Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living and an inspiration for world peace, has made significant contributions to reducing stress and violence through peace, dialogue, and humanitarian service in India and internationally.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: India has always given birth to great saints, yogis, and spiritual gurus who have not only guided individual lives but also contributed to society and the world. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, commonly known as Gurudev or Sri Sri, is one such modern-day spiritual leader who has spread the message of peace, harmony, and humanity not only in India but also globally.
Born on Sunday, May 13, 1956, in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, Ravi Shankar has undertaken a unique journey from his early education and spiritual training to his initiatives for global peace and humanitarian cooperation.
Early Life and Education
Ravi Shankar was born to Vishalakshi and RS Venkat Ratnam. He was named "Ravi" because he was born on a Sunday, and "Shankar" in honor of the great Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya.
Shankar's early teacher was Sudhakar Chaturvedi, a Vedic scholar and associate of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1973, he earned a bachelor's degree in physics from St. Joseph's College, Bangalore. After completing his graduate education, he dedicated his life to spiritual service and human welfare.
Spiritual Training and the Founding of the Art of Living
In the 1970s, Ravi Shankar trained in Transcendental Meditation under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. During this time, he assimilated the esoteric principles of Vedic science, meditation, and yoga.
In 1981, he founded the Art of Living Foundation, which aims to provide people with stress-free living, mental peace, and spiritual awareness. Yoga, meditation, pranayama, and service-based programs are organized under it.
In 1982, after ten days of silence and meditation on the banks of the Bhadra River in Shivamogga, Karnataka, Ravi Shankar discovered Sudarshan Kriya. This is a special breathing and meditation process that is a means of reducing mental stress and bringing balance to life.
Philosophy and Spiritual Teachings
Ravi Shankar believes that spirituality is not limited to worship and rituals, but rather is a means of developing the values of love, compassion, and humanity. According to him, all members of the human family are connected beyond religious, ethnic, or national discrimination.
He also explains the relationship between science and spirituality. The question "Who am I?" leads to spirituality, and the question "What is this?" leads to science. His approach is that joy can only be experienced in the present moment, and a life free from stress and violence is possible in the reality of life.
Pakistan and International Peace
In 2004, Ravi Shankar visited Pakistan under a goodwill mission. In 2012, Art of Living centers were inaugurated in Islamabad and Karachi. His aim was to enhance cultural and religious understanding between India and Pakistan.
Colombia and FARC
During the Colombian conflict resolution in 2015, Ravi Shankar met with FARC leaders. He suggested a path to achieve political and social justice through Gandhian non-violence and dialogue. For this, he was awarded the Simon Bolivar Order of Democracy, Knight Cross Grade.
Venezuela and South America
In 2019, after meeting with Venezuelan leaders, he initiated efforts to end the political conflict and restore peace. His aim was to connect the various parties through dialogue and agreement.
Kashmir and India
Ravi Shankar started a conference called "Kashmir Back to Paradise" in Kashmir in 2016. He believes that the solution to the Kashmir problem is possible only through the efforts of Kashmiris. This initiative was for peace, entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and cultural exchange.
Northeast India
Ravi Shankar's contribution to the surrender of 68 militants in Northeast India in 2017 and bringing many other groups into the mainstream has been significant. He inspired more than 500 insurgent groups towards peaceful transformation.
Mediation in the Ayodhya Dispute
In 2017, Ravi Shankar was appointed as a mediator in the Ayodhya Ram Temple dispute. He initiated dialogue and reconciliation between the two communities. In March 2019, he was included in a three-member committee by the Supreme Court of India, which worked to find a solution to the dispute.
Due to his efforts, the Supreme Court ruled for the construction of the Ram Temple on the disputed land and a mosque nearby.
Interfaith Dialogue and Humanitarian Service
Ravi Shankar is a proponent of interfaith dialogue and is on the Board of World Religious Leaders of the Elijah Interfaith Institute. In 2008 and 2010, he participated in the World Summit and involved faith-based leaders against HIV prevention, gender-based violence, and social stigma.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, through his life and efforts, has not only increased individual spiritual awareness but has also spread the message of peace, tolerance, and humanity in society and the world. His Art of Living programs, interfaith dialogues, and various peace initiatives have played a significant role in reducing stress, violence, and disagreement. His approach is based on love, compassion, and dialogue, which proves to be inspiring and guiding for today's global society.
