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Life of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a renowned spiritual leader and multi-faceted humanitarian whose mission of uniting the world into a violence-free family has inspired millions of people worldwide. The icon of non-violence and universal human values, Sri Sri seeks global peace through service and dialogue.
Born in 1956 in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, India, Sri Sri recited Bhagavad-Gita at age 4, which he had never heard before. In 1962, he began study of Vedas under his first teacher, Pundit Sudhakar Chaturvedi, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi's. In 1966, at age 10, he declared to friends and family, "All over the world people are waiting for me. One day, I will visit them." At age 17 he completed his traditional studies in Vedic literature and a degree in modern science. From 1977 to 1982 he gave discourses, traveled widely and also interacted closely with renowned spiritual teachers such as Anandamayi Maa, Tiruchi Swami, and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Sri Sri's appeal transcends class, race, religion and nationality. Millions of people revere him as their spiritual leader, and look up to him for inner peace and promoting ecumenical values.
In 1981, Sri Sri started the Art of Living Foundation, an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization. The Foundation, now active in more than 140 countries, offers educational and self-development programs designed to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In Europe and the United States, the Foundation's programs are helping inner city youth turn away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol. Sri Sri's Prison Programs have helped transform the lives of an estimated 150,000 inmates around the world.
In 1997, Sri Sri founded the International Association for Human Values, a humanitarian nonprofit organization that advances human values in political, economic, industrial, and social spheres. In South Asia, South Africa, and Latin America, the Association's sustainable development programs have reached more than 30,000 rural communities.
Core Teaching
What follows are the core teachings of Sri Sri.
The completion of knowledge will lead you to amazement and wonder. It makes you aware of this existence. Mysteries are to be lived, not understood. One can live life so fully in its completeness, in its totality. Enlightenment is that state of being so mature and unshakable by any circumstance. Come what may, nothing can rob the smile from your heart. Not identifying with limited boundaries and feeling "all that exists in this universe belongs to me," this is enlightenment
Last update : 10-08-2009 20:04
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