Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Hails Colombia Peace Pact

Posted on: Monday, June 27, 2016 | Posted by: Art of Living Universe


Subscribe to Sri Sri Updates

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Friday hailed the peace pact between the Colombian government and the country's main rebel group which he had been persuading to give up violence.

The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a historic pact on Thursday to end a 52-year-old armed conflict.

Ravi Shankar's Art of Living said he had played "an important role" in the peace process.

Last year, the spiritual leader travelled to Cuba and Colombia, talking to both the parties and building trust between them, an Art of Living statement said.

"His efforts resulted in a major breakthrough in June 2015 when the FARC rebels announced a unilateral ceasefire," it said.

The strife had taken the lives of 220,000 people and displaced more than five million.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was quoted as saying that with his consent, Ravi Shankar spoke to both parties, urging the FARC leaders to follow the Gandhian principle of non-violence.

Source: Business Standard

Art of Living Universe: Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Instagram | YouTube

Sri Sri Opens International Yoga Day in EU, Calls It 'Rhythm in Life'

Posted on: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 | Posted by: Art of Living Universe


Subscribe to Sri Sri Updates

Inaugurating the second edition of the International Yoga Day at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, Art of Living Foundation founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making an "extra effort to bring Yoga to the mainstream population."

"I would like to thank UN for declaring last year June 21st, the longest day as World Yoga Day. Especially the PM of India who has made extra effort to bring Yoga to the mainstream population. I would also like to acknowledge the Yoga teachers and Yoga schools which have been striving so hard to make people understand the benefits of Yoga, Though Yoga was born in the Indian subcontinent, it belongs to the world," said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

"I’m so glad that today here in the European Parliament, the heart of Europe, where 48 countries sit and do their deliberations and lead their countries, they are taking up this beautiful mission of wellness and bringing happiness to people," he said. Explaining the benefits of Yoga, he sought to differentiate it from exercise.

"Yoga is bringing the rhythm in life. Yoga is feeling the connection with oneself. And with everyone around. Yoga is aspiring for the highest goal of the world as one family. And unity with the infinity. It brings harmony in one’s environment. A disease free body, it establishes a quiver free breath which is a sign of strength, confusion free mind, inhibition free intellect, trauma free memory and sorrow free soul," Sri Sri said.

Source: First Post

Art of Living Universe: Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Instagram | YouTube

#YogainEU: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Inaugurate the International Day of Yoga at the European Parliament

Posted on: Tuesday, June 21, 2016 | Posted by: Art of Living Universe


Subscribe to Sri Sri Updates

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, world’s most renowned ambassador of yoga and founder of The Art of Living will inaugurate the International Day of Yoga at the European Parliament on 21 Jun​e​ 2016. He will be the Chief Guest and lead MEPs and staff through a guided meditation when for the first time the Parliament’s Yehudi Menuhin Hall will turn into a big yoga space.

The session will be available via live webcast to the public on artofliving.org/webcast.

"Yoga takes you close to your true nature. Yoga, with its techniques, helps you to harmonize with nature. Peace is our very nature, and yoga takes you to inner peace" says Sri Sri.

Highlighting the benefits and universality of Yoga, the session will take place from 12.15 – 1.30 pm EST and 3.45 - 5 PM IST and is expected to see participation of several Members and officials of the European Parliament, officials of the European Council and Commission and media personnel.

“Yoga has today become synonymous with relaxation, well being, or a creative mind. It is more than just an exercise. The world is embracing it as a skill to enhance the quality of life. We want to showcase this on the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the European Parliament” says MEP Geoffrey van Orden.

The first International Yoga Day was observed in 2015. The European Parliament on this occasion had organized the curtain raiser on April 21, 2015 when Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had spoken on Yoga and led a Yoga cum meditation session at the Parliament premises in Brussels.

“India and the European Union, being the two largest democracies and therefore natural partners and the European Parliament being the largest global trans-national democratic electorate, it is but appropriate that a Yoga related event at the European Parliament is being undertaken by one of the most popular and internationally acclaimed Yoga exponent from India - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar”, says the Ambassador of India to the EU, His Excellency Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri.

The session would be followed by Yoga “Asanas” under the guidance of Yoga expert Mr. Samir Khan from the European Yoga Institute of Brussels.

The Art of Living will also celebrate the Yoga Day in 100 countries around the globe.

In India, free yoga camps have been conducted across 61 districts in partnership with CCRYN. Over 20,000 people are expected in the IYD program on June 21st to be held in Delhi, while every state is reaching out to people to encourage participation in the yoga routine. As a prelude, the organization initiated 'Sun Never Sets on Yoga' – a campaign which had the Surya Namaskar traveling around the world for 24 hours as groups of people from different geographies came together to practice this ancient yogic technique. This magnificent event spanning five continents witnessed the world literally waking up to yoga.

Participants performed sun salutations in front of prominent landmarks including India Gate, Art of Living International Center in Bangalore, Bandra-Worli Sea link, Chittorgarh fort, Zahran palace (Jordan), Patan Durbar Square (Nepal), Lion City (Singapore), Victoria Harbor (Hong Kong) and other locations in Beirut (Lebanon), Belarus, Russia, New Zealand, Bhutan, Taiwan, Kazakhstan; thus hallmarking the comprehensiveness of this ancient technique.

50 million people across 132 countries participated in The Art of Living celebrations on the 1st International Day of Yoga celebrations in 2015.

Source: Economic Times

Art of Living Universe: Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Instagram | YouTube

Sri Sri Holds Meditation Session for Disabled Soldiers

Posted on: Sunday, June 12, 2016 | Posted by: Art of Living Universe


Subscribe to Sri Sri Updates

Ahead of International Yoga Day, an inaugural meditation session was held today at Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC), Mohali, under the guidance of the Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He was in the city in connection with the yoga day preparations.

During his brief stay at the centre, which caters to rehabilitation of 100 percent disabled soldiers who have lost the use of their lower limbs, he interacted with the inmates and gave them some tips to remain happy and content.

Two specially designed Art of Living courses, including chair yoga, have been conducted in the recent past for the inmates of the PRC under the aegis of Western Command HQ.

On the occasion, Lt Gen KJ Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, said a sports complex would shortly be inaugurated on the PRC complex for the fitness of the inmates.

Source: The Tribune

Art of Living Universe: Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Instagram | YouTube

Yoga - The True Dimension

Posted on: Wednesday, June 8, 2016 | Posted by: Art of Living Universe


Subscribe to Sri Sri Updates

An invitation to an unique event - 'Yoga - The True Dimension' | Curtain Raiser to 2nd International Day of Yoga with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Date: 9th June 2016 | Time: 7 PM IST onwards

Venue: Parade Ground, Sector 17, Chandigarh

For details call: +91 9888853525, +91 9815732720

You may watch the event LIVE on: www.artofliving.org/webcast

Art of Living Universe: Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Instagram | YouTube

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on World Environment Day 2016

Posted on: Sunday, June 5, 2016 | Posted by: Art of Living Universe


Subscribe to Sri Sri Updates

The urban society has a lot to learn from tribals who have protected the environment for ages. Honoring rivers, mountains, trees and animals has been part of ancient civilizations. The world has just woken up to this. Let's not put clothes, bangles and other non-biodegradable items in the rivers under the pretext of worship.

In India The Art of Living has initiated revival and rejuvenation projects for 19 rivers, 46 streams, 2 lakes and 1 dam so far.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Message for Environment Day 2016


Art of Living Universe: Facebook | Twitter | Google Plus | Instagram | YouTube