MEGA COURSE GIGA FUN TERA SMILES

The Guru of Peace & Joy

Shankar Nirupama — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:49:13 +0000

The wait was finally over. July 7th 2008 dawned and my dreams about being in the presence of the enlightened Master Himself were coming true finally. Sri Sri Ravishankarji, the Guru of Breath, has touched the lives of 300 million people in the world, almost 5% of the world’s population. To be meeting him twice is a blessing!

We reached the Meymandi concert hall in Raleigh downtown at around 6:10 pm. I was really glad I was on time. As we entered the hall, I couldn’t help noticing the excitement of meeting Guruji in the atmosphere. The volunteers were welcoming guests with a warm smile. People came in with friends and family, some knowing what to expect, some totally new to the world of “Art of Living.” As I was waiting outside, I saw questions going around about the course, lot of anxiety amongst everyone. This was not a surprise to me. Raleigh not being one of the biggest cities, Art of Living does not have a lot of following in this city and is still unknown to many people. I am glad Guruji came here and so did so many people to see him. After checking directions for our seats, we decided to enter the auditorium hall.

The auditorium hall was huge with a seating capacity for almost 1500 – 2000 people (I need to check my facts on this.) The stage was set up with Guru’s Asana (Chair) in the center and a beautiful red carpet for him to rest his feet on. On the side was a team of 2 musicians playing Guitar and singing bhajans (Songs of God’s Praise). The stage was simple but the ambience was extremely peaceful.

The seminar started with the personal experience of Bharti, a volunteer from Charlotte. She is currently working in a full-time job as a Traveling Technology Specialist for Microsoft and has 2 kids. She has been a dedicated volunteer to the AOL foundation for the past 6 years. “I have been able to cope up with all this only because of the breathing exercises and other techniques that were taught in the Art of Living Course”, she said. This is a great example that emphasizes the fact of how AOL helps its followers to enjoy every aspect of life 100%.Followed by her experience was a 10 minute video introducing Sri Sri Ravishankarji and the work he does through the Art of Living Foundation. This was shown to introduce the AOL foundation to the many first timers at the event. I am not sure if I am qualified to introduce Sri Sri Ravishankarji and his great work. You can find this information on www.artofliving.org

This great introduction was followed by a 20 minute session with Bhushan Deodhar, a disciple of Sri Sri Ravishankarji, and a teacher, whose life is always on an airplane following Sri Sri wherever he goes. Bhushan had such a vibrating persona and his one smile was enough to put one at ease. Bhushan explained to the audience simple exercises that could be done almost anytime, for example, when sitting at a desk in front of the computer. I had come to the session from work and was really tired, and these exercises relieved all the stress in the muscles of my body.

Followed by this session was a small talk by Michael Fishman, President of the Art of Living Foundation. He has been associated with Art of Living for almost 20 years now. He is a teacher and conducts classes at large companies like World Bank, IBM, and Shell. He had many wonderful things to say about “Sudarshan Kriya”, a breathing technique taught in the basic course of Art of Living. Following paragraph is a gist of his talk.

Everyone wants to be happy. From outside one would think that if you are at an island like Key Biscayne, you would be happy. But even on this beautiful island, people are depressed, stressed from the worldly things like money, relationships, teen pregnancies, drugs, etc. As a child each one of us is flexible, like a cloth. As we grow up, we are conditioned to our surroundings and the society. We choose to be like that. We settle for our tired lives and consider them to be going “fine”. What us grown ups have is a “knotted” nervous system. Sudarshan Kriya helps us to become a child again. “Do Sudarshan Kriya and you will be free of these knots! It makes life more focused, more enthusiastic and more dynamic!!”

Just as these great words were being said, the stage was suddenly glowing. Loud thunder of claps was heard. Sri Sri suddenly made his grand entry on the stage. Everyone rose from their seats to show respect to one of the greatest saints of our times. In a very sweet voice Sri Sri said, “Let’s listen to some music first”. The words of “Parmeshwari Jayadevi, Jagdishwari jaiambe” (songs of praise of the Gods and Goddesses) then reverberated in the entire hall.
Followed by sweet bhajans, was a meditation guided in His own voice. It was so relaxing, it’s beyond words. One has to experience it to believe it.

Followed by these were the golden words of wisdom. I tried to pen them down as closely as possible. I really hope all of you enjoy reading these as much as I have enjoyed listening to them.

*********

“If life is lived at a formal level without feelings, it tends to get depressing. There is a lot of depression in the world. As children we relate to everyone from the depth of our heart. We have been very free as children. But as adults we have been very superficial. As children we smile 400 times a day. As teenagers maybe 20 times a day but as adults we hardly smile. As adults we move with walls around us. We need

A violence free soul
A conflict free breath
An inhibition free intellect
A trauma free mind
A sorrow free soul
A disease free body

Life is like music, rhythmic. Children need a better world in this life.

Question Answer Session Begins:

1. How to reduce violence?
Guruji: Attention to breath, meditation will help. Mind can be calm. It will give you a universal outlook, sense of belongingness. We are one human family. This education should me made compulsory. We need to bring nasic human values to the society. Have a positive “sankalpa” in mind.

2. I want to be a really good mother, daughter, daughter in law. I want to be really good at everything. I want to be the best. Is this possible? How?
Guruji: You cannot be a better mother! You are best! You can feel bad, you can get upset. Being angry can act like a vaccine to children. Do not regret when you are angry. If you regret you get more angry and then you regret more. It is a vicious circle. All you need to do is relac. Music, exercise, meditation & proper meals will help you.

3. Is peace possible?
Guruji: If it was impossible, noone would work for it. Everyone in the world is working for it. Permanent peace is not possible. New people keep coming up.They learn values of peace through disturbance.

4. What is your view on technology? Is it a cause for anxiety? Does it work as a double edged sword in regards to depressions/difficulties?
Guruji: Technology does not create difficulties? Mind is untrained in values. Mind will use the “knife” the way it wants to. Individual should be well grounded to use the technology properly.

5. We try to do good jobs. People are still against you. Some time we do bad things and we have followers. Whatever you do peoples opinions change. What to do ?
Guruji: Listen to your heart. Right thing is which doesn’t harm anybody. Definition of wrong is something that gives you short joy but misery for long. Definition for right is something that gives you short misery and joy for long

6. What to do if you are confused?
Guruji: If you are confused, go to bed! Choice is between bad and worse or good and better. When you develop intuition , spontaneity comes out of you. Be clear in mind and it will all click. Why don’t we repeat this consciously? Here is the method : attention to breath and meditation. You will be able to access the source of knowledge.

7. Is it possible to achieve thoughtless minds
Guruji: Yes, through meditation and Sudarshan Kriya.

8. How to invite ego to step aside?
Guruji: Be natural. Just for half a day act like crazy. It works as medicine. There will be no ego left. But mind you, only half a day! Ego is about worrying what others feel about you. Have faith in self. Who has the time to think about you? It’s you who sits and worries!

9. What is your reaction on 911? Terrorism
Guruji: We have taught art of living in many prisons of Inida. Prisoners have changed completely. 1500 people took this program and there is complete transformation. Check videos on the website. This work is not enough. Theres a lot to be done. This is just a drop in the ocean

10. How to react to a situation? Despite of family and friends opinions.
Guruji: You need a lot of patience and perseverance

11. What do you do if you have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorders)
Guruji: Yoga & Pranayama

12. Should one feel guilty if one has sexual thoughts?
Guruji: Energy which moves up and down causes emotions. Sex is pleasure and gives joy. Joy comes from a channel of energy not from the act. 1000 moments of sex is same as one moment of meditation. You are a fountain of joy. To experience this you indulge in pleasures but this can be achieved through meditation.

13. Define trust
Guruji: To know trust, know doubt. You always doubt positive. We never doubt dishonesty. We doubt capabilities but not weaknesses. Everyone is sure about depression. That’s why we doubt of life force and basis of existence because we have no idea of it. If we accept the doubt, we come to a place called trust. It is a natural phenomenon. Trust comes in when you can stand by what you don’t doubt. Trust is natural and is a process of evolution.

14. Can you see a form of God?
Guruji: Every form indicates formless tha is God

15. What should one do about fear of losing family?
Guruji: Do you think you are here forever? Take life every moment as it comes. We need to be in present moment being happy. Don’t be anxious about the future.

16. How to establish myself as a leader?
Guruji: Listen to inner spirit. Keep doing good work.

17. Do you go in extended periods of silence?
Guruji: During Navratri I go into silence. But I am always silent even when I am speaking. I remain untouched.

18. My spouse is always angry. What to do?
Guruji: I have no idea. I have never spoken about something I have not experienced. But I have some secret for men and women to live a happy married life.

Secret for women: Always encourage ego of the husband; never tell him he is good for nothing, even if he is!! Don’t tell him he‘s dumb! Man cannot take beating from his wife/girlfriend! Keep his ego intact

Secret for men: Man should never step on emotions of women. Never say no to shopping or prayer or anything that she wants to do. If she complains about her family, don’t join her. She will switch sides almost immediately.

Of course, Pranayama, meditation, Sudarshan Kriya can help manage to keep life centered.

19. How to stay connected to God?
Guruji: Don’t worry about it. Trying to keep life centered is a stress in itself. You have no choice but to be connected to God. Divinity is always there. Like when fan is on, you feel air. Similarly, for love or divinity, you sometimes feel more of it, sometimes less.

20. Competition either makes enemies or friends. What do you think of competition in terms of maintaining health relations?
Guruji: Competition with your self is a healthy competition. Do no take competition to mind or heart.

21. Which method for meditation is used for physical pain? What was your first reaction to meditation?
Guruji: Read a book called “Guru of Joy”. Learn Sudarshan Kriya. Engage yourself in some service. How you can contribute? How you can help everyone? Think about this.

22. Define the word “love”
Guruji: Love is a subject of heart. It cannot be defined. If defined, it is not felt. If you feel it, you cannot understand it. Love minus knowledge gives rise to negative feelings. Every negative feeling is an offshoot of love. If love has knowledge, negative emotions will never come to you.

***********

After these golden words of wisdom, He left the stage. Each and every person in the auditorium was left wondering how a person of His kind is so selfless, so egoless, so calm and so extremely loving. I was so happy to be in HIS presence, it is beyond words! Guruji, Raleigh loves you and wants to keep you in its heart! Please visit us again and give us the pleasure of being in your company!

- Sneha Jhanb

Caste Away

Shankar Nirupama — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:08:56 +0000

Deewar – A Salim Javed classic(1975) -A wall that had separated 2 brothers. As the wall grew bigger in their minds so did Vijay’s acerbity towards injustice. But Ravi didn’t have to go through the torture of reading “Tera baap chor hai” ( Your dad is a thief ) that was tattooed by the villagers(for whom his dad stood for) .He was ready to accept his fate the system chose to bestow on him. Vijay had rage in his eyes and scant respect for a society filled with corruption that made him revolutionary and meet a tragic fate at hands of his own brother. But the one who cried her lungs out as the society plundered her was the mother. She was pained at the fact that the younger son had to kill the elder one but was more pained seeing the tattoo on Vijay’s hand over years.
Today as I look at the agitation among people on the quota issue I see a wall that is built to divide 2 brothers who also want to sweat for their nation, represent the growing India undivided and equivocal, demanding equal opportunity . Politicians have cunningly managed to divide them. In a way they have managed to tattoo “You are an OBC” to which more and more of the pro reservation group are gleefully folding their sleeves and lining up. We are still waiting for a stroke of lightning to fix it. We want to wake up one fine morning to see that old nemesis vanish, much like a bad dream. It is that side of Indian past that we sometimes wish had a less controversial method. The caste system is our own version of Deewar that we as Indians have to bring it down – but this time around no mother has to shed tears over her dead child who chose to revolt by choosing to sacrifice their young lives.
Somewhat surprisingly though, this has to be fought by “us” alone. Politicians are going to make every effort to raise this wall and pretend playing deaf to the screaming voices of “Eradicate casteism”.The sticky issue for politicians is that no single party can go against reservations. The stakes are too high, as the OBC/SC/ST also represents the Hindu vote bank that many political party’s are trying to secure. Today the Congress doesn’t know which side of the Hindu face is smiling at it come election time. Siding with the quota system, will make sure which ones do. But when a deserving merit student is acrimoniously reminded of the tattoo by an equally deserving sibling, we would have once again lost our right to equality. The choice is ours.

Ananth Shankar

H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on world food shortage

Shankar Nirupama — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:16:43 +0000

Guruji was having His dinner last week in Taiwan and was carefully eating everything in His plate. He then told some of us sitting around – “We need to save every grain of food. There’s a shortage of food worldwide.” That evening, He personally made sure that every bit of food in the house was consumed by the volunteers and nothing was left over. He went around the house serving from each container of food to ensure that they were all empty!

We have all been reading articles in TIME and various other news media that the world food prices are shooting up because of food shortage. Let’s do everything from our end to not waste any food!

Cook just enough so that no food needs to be thrown away
Preserve leftovers and eat them promptly in the next meal
Purchase bread and other grain items by carefully looking at the expiration date to make sure you can consume them before they spoil
At a restaurant, order only as much as you can consume. If you know that a restaurant serves more than you can eat, either ask them to reduce the quantity (and tell them you will still pay the same) or make sure you carry the remaining food home. Restaurants are the biggest source of food wastage!

Device your own ways to add to the list and encourage your friends to do the same!

Love & Jai Gurudev,
Abhay

(Abhay Joshi is a Senior Art of Living Teacher from Atlanta. He has done his education from IIT Bombay.)

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar interview in Bali

Shankar Nirupama — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:11:27 +0000

Guruji Q and A

Shankar Nirupama — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:51:26 +0000

Q: Guruji how do we know that our experiences are authentic? And how do we know that we are progressing on the spiritual path?

Sri Sri: You know doubt always come on that is true. You never doubt depression. You doubt love, whereas you never doubt anger! Therefore if you are having a doubt on your experiences just know that they are all authentic (Laughter!!).And how to gaze whether your are progressing on the spiritual path or not; see if you have become more compassionate. See if you feel more relaxed and free now. Do you feel free or not? Just see within yourself. See how much does the entire happening around you bother you. Do they bother you like before or not? Does the external events bother you still? Even if they bother you see how much time does it stay for. See how fast you are catching up with your self! You should not think that, oh! I should never get upset! See hoe fast you are coming back to your self! A few minutes of distraction and then you are back. Don’t Judge yourself. There is no need to judge yourself. Can you become a student and an examiner at the same time? No. Certainly not! You are learning now so leave the evaluation work to some one else!! Let Him decide, let Him evaluate!! (Laughter)!!

Q: Guruji, I have been practicing in the Spiritual path for quite sometime, but I still find that I am not able to become dispassionate. To bring about dispassion in me what should I do?

Sri Sri: Don’t get caught up in words. These are just all words. I tell you if you are centered dispassion comes to you automatically. Just be centered. Do your seva (service), satsang (company of the truth), and sadhna (spiritual practices) and you will see rest everything is just falling in place for you.

Q: Guruji what is the difference the mind and the soul? And how is it connected to each other?

Sri Sri: The mind is like the wave and the Soul is like the ocean. And the connection between the two is that the mind cannot be without the soul, but the soul can exist without the mind. So in meditation you drop the mind, you become one with the totality that is the ocean. Therefore there are both existing together, the mind as well as the soul, like the wave as well as the ocean.

Q: Guruji, in my meditation often I get a feeling of doing some harm to the Gods. My mind feels like doing something against them. How do I get rid of such a feelings? What should I do?

Sri Sri:You know if it is so compulsive, so obsessive you do it. Just go ahead and do it. But that way you are going to hurt yourself! Hurt your hand! God is not in the statue or the idol in front of you, God is in your heart. We invoke God and bring it to the statue for some moments only and again we place it back in our hearts. Like the Ganapati idol, we put it in the water. First we invoke the God in the idol, play with that for some time and after all that tell him to come back to us and reside back in our heart!!

But yes. If such a feeling persists, just observe the sensation. See what is happening within you. You know these types of violent tendencies also come because of the food you eat. All these are the Rajashik (Restlessness) tendencies that come from food. Focus on you diet. Be aware of what you eat. Stay away from Rajasik food for sometime. Food does matter a lot. Listen to Narada Bhakti Sutra. Rejoice in the self….Be contented.

Q: Guruji after having tried all means, certain worries keep coming to me. I am not able to surrender those. What should I do?

Sri Sri: Why do you need to surrender? I tell you don’t surrender, this surrender is an illusion. What do you want to surrender? Anyway everything belongs to God. What is it that is yours and you want to surrender!?? !? It is just a concept, I want to surrender this, I want to surrender that. This is like try catching a cat in a dark room, which is not there(Laughter! !) Just relax; God did not want us to surrender. What to surrender? Don’t worry; just know that you are nothing. The path of knowledge is easy for those who are where in the head. If you think you are something wakeup and see, what are you ?!?!?! You are carbohydrate, amino acids, fats, every cell of your body has been existing millions of years ago and is also existing now and you call yourself Radha, Sita, Rama, tomorrow again this form will go and new form will come where will you go.

Walk like being a big zero, but always be on the right side of the number. (Laughter!!! !) I am nobody, I am nothing. These two ‘dharanas’ intensions, is an antidote to ignorance wakeup and see!!! And the job is done!

Q: Guruji, they say that there are two kinds of people. The first, are the kind of people who ask question out of ignorance. And the second are the people who don’t ask question out of ignorance. What would be my category?

Sri Sri:(Laughter!!) At least this you have realized!!! See how wise you are!!! Only a wise can understand such things!! So you are certainly not a fool. You are wise.

Art Of Living Airlines

Shankar Nirupama — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:37:44 +0000

Art of Living Airlines

-Fazal, Pilot from Dubai

This was a PA (Public Announcement) made at the Ashram, during a course, by one of our AOL Pilots.

Ladies and Gentlemen. This is your Co-pilot speaking. My name is Fuzzy. On behalf of our Commander Guruji, and everyone in your life, welcome aboard AOL AIRLINES.

You are all graced with the Sudarshan Kriya Ticket from the Art of Living Part 1 Course Counter. The Golden Ticket, that you hold, is an extremely beautiful
gift, donated by the owner of this aircraft, H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Our Cabin Crew smile from their hearts. You will be provided with meal trays of knowledge sheets.

For your entertainment, you have your own mind.

Your journey will be flown over 140 countries. You won’t see any borders or man made limitations through Our windows, but will experience your planet earth and its diversities. … Without concepts.

We have only one class on board, which is First Class. All seats are specifically designed by Sri Sri. Each seat will experience at different times,smooth weather, rough weather, headwinds and tailwinds. You might find a fellow passenger experiencing a ‘local’ thunderstorm. Under your seat is a life-jacket stuffed with knowledge sheets.

How you use this life-jacket on the flight, will determine the smoothness of YOUR journey.

You are guaranteed a ride of this Lifetime. The flight-time is insignificant, though your smile will help the cabin crew serve you better.As you near your top-of-decent, your Captain Guruji will speak to you. Although, other flight paths are available, we thank you for choosing to fly with us …..not that you had any choice.

The landing is guaranteed to be smooth. You have no choice of destination.

Have a pleasant trip!

Jai Gurudev!!

Anand Rajendran and the Art of Living Basic Course

Shankar Nirupama — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:11:00 +0000

Anand Rajendran and the Art of Living Basic Course

Sneha Jhanb

“Jhakaas” is the word that rings in my head all the time these days. Its been almost two weeks but I havent been able to take Anandji out of my mind. A very vibrating persona!

I was blessed to take Art of Living Basic course with Anandji. After a lot of debating , I am glad finally I was able to make it!Those 6 days of the course… I was high on life! Being high on alcohol brings you hangover! Being high on life brings you everything else!

Never before have I seen myself volunteering to go on stage and dance like a monkey! But that day I gladly did it! Never before have I seen myself letting go of worries and troubles but Anandji helped me do it! I have slept for years with guilt in my mind about small or big things that happened in the past..I have done Art of Living Basic course twice before. But this was the first time I understood what “letting go” meant.

Art of Living happened to me by a sheer stroke of chance around 4 years ago. Never had I thought I would meditate. But the breathing and meditation makes the world such a joyful place which only those who take the step to actually go and do it understand!

Anandji, Thank you for making a difference to my life! And Sri Sri Ravishankarji thank you for being such an inspiration and bringing Sudarshan Kriya into existence!

Sneha Jhanb

RALEIGH WAKES UP AND SHAKES UP WITH ANANDJI

Shankar Nirupama — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:30:27 +0000

Raliegh was honored and privileged to host the LARGEST EVER Art of Living course in North Carolina. The course, cognized and developed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is designed to energize and revitalize the participants while taking them through a spiritual path to answer questions – What is Happiness? What is peace?

The teacher, Anand Rajendran (We all know him as Anandji, who mesmerizes everyone with his wit, knowledge, and love) led the Art of Living course in a NEVER SEEN BEFORE format!! The deep knowledge points were given to us like a gift that we would treasure and use each and every day of our lives!! When you have a Yes in your mind-Nature organizes itself to meet your needs. We could experience this as Volunteers in organizing the largest Part I Art of Living Course in Raleigh with 150 participants in just three weeks.

Mala Wadhwani, also actually experienced this; she said – “I took the Art of Living Course in Raleigh; towards the end of the course, I found answers to some longstanding questions and realized that I only wished deeply in my heart to come to this course & everything else fell in place. I understood that His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar wanted me to come for the Art of Living – he called me to it and made it possible for me to attend.The Art of living course and the teacher, are all gifts His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar – and for that I am eternally grateful.”

Day one dawned, Anandji – the man of MAGIC walked in and made everyone spellbound with his action, enthusiasm and energy. All through the course, we were in a state of bliss with belongingness, joy and peace.

Marchelle Richardson, participating in the course said “I am very pleased to announce that on the 3^rd day of the course, I was cured of a sinus problem that has plagued me since High School. I was also cured of the chest and upper back pains to the greatest extent. I am also sleeping better, finally learned how to effectively clear my ever busy mind. Thanks to His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for enlightening everyone with this Divine Gift.”

At the end of the course, the experience was “Great Emptiness”, which is full of happiness, consciousness, existence, life and power. Each and every course participant felt the tremendous impact of this course, with energy levels escalating from the first day to the zenith on Day 6. Guru Rajaram, a first-time participant said “Through the Art of Living course, I have found a method for self improvement that I know for sure will work wonders. For me, the train has pulled into the station – I have boarded it. It is my responsibiilty to take this beautiful journey.”

Rajeev Kumar expresses how he would apply the teachings of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in his life – “My experience during the program has been very enlightening. This course has added to my knowledge and also helped me to confirm that I do not know everything. There is faith to explain the unknown, which needs to be embraced whole-heartedly. This program also acts as a reminder of the rules for better lining of oneself (And in turn for entire circle of influence).”

Pratik Jhanb sums it up by saying “Overall it has been a wonderful experience, I really enjoyed the enthusiastic teacher who made sure everyone was involved. I felt an immediate change after learning and practicing Sudarshan Kriya. This Art of Living course can be described as one of the most wonderful experiences in my life. It is definitely going to change my lifestyle and my behavior with others. The teachings of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the form of this course gave me the basic learning for life. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.”

The grace of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was flowing into us. The rush of thoughts was slowing down and there was inner peace and relaxation and everyone were in an altered state of consciousness.

The experience of reality – as it is – is the “Art of Living”.

ANAND JI : THE BOSS

Shankar Nirupama — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:41:49 +0000

He is called Anand Ji (THE CEO of Jhakkas Inc)!!!

From Khallas to Jhakkas ( From Deep Sea to 7th Heaven )

Shankar Nirupama — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:19:57 +0000

A slam-dunk is a slam-dunk. Players from every team in the NBA do it at free will. But the sight of Michael Jordan screaming to the rim with the ball in hand cutting through thin air flying a good 24ft and unleash a slam dunk, leaves your heart racing.It pumps up the adrenaline in every cell of your body. We might not be privy to that experience in this lifetime, but I was part of a similar experience, rather, a more profound one and life changing one.

I had the privilege of taking the Art Of Living Basic course at Raleigh, NC and it was not the first time I was taking it. But the sight of the teacher literally reach out to every participant and infuse dynamism, joy and enthusiasm was just mind blowing – No no, wait it a minute, its called – JHHHAAAKKKAS !!! His name is Anand Rajenderan.He had pumped up the adrenaline of every participant. The teachings of H.H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar were explained in such an action packed manner that it made the course fun filled to the maximum.

The meditation and the Sudarshan Kriya were just out of the world. Anand ji beautifully said,” If you want to appreciate life around you keep your eyes open. If you want to appreciate the life in you the keep your eyes closed” and took some ammaaazzing guided meditation in HMV (His “MASTERS” VOICE), H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All the 6 days participants flocked to the entrance half an hour before the start. They wanted more and the teacher obliged.

“Thank you to His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and to Anandji – for bestowing this gift on me. I just feel fabulous after this Art of Living Course, and I feel completely in harmony with nature!” ….says Deepa Bharathi, a first-time participant.

“Thank you His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and Anandji – you changed my outlook of life. The Art of Living course is structured to be full of fun and also brings the message of spirituality out to all the people; it brought out the child in me!! I regret not having been associated with the Art of Living earlier.” ….says Mamta Chittur, also a first-timer.

“I had heard about the Art of Living and Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji in Houston, but took time to take the course only now; I am VERY glad that I took the course!! It gave me freedom, and showed me what true happiness is. After the breathing and meditative practices, I felt encompassed in a circle of light, and felt that I was a part of a blissful place” says Padmaja Vulimiri.

Remitha Sateesh says “ The Art of Living Course, in one word is – LIBERATING!” I hope to overcome all my barriers and make a difference in my life after this. Being in the presence of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has always been a profound experience, but after this course, I think it will be even more mind-blowing!!”

“This has been a mind-blowing and spiritually uplifting experience. I feel sad that this will be my last day in the presence of Anandji”. I feel privileged and blessed to be a part of his course as he is a highly talented and gifted Art of Living Teacher.” – Zohra Osman

So, ladies and gentlemen – if there is an Art of living course with Anandji nearby you, it is a must attend course. Do it to make a difference in your lives, in your families’ lives and for making the world a more positive and spiritual place!!