“The real purpose of life can only be found deep within yourself. Once that is found, nothing else matters and the smile on your face will never diminish.”
– Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
As the world honours Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji’s 69th birthday today, we find ourselves pausing to celebrate the great wisdom he brings into many lives. His experiences are lessons and an inspiration to live life deeply and with love. Today, yoga.in expresses heartfelt gratitude for this soul that keeps inspiring serenity, knowledge, and compassion all around.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, often referred to as Sri Sri or Gurudev, was born in Tamil Nadu, Southern India, on 13 May 1956. Since an early age, he was often found meditating. By the age of four, he could recite the ancient Sanskrit scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. Later, he acquired degrees in both Vedic literature and physics.
According to him, both science and spirituality originate from the need to know and are connected and compatible. “Who am I?” question leads to spirituality; “What is this?” question leads to science. Emphasizing that happiness is only found in the now; his declared ambition is to establish a society devoid of violence. He believes spirituality is what enhances human qualities, including love, compassion and excitement. It transcends any one religion or culture. It is accessible and accepting of all.
With this thought in mind, he started The Art of Living as an international, non-profit, humanitarian and educational organization. In the following year, 1982, he spent ten days in silence in Shimoga, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The silence gave birth to a new strong breathing method, “like a poem, an inspiration,” called the Sudarshan Kriya. The Sudarshan Kriya evolved to take the front stage in The Art of Living gatherings. A lot of people showered their love, and quickly, it became a mammoth movement.
Gurudev has travelled to different nations across the globe to promote global peace through the Art of Living movement. From Kashmir, Assam and Bihar in India to Colombia, Kosovo, Iraq and Syria, Gurudev’s initiatives have had documented effects on those engaged in violent conflict to follow the path of peace. He provided a path where people find peace within themselves, which becomes the source of harmony in a world marked by growing violence.
He also contributed towards finding a peaceful resolution to the long-standing Ayodhya dispute both in 2001-02 and once more in 2017 in India. Appreciating his efforts, the Supreme Court of India named him as one of three mediators to help settle conflicts. With his efforts, the 500-year-old issue was finally resolved in 2019.
Gurudev has started over 1,327 schools that provide free education to people in need in the most distant locations, benefiting over 100,000 children and now equipping them to become active citizens. One of Gurudev’s main areas of activity is environmental care. Currently, 75 rivers and hundreds of water bodies in India are being restored; the Art of Living volunteers have planted more than 100 million trees in 36 nations and 26 Indian states.
Among the many honours Gurudev has received worldwide are the top civilian accolades for Colombia, Mongolia, Paraguay, Suriname and Fiji. Additionally, bestowed upon him by the President of India is the Padma Vibhushan, the highest annual honour for extraordinary and outstanding service. He has received 27 Honorary Doctorates worldwide. Gurudev visits around forty nations annually with a straightforward but strong message that love and wisdom can overcome hate and suffering.
Gurudev has worked and contributed to many spheres of society to make the world a better place. He has developed impactful programs that empower, equip and transform individuals to tackle challenges at global, national, community and individual levels. His work touches every layer of the society.
In a world often clouded by conflict and chaos, Gurudev’s teachings are a gentle but powerful reminder that love, service, and inner peace still matter—and always will. His work gives hope that a harmonious world isn’t just a dream but a real possibility.
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