Commisioner Mr. Shadakshara Swamy were also present.

A second Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification plant has been set up which will provide pure drinking water to around 10,000 people in Lakya Hobli here. In May 2014, one such plant had already been set up.

“Farmers have been facing problems as the rivers are dried up due to lack of rainfall. We are working on methods that will supply water to the villagers with the same amount of rainfall,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar referring to the river rejuvenation projects.

Sri Sri visited the ‘Vedavathi’ Phase II project centre in Chikmagalur. The Art of Living volunteers along with the panchayat and villagers have helped bring up the ground water level from 600 ft to 50 ft over a 377 sq. km (spread across 49 villages) area during the Vedavathi Phase 1. The Phase 2 of the project is spread over 5000 sq km covering 1097 villages. This project which aims at reviving river Vedavathi, targets 100 days of employment to around 60,000 people who are below poverty line.

The Art of Living, which is better known for spreading happiness across the globe, has embarked on a unique rejuvenation programme to instill life into the “dying” rivers across Karnataka and Maharashtra.

In Karnataka, river rejuvenation projects are ongoing for Vedavathi Kumudvathi and Palar Rivers.

In Maharashtra, the organisation’s Jal Jagruti Abhiyan has worked in 11 districts of the state; addressing water issues in a concerted and effective way. The campaign, which is aimed at finding ways to overcome the severe drought situation in Maharashtra, has been working on eleven river projects across the state.

Source: AOL Global Website

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Private Schools Must Reserve 25% Seats for Poor

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Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar asked private schools not to be greedy and asked them to ensure that students from the socially and economically-backward sections get their 25% reserved quota in private schools as per the provisions of the Right to Education Act.

The founder of the popular global spiritual movement, The Art of Living Foundation, was invited as chief guest for a national seminar of private schools being hosted by all Goa government recognized unaided schools' association.

"Private schools are doing a good job. But please do not be greedy. See that poor students are given the 25% seats reserved for them. There would be no need to add that clause in the law if schools were already giving seats to poor students. Some private schools are doing it. Others too need to do it," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, speaking to an audience running into hundreds of followers at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao.

The spiritual guru, who has a following in several countries and among those coming from varied religious backgrounds, was speaking at the opening event of a two-day seminar of private schools where they will deliberate on improving the quality of education in India. Provisions of the Right to Education Act will be one of the main topics of discussions. The private schools plan to send their suggestions to the Union human resource development ministry.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told schools not to limit the discussions to only improving quality in the private and city-based schools during the seminar. "As you'll hold the deliberations, also deliberate on the quality of education in government schools and what can be done for them so that good education can reach every village in the country and India can become a vibrant place," said the leader, who runs several schools in rural areas in the country serving poor students.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also asked teachers to work more dedicatedly. "Teachers get two months' vacation annually, unlike any other profession. Their pay too is quite good now. It is one profession where the teacher can live his or her childhood throughout their career through the children they teach. Teachers should not just teach the curriculum and leave. They should bring creativity in their teaching by making use of their individual talent."

Source: TOI

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Download Sri Sri Calendar for OCTOBER 2015

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Dear ones,

Download OCTOBER 2015 Calendar with beautiful picture of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, by visiting the Art of Living Universe website: www.aoluniverse.org/SriSriCalendars. Available in 3 different screen resolution size.

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Unkown Lessons from the Mahatma

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Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion to reflect on what we can learn from Gandhiji. Everyone’s life teaches us both what to do and what not to do. The ideals that Gandhiji set are an inspiration for generations – a sense of sacrifice, acceptance for everyone, an unbroken faith in satsang and dedication to the higher cause of the country and the welfare of people. But there were aspects of his life that teach us what not to do as well.

My teacher, Pt. Sudhakar Chaturvedi, who is still alive at 118 years stayed with Gandhiji for a long time. Bangalori, as Gandhiji would call him since he hailed from Bangalore, used to teach him the Bhagavad Gita. They were together on the day Kasturba passed away in Yerawada Jail. Watching her in the throes of death, Gandhiji said, “Bangalori, your Bapu has to face the test of fire (agni-pariksha) today.” Panditji saw tears in Bapu’s eyes for the first time. As he read the second chapter of the Gita for Kasturba, she breathed her last. Gandhiji remarked, “I realize that I gave her a lot of pain and no happiness.” Kasturba supported him in his mission till the end. Perhaps he would not have been so remorseful had he honored and agreed to some of her wishes once in a while.

Gandhiji was also deeply pained when his son converted to another religion. He spoke a lot against conversion and admitted his regret that he could not give his children an education of values and respect for their own religion. He came to be regarded as the Father of the Nation but could not be a good father to his own sons. While aspiring to bring freedom to an entire country, he gave none to his own wife. Due to his rigidity, Gandhiji put his family through a lot of distress and his own children rebelled against him. Approaching every aspect of life with a fixed attitude is not practical. One needs to have different yardsticks for dealing with different people and situations.

Click Here to Read the Complete Article..................

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Overcoming Challenges to Peace

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There are usually two sides to a civil conflict and no matter who strikes first, eventually both sides are wounded. Conflict arises in the first place because both sides stick to their stand, yet to resolve the issue, both need to be made to rise above and look at the larger picture. Breakdown of communication is a major cause in escalating the dispute and thus, dialogue is an important tool in resolving it.

When I visited Latin America in June this year, we sent a message to meet with the leaders of the Colombian rebel group FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). They responded positively and we had a very fruitful meeting in Cuba. The armed conflict between the Colombian government and FARC has been going on for five decades, claiming more than 220,000 lives and displacing over 7 million people. Though they engage in violent acts on the outside, yet inside every culprit, there is a victim crying for help. When the victim is healed, the culprit disappears. I told them that I understood their plight but non-violence was the only way towards social justice. They adopted the Gandhian way immediately and soon declared a unilateral ceasefire. The government also reciprocated with a ceasefire a few days later.

People who take to violent means due to a sense of injustice, can be engaged in dialogue if approached the right way. From their perspective, they are fighting for a cause out of righteousness. In a way, their passion, commitment and the spirit of sacrifice is commendable. When outer dynamism, which they have in abundance, is complemented with inner peace, they can prove to be a boon to the society. Many of our free tribal schools in terrorist-affected regions are being run by former extremists. In fact, in the beginning, they threatened our volunteers to close them down. But when they saw that these efforts were benefiting their own communities, they became volunteers themselves.

Yet terrorism arising out of religious fanaticism is very different. It is blinded by a doctrine that is not open to any discussion or dialogue. For them, people who disagree with their scripture or think differently have no right to even exist. On my visit to Iraq in November, 2014, I offered to have a dialogue with the Islamic State group; they responded with a death threat! If even a small part of the world lives in such darkness, the world cannot be a safe place. So far, the horrible atrocities that they were committing were limited to the region under their influence but the mass exodus of millions of refugees that they have now caused affects the whole world. If the neighbour’s house is on fire, it is only a matter of time before the fire reaches your own doorstep. To prevent the spread of this fanatical mindset, religious leaders can play a big role in imparting a multi-religious education and an education in peace. There is a need to bring a shift from the idea of “sole ownership of heaven” to an ideology of “many paths to One Goal”. Honouring diversity as an essential characteristic of our planet can help us move from merely being tolerant of our differences to celebrating them.

Turbulence is a part of this world whereas making peace is the nature of our spirit. If with a strong resolve and skill, we are able to remain centered in peace, it does not remain limited to just us, it begins to calm down the turbulence around us as well. On this International Day of Peace, let us resolve to be established in peace inside and be dynamic in action to bring it to the world outside.

Source: Huffington Post

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Thousands Attend Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Maha Satsang at Odisha-Based Sri Sri University

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“Education with inspiration is of no use, the purpose of knowledge is inspiration. Youth must be inspired and must, in turn, inspire. The sign of a well-educated, well-cultured individual is a healthy body, happy mind and sharp intellect. That is the kind of atmosphere that is created here. This is one of the happiest campuses in India,” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, addressing thousands who had gathered on the premises of Sri Sri University for a Maha Satsang with the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader and founder, The Art of Living. Sri Sri is also the founder and lifetime president of the University.

The event was watched in over 1500 locations across 68 countries through live webcast.

“In the ancient days, India was controlling one-third of the global economy.This was because of our education system. More than 10000 students were coming to India to study in Universities like Nalanda and Taxila. Our freedom fighters wanted India to have good universities. Today our universities do not feature even among the top 100 Universities in the world, we have fallen behind,” he said.

“Our education system collapsed because we borrowed all the negative traits from the West, especially of substance abuse. We did not borrow their positive qualities – of discipline, cleanliness or punctuality. India has given one of the best prayers, the Gayatri Mantra, to the world. The Gayatri Mantra signifies the purity of intellect. We must ensure that our intellect is not corrupt. If this culture is there from the beginning, there is no problem.”

Sri Sri also answered several questions from the audience on a wide range of topics from brain drain, faith and peer pressure to destiny, the purpose of life and the significance of the various forms of Indian deities.

“The snake on the deity Shiva’s neck represents the state of higher awareness which comes through meditation. The lotus, conch, mace and chakra in the hands of the deity Vishnu as well as the blue colour of his form, represent the five elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space, which make up all of creation.”

Sri Sri also invited the people of Odisha to join the World Cultural Festival, to mark the 35th anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation, in New Delhi from March 11 - 13 2016. 154 countries are expected to participate in the event.

Source: Orissa Diary

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Bhagavad Gita Chapter - 7 with Sri Sri | Register for LIVE Webcast

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“I will tell you the complete knowledge, knowing which there is nothing else to be known.” – Lord Krishna in Chapter 7, Bhagavad Gita.

Sri Sri will be speaking on the “Gyana Vignana Yoga” – “The Yoga of the Ultimate Truth”, Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 7 at Delhi as a part of the Krishna Janmashtami (Krishna’s Birthday) celebrations.

An opportunity for you to celebrate by listening to the ultimate wisdom given by Lord Krishna on his birthday from wherever you are – on your laptop, mobile or tablet.

Dates: 4, 5 & 6 September 2015
LIVE Webcast time: 6 PM - 8 PM IST (4 & 5 September) | 11 AM - 1 PM (6 September)
Language: Hindi (Optional LIVE translations available in English, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese).

Click Here to book your webcast!

For any assistance, you may reach out to us by mailing to onlineevents@artofliving.org

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Will Visit Orissa on 31st August

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Spiritual master and the founder of The Art of Living Param Poojya Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji is making a two day visit to Odisha. The icon of non-violence and universal human values, Sri Sri is the founder and the lifetime President of Sri Sri University. On 31st August, there is a Program of Maha Satsang at 5 pm in Sri Sri University Campus, Bidyadharpur Arilo, Cuttack.

The Art of Living family has invited one and all to the program. The Maha Satsang, normally comprises of three key component Gaan (music), Gyaan (knowledge) and Dhyan (meditation).

On 1st September, the varsity celebrates its second Convocation from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. Besides, graduates receiving their degrees, two higher degree research students will also have the distinction of being the first Ph.Ds of the University. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will deliver convocation address as chief guest of the function in the august presence of Sri Sri. The event will also be graced by our Guests of Honor Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi, Hon’ble Minister, Higher Education, Government of Odisha and Shri. Shavji Dhanji Dholakia, Founder and Chairman Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. who will also be addressing the attendees. Sri Sri University is located in a sprawling campus adjacentto the Kathjodi river. The University offers a number of courses at different levels, undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral studies. In Management, it offers MBA in General Management, Agri-Business, and Entrepreneurship; BBA; B.Com. Apart from these, there are specialized Programs in Master’s in Good Governance and Public Policy: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Naturopathy and Yogic Science; Bachelors in Performing Arts (Odissi Dance and Hindustani Vocal).

The University is also launching B.Arch and M.Sc (Osteopathy) in this academic session. The varsity has over 600 students. Sri Sri University is unique in developing a drug free, alcohol free, and a fully vegetarian campus. One of the main purpose behind setting up this university has been to provide the best of the east and of the west. Envisioned by Sri Sri, the varsity was established as a centre for world class education. So, Indian students do not have to leave the country in search of what they perceive to be better opportunities.

The University takes pride in offering a blended curriculum that enriches both domain expertise and life skills. The Art of Living Program, that includes yogic practices like Asanas, Pranayamas, Meditation and Sudarshan Kriya techniques are the integral part of all the streams of the study. These scientifically proven techniques equip the students with necessary knowledge and tools to self-reflect, handle stress and manage their minds effectively. The students also take special initiative to engage in the ancient philosophies, knowledge and scientific practices in order to revive and bring those to main stream process of education.

True to the motto and spirit of the varsity, students do Learn, Lead and Serve. Students participate and take up several service project in nearby communities.As a part of the University’s community empowerment initiatives, there are more than 400 women in 20 adjacent villages, who have been trained in vocational skills to increase income generating capacities. In collaboration with L&T PCT, more than 500 school dropout/ orphaned youth have been trained in construction skills and duly placed.

The University offers a rich, vibrant leaning experience in a healthy and beautiful Campus.

Source: Orissa Diary

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Planet Meditates with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: 8th August 2015

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Do you meditate? Make your practices deeper and change the planet! When more than one person meditates, the effect of it is exponential. The effect multiplies not by 1000, but 1000000!

Be a part of a historical event!
Join the webcast of a global online meditation with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar LIVE from Russia at www.artofliving.org/webcast on 8th August, 7:30 PM IST.

CLICK HERE TO CONFIRM YOUR PARTICIPATION and be a part of this global event.

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The Guru Disciple Relationship: E-Book

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A unique flavor of love is the Guru-disciple relationship. If there is no love, then there is neither Guru nor disciple.

This Guru Purnima, we bring for you a unique gift of an e-book with collection of talks & stories by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

In the e-book, you'll get to read:

• 6 insightful Guru-disciple stories with illustrations
• Previous years' Guru Purnima talks
• Elevating quotes on the Guru Tattva
• Significance of Guru Purnima

Download now: Click Here

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Guru Purnima Celebrations 2015: LIVE Webcast

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Guru Purnima is the day when we honor the wisdom of the masters through the ages.

Celebrate ‪‎Guru Purnima‬ 2015 with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar LIVE via Webcast from the Art of Living Canadian Center!

Date: 31st July | Time: 7:30 PM IST

Link: www.artofliving.org/webcast

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Sri Sri Simplifies the Bhagavad Gita for You

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Don’t think The Bhagavad Gita got over long time ago. It’s still going on everyday in each and every person’s life. Our life is all these 18 chapters of the Gita. In your life, you can see which chapter you are in now. Where are you stuck? 1st Chapter? 2nd? 3rd? You can gauge for yourself where your life is.

Listen to Sri Sri decipher and simplify the mystical wisdom of Chapter 7 & 8 for you!

Chapter 7: Jnana Vignana Yoga - Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth
In Chapter 7, Lord Krishna reveals the science of freeing the mind from all possible places it can wander out of attraction and bringing it back towards the pure consciousness within. When we are deeply connected with ourselves, anything that we do in the world seems so effortless.
Date: 15 - 17 August 2015

Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga - Attaining the Supreme
In Chapter 8, Lord Krishna reveals the secrets of karma, what's beyond death, the path to know the self and the mystical knowledge of realizing the brahman (the substratum of the universe).
Date: 4 - 6 September 2015

Register today: www.aolu.co/BGHindi (Early bird offer ends on 30th July 2015)

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Guru Purnima Celebration 2015 with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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Celebrate this auspicious time in the presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Date: 31st July 2015 | Time: 10 AM - 8 PM

Pre-Requisites: None, All are welcome | Course Fee: Free, Registration is mandatory

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Scheduled courses:

Short Art of Silence Course and Shakti Kriya with Sri Sri
Date: 26 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Long Art of Silence Course and Shakti Kriya with Sri Sri
Date: 24 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Short YES! in the presence of Sri Sri
Date: 26 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Long YES! in the presence of Sri Sri
Date: 24 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Short Art Excel in the presence of Sri Sri
Date: 26 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Long Art Excel in the presence of Sri Sri
Date: 24 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Short Angels course in the presence of Sri Sri
Date: 26 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Long Angels course in the presence of Sri Sri
Date: 24 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Art of Meditation (Sahaj Samadhi)
Date: 26 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Art of Living Happiness Program
Date: 26 - 30 July 2015
Click Here to Register

Venue: Art of Living Canadian Center

For details contact: info.gp2015@artofliving.ca

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Click Here to Know more upcoming mega events in presence of Sri Sri across the globe

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Helps to Bring Peace to Colombia

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Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has played a role in brokering a peace deal between the Colombian government and left guerrilla organization FARC, has asked the former to understand that the ceasefire would take some time to come into effect.

"It is vital for the President of Colombia and the military commanders of Colombia to understand that it would take up to July 20 for the ceasefire to take hold.

"This is because some of the guerrillas are unreachable in the jungle, and it will take a couple of weeks for them to realize that a ceasefire has been declared and that the FARC leadership is now pursuing non-violent and peaceful means," Christoph Glaser, spokesman for the Art of Living Foundation headed by Sri Ravi Shankar, said in a statement here.

During his recent three-day visit to Cuba, the Indian spiritual leader had held several rounds of discussions with leaders of the FARC ( Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) in an exercise of confidence-building for the peace process in the Latin American nation, which has faced many hurdles in the past three years.

During these talks, the leaders of the Colombian guerrilla movement FARC had agreed to follow Gandhian principle of non-violence to attain its political objectives.

Sri Ravi Shankar had then appealed to the FARC leadership to follow a path of non-violence and "pursue goals of social justice for the good of the Colombian people and the future stability of the country," Glaser said in the statement.

FARC is a left-wing guerrilla movement involved in the Colombian armed conflict since 1964 and has been designated a terrorist organiztaion by the UN and USA.

It has been hammering out peace terms with government negotiators since November 2012 to bring an end to five decades of war and conflict, which has killed more than 2,00,000 people and uprooted more than six million people.

Source: TOI

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Smile with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Only on Fever 104 FM

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Smile at your worries by listening to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar speak about life related topics such as stress, work, relationships and contemporary spirituality starting 13th July from Monday - Friday only on Fever 104 FM, Bangalore | Time: 6 - 7 AM!

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