Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Question - Gurudev, why is that people who do wrong move ahead freely most of the times while we also see people who do right but still suffer. Why is it so? Can you please throw some light on this phenomenon? Gurudev Sri Sri - You think that the people who do something wrong progress in life. But haven’t you noticed the downfall these people face afterwards? There was a man named Madoff in America. People from all over the whole world were crazy to have a photograph with him. Now he is in jail. His own son revealed his scandal. So whoever attains success with unfair means will definitely fall down. There are many examples like this.If you are suffering that is not because you are good, but it may be due to a lack in skillfulness. We need four things in life - power, skill, devotion and liberation. (Shakti, Yukti, Bhakti and Mukti). You cannot be successful in society without power and skillfulness. And you cannot be successful in life without devotion and liberation. So you face probl...

Question - Gurudev, why is worthlessness and helplessness so uncomfortable. Why is there a constant need to become worthy or important?How to shed this? Gurudev Sri Sri - If you are not useful on this planet, nature would have taken you away a long time ago. Nature is very intelligent, and if nature has kept you here, there is some use for you, so don't be too hard on yourself. Each one of you is capable of doing something, and whatever you can do keep doing it. From time to time, see if you can extend yourself a little more. By this your capacity to do will also increase.

Question - Gurudev, the breath is so powerful. How does it work in connecting us to the subtle dimension? Gurudev Sri Sri - My dear, in the subtle you are already connected. The breath only makes you realise that you are connected. Your mind is always outside and it does not come back to itself, so the breath is the first step in bringing the outgoing mind inward. It is the doorway or the pathway, and meditation keeps the mind in the inner chamber.

*Chapter 3 - Bubbles On The Water*  *Day 21* Now take the case of politicians. Are they happy and satisfied? They are far, far away from happiness. They are far away even from the word. And contentment, they will understand this word maybe after 7 more lifetimes.  Also, when you look at many saints, sadhus, mahatmas and tathagatas, is there a contentment in their eyes or peace on their faces? They have greed for power, money, success, for having lots of devotees, in them.  What is the meaning of greed? Greed means one has not properly experienced the enjoyments one has had. One who has not properly eaten thinks about food all the time. The one who experiences the three states of waking, dreaming and sleep is viresah. In life, there is knowledge, activity and attachment.  When you start liking a thing, does the attachment last? After some time, it disappears. Many people worry about forming attachments.  Self-realisation happens and anger follows it. The wheel mo...

Guru’s Miracles are truly beyond Time, Space and Distance! Nilesh Gupta did the Part-1 course in July; travelled to Perth in August to do the Advance Course with Chris Dale, and did the Sahaj Samadhi Meditation in mid November in Sydney. Enthusiastically, as a devotee’s journey begins, we would meet frequently for Satsangs, discuss knowledge, and share Guru-Stories. Every week, we would struggle to find a follow-up venue – Calling Schools/Colleges/Temples/Community Centres’. Just then, Nilesh and his wife Charul decided to give a part of their warehouse for the Art of Living follow-up activities. Construction started soon, within a day of this thought manifesting in their minds. Amidst their busy business and house hold chores, both husband and wife devoted their time and efforts for Seva – arranging Intro talks, organizing follow-ups etc. Planning and execution was at its peak for the centre’s interiors, matching sofa, a big picture of Gurudev, a Knowledge Library etc. Filled with ent...

Question - Gurudev, if my soul is thirsty for love, peace and contentment, then why do I find excuses not to do my sadhana?  Gurudev Sri Sri - Yes, I would suggest that you reflect upon this question yourself. Then you will realize that you are making excuses to take your medicine (here indicating sadhana) which are for your own good. This is like going to the doctor to get medicines, but going off to sleep and keeping them under your pillow instead of actually taking them Why do we make excuses or skip doing something that brings us so much peace and contentment? I also have this question for you.

Question - Gurudev, how to act passionately after being trained to be dispassionate? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - You cannot create passion, when you love something it simply comes to you. You cannot ask me how do I love something, there is no way, no method. Sometimes repetition might create an attachment but I wouldn’t say it is love. I have seen people who are fighting and when one person is not there anymore or has gone far away then one feels some sort of vacuum suddenly. Every day you are fighting with someone and suddenly that person is not there, what to do now? This is a sort of attachment, but passion that is something which cannot be cultivated, it just comes to you. Dispassion can be cultivated to some extent but compassion and passion cannot be cultivated. @GurudevSriSri_Officialques

Question - Gurudev, I’m confused as to why in the Vedic books there is mantra for success in gambling when Lord Krishna forbids gambling in the Bhagavad Gita? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - The ancient thought was that a king should know everything, even how to steal. So a prince, before he becomes a king, he was trained how to become a thief and steal, so that tomorrow when he becomes a king he understands a thief also. So all this good, bad, all types of knowledge is present in the Vedas. It is so that people understand everything and everybody. To understand criminals you have to know their psychology and that is what they have said about. It’s not that you should do it or practise it. @GurudevSriSri_Official

Question - Gurudev, is it better for couples to come to the @ArtofLiving course together or each for him or herself? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - Sometimes you come together, sometimes you come separately. Even if you come here together, sit in different corners and do your own meditation. Don’t watch each other and see what the other is doing. They are sitting and meditating and you are thinking, 'Is my wife/husband here?' It depends on you. Sometimes if both of you want to have your own space, that is your decision. And if you want to come together and enjoy it together, again your decision. Both are okay. @GurudevSriSri_Official

Gurudev about the necessity of I Stand for Peace movement  Before coming here, a journalist asked me, why peace? If there is no peace, there is no prosperity. What is the purpose of prosperity? To have peace! What is the use of having a nice bed if you’re unable to sleep? When you’re mentally disturbed does food taste good? If there’s no peace inside, you don’t enjoy anything in the world. My dream is to see a society free from violence. A violence free society, a disease free body, confusion free mind, inhibition free intellect, trauma free memory and sorrow free soul is the birth right of every individual. The Art of Living is committed to achieve this. To make everyone’s life a celebration.  Thousands joined us to stand for peace at Santiago, Chile.

Question - Gurudev, I’m a teacher of a junior high school and in the class, 15 year old girls say we might die tomorrow so we have to enjoy now. So they say alcohol and sex is important. They don’t take care of themselves. What should I do? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - This is misplaced knowledge. When anyways you are going to die, why do you have to drink and spoil your health. When anyways you are going to die, why do you have to have sex. Relax, anyways you will die. You can talk the other way around as well. When kids want to do what they want they will come up with any excuse, any knowledge. Anything they will use as an excuse. You have to educate them. Tell them to forget about all that, they are not going to die tomorrow. They are going to live and they don’t want you to live with sickness. Parents have to educate them. Bring them here. It’s become difficult all over the world with children getting into sex, drugs, and alcohol. It’s a big challenge. Everyday so many mothers a...

Question - Gurudev, What is the difference between Spirituality, Astrology and Vastu? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - Well, spirituality is related to the Atma (soul) and astrology is related to planets. Astrology deals with observing the movements of the planets and making calculations related to the events that are yet to happen. The science of Vastu is related to direction, to space, while astrology is related to time. But the One beyond space and time is Mahadeva (Lord Shiva). That’s why for remedying any ill-effects of Vastu or any of the astrological movement of planets, just pray to Lord Shiva. He is the Lord of all planets and He can move them to favourable positions for your benefit. @GurudevSriSri_Official

Question - Gurudev, many times the ideals, principles and beliefs taught to us by our parents and grandparents are in conflict with the teachings of The Art of Living. We feel responsible to carry forward their teachings but are in confusion after listening to some of your knowledge. Please help.   Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar ji - I don't see what you are referring to? How could this be confusing with any knowledge, or what parents have said about anything? Which parent will say no to celebrate life, or to adopt violence as the core value in your life? Which parent would tell their children to go and be violent? Yes, if some people are saying, "My God is the only God, my way is the only way, everyone else is going to hell", or, "Those people who do not subscribe to my God have no right to exist, they are traitors", then I would say do not follow that path. It is only ignorance. If any parent is saying that you will go to hell if you do meditation, they are ignora...

Question - Gurudev, I am in silence so I can’t speak but I wish to scream at some people on this course (Advanced Meditation Course). They are so rude and think only about themselves. Shouldn’t spiritual people be more considerate? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - Yes, you are right. I keep them here so that they cause less problems in the world. Just imagine even after having come to the spiritual field if they are rude, how would they have been in their previous incarnation without the spiritual knowledge. You don’t get disturbed by them. We are not a homogenous group here, not everybody is the same. We are all different types of people here. Among the 500 people that are here there maybe only three or four very irritating people. Thankfully they are only a minority. You don’t see everybody behaving that way, otherwise we would have a war here. There are some very good people here with a lot of patience as well. So put your attention on the good people, on the good natured decent peop...

Questions - Gurudev ,why is Lord Shiva called Bholenath? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - Lord Shiva is bhola (innocent) so He is called Bholenath (meaning the innocent One). He is easily pleased, and gives a boon to anyone who asks Him with love, and then He Himself gets caught into trouble (when the seeker of the boon misuses it or uses it against the Lord Himself). He innocently gives a boon to anybody who meditates upon Him, be it a demon or a demigod. He gives them whatever they want, that is why He is known as Bholenath. Another meaning is when you become bhola (innocent from within) then He is your Nath (Lord or Master). You must have heard the saying, 'Bhole Bhav Mile Raghurai'. It means that when you become innocent and pure from within, that very moment you become one with Divinity.

Question - Gurudev, Why is being Loyal given so much importance in relationships as well as various aspects of Life? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar ji - Loyalty is the way in which a mature and integrated mind behaves. Loyalty indicates undivided wholeness of consciousness and shows richness of the mind. When the mind is not integrated it is feverish, disloyal and opportunistic. Disloyalty comes out of opportunism. Opportunism is short-sightedness of one's destiny. Integrity or wholeness is essential to be healthy. A divided mind will gradually lead to schizophrenia and other physical and mental disorders. Loyalty is a real strength and will have the support of nature in the long run. Fear and ambitions are impediments to loyalty. Loyalty is needed both in the material and spiritual plane. Either to destroy, create or maintain any institution, group or society, loyalty is essential. Loyalty means believing in the continuity of commitment. Honouring commitment is loyalty. It takes you b...

Question - Gurudev, How to get rid of my tendency to control everything, everywhere and every time? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - You can control small things, that is why you have this illusion (that you are in control). Just try to control the big things: stop the war in Iraq, or stop the war in Syria. A couple came to meet me and they were talking. The husband said, 'My wife decides all the small things and I decide all the big things. Like my wife decides what car to buy, what color the house must be painted, where we should go for holiday, how we should spend our money and all these small things. I don’t interfere in her work and I do the big things. I think about how to stop the war in Iraq, who should be the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and how the nations should interact with each other, etc, and she never interferes in these matters, so we have peace at home', (laughter). Like that if you want to have control, think about the bigger things. How you can contr...

Question - Gurudev, when there is love in a relationship, why do people still quarrel and suffer in the same relationship? Gurudev @SriSriRaviShankar Ji - Love with wisdom is bliss. Love without knowledge or wisdom is pain. Why is there pain in love? That is what you are wondering or questioning about! It is not love which is giving you pain. If it is just purely love, that means you just care for someone, you want the best for them, and then there is no pain. But when you want something in return from them or you have demands from them, then there is pain. Small things like you love somebody and they didn’t smile at you, that is enough! You love somebody and they are interested in someone else, they flirt around or complement someone, good enough for you to burn the next 24 hours or days. Jealousy, hatred, greed, arrogance and attachment are all love’s distortions. That is why knowledge and centered-ness are so important. If you are centered, you can handle all these distortions, they...

Question: Gurudev, when we chant a mantra continuously, will that mantra effect our body and life ? Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji : Definitely! But we should not keep chanting continuously, this is not correct. Do you keep bathing continuously? When you chant the mantra for some time, your mind will become stronger. That is why it called mantra. We can do it for 20 - 30 min. If you keep doing it continuously, your intellect will become dull. We should not do it too much. If you stay a lot in water, you will become a fish (laughter). That is why it is referred as mantra-snaan (bath). If someone keeps listening to music, his intellect will stop working. Similarly, someone who keeps doing math and never listens to music, his personality will also be unbalanced. These things are there to balance our left brain and right brain. We should look it from a scientific perspective. From a scientific perspective, we should listen to in music for some time, we engage in some discussions for some ...

Question: Gurudev, why there is pain in longingness?   Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji :  The pain is good will make you very creative. It will bring out the poet from within you, or it will make you an artist. It can also bring out the sevak in you. It can bring out the warrior in you. You have so many good qualities, and longing will bring them all out. There was one generation of Masters who were very tough. Tough in the sense, if you desire something, that will not happen. They would nip desire in the bud. If the you would say. “I want to go to California”, then forget about it, you will never go to California. To come to a state of no-mind, they would use this tactic of crushing every desire that would arise. At some point of time you would have to give-up, and then you go to the no-mind state when you are unconditionally happy. If you would go to them and say, “Oh, I have this problem”, they would say, ”It’s your karma, bear it. You must have done something terrible, so ...

Question - Gurudev, how can one achieve all the four aspects of Purushaartha - Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha? Gurudev Sri Sri - Both Artha (wealth and material comforts) and Kama (desire or passion) arise in life from time to time according to one's needs. Fulfilling those needs to sustain one's life, yet not getting entangled in too much greed or lust is the responsibility of Dharma (righteous action) and Moksha (liberation from suffering). The main goals of our life are Dharma and Moksha. In the course of our life, from time to time, we have to engage ourselves in the pursuit of Artha and Kaama. Enjoying them but at the same time not getting caught up in it. This is why we should engage in those action that are in alignment with our Dharma, and refrain from those actions that go against Dharma. The same goes for Artha also. Life cannot run without any one of the four aspects of Purushaartha. In the course of life, you must have Moksha as your supreme aim, adhere to and upho...

I have always felt connected to Sri Sri, even before meeting him. After my 12th grade exams, I visited the Art of Living International Center in Bangalore with my family. At that point in time, my mind was very unstable and confused because even though my exams had gone fine, I had another big decision in front of me: what field should I major in? What field do I choose to establish a career in. To top it all, my result date was rapidly approaching. Several people had given me guidance about which field of study to choose, which confused me further. I had decided to simply ask Guruji what to pursue because I knew that would be the best guidance. There were way too many fields, and many people for guidance who had different opinions about each course. I decided to follow what Guruji would say, that would be the best guidance ever. We went to the secreteriate to request for an appointment to meet Sri Sri. We were told to come back later. This went on for the next three days. It was holid...

Question - Gurudev, what is the difference between God and Guru? Gurudev Sri Sri - First tell me what are you going to do by knowing this? Let the two of them sort out whatever differences they may have among themselves. (Laughter) All your wishes are getting fulfilled, isn't it? That's it. What else do you need?

I was in Bihar a few days ago.(from when this was said) Around 100 youth from different villages and rural areas had come to visit me there.            Three weeks back, before they all attended the Art of Living Happiness workshop, they had made up their mind to take up guns and arms to claim their rights by force. They had decided to adopt the Maoist way of life.         In the Happiness Program, they practiced Pranayama, they meditated, and they experienced such a big change in their lives and their perspective. After finishing the workshop, they all came to meet me.        Their eyes were moist and they said, 'Gurudev, we will never again take up arms and violence. We surrender all our arms at your feet'. Seeing the change that had come in them could have made anyone’s eyes well up in tears. They were all such good hearted people, but they had strayed onto the wrong path.        Do you know why...

Fire is so beautiful in the form of candle but if a house is on fire then, it is so dangerous.             Similarly air element is beautiful but if it comes in the form of storm then it is destructive / ghor form.         Shiva is ghor as well as aghori, beautiful and fierce at the same time. He does good to everyone. There is no mantra above the aghor mantra, which says the form of Shiva is more beautiful of the most beautiful and more fierce than the fiercest. - Gurudev Sri Sri..

We have three kinds of debts - Debt to the parents who brought us into this world; Debt to the Guru or teachers who showed us the light of knowledge & gave us direction and the debt to the society.             These days our life is dependent on so many people. Some people sell oil, that's how our vehicle moves. A farmer grows food, so you could eat. Through someone's hard work your life is moving. Through the effort of countless people your life moves ahead. Take off this debt through service of the society.           Take off the debt of the Knowledge through spreading it. Whatever we have learnt, we should teach to others so that they could benefit from it.           Then we have debt to parents - take that off through service to them and making them content. Now don't ask me that whatever I do, its' not enough for them. It's their problem; you should do as much as possible. Whatever ...

Q : Gurudev, what happens when we die?  *Gurudev Sri Sri : *          Why do you want to know ? I don’t want you to feel bored afterwards.        It’s like knowing everything about a movie before you go for it, then there is no thrill in it. Have some suspense.        There is so much to know about life. If we don’t know what life is now and want to know about it after death, you will come back again.        It will be like that movie, Groundhog Day. Let us see what life is !

Where is the life of the fish ? In the fish or the water !  The body of the fish is just exhibiting the life but the life is in the water. This is called 'causal body'. -Gurudev Sri Sri ..

I give a long rope and enough room for people to transform. You don’t worry about them, you leave it to me, I will handle them, it’s my Karma .           I handle all types of people. I have said, 'Accept people as they are', so I can’t go back on my words, I am stuck ! (Sri Sri laughs).          In every field there are people who are an exception to the rule or a black sheep in that field. You shouldn’t look at someone else and make a concept in your mind or be prejudiced towards them. This is very important. Prejudice kills people. - Gurudev Sri Sri ..

Wherever there are people, there will be politics.         Politics means everybody has their own tendencies, and human beings have many tendencies. In this world, in any field, on any path, anywhere you go you won’t find everybody to be alike.          If in your mind you think everyone should behave in the same way or have the same attitude, same mentality or same level of growth then you are making a big mistake. - Gurudev Sri Sri ..

Saint Kabirdas has said, ‘Kabira hasana door kar, rone se kar preet, bin roye kit paaiye, prem piyara meet.’             The crying which Kabirdas is talking about is a different kind of crying. It is the crying that comes out of praise, out of gratitude and longing.        It is not the kind of crying where one feels that this is lacking, that is lacking, this did not happen, that did not happen. He is not referring to that type of crying which is for the worldly matters or maya . He is referring to those who cry out of bliss and devotion. So that is also needed.   - Gurudev Sri Sri..

The first kind is a devotee who keeps asking, ‘God give me this’, ‘God give me that.’            The second kind is a devotee who is always grateful, ‘Thank you God, you gave me this and you gave me that’; a devotee who is emotional, prayerful and keeps crying out of gratitude.           The third kind is a devotee who always remains joyful, keeps smiling, dancing and singing; a joyful devotee .             All three are different kinds of devotees and yet all three are supreme. It is not that one is greater than another – that is not so. So there is, a crying devotee, a laughing devotee, and a devotee who keeps asking – which category are you in, you can see that for yourself.             It is possible that a little of all three may be there in you. That also is okay. Then that would be the fourth kind of devotee – one who has a little bit of al...

Often people think that God is elsewhere; he existed sometime in the past, or will come sometime in the future. They forget that God is right here, right now, present within everyone, present within me – this conviction should be there.              It is for this only that you are doing all these gymnastics, all these exercises. Otherwise what is the point of doing these exercises all day – doing pranayama, asana, kirtan, bhajan, seva – what is the essence of all these ? To know that God is inside me, right here and right now. - Gurudev Sri Sri ..

Once you come to the Master, seeking stops, blossoming begins. You are Knowledge. Every atom in you is shimmering with Knowledge. This is called Go. Be a Go-Pal. Be a friend in Knowledge. Go has four meanings: Knowledge Movement Achievement Freedom or liberation Pal means friend or protector -- one who takes care of. Often you become friends by: Gossiping about negative things Complaining Similar cravings or aversions Common enemies or common problems Common goals or common addictions Coming together in Knowledge is rare. You become friends because you have something in common. Be a friend in Knowledge. Uplift each other in Knowledge. All Satsangees are Gopals -- reminding each other, coming together in and for Knowledge. That is Gopal. Be a protector of this Knowledge.

This incident happened on 13th December, 2007, when I was working with the ICICI Bank Ltd. as an Officer at the Rajkot Main Branch (Rajkot is a city in Rajasthan, India). The bank had 7 cash counters but mine was the main one so at my desk, I would receive and pay higher amounts only. On that day, in morning itself, one boy came to withdraw Rs. 50,000. That account was in the name of the company. It so happened that by mistake, I paid him Rs.5,00,000 instead of Rs. 50,000 which means that I paid Rs.4,50,000 as excess amount. After about 2-3 transactions, I realized that there was a shortage of funds and that I had paid that boy an extra amount. This was a very big mistake on my part. On getting to know that, I nervously searched his contact number. Thereafter, my seniors called him one by one. But that boy was not ready to accept that he had got an excess amount.I just started crying on my desk. This mistake could cost me my job and future career. I felt so helpless and rea...

Question - Gurudev, when I do the Art of Living Advance Meditation Program, I feel hollow and empty. But again after a week I find that I am full of desires and botherations. How can I be hollow and empty all the time? Gurudev Sri Sri - This is like asking, 'How can I eat once for this lifetime and not have to keep eating every day?' You know, it is such a boring job. Every day you have to cook and eat. If you eat today, again tomorrow you feel hungry. If you eat in the morning, then again in the evening you feel hungry. You cannot eat just once and be done with it because the body has its own nature. The same is with your mind. Entertainment is not enough once. Would you listen to me if I tell you that it is enough to watch only one movie in your lifetime? You need entertainment again and again. Body needs nutrition again and again. To satisfy hunger we eat food. We drink water to quench thirst. We take rest when we are tired. In the same way, spirituality is also ...

💐☘🌾☘🍀🍁🍀☘🌾☘💐         🌺 ASHTAVAKRA GITA🌺                      🌿Chapter - 20🌿                ~ Repose In Being ~                   🌱 Day - 115 🌱 💐☘🌾☘🍀🍁🍀☘🌾☘💐 ईश्वरः सर्वनिर्माता नेहान्य इति निश्चयी । अन्तर्गलितसर्वाशः शान्तः क्वापि न सज्जते ॥ Everything is done by God, including the managing of your body, the way your heart beats. Even its maintenance is done by God. The power behind the beating of your heart, is God. If you had control over your heartbeat, nobody would die! Who would want to die? Even an old woman of ninety-nine, or a man of one hundred and ten does not want to die. Everybody wants to live on and on. But it's not in your control! Your heart does not ask for your permission to beat. Your breath does not flow by your willingness or unwillingness. The growth and decay of your veins, your...

Hi guys, Jai Gurudev! Just wanted to share my advance course experience with y’all.  I just happened to be around Bangalore at the same time and my happiness teachers ie Milind and Nidhi insisted if I’d come along for the advance course for the Bengal festival. I didn’t bother asking much and simply signed up. I reached the ashram, met my mentors and got introduced to so many new people who were extremely welcoming. Later that day, I learnt that I’d have to be completely silent and away from communicating with anyone. I had never done that in my entire life, I was instantly nervous and wished I knew about this earlier otherwise I’d have never signed up for this. After that a few other people told me that it’s the 16-17th time they’re doing this course, I felt relaxed, eased my mind and thought it wouldn’t be that bad but little did I know, to each their own experience!  As the silence course commenced, everyone dispersed in their own directions. That evening was pr...