Wednesday, March 28, 2012

FW: [esatsang] Esatsang digest for Mar 27 2012

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Sent: 28 March 2012 11:59
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Subject: [esatsang] Esatsang digest for Mar 27 2012

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Topics
1. Knowledge Sheet from Sri Sri....A person whose mind is turned outward can
never attain God

2. Art of Meditation in Oaks, PA - Apr 13th to 15th

3. Guruji's Birthday celebrations in Canada

4. First Prison S.M.A.R.T. Art of Silence Course in USA , in a Male Maximum
security Prison in Illinios

*************************

From: Vinay Girotra <girotrav@shriamba.com>
Date: 2012/3/14
Subject: Knowledge Sheet from Sri Sri....A person whose mind is turned
outward can never attain God

A person whose mind is turned outward can never attain God

March 08, 2012

(Below is the transcript of Satsang with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar)

When you go to a shop to buy something, it comes with a package. It is
packaged. This packaging is essential, but it is not the substance. It is
the substance which is packed.

Similarly, formalities are just a package. It is like a wrapping paper. The
real thing is the belongingness. If there isn't a feeling of oneness, then
it cannot be called a satsang or utsav (celebration).

I have travelled around the world and I have noticed that none of the
countries have spirituality and celebration connected so deeply as in India.
On one hand, they are spiritual while on the other hand they go to parties
and are involved in merrymaking. However, in spiritual gatherings, there is
no fun or happiness; it is a very serious affair. We do this even in India
as well - become very serious, but it should not be like that! Holi is a
festival of fun and frolic, of happiness.

Did all of you play Holi? Which Holi did you play? I don't mean only the
Holi where you apply colour on each other. It is a festival where you are
coloured in the colours of your soul. The soul has seven colours.

You have given this gathering a very good name- Atmotsav! The celebration of
the soul is Atmotsav. Whenever there has been a major celebration in
Bengaluru, Bhopal or elsewhere, a lot of people from Ratlam used to attend
them and ask me, 'When will you come to Ratlam?'

See, I have come to Ratlam!

Belongingness is the essence of life. When there is belongingness, things
don't appear dull. When there is no dullness, there will not be greed. Your
desires won't trouble you. All the distortions will be removed. The root
cause of any distortion is inertia, that is when you don't like anything.
This feeling comes from dullness.

Where there is belongingness, dullness gets wiped out, and you are joyous.
Then you are automatically rid of your addiction to alcohol.

Millions of people across the globe have experienced that as they do
Meditation and Sudarshan Kriya, they are automatically freed of their bad
habits.

I know that every person, when born is a good person and there is no doubt
about that. There are good qualities in them. Over the years, these good
qualities in them gets hidden and all the distortions start showing up. The
reason behind it is ignorance and the absence of spiritual knowledge.

Neither at home nor in schools are we taught how to live life. We don't know
how to handle our mind. We learn everything else except how to handle
ourselves. It is very essential to learn this.

(Somebody offers Sri Sri a garland and he says: ) I know your feelings
behind this garland. We are not able to express our feelings. The flower
then becomes a medium. But, I tell you, there is no need for this. A smile
on your face is enough for me. You are blossomed, and a smile on your face
is greater than a flower. That gives me a lot of satisfaction.

So, what were we talking about? Belongingness! There should be
belongingness. Where belongingness ends there corruption begins. No one has
ever been corrupt and wicked with those who are their own. We do this only
with those whom we don't consider our own. So, if today, in the society, we
want to re-establish peace, we must create a wave of spirituality. Right?
All of us will have to work on this. We want a violence-free society. A
society where there is no robbery, no ill-will against each other, and where
a close connection exists amongst people. Once upon a time, our society had
been like this. In India, when spirituality was at its peak, the economic
condition of India was also very good. When there was a fall in
spirituality, we fell financially as well. We can see it from both the ways:
we fell financially, so a fall was noticed in spirituality as well. But I
would say that if we engulf our society in a wave of spirituality once
again, if we take yoga, udyog (work), and yagya together, we can again
visualize an India where there is 'Ram-Rajya', as Mahatma Gandhiji put it.
So, today in Atmotsav, we will do three things: singing, knowledge and
meditation.

Have the trust in life that you are not alone, and there is someone with
you. Whatever be your troubles, problems and pains, just surrender it to me.
Just say, 'Guruji, I can't bear this, please take it'. Think this way or
write it, send it whichever way you want to, but you march ahead in life,
free of all tensions. This is what I want.

What use is that celebration that doesn't involve silence, and what is that
silence which doesn't transform into a celebration? Silence gives depth to a
celebration, while celebration brings forth the inner power of silence. That
is why, for little while, we must practice meditation. It is very important.
It sharpens your memory and keeps you healthy.

How many of you have body ache? You know why?

We put poisonous things in the soil, like pesticides and chemicals that is
why. We put chemical fertilizers in the soil and when we eat the crop that
harvests, we feel the pain in our body.

You know, earlier, the rice and wheat we used to keep at home would be eaten
up by insects. Isn't it? This doesn't happen now.

What does that mean? Even the insects don't like the things we eat. It is
because they know it contains poisonous substances. We eat such things and
then we have pain everywhere in the body. So many people are suffering from
cancer. That is why we should engage in organic, chemical-free farming and
eat only such food items.

If we know what to eat, then we can protect ourselves from diseases.

So, if you want to purify your body, use Ayurveda. Take Triphala Churna at
least once a week. This keeps your bowel clean.

For purifying your body, you must use Ayurveda. Do pranayama for a little
while everyday. This will give strength to your body and make your mind
pleasant. And everyone must listen to music. People listen to music but not
attentively. The songs keep playing but your mind is wandering elsewhere or
you are talking. No, this shouldn't be the case. Listen to music for some
time. Music brings purity to your emotions. Knowledge purifies the mind.
Donation purifies wealth. And ghee (clarified butter) purifies our food.

You should never hesitate with bhajan (devotional music) and bhojan (food).
Otherwise, you will remain hungry physically as well as spiritually.

Q: Guruji, what is the purpose of life?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This is a very good question that arose in your mind.
Consider yourself very fortunate. It is your good fortune that this question
arose in your mind, 'What is the goal of life?' We just keep living life and
don't even think what life really is. One who knows will never tell and the
one who tells doesn't know.

Q: Guruji, if God resides in us then why do we experience misery in life?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: That is because we are untoward God. The sun is there,
but if you are standing with your back towards it, then you will see the
shadow in front of you. Your grief is that shadow. It is not real but a
shadow, the shadow of your untowardness to God. If we turn away from God, we
experience sorrow in our life.

Q: Guruji, what is the difference between Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharat?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Bhagavad Gita is a part of Mahabharat. It is a chapter
in the Mahabharat.

Q: Guruji, what is the difference between a Guru and a Sadguru?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: There is no difference, they are the same. One who
doesn't have the virtue of truth in him can't be called a Guru. It is an
adjective, nothing else.

Q: Guruji, there is just one curiosity in mind, what is success and how can
we be completely successful?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The sign of success is a smile on your face. If you
smile, no matter what happens, that is a sign of success.

Q: Guruji, can you change naxalites and terrorists into good people?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Definitely, many have transformed! Many of the
naxalites have joined the main stream and have become good persons. Every
time during elections, there used to be a lot of problems in Jharkhand. Many
would lose their lives. But this time you saw, there wasn't a single
incidence of violence reported. Many good people took part in the elections.
Many naxalites, in thousands, started joining the main stream.

Q: Karma, dharma, and adhyatama (spirituality), which should be given
foremost importance in life?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Will you first watch television, or first listen and
then watch it later?

Will that work? No, it goes simultaneously. Dharma, karma, adhyatma, they
all go hand-in-hand.

Q: Guruji, we represent Art of Living. So, what should be our behaviour when
we face the world?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You should be a good person, with authenticity. Not
somebody who is fake. You should be the same inside and the same outside.
This does not mean you get angry when speaking about truth. Often, people
who want perfection and who are perfectionist get very angry. We should know
how to deal with ignorance.

If you live a natural and simple life with sincerity, then you have learnt
the Art of Living.

Q: Guruji, how will we come to know whether what we are doing is right or
not?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Ask yourself; ask the inner self. If you have done
something wrong, it will pinch you. But if you did something right, you will
be fearless. You don't have any fears when you do something right. When you
commit a wrong deed, you feel a pinch, an irritation inside. You start
facing problems.

Q: When will corruption and terrorism end? Will Sanātana Dharma (the eternal
law) end?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: No, Sanātana Dharma will never end. It has been
practiced since time immemorial and will continue to exist. It has been
thirty years since The Art of Living was founded. Today, we can say that
yoga, pranayama and Sudarshan Kriya is being practiced in 152 countries
around the world.

If you go to the last city of the South Pole, Tierra del Fuego, you will
find thousands of people doing pranayama, meditating and turning vegetarian.
If you go to the last city of the North Pole, Tromso, where, for two months
there is no sunlight, neither sun nor moon rises there. Even in that city I
was shocked to find people waiting to meet me at the airport. They said, 'We
are doing sadhana in the university here'. It is everywhere around the
world.

On 11th March, I am leaving for Pakistan as well. Last time when I went to
Pakistan, it was seven and a half years back. I came to Indore and then went
to Pakistan.

This time again, in Madhya Pradesh, I have come to Indore and Ratlam and
will be going to Pakistan. Even there, thousands of people have been doing
sadhana. They were making a lot of requests for me to come to their place.
They really wanted me to come to Pakistan and so I will be leaving for
Pakistan from here.

Every corner of this world requires our tradition of knowledge and
meditation. We should present it in a meaningful way. When I went to
Pakistan, people asked me this question, 'In your country, people worship so
many Gods, while in our country, we just worship one'.

I said, 'No, we also worship just one God, but do you know how? Now, from
the same wheat flour you make samosa, parantha, halwa and other dishes. It
is all made from the same wheat flour. The Karachi halwa is made from wheat
flour too.'

I asked them, 'Why do you make so many things from the same wheat?
Similarly, though there is just one God, we worship him in different ways.
The same God has different qualities and for each quality we have given a
form. In Islam, Allah is known by ninety nine other names.

In Sanatana Dharma, there are one hundred and eight names and we made as
many forms as well. Not even one hundred and eight, I would say thousand
names, 'Sahasra Naam!' But there is only one God, one 'Noor', one 'Parmatma'
and it is only Him whom we revere by different names and forms. They felt
very good after I shared it with them.

They said, 'We have never heard it this way, we could never gain this
knowledge. We always understood you (people belonging to other religions) to
be different from us'.

What is Sanātana Dharma? From ancient times, it has been said, 'Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam', i.e., this world is my own; this world is one family (one world
family). If you possess such magnanimous sentiments, you can call yourself
dharmic.

Q: People run behind money. In such circumstances, how can we stay connected
with spirituality? Where should I start from?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: First know the fact that spirituality and economic
system aren't enemies of each other. Accept this fact. Don't think that
spirituality means you cannot be prosperous in life. Be prosperous, gather
wealth, there is no harm, but do it in a righteous way.

Q: Guruji, today there are religious gatherings being organized everywhere
but religion is lost somewhere. What could be the reason?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I don't think so. If you are seeing it this way, then
rub your eyes. The world has more of good people. Those who do wrong are
only few in number. However, the good people keep quiet, this is wrong.

If the society has witnessed a fall, it is because of the silence of the
good people, because they were inactive. The demonic people are only few in
number. The day good people become active, that day the demonic people will
be suppressed.

Q: Guruji, a lot has been said about 2012. In such a circumstance, how does
India's future look like to you?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: India's future is bright. People will wake up this
year. And I am sure that the youths are waking up here. It is also showing
up in the elections. People are waking up and raising their voice against
corruption.

Q: Guruji, why is there so much discrimination between a man and a woman?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: One shouldn't discriminate. India is one country where
God has been seen as 'Ardhanarishwar', that is, half woman and half man. In
fact, in India, women have been considered a step ahead of men. While
addressing a couple, it is the woman's name which is mentioned, as Srimati
and Sri. Elsewhere, it is Mr. and Mrs. In English, you never say Mrs. and
Mr., rather, Mr. And Mrs. But, in India, you say Srimati and Sri.

Q: Guruji, in life what should be given more importance, the happiness of
the people close to us, or our own happiness?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Consider it as your two eyes. If you are happy, only
then can you keep others happy. And if you find your happiness in making
others happy, then you will progress a lot in life.

Q: Guruji, what should we do to maintain balance and be happy during the ups
and downs of life?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: 'Gaan, Gyan aur Dhyan'; that is, music, knowledge and
meditation.

Q: What is the way to liberation?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You are at the right place and listening to the right
words. Only the one who is liberated can liberate you. Are you getting what
I am saying?

Q: Guruji, at what age did the interest in spirituality come up in you?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: My dear, I brought it along when I was born. I think
this was my nature. I don't know, but since the time I gained a sense of
this world, it has been like this. The world looks both new and old to me.
Everyone seems my own, and nobody is a stranger to me.

Q: Guruji, if we fail to bring a wrong person on the right track after
making considerable efforts, then what should we do?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Make an effort to bring a wrong person on the right
track. If effort doesn't yield results, then pray for him, he definitely
will come on the right path.

Prayer doesn't mean a superficial prayer. You should feel the pain of seeing
him walking on the wrong path. And don't keep that pain to yourself.
Surrender that pain to God.

A prayer should rise from the depth of your heart, 'May this person recover
soon', and it will definitely be fulfilled. Even if that doesn't work, then
it is his karma, forget it!

Q: Guruji, does God really exist? If yes, then how can we experience Him?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I have come to tell you that God exists and He is in
you. I have come to tell you this. Don't try to see Him.

If someone tells you that he will help you see God, then think that he is a
fool. God is neither a material substance nor a sight, he is in the seer.
That is why only through meditation can you attain God.

A person whose mind is turned outward can never attain God. If one feels
that he can see Lord Hanuman, then there has been some illusion. There is
something wrong with his brain. Why? Because you can never look at the seer
as a sight. He is neither a sight, a material substance nor is He different
from us. The Parmatma (Divine) is hidden in the Atma (soul). When you
meditate, you will feel, 'Wow, the one I have been searching for everywhere
is in me'. You will have this experience. After that, nobody will be able to
shake you. Nobody will be able to wipe away the smile from your face.

So, God is here, right this moment, in us. Know this and relax. Accept this
and relax.

Vishram main Ram hai!

Q: Guruji, what is life's truth? Sometimes, I feel that I am living in the
trap of an illusion!

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, getting out of illusion is the truth about life.

Q: Guruji, how can I contribute to the society?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This is a very good question. You think what you can
do. I want all the youth to join hands with us for just six months and we
will bring a wave of revolution everywhere in this country. Then see, how
the country will change. I have a dream to see India as the most forward
country in this world. I want India to become powerful and regain the pride
and honor it once enjoyed in ancient times. How many of you are with me?
India has to emerge as a strong nation and I don't want a single youth to be
unemployed. How many youths here are unemployed? I want you to get yourself
registered in the center here. There is a lot to be done in this country
today. It is difficult to find plumbers, drivers, cooks and electricians in
this country. There is a lot of demand for such people. We will give you
training.

Our education system is so old-fashioned and wrong, that people remain
unemployed after completing their studies. In our country, the ones who are
uneducated find employment while 59% of the post graduates are unemployed.
Though they studied so hard all these years and did their post graduation,
they cannot find employment. The education should be job-oriented. Our
education should be such that proper attention is given to honing the
employment skills. If the teaching is job-friendly, then as soon as the
students complete their education, they will get a job. We need to bring
this change.

I request all the doctors to offer three free medical camps in a year. If
you are a lawyer, I want you to handle three cases free of cost. Do this
once in four months for people who are very poor and cannot afford to pay
your fee.

Can you do this?

And all the school teachers should give free tuition to students who are
weak in studies. Consider three students for a year. And if you are a
student, create awareness about voting amongst people. Ask everyone to go
and vote and to vote against corruption.

Q: Guruji, what difference do you feel in Ram avtar, Krishna avtar and your
current incarnation?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: My dear, I have left it on you to find the difference.
Why should I tell you? I just look at the one who is in me, in you and in
everybody.

Q: Guruji, do we really need a Guru in life?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Do you need an answer to this question? One who
answers a question becomes the Guru and the one who listens becomes a
shishya (disciple). Having asked this question, you are caught. Since you
have asked this question, you have said, 'I need a Guru'!

It is as good as asking a person who is sleeping, 'Are you asleep'? Whether
he says yes or no is one and the same thing, that means, he is awake.

Similarly, you are asking, 'do we need a Guru?' Because you are asking this
question, it means you need one.

Q: Guruji, what should we listen to first, our heart or our mind?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When you do business, listen to your mind. And when
you live life or do some social work, then listen to your heart. When you
are with your family, listen to your heart

************************************
From: Rekha Singh <rekhasingh@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 11:42 AM
Subject: Art of Meditation in Oaks, PA - Apr 13th to 15th

Learn to meditate effortlessly - Art of Meditaiton Course : Apr 13th - 15th
( Early Bird until Mar 29th )

In The Art of Meditation Course, we will be learning the Sahaj Samadhi
meditation technique. Sahaj Samadhi means effortless transcendence.
Participants learn to let go of all tensions and stress, providing the mind
with a much needed deep rest. It allows the conscious mind to settle deeply
into itself. It is only in the present moment that we find true happiness.
As the mind settles down, it centers itself more and more in the present
moment and experiences a natural state of joy.
In just a few sessions, we learn to tap the depths of our nature. After the
course we can use this simple meditation practice to overcome the effects of
inevitable stressful situations and make a positive impact on the quality of
our lives.

About the Teachers :
Vikas & Aparna Chawla have been teaching the Art of Living courses for
several years. Inspite of their busy work-life, they take time out to teach
Art of Living courses and are involved in several service activities.

Please make use of the discounts offered for Early Bird Registrations (
until 3/29 ) :

More info at this Link :
http://secure.artofliving.org/course_details.aspx?course_id=11527
Any Questions : Contact Rekha - 610 765 1237

*****************************
From: Information and Registration Sri Sri's BirthDay Event
<may2012.bday@artofliving.ca>
Date: Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 7:18 AM
Subject: Guruji's Birthday celebrations in Canada

Guruji's Birthday Celebrations will be at the Canadian Ashram. Several
Courses have been planned during this time from 5-12th May followed by Grand
Celebrations on 13th May.
Advance Sahaj Course is scheduled from 9-13th May which will be taught by
Guruji. This is happening for the first time since 2004. Visit the following
link to register.
www.artofliving.ca/may2012

Narada says: "Bhakta Ekantino Mukhyah"
God is everywhere but the devotees are not everywhere. Like the diamond
which can reflect the Sun rays totally, on a rare occassion such intense
love for the Divine shines through here and there somewhere and sometimes.

Let us all join and experience such Divine love in the presence of Guruji on
this special day of HIS Birthday.

Month of May is the best time to be in Canada in general and at the
Beautiful Canadian Ashram in particular.

in loving service
Canadian Ashram Team

*******************************
From: medha garud <mmgarud@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 3:22 AM
Subject: First Prison S.M.A.R.T. Art of Silence Course in USA , in a Male
Maximum security Prison in Illinios

With tears in my eyes I watched as the 25 inmates shook each others hands
and hugged each other as the course ended!! This was the last day, the last
hour of our AOS course in Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet IL The
inmates were so grateful and joyful at the end of the course. One inmate
said:"I am not sure I can completely express what this program has meant to
me, , nor will I be able to express my appreciation for allowing me to be
part of this experience.But I will say this, the time I spent in meditation
yesterday here in the building is the most time I've spent outside my cell
in 12 years"
This took me down the memory lane when we started our first Prsion
S.M.A.R.T. way back in 2010. With a lot of red tapism and beurocracy,, very
typical of any government facility, it took persistance and determination
of Gabriella Savelli, the National Coordinator of Prison S.M.A.R.T. in USA
to get our first course off the ground. Then we had 3 courses every year,
with a 6 weeks follow up after each course, and have taught over a 100
inmates between the maximum and minimum security prisons.The AOS happened
truly due to the inmates constantly asking us when can we do the retreat, we
want to do it, over and over again, once during each Prison S.M.A.R.T.
basic course when Gabriella mentions it.

It was a very humbling experience to be HIS messenger. After gettting
clearance through 10 tightly secured gates, a door opens and there are these
inmates who are hungry and thirsty to learn how to manage their minds and
negetive emotions. It felt like we were opening the window for them to
experience Divinity. But realistically, , what can we really do in 2 hours a
day, for 5 days in a course? The profound understanding of WHO is really in
charge of this show came really to our experience with each course we taught
there. For 10 hours while the course in being taught, there are no comforts
that we have on our regular courses, there are pagers and alarms and radio
messages going on all around, we are under video survelliance the whole
time, there are no carpets, no dimming of the lights during meditiation,
sometimes right after kriya they have to whisked out as the time is up. In
spite of all this, the inmates have the same experience that we see on a
regular part one course!!! And these are people who have been incarcerated
for 12-15-20 years or more, and who have no inkling of Eastren Philosophy or
thinking. We can see Grace flow in its true form here. After the second
kriya of the first course we taught there, and everyone had shared
experiences like " I feel I am not the body," " I feel I am only energy
vibrating:, one inmate lingered behind, and said," You gurys may think I am
crazy, but you know, God just came to me when I was lying down, and told me
to tell you:ll this,this message is for one of you, that don't worry, your
left side will be healed, I don't know what that means, but I had to tell
you this" And one of our teachers had a physical problem going on with her
left side of the body!! I was completely blown away by this! And now, I am
blown away with each course, as these are the kind of experiences these
hardened criminals share with us after SO HUM!!! What a realization, that we
really are NOBODY, that we really are just the instrument of HIM, and feel
so fortunate to be chosen to teach this knowledge!
I continue to be amazed by Gabriella, who is constantly touring so many
prisons across USA, and empowering other teachers and volunteers and moving
on, that is how this program is taught now in so many prisons across USA..
Her kind yet firm attitude, direct and sincere approach goes straight into
the hearts of the inmates, and our wonderful team who keeps up the
connection with the inmates after the course is over, also keeping
connection with the staff, half of whom don't want us in there becacuse it
is more work for them when outsiders come,made this vision of Silence course
in the prison come true, It was so moving to hear Hollow and Empty
meditations and see Guruji on video in the Auditorium where we had the
course.
Totally see their point when one of them said:" Life changing! in 21 years I
have been incarcerated, I have never seen such a peaceful program", and "
Don't be dissapointed by our past behavior, this experience is paramount to
a lot of us" Can see what Guruji means when HE says:" Behind every culprit
there is a victim crying out for help"
A lot of them want to become teachers, and our dream is to be able to make
them Breath Water Sound teachers so they can teach other inmates in the
Prison. I don't know how this will happen, but nowadays, I cease to worry
about these things, we do rely on miracles on a daily basis, if it is meant
to be, HE will make it happen!

We want to see Stateville Gym full of 1000's inmates practicing SO HUM
together, along with the staff!
We all on the team feel so grateful that we stuck through many lock downs,
many a rude behavior from the staff to make this day happen!

I encourage all volunteers and teachers to start the Prison S.M.A.R.T.
program in their cities, it is a life changing experience not only for the
inmates, but for all of us as well!

For more information on Prison S.M.A.R.T. in USA, please contact Gabriella
Savelli National Coordinator of Prison S.M.A.R.T.
IAHV
202-340-8010
www.prisonmart.org

With Gratitude and Service

Jai Gurudev
Medha Garud
Art of Living and Prison S.M.A.R.T teacher.
630-664-1771

****************************

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Monday, March 26, 2012

FW: [esatsang] Esatsang digest for mar 26 2012

-----Original Message-----
From: esatsang@lists.artofliving.org [mailto:esatsang@lists.artofliving.org]
On Behalf Of Esatsang
Sent: 27 March 2012 10:34
To: esatsang@lists.artofliving.org
Subject: [esatsang] Esatsang digest for mar 26 2012

For esatsang list subscribes, please email
esatsang-subscribe@lists.artofliving.org from the email address that you
want subscribed.

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want unsubscribed.

***************************
Topics
1. One Week Long Advance Course At Vasad Ashram with Tanuja Didi

2. Easter Special 10 day Silence Course in Bad Antogast from March 31st to
April 9th , 2012

3. Spring Program in the presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Bad Antogast,
end of April 2012

4. Guruji's Birthday Special Advance Meditation Course and Sahaj Samadhi
Meditation

5. Mega Part 1 Course with Shri Mahesh Girriji at Ahmednagar!

6. Sri Sri Yoga Course from the 9th - 13th of April 2012

7. Courses with Rishi Vidhyadharji in Mumbai in April

*************************

From: Seema <kaur.seema@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 4:08 PM
Subject: One Week Long Advance Course At Vasad Ashram with Tanuja Didi

Let us all do long intensive One Week Advance Course in Gujarat Ashram. It
will be lot of fun. Please book your seats as early as possible.

April 5 / 6 are Holidays. Many companies have Saturday/ Sunday weekly off.
So you will have to manage only 3 days of holiday. Rajshree Didi was sharing
that one Intensive course is equal to 3 normal advance courses. It's so deep
and profound

Why Vasad Ashram?

It is a beautiful Ashram full of greenery near the River. Peacocks are found
on the lawn side early morning. Food cooked by our sevaks is awesome :)

Check Vasad Ashram Photos

http://www.artoflivinguniverse.org/2011/04/art-of-living-gujarat-ashram-phot
os.html

Check out this Vasad Ashram video.


http://youtu.be/XH_YzWpxiIs

Let us Start the Summer in the bliss.

ONE WEEK INTENSIVE PART II ADVANCE COURSE WITH TANUJA LIMAYE (SENIOR
INTERNATIONAL TEACHER) Complete Residential Advance Course with AC Hall and
AC Rooms At Sri Sri Gujarat Ashram ( Vasad Ashram )

Nr. Ankalawadi Village,
Vasad Sarsa Road,
Vasad -388306

From: 5 - 11 April 2012

"Love is seeing God in the person
Next to us & meditation is seeing God within us"

The Advance course is an invitation to dive deep into the self & enjoy a
perfect spiritual vacation for mind, body and spirit.

Fun filled sessions of yoga, deep guided meditations, and profound processes
that cleanse, renew, and lead to an experience of inner peace and freedom.
Which stay for long period of time after the course.

Enjoy perfect spiritual vacation.

Limited seats available, Hurry

Contact For Course Registration
Radha -9821242184
Vanita -9869146741


Reporting 4th April 2012
Donation : Rs.5000/- for 5 sharing AC Room. Other options of dormitory / Non
AC rooms available.
(Cash / Cheque in favor of VVMVP)

Eligibility : Basic (Part – 1) / YES +

*****************************
From: Art of Living European Center <info@artofliving.de>
Date: Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 2:04 AM
Subject: Easter Special 10 day Silence Course in Bad Antogast from March
31st to April 9th , 2012

Easter Special 10 day Silence Course in Bad Antogast from March 31st to
April 9th , 2012

This Easter you can enjoy a very special 10 day Silence Course with the one
and only Christopher Kiran Byrt in Bad Antogast.

Make the journey from head to heart in the beauty of springtime in the Black
Forest with a teacher whose humor and wisdom will make the course an
unforgettable experience. Healthy delicious food, morning yoga, singing,
dancing and the magical experience of inner silence. The course is designed
in a way to give you a deep, long lasting experience of inner silence.

To enroll in this course which starts on March 31st at 7.30 p.m. and
finishes at 1 p.m. on the April 9th you must have done three Art of Silence
(Part 2 or Part 3) courses. For more details and to reserve your place call
0049780497390 or email info@artofliving.de

*********************************
From: Art of Living European Center <info@artofliving.de>
Date: Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 2:03 AM
Subject: Spring Program in the presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Bad
Antogast, end of April 2012

Spring Program in the presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Bad Antogast, end
of April 2012

If the idea of spending some time in silence in the beauty of the Black
Forest appeals to you then pack your bags and make your way to Bad Antogast.
You will have a choice of three Art of Silence courses, offering wonderful
knowledge, deep meditation, delicious vegetarian food and walks through the
mountains in some of the loveliest scenery in the world.

All courses will take place in the presence of Sri Sri who will visit Bad
Antogast from April 26th till April 29th, here are the dates:

- Art of Silence Course (Part 2) from April 25th (7 p.m.) to April
29th (1 p.m.) 2012
- Art of Silence Course (Part 2) from April 27th (7 p.m.) to May 1st
(1 p.m.) 2012
- Art of Silence Course (Part 3) from April 25th (7 p.m.) to May 1st
(1 p.m.) 2012
Please kindly note that there is an early bird discount for all those who
enrol for the Art of Silence Part 3 course before March 31st .

Other wonderful happenings in Bad Antogast during this time are:
Bhakti Sutra Retreat with Mata Urmila Devi from April 29th (7 p.m.) to May
1st ( 1 p.m.), Art of Meditation (Sahaj Samadhi) Course from April 29th (7
p.m.) to May 1st
(1 p.m.),
Art of Breathing (Part 1) Course form April 27th (3 p.m.) to April 29th (5
p.m.), Sri Sri Yoga Course from April 28th (4 p.m.) till May 1st (1
p.m.)
YES!Plus Holidays (18 – 30 yrs) from April 24th (4 p.m.) till April 29th (2
p.m.)

For more info and application forms just send an email to
info@artofliving.de or call us on 0049(0)780497390.
With Love,
Your Bad Antogast Team

*******************************
From: Ram Kumar <rkiyer2000@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 1:34 AM
Subject: Guruji's Birthday Special Advance Meditation Course and Sahaj
Samadhi Meditation

With the divine blessings of our beloved Guruji, Art of Living-Thiruninravur
takes great pleasure in announcing -Guruji's Birthday Special Advance
Meditation Course along with Sahaj Samadhi Meditation from May 10- May 13
2012 @Sri Sarveswara Dhyana Nilayam -Thamaraipakkam Which is just 30 kms
from Chennai.

About the Venue:
Sri Sarvesawara Dhyana Nilayam was founded by Swami Chinmayananda in a very
serene atmosphere. The Ashram comprises of Lord Shiva Temple constructed in
the shape of 60 feet Linga, which hosts a spatika linga as the main deity
personally placed by Swami Chimayananda himself, which is very divinely
maintained by Chinmaya Missions.
Well Furnished accommodation is readily available with in the ashram
premises.

Course Details:

Residential Advance Meditation Course & Sahaj Samadhi Meditation Course.

Conducted by : Sri. Kamalakannan Ji from Pollachi.

Course dates: May 10 – May 13 2012.

Reporting dates: May
9- 2012 Onwards.

Venue Details: Sri Sarveswara Dhyana Nilayam-Thamaraipakkam, Thiruninravur.

For Registrations & Enquiries please contact:

9444050937, 9444153524, 9941243632, 9940308342, 9841272264.

*********************************
From: Bhuushan Maloo <bhuushanmaloo@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 26, 2012 at 9:54 PM
Subject: Mega Part 1 Course with Shri Mahesh Girriji at Ahmednagar!

Mega Part I Course with Shri Maheish Girri ji at Ahmednagar

The blessings of the presence of MASTER in our life is the strongest reason
to feel grateful for the knowledge we have been blessed with and what we can
give; the best way to ensure one's happiness is to bring happiness in
others' lives. We all know to contribute our best to Guruji's vision of
Divya Samaj Nirman, there could be no better opportunity than being his
instrument, bringing people in his love and light! Live and share the wisdom
of a stress-free life, ignite the spirit & life-force energy with the love
of the Master, bringing people knowledge of Part I Course that we all are
blessed with. What an opportunity – to walk in unison!

We AOL Ahemadnagar are on to another magnificent challenge – MEGA PART I
COURSE with dear Maheish Girri ji. Our spirits are elevated. We are putting
our best to make this a real success. ..

On 18th March, we had ming-boggling Wake Up & Shake Up with Maheish Girri
ji. Volunteers and devotees are doubly charged and all out to fulfill our
sankalp of Mega Part I Course.

And as most of us are aware, teaching in a graceful, joyful and powerful way
– that's specialty of Shri Maheish Girri ji. He makes every program very
lively and energetic with his uniqueness.

Details of Mega Part I Course with Maheish Girri ji –

Course Date - 30 March' 2012 - 1 April' 2012 Course Timings - 6-9.30 a.m. &
6-9.30 p.m.
Course Venue - Ganga Lawns, Nirmal Nagar, Pipeline Road, Ahmednagar.
Contact - 9823115544, 9422223329, 9960515544, 9890157566 Email -
bhuushanmaloo@gmail.com, meghna_munot@yahoo.co.in,

Come join us in this unforgettable journey...

For AOL Ahmednagar

Jai Gurudev
Bhushan Maloo
Part I Teacher

********************************
From: Charu Sampat <charu.sampat@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Mar 22, 2012 at 7:40 AM
Subject: Sri Sri Yoga Course from the 9th - 13th of April 2012

SRI SRI YOGA COURSE

Like a flower bud, human life has the potential to blossom fully. Blossoming
of human potential to fullness is Yoga.

…Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

What is Yoga?
Yoga transcends any religion or culture. Its application is universal. Yoga
is not merely a form of exercise for the body, but a path towards total
harmony of body, mind and spirit.

What are the benefits of Sri Sri Yoga?
Improve Flexibility * Lose Weight
Increase Energy * Release Toxins
Have Peace of Mind * Sleep Better

You are invited to take home with you a very rich discipline of yoga!!

It is a unique and rejuvenating course. Grab this wonderful opportunity to
recharge and revive your energy levels.

Duration: 5 days workshop!!!!
Venues: VT Area, Mumbai, India.
Date:9th to the 13th April 2012
Time: 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Registration: 9821236409 / 9167267673 / 9819376760

Jgd!
In His Service
Charu Sampat

********************************
From: sukeerti shukla <sukeerti7@gmail.com>
Subject: Courses with Rishi Vidhyadharji in Mumbai in April

There are 3 courses happening in the month of April, in Mumbai with Rishi
Vidhyadharji:

1) Advance Course
Date: 5th-8th April
Venue: Harigram, Panvel
Donation: 3500/-
Accomadation: Availiable
Contact: 9892699225/8108452225

2) DSN-Divya Samaj Ka Nirman
Dates:19th-22nd April
Venue: MMK Hall, near R Mall, Ghodbunder Rd, Thane(w)
Accomodation: Availaible for participants coming from outside Thane
Donation: 4000/-
Contact: 9819401618/9322590081/7738368615

3) Blessing Course
Dates: 23rd-25th April
Venue: Mulund
Contact: 9821732144

Please spread the word

*******************************
From: ruthkuok <ruth22@netvigator.com>
Date: Sat, Mar 17, 2012 at 6:22 AM
Subject: Teaching the Art of Living to Typhoon Sendong survivors |
To: Esatsang <noreply@esatsang.net>, esatsang@artofliving.org



Teachers and volunteers from the Art of Living Philippines have been
conducting trauma-relief programs for survivors of the devastating typhoon
Sendong which hit the southeren provinces of the Philippies last December.
This article from the local media.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/251703/lifestyle/wellness/teaching-the-
art-of-living-to-sendong-survivors?ref=editorspick


=================

Teaching the Art of Living to Sendong survivors

BY CARMELA G. LAPEÑA, GMA NEWS March 16, 2012 4:52pm

Since Typhoon Sendong devastated entire communities in Cagayan de Oro and
Iligan City last December, over 340,000 survivors have been trying to pick
up the pieces of their shattered lives. Apart from dealing with the loss of
over 1,000 people and over one billion pesos in damage to property, the
victims' psyches have also been greatly damaged.

While many organizations have pitched in to provide food, shelter and
clothing, other groups have focused their efforts on psychosocial
intervention. Among these groups is the Art of Living Foundation, whose
volunteers have flown in from Manila, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to give trauma
relief workshops at evacuation and relocation centers.

With assistance from Save the Children, Child Fund, and the advocacy group
Sulong Kagay-an, their goal is to attend to the survivors' emotional
wellbeing. They help residents recover from depression and cope with stress
through breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga.

"Whether it may be a fire, an earthquake, or in this case flash floods -
anyone, no exceptions, would naturally feel trauma and stress long after the
calamity has happened. We're here because we believe that the first step in
recovering is being mentally and emotionally equipped," says Art of Living
Philippines Chapter Head Nameeta Dargani.

The foundation has reached over 2,000 people so far, but they wish to
support thousands more. "The vision now is to train people who are actually
in the barangay and in the relocation center so they can follow it up and to
have sustainability in what we do. Because we have food, shelter and all
these things, but we need them to reconnect to who they really are and
become more responsible and more productive," says Art of Living teacher and
CDO resident Julie Ang, who spearheaded the program in CDO and Iligan.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/251703/lifestyle/wellness/teaching-the-
art-of-living-to-sendong-survivors?ref=editorspick

*******************************_____________________________________________
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FW: [esatsang] Esatsang digest for Mar 25 2012

-----Original Message-----
From: esatsang@lists.artofliving.org [mailto:esatsang@lists.artofliving.org]
On Behalf Of Esatsang
Sent: 26 March 2012 11:32
To: esatsang@lists.artofliving.org
Subject: [esatsang] Esatsang digest for Mar 25 2012

For esatsang list subscribes, please email
esatsang-subscribe@lists.artofliving.org from the email address that you
want subscribed.

For esatsang list unsubscribes, please email
esatsang-unsubscribelists.artofliving.org from the email address that you
want unsubscribed.

***************************
Topics
1. Part-II (Advance) Course in Dehradun with Gaurav Bhaiyya

2. Cookery TTC April 2012

3. Spring Break with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Norway, 27th April to 1st May
2012!

4. 5th to 8th Apr : Advance course with Sri Balvinderji at Pune Ashram

5. Mega Part1 Course at Ahmednagar

6. GREAT OPPORTUNITY- LAST SINGLE PHASE NOVICE TTC! EVERYONE MUST DO IT.

7. Welcoming the year of Nanda!

8. Punarnava Summer & Ruhani Kirtan by Sant Anoop Singhji @ The Art of
Living International Centre, Bengaluru May 25th - June 8th

*****************************

From: Hemant Kundra <hemantkundra@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 8:30 AM
Subject: Part-II (Advance) Course in Dehradun with Gaurav Bhaiyya

International Advance Course and DSN teacher Gaurav Bhaiyya will conduct the
course from 3rd May 2012 to 6th May 2012

(Both Non-Residential & Residential options available) Enjoy the
Advance Course in the cool climate of Dehradun. You can even go for taking
Ganga dip on the last day as the course will get over by 3 pm and Rishikesh
is only 1 hour away!


We need to rest in order to be more dynamic. However, often we come back
from vacation feeling more exhausted and in the need of another one. This
course contains effortless but deep meditations and beautiful processes that
bring total rest to the body and deep relaxation and peace to the mind.

Come and experience three and half days of deepest relaxation, beautiful
meditations, satvic food and divine satsangs.


The course features:

Ø Padma Sadhna- a powerful technique having a unique blend of yoga,
pranayama and meditation

Ø Rejuvenating yoga

Ø Unique guided meditations designed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Ø Advanced breathing techniques which can also be practiced at home after
the course

Ø Advanced insight on the laws governing our mind and emotions

COME & BE A PART OF THIS AMAZING COURSE AT DEHRADUN!
COURSE DATES- 3rd May 2012 to 6th May 2012
REPORTING- 3rd May 2012 at 6.30 am
DEPARTURE- 6th May 2012 by 3 pm
VENUE- ONGC Community Center, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun (FULLY AIR
CONDITIONED VENUE)
ELIGIBILITY- This course is open to all those who have done Art of Living
Part-I (Basic) Course or YES+ Course COURSE
CONTRIBUTION- Rs 3000/- (excluding accommodation) MODE OF PAYMENT OF COURSE
CONTRIBUTION
. By Demand Draft in favour of "VVKI - Apex Body – North" payable
at New Delhi.
or

2. By depositing cash in the account of "VVKI - Apex Body – North" in
ICICI Bank, New Delhi in the account number 000701017478.

Please send the duly filled-in form along with the demand draft or original
cash deposit receipt to the following address (please retain a copy of the
demand draft or copy of cash deposit receipt and bring it at the time of
reporting at the venue).

Last date for registration is 15th April 2012. However, if the registrations
are complete before the last date then registration will be closed earlier.

LIMITED SEATS. ENTRY BY PRIOR REGISTRATION ONLY.
FOR REGISTRATION CONTACT
Hemant-9410391231 or Madhulika-9412050627

Jai Guru Dev
Hemant Kundra
Part-I, ART EXCEL & YES Teacher
Dehradun
Mobile No (0) 9410391231

*********************************
From: Art of Living Foundation <info@srisriayurveda.ca>
Date: Sat, Mar 24, 2012 at 1:11 PM
Subject: Cookery TTC April 2012

... A FULFILLING WAY OF SHARING KNOWLEDGE!

BRING AYURVEDA TO EVERY HOME... THROUGH THE KITCHEN DOOR!

Ayurveda pays special attention to:

what we eat,
how we eat,
and how we digest our food
as it is of prime importance for energy, vitality and clear thinking.

You wish to teach?

This course is designed for those who would like to teach the basic
principles of an ayurvedic lifestyle and a balanced, tasty, vegetarian diet
according to the different constitutions as defined by Ayurveda.

You are a good communicator?

Do you want to inspire others with this knowledge? We will teach you how!

Within two weeks, April 12th to 27th:

• You will be trained to teach six basic theory sessions of Ayurveda and how
to relate them to foods;

• You will understand the strong link which exists between the food we eat,
our mind, our moods and consequent behaviors;

• You will be coached to give practical demonstrations using your own
recipes

Interested ?
Contact us at:
(819) 840 4639 | info@srisriayurveda.ca
Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Quebec, Canada

******************************

From: Christopher Kiran Byrt <byrt@artofliving.net>
Date: Sat, Mar 24, 2012 at 8:59 AM
Subject: Spring Break with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Norway, 27th April to 1st
May 2012!

We are thrilled to invite you for an exceptional "spring cleaning" break
with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Norway. This is a rare opportunity indeed – to
join programmes in the presence of the founder of the Art of Living,
himself. This unique event with participants from all over Scandinavia and
other parts of the world will be hosted in a resort in Sarpsborg in South
Norway, which is very easily accessible to all. This programme, including
Art of Silence, Art of Breathing, YES!+ and ART Excel courses, offers a very
special opportunity for the whole family to come together to enjoy their
different courses in the presence of Sri Sri, under the same roof.

We are delighted to be able to offer a complete package for your whole stay
in different categories varying from 4-bed shared rooms to single bedrooms
priced for all budgets, in the comfort of the largest activity and
conference hotel in Scandinavia. The hotel is located close to the E6 in
short walking distance to nature and lake area.
All courses start on April 27th at 18:00 with dinner (check-in and
registration from 15:00) and end on May 1st at 14:00 with lunch.

If you are interested, visit our website at www.artofliving.no or send an
email to post@artofliving.no – we will be happy to email you a flyer with
all practical information.

Christopher Kiran Byrt
On behalf of Art of Living Foundation-Norway

*****************************

From: Shridhar Damodaran <shridhar.sevajoy@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Mar 24, 2012 at 6:54 AM
Subject: 5th to 8th Apr : Advance course with Sri Balvinderji at Pune Ashram

Jai Gurudev!

We are pleased to announce Residential Part II course (ie. Advance Course)
with our Senior International Teacher Sri Balvinder ji at our very own
Triveni Ashram in Pune on the long weekend.

The Good Friday Special Part II course is from 5th April to 8th April,
reporting is on 4th April, 3:00 PM onwards, the course donation is Rs 3000/-
(all inclusive).
These dates have been consciously selected so that many could take benefit
of the Good Friday Holiday and soak in bliss of the Advance Course under the
guidance of Sri Balvinderji.

Please note transportation (by bus) will be provided free of cost from
various centers in Pune to Ashram and back!

Keeping this in mind, I gently request your support to spread the message
to as many people as possible. Please forward this email or following link
to all your participants and in your friend circle.

More details regarding the course can be found at:
www.tinyurl.com/artoflivinghome

Together we can make it big!

Love,
Satyajit Chudda
North Zone TC
98901 46651

******************************

From: Bhuushan Maloo <bhuushanmaloo@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Mar 24, 2012 at 3:44 AM
Subject: Mega Part1 Course at Ahmednagar

Details of mega part 1 course at Ahmednagar with Shri Maheshgiriji

Venue - Ganga Lawns, Nirmal Nagar, Pipeline Road, Ahmednagar Date - 30 Match
- 1st April 2012 Timings - Mng 6-9.30 a.m. & Evn. 6-9.30 p.m.
Contact - 9823115544, 9890157566, 9960515544, 6423464141

*********************************

From: Hemant Kundra <hemantkundra@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 at 4:26 AM
Subject: GREAT OPPORTUNITY- LAST SINGLE PHASE NOVICE TTC! EVERYONE MUST DO
IT.


As you may be aware the format of NOVICE TTC has been changed and henceforth
it will happen in two phases. But there is one last SINGLE PHASE NOVICE TTC
left to happen and it will happen in Chandigarh from 14 April 2012 to 16th
April 2012.

What is NOVICE?

NOVICE (Nurturing Of Values In Children Everyday) is a comprehensive program
in schools that addresses the challenges of all stakeholders - children,
parents and teachers enabling complete transformation of the school and
bringing cheer in children and parents alike.

Schools are the nerve center of a child's education. When Art of Living
Courses happen in schools it makes a world of a difference to not only the
children but to their teachers and parents also. However, as per experience
of last several years it has been found that approaching schools for Art of
Living Courses requires a great deal of sensitivity, skills and also a
professional approach and not everyone should just walk-in and start
organizing courses in schools without proper training.

To properly train our volunteers and teachers to successfully approach,
organize and take courses in schools the NOVICE TTC was launched several
years back.

Who should attend NOVICE TTC?

1. ALL ART EXCEL & YES TEACHERS- It is compulsory for all ART EXCEL and
YES Teachers if they want to take any course in a school. As per circular of
VVKI sent to all APEX Bodies on 14th June 2011 ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED
THE NOVICE TTC WILL BE ALLOWED TO APPROACH SCHOOLS.

2. ALL PART-1 TEACHERS- For taking Part-I course for school teachers it
is compulsory to do NOVICE TTC. For school teachers the Part-I program is
called LIVE (Lessons In Value Education) workshop which has certain modules
specific to life situations of school teachers. In NOVICE TTC the Part-I
teachers will be trained to take LIVE workshop.

3. ALL VOLUNTEERS WHO WANT TO BECOME TEACHERS WILL BECOME KYC AND KYT
TEACHERS- All the volunteers who attend NOVICE TTC will be eligible to take
KYC (Know Your Child) and KYT (Know Your Teen) workshops! So they will also
become KYC and KYT teachers. They will also be eligible to take LIVE
workshop but after becoming ART EXCEL & YES or Part-I teachers.

The details of the last SINGLE PHASE NOVICE TTC are as under

DATES-14th April 2012 to 16th April 2012

VENUE- Sood Bhawan , Sector-44 , near Picadilly Chowk on Tribune Road,
Chandigarh

REPORTING- Option- I-13th April 2012 evening 6 pm

Option-II -14th April 2012 morning 6.30 am

(The course will start at 6.30 am on 14th April 2012 so outstation
participants can either report in the evening of 13th April 2012 or on the
morning on 14th April 2012 as per their convenience)


COURSE DONATION- Rs 4500/- (including lunch for all the days)

OPTIONAL STAY AND FOOD DONATION (for outstation candidates for full course)
- Rs 1000/-

MODE OF PAYMENT OF DONATION-Outstation candidates can deposit the total
amount of Rs 4500/- (without accommodation and food) or Rs 5,500/- (with
accommodation and food for all the days) in AXIS BANK in Account No-
910010017963414 of TARUN KUMAR GARG and send the scanned copy of cash
receipt to me at my email id tarunkgarg@gmail.com.

So friends this is a great opportunity for all of us and added advantage is
that this is the last single phase NOVICE TTC. So let us all attend it and
take maximum benefit from it.

Jai Guru Dev
Tarun Kumar Garg
ART EXCEL & YES Teacher
Mobile No- (0) 9216151611
Email id- tarunkgarg@gmail.com

************************************
From: Harshal Jadhav <harshalpjadhav@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, Mar 23, 2012 at 4:27 AM
Subject: Welcoming the year of Nanda!

Happy Ugadi & Gudi Padwa!

As we welcome this new year, let's spend a few minutes reading Guruji's
message.

"According to the Vedic calendar this year is called 'Nanda' which means
bliss. This is the year of bliss. Last year was the year of Certainty. The
year before was of Chaos and Confusion. But now the coming year is the year
of bliss and the year of happiness. So this year we must all resolve to
spread more happiness in society."

This knowledge was given on December 31st, 2011.

*******************************
From: Suman Sathyanarayan <suman.sathyanarayan@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Subject: Punarnava Summer & Ruhani Kirtan by Sant Anoop Singhji @ The Art
of Living International Centre, Bengaluru May 25th - June 8th


Details on Punarnava Summer 2012 below


We are delighted to welcome you home to, Punarnava Summer, 25 May to 8 June
2012 (15 days) in Poojya Gurudev's physical presence at Bangalore ashram.

Punarnava Part I Punarnava Part I + Nadi Pareeksha + Healing
Yoga+Ashtavakra Gita (25 May to 27 May,2012) reporting 24 May,2012;
departure on 28 May,2012.

Punarnava DSN Punarnava DSN + Nadi Pareeksha+Ashtavakra Gita+'Ruhani
Kirtan'+Flavours of Summer (Food Festival) (28 May to 31 May, 2012),
reporting 27 May,2012; departure on 1 June,2012.

Punarnava Part II Punarnava Part II+ Nadi Pareeksha+Ashtavakra Gita+'Ruhani
Kirtan'+Flavours of Summer (Food Festival) (1 June to 7 June,2012),
reporting 31 May, 2012 before 3 pm ; departure on 8 June,2012.

Package Punarnava Punarnava Part I+Punarnava DSN+Punarnava Part II + Nadi
Pareeksha+Ashtavakra Gita+'Ruhani Kirtan'+Flavours of Summer (Food
Festival)+ Abhyanga+ Healing Yoga (25 May to 8 June, 2012), reporting on 24
May 24; departure on 9 June,2012.
Package Paraakrama Punarnava Part I+Punarnava DSN+ Nadi Pareeksha+Ashtavakra
Gita+'Ruhani Kirtan' +Flavours of Summer (Food Festival)+ Healing Yoga (25
May to 31 May, 2012 ) reporting on 24 May, 2012; departure on 1 June, 2012.
Package Samriddh Punarnava DSN+Punarnava Part II+ Nadi Pareeksha+Ashtavakra
Gita+'Ruhani Kirtan' +Flavours of Summer (Food Festival)+ Abhyanga (28 May
to 8 June, 2012), reporting on 27 May 2012; departure on 9 June, 2012.
Package Punya Punarnava Part I+Punarnava Part 11+ Nadi Pareeksha+Ashtavakra
Gita+'Ruhani Kirtan' +Flavours of Summer (Food Festival)+ Abhyanga+ Healing
Yoga (25 May to 8 June,2012), reporting on 24 May; departure on 9 June,
2012.

Engage Your Children
Punarnava Art Excel : Punarnava Art Excel +Nadi Pareeksha First option: 25
May till 27 May, 2012 (reporting 24 May, departure on 28 May, 2012)

Second option: 28 May till 30 May, 2012 (reporting 27 May, departure 31
May, 2012)

Third option : 1st June till 3rd June (Reporting 31st May before 3 pm,
Departure 4th June) includes Nadi Pareeksha + 'Ruhani Kirtan'+Flavours of
Summer

Punarnava YES! : Punaranva YES! +Nadi Pareeksha First option: 25 May to 27
May, 2012 (reporting on 24 May; departure on 28 May, 2012) Second option:
28 May to 30 May 2012 (reporting on 27 May; departure on 31 May, 2012)

Third option : 1st June till 3rd June (Reporting 31st May before 3 pm,
Departure 4th June) includes Nadi Pareeksha + 'Ruhani Kirtan'+Flavours of
Summer

Punarnava YES!2 : Punarnava YES!2 +Nadi Pareeksha+ 'Ruhani Kirtan'+ Flavours
of Summer (31 May to 4 June, 2012) reporting on 30 May ; departure on 5
June, 2012.

It is a Great honor for the whole Punarnava team that Hon. Sant Anoop
Singhji (Una Sahib Wale) would be facilitating the 'Ruhani Kirtan' on May
31st 2012. It would a beautiful fusion with both Guruji and Santji being
present to adorn and bless this heavenly event.


A journey filled with celebration, silence, knowledge, sadhana & seva!

For queries & registrations:

Universal access number: 1860 4254250

Talk to our Art of Living angels:

Anand: + 91 9980746004 ; Arthi:
+ 91 9980555604

Ramya: + 91 9972235499 ; Khyathi:
+ 91 9427722517

Kumaresan: + 91 9620649760 ; Chandan: +
91 8147637328

For online payment register through vvmvp.org in 3 simple steps:

1.Create a login

2.Fill in details after logging in

3.Pay through credit card/debit card to register yourself.

Follow Punarnava Summer on:

Facebook: Artofliving Presents Punarnava
Twitter: @AOLPunarnava

Send a blank email to artoflivingpunarnava@gmail.com to get more details or
Indian nationals can SMS @punarnava to 9243342000 to get more details.

· Indian nationals may also pay via a demand draft favouring VVMVP payable
at Bengaluru.

· Foreign nationals/NRI's may email to internationalevents@vvmvp.org for
payments through other modes.

· Email us at ashrampunarnava@gmail.com,
courses@vvmvp.org,internationalevents@vvmvp.org

Welcome Home to the most wonderful Summer Celebration

Team, Punarnava

**********************************


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FW: [esatsang] Esatsang digest for Mar 20 2012

-----Original Message-----
From: esatsang@lists.artofliving.org [mailto:esatsang@lists.artofliving.org] On Behalf Of Esatsang
Sent: 21 March 2012 11:22
To: esatsang@lists.artofliving.org
Subject: [esatsang] Esatsang digest for Mar 20 2012

For esatsang list subscribes, please email esatsang-subscribe@lists.artofliving.org from the email address that you want subscribed.

For esatsang list unsubscribes, please email esatsang-unsubscribelists.artofliving.org from the email address that you want unsubscribed.

***************************
Topics
1. Stretch & Reach The Deepest Abyss of Your Body & Mind in Sri Sri Yoga 2

2. Together, We Celebrate

3. Part II Course with Rohini Didi in Mira Road : Apr.28 - May1

4. art of living--Eternity Process at chennai

5. LIVING WELL Course- An Art of Living Programme for patients of Diabetes and high BP

6. DSN in Charlotte, NC

7. Art Of Silence Course in DC with Philip Fraser from Apr 12 - 15

8. Art of living --Yogathon--watch the videos

9. Knowledge Sheet from Sri Sri...Life becomes worth living when we are of use to somebody

*****************************

From: <jeffrey@artofliving.or.id>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 10:17 PM
Subject: Stretch & Reach The Deepest Abyss of Your Body & Mind in Sri Sri Yoga 2

Art of Living Indonesia presents yet another profound 4 night 5 day workshop SRI SRI YOGA Level 2 at Puncak , a panoramic legendary mountain resort, about 2 hours drive from Jakarta.
Experience the joy of doing Yoga postures, immerse in ancient knowledge, breathe in the cool n fresh mountain air with breathtaking lush pine trees as the backdrop. Wake up to the call of the cocks and birds chirping and soothing sound of water flowing !
The course instructor, Kashiji is a senior AOL teacher from Bangalore Ashram.

Course dates : May 3rd to 7th
Check in by 7 am on 3rd May 2012
Check out after breakfast on 7th May 2012
Venue : Lembah Hijau Mountain Resort Hotel
Jl. Parabon Ds. Ciloto
West Java – Indonesia.
Contribution : Twin Share US $ 350
Single US $ 400
(Accommodation and meals included)
Prerequisite : Sri Sri Yoga level 1 and AOL Part 1 or YES+
Transport : Take a taxi from the Airport directly to the venue

To register please contact following :
Sonia Lakhiani - sonialakhiani@gmail.com How Mei Fah +62-816961782 Shanta 62-811150385 Reshma 62-8161430889 AOL Center : 62-21-6513123 Or write to :
aolindonesia@cbn.net.id
info@artofliving.or.id

*********************************
From: Art of Living Canada <artdevivre@artofliving.org>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 9:09 PM
Subject: Together, We Celebrate


Together We Celebrate
Receive an Additional $150 Discount...
.... . .when you register for both the Short Art of Silence Course (from May 5th to 9th) and the Advanced Art Of Meditation Course (from May 9th to 13th).
1. Sri Sri is to Lead the Advanced Art of Meditation Course - A rare opportunity!
For the first time after 7 years, Sri Sri will teach this exceptionally beautiful course from May 9th to 13th. Receive knowledge directly from the source and experience deep meditation in His presence.
2. Not Just Any Silence Course!
Swami Sadyojatha from our Bangalore Ashram is coming to Canada for the first time to teach this course from May 5th to 9th.
3. Then Celebrate Sri Sri's Birthday in His Presence!
On May 13th, end your visit by staying for a day of Birthday Celebrations in our New Meditation Hall.
Details of His visit and all the courses for you and your family and friends can be found at
www.artofliving.ca/may2012
Contact Us:
1-819-532-3328 .
may2012.info@artofliving.ca
Register at www.artofliving.ca/may2012
Early Bird discount ends of April 1st

***********************************
From: prema sawant <premasawant24@gmail.com>
Date: March 20, 2012 11:06:40 PM GMT+05:30
To: prema2001@hotmail.com
Subject: Part II Course with Rohini Didi in Mira Road : Apr.28 - May1


Silence is the goal of all answers. Your soul is solidified silence and this solidified silence is wisdom, knowledge.
Only Silence is complete. "Sri Sri"


We are happy to inform you about 'Part II Course' with Rohini Didi in Mira Road.

Please find the details below :-
Program Dates : April 28 - May 1, 2012
Reporting Date : April 28, 2012 at 5.00 am Eligibility Criteria : Part-1 Program / YES!+
Venue: Swami Narayan Mandir Hall, Shanti Nagar, Sector 10, Mira Road
Donation: Rs 3500 Chq: VVKI
Contact: Prema - 9870424260 / Jusstine - 9867244888

Regards,
Prema / Jusstine

*********************************
From: Ram Kumar <rkiyer2000@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 7:06 AM
Subject: art of living--Eternity Process at chennai

Eternity Process
Eternity process at Adyar chennai on 23,24,25 march at new no 37,2nd avenue,sastrinagar,opp kovai paymudir nilayam,next to M.N.eye clinic.For details see below .Contact Mr srinivasan on 24912259,9840461040

The Eternity Process is a guided meditation which takes you through your previous lives.

A one-on-one session
Lasts for about two to three hours

How does the technique work?

The actions of body, our words, and our thoughts leave imprints on our consciousness The mind stores imprints in the form of Samskaras or impressions These impressions remain latent in the consciousness for a while before emerging as mental waves Mental waves produce desires, fears and other emotions Our past impressions carry weight and determine How well we can face the present moment How well we can live life to its full capacity, free from fears and negative emotions The eternity process cleanses a person of the past impressions What does the technique do Provides a tool to relive events that lie at the root of a pattern, mental or physical Provides a gateway to a vast, invaluable resource of information on previous times, places, and cultures Helps clear mental impressions that may block one's progress

The benefits

View past lives
Transform various impressions - negative or positive - in a calm space Emerge from our past impressions - more alive to the present moment and open to celebrating life

*****************************

From: Anuj Khanijau <anuj137@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 9:11 PM
Subject: LIVING WELL Course- An Art of Living Programme for patients of Diabetes and high BP.

DID YOU KNOW?
Every minute, six people die due to diabetes and its complications. India has an estimated 41-million diabetics, making it the "Diabetes Capital" of the world, set to increase to 70-million by 2025, 10-million more than China! A worrisome aspect is that the onset of diabetes & related health challenges is much earlier, hitting the productive segment of the population. Indians just seem to be more prone for diabetes and a host of related health challenges.


Besides proper control with medication, a more healthy, balanced diet, exercise, lifestyle changes are of paramount importance in managing diabetes. Pranayama, yogasana, & meditation have a prime role. In fact such lifestyle changes are irreplaceable in the daily regimen of a diabetic, & all those with diabetic history.

The "LIVING WELL" Workshop is an Art of Living Programme specially designed for patients with DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, and other lifestyle diseases.

It has been designed in partnership with DRFHE (Dr Reddy's Foundation for Health Education)

The 7 day workshop spread over 18-20 hrs, helps patients manage their chronic condition through a self management support system. Patients are shown various medical videos that give them an indepth knowledge of their disease. They learn physical exercises, pranayams and breathing exercises that help them cope with stress.

They are motivated powerfully to make healthier lifestyle changes.

Here is what a young diabetic had to say on completing the Course last month, " I felt my confidence return. I was able to let go of negative emotions. I feel much better physically and more energetic. I would strongly recommend this Course to other patients"

Course fees :Rs 2500/ ( For senior citizens and those who have done the Art of Living Crse, fees are Rs 1500/) Course Dates :26th March -1st April, 6am -9.30am

Venue: Ravindra Natya Mandir, P'devi

To register, call 9819182278
Pre registration is a must.

***********************************
From: Haritha Dommeti <hdommeti@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 8:30 PM
Subject: DSN in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC is blessed with the first Divya Samaj Ka Nirmaan(DSN) course by Patti Montella this March.

Divya Samaaj Ka Nirmaan - DO SOMETHING NOW!!!!

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.
Come experience this transformation with the upcoming DSN in Charlotte.

Dates: Mar 29th – April 1st
Reporting Time: Mar 29th evening 6:58pm
Venue: Art of Living Center, 8632 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28214 Limited housing available in local devotee homes on first come first served basis.

Check out what Guruji has to say about DSN course
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7DWdBhxMx0

The details and registration info can be found here -
http://secure.artofliving.org/course_details.aspx?course_id=11851

*********************************

From: Siddharth Telang <siddharth_telang@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 3:07 PM
Subject: Art Of Silence Course in DC with Philip Fraser from Apr 12 - 15


"Dear One's,

You are invited to Art of Silence Course (aka Part 2 Course) with Philip Fraser during the Apr 12 thru Apr 15 weekend in the DC Center.

The Art of Silence Course is a unique opportunity for all who have taken the Art of Living Course (Part 1 or Yesplus) to sink deep into knowledge & experience, facilitating the indescribable process of our own awakening.

Course Dates:
Course starts at 6 PM on Thursday (April 12, 2012), and ends at 6 PM on Sunday (April 15, 2012).

Early Bird Discount for Course Fee:
General: $400 = $200 for the course and $200 for Course Expenses (includes Food + Accommodation + other expenses)
Students: $275 = $75 for the Course and $200 for Course Expenses (includes Food + Accommodation + other expenses)

Course Fee:
General: $500 = $300 for the course and $200 for Course Expenses
Students: $350 = $150 for the Course and $200 for Course Expenses

Prerequisite:
Art of Living course or Yesplus course

Online Registration
http://secure.artofliving.org/course_details.aspx?course_id=11999

Venue
Sri Sri Center for Peace and Meditation (DC Center)
2401 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Contact Details:
Sid
siddharth_telang@yahoo.com
2697796374"

Siddhartha (Sid) Telang
sid@voxmedia.com
2697796374

**********************************
From: Ram Kumar <rkiyer2000@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 8:59 AM
Subject: Art of living --Yogathon--watch the videos

YOGATHON PROMO VIDEOS

VIDEO 1
http://youtu.be/PqY8FXbQtJM

VIDEO 2
http://youtu.be/5BkZGS5FXFM

ABOUT YOGATHON

Yogathon is an Art of Living's initiative to create awareness about yoga and create interest in its practice for a healthier living.

On the occasion of World Health Day, 7th of April, 2012, this "entry-free event" will be conducted all across India in schools, parks, colleges, stadiums, prisons, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, clubs and other venues. The event will be conducted in the morning from 6:00am to 7:30am and in the evening from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Participants can choose to participate in any one of the timings convenient to them.

YOGATHON CHALLENGE

This unique event, 'Yogathon Challenge' will inspire people to learn Surya Namaskar, participate to check how many rounds they can complete.
The Yogathon Challenge allows you to participate to the best of your ability. It challenges you to complete 54 sets (108 rounds) of Surya Namaskar and win a Gold Certificate.

**************************
Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 10:50 PM
Subject: Knowledge Sheet from Sri Sri...Life becomes worth living when we are of use to somebody
To: Vinay Girotra <girotrav@shriamba.com>


Islamabad, Pakistan

(Sri Sri visits Pakistan after seven years. Sri Sri reinstates his message of 'One World Family' and embraces the people of Pakistan, 'I feel so nice here; the people are so beautiful and so nice.'

He added, 'We need to create a new image for the country, that this country is also tolerant, we honor diversity, we acknowledge people from everywhere. This type of message should go out loud and clear.'

Read further on Guruji's interactions with the people of Pakistan.)

It is wonderful being with you all!

First of all let me congratulate all the teachers and volunteers for making this happen.

I would also like give my best wishes and compliments to all those people who worked hard. The YLTP youth who went and reached out to the people of Sindh who were affected by the floods a couple of years ago. I had the chance to speak to them over the phone while the work was happening, but now I would really like to congratulate them. Over a hundred thousand people were reached out to and trauma relief workshops were given, necessary amenities were given and houses were built.

The Art of Living family from around the globe also came forward to help and there was support from all over the world.

So we really demonstrated here that we are not alone, the whole world is our family. I am very glad and happy to see that being practically executed here.

My wish is more and more people become teachers here and see that every tear turns into a smile.

Today, the rate at which depression is rising cancer is increasing, heart problems are increasing, blood pressure is increasing.

Physical illnesses, social conflict, corruption, terrorism, all these ills are indication that somewhere we are missing the spiritual content. Somewhere we are missing that sense of belongingness. So Art of Living is committed to bringing that sense of belongingness into the society and well-being in the physical body, happiness in the mind and the heart and love for all in the soul.

Usually I say violence-free society, disease-free body, stress-free mind, inhibition-free intellect, trauma-free memory and sorrow-free soul. This is the birth right of every individual.

You know our intellect is inhibited. Usually people get so many ideas and they inhibit themselves. So we need to free ourselves from inhibitions. And we need to have an ego which encompasses all. Not just 'I' but 'We, the people of this world.'

So, with this vision of a violence-free society and a disease free body, Art of Living on one hand is very happy with whatever work it has done and at the same time it has a huge responsibility to bring peace and happiness to millions more. I am sure you will all do the job.

See, our life becomes worth living when we are of use to somebody. Help in kind and through substances is one thing, but that is not long lasting. Helping others with knowledge or wisdom so that they can know how to manage their mind and emotions and their inner being is greater.

It is like giving someone fishes when we can instead teach them how to fish.

There is a saying, 'There is no point in distributing fish to somebody, but instead teach them how to fish!'

This is exactly what Art of Living is doing - teaching people how to manage their own minds, their own emotions, their own concepts, their own limitations and how to come out of these limitations. Accept people as they are and accept the situations and change them for the better.

In all of South Asia, in America and even in Europe, one of the biggest problems we are facing today is corruption.

In India the Art of Living volunteers have done some wonderful work.

They have worked on three levels:

They have organized big satsangs. In satsangs I make the people take an oath not to give bribe or accept bribe. The second thing our volunteers have done is, they take a sticker saying, 'I don't take bribe', and put it on all the officers' desks. So our youths take this sticker and go and put it on their table. Nobody says, 'No I can't have this sticker on my desk.'

And when the sticker is there nobody gives them bribe.

So this is something we can do. Otherwise for a death certificate, for a birth certificate, for everything you have to give bribe. To get an electrical connection you have to pay so much money. So this is creating a revolution.

The third thing we are doing is asking the legislatures to have a very strong bill that would chuck the corruption and punish the guilty.

So here in Pakistan, I know there is a big wave coming up here also against corruption, because it is needed. Similar programs are being done in Russia and the same problem is there in Africa. A Civil society should rise up to the occasion and say 'NO' to corruption. And just by laws and legislations alone, this problem will not get solved. It can happen when there is spiritual transformation and people have a sense of belongingness. Corruption begins where belongingness ends. That is something that we all can focus on.

Then inter-faith harmony; allowing the diversities to be there. This education we have to give to people. There are so many sects of Islam, there are Sunnis, there are Shias and similarly there must be some Christians also, and some Hindus, some Sikhs. A bouquet of inter-faith wisdom and dialogue – this is what Art of Living stands for and we should encourage that.

Most important is you should keep smiling. Come what may, keep a smile!


Q: Guruji, how is this visit to Pakistan different from your last visit?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Last visit I was surrounded by security and I was only held up in the hotel. But in this visit, I am more with people, and I met 900 youth yesterday from FCC College and I had great interactions with them. They loved me and I loved them. We had a great program.
And I feel that there is a higher sense of peace now than before.

Q: Guruji, after you came back from FCC College, there was a very positive feedback from the students. They were all so happy and they felt so educated and enlightened. We are grateful to you for that.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I didn't find any difference between the enthusiasm of the students here and that of India, it was the same. So much enthusiasm and inquisitiveness, they have a willingness and openness to learn. It was amazing to see that.

Q: Guruji, there are a lot of people who have taken the course and somehow they have dropped off in-between. Is there a way in which they can remain associated with the course?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I think if there is a center then people will keep coming again. Also if there are some books or some knowledge tapes and some service activities then people will start coming.

Q: Guruji, even though we are from different parts of the world, our basics are the same. We all want peace and happiness. But what I feel is that we are working on the surface level and the core issues are not being addressed.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Well, first of all we need to identify what are the core issues. It is different in different parts of the world.
Somewhere it is poverty, somewhere it is wrong indoctrination, somewhere it is lack of opportunity for people, somewhere it is the selfishness of a few people who want for their selfish reasons to take hostage of the whole population.
But one thing that is common in all situations is basic ignorance of human values. If there is humanness in the people, then nobody can engage in violence, nobody can engage in corruption, nobody can engage in ruthless killing of civilians.
So basic human values need to be inculcated back into society. I know it is difficult, it is a huge task but it is not impossible. At least I don't like to believe it is impossible. So we should keep making our efforts to bridge the gap wherever we can and leave the rest to God.

Q: Guruji why are there more women in the Art of Living than men?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I think they are equal in number.
Today they look equal in number to me.
The Art of Living believes in women empowerment. They do things much better! That is what they expect men to say.

Q: Our country (Pakistan) is going through very difficult stage. As Art of Living people how do you see us resolving the current issues that we have, especially with our neighbors. We need to strengthen our ties with all our neighboring countries, India, Afghanistan and even Iran.
So how do you see this energy that has been created by Art of Living coming forth and helping?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The decision makers need to be in a calm and collective mode. If decision makers are in tension, they are suffocated or angry then they will project the same thing in their decisions.
So I would say the decision makers should really do some meditation and relax; especially when they have to take a very important and serious decision which will implicate a lot of people. They should think with a calm and serene mind. This is one thing.
So decision makers at every level and advisers.
The people who give advice they just give advice being very logical and the decision makers take a decision based on that advice. So both the advisers and the decision makers will have to take out some time and become very calm inside. Then the decision will be correct and supporting to the values of human life. This is one thing.
Second is, most of the trouble is created by rhetoric. It is just the fear that is getting created, 'Oh there is a danger, there is danger.'
So some people find importance in creating such dangerous situations. They should stop doing this. They should give more hope to people.
Do not paint the future very bleak, but give a bright hope to the future. That also will reduce the tension to a great extent.
So Art of Living can start educating people and engage in conflict resolution wherever it is possible.
I was saying earlier, I am ready to go and talk to the Taliban, and I want to talk to them, understand them and give them my opinion.
So we can definitely make a difference, and we should try again and again and again. Even if we have to try again a 100 times, we should not leave it.

Q: Guruji, at one time you were associated with the TM movement and then the Art of Living started around the 80s. Why did you feel the need to start the Art of Living?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, TM (Transcendental Meditation) also teaches meditation and they talk about world peace, no doubt!
I was in my teenage when I was giving many lectures there. So, when I was 24 I started Art of Living.
Art of Living is more universal, it is based on the breath and the philosophy is very different from TM's in some sense.
Of course we have Sahaj Samadi meditation which is very similar to TM.
But the Art of Living is different because we do a lot of social work which TM is not engaged in. We are more engaged in social service activities. And then the music and culture is also different. TM was more towards scientific research.
And this does not contradict any technique or any way of life because Art of Living is like water, whichever bowl you pour it in, it takes that shape.
So it is easily adoptable for any form of meditation.

Q: What is the role of media in promoting the cause of Art of Living?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, media can do a lot.
Media can highlight how much this can help people to get over depression, to get over conflicts at home, to bring people together. It has Health benefits, benefits in students' life, it can bring emotional comforts and conflicts between individuals and groups can be resolved.
So media can bring to peoples' attention all these things.

Q: How do we reach out to the Indian media and Pakistani media with all these benefits that the Art of Living can bring?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Indian media always covers this. We always find something in the Indian media throughout as Art of Living is so active. So, some of the activities come in Indian media.
Many militants in the North East region and also in the Maoist groups, when they did the course they dropped their arms and they dropped violence and they came to the main stream. All this news comes in the papers.
I think here also in Pakistan the media is spreading the information to people.
The media can really do some major changes here. It can play a very important role. For example, the media can play an important role in bringing peace talks between the Taliban and the other extremist groups; and second, in removing corruption and empowering people. And third would be to bring the positive news from both sides.
When people heard I am coming here, I had many people come and advise, 'Oh, don't go there now, there is so much danger; and don't go without your own body guard. Nobody is safe there and every day someone is getting killed.'
From media what the people hear is that there is only extremism and there is no tolerance, and there are bomb blasts every day. I said, 'No there is nothing like that. I have already decided that I want to go.'
Just yesterday night some of the top officials and some people from the government came to visit me and said, 'Guruji, please don't go.'
I said, 'Do not worry about my security, my security is somewhere else. Nobody can do anything to me, I will go.'

So media can play the role, for others to know that the people honor each other here and diversities are also accepted. They can play a role in bringing this news to people and also in promoting tourism.
There are many places here to see, Takṣaśila and other places. If you can promote tourism in this country it can bring so much revenue.
I want to tell you, Greece is a small country but it has 12 million people who visit every year. That is the tourism! India has 4 million people visit every year, and Pakistan I think is less than a few hundred thousand. Tourism is at its lowest over here. So Pakistan can improve their tourism industry. The country's economy will blossom.
Sri Lanka did that recently. Sri Lanka's economy has grown so much as a result.
Do you know what did they do? They took over all those sites connected with the epic Ramayana, and revived them as tourist sites. Nobody knew till about 10 years back that such sites existed. Now the tourism is flooding into Sri Lanka, and they have made very nice arrangements with amphibian planes, boats; for everything they have made arrangements.
Thailand is also a small country, but tourism there is great.
Bali is a tiny island but it thrives on tourism.
So news papers can encourage tourism. A lot of Buddhists will come here from China, Japan and Korea. Hindus from India will come to see Gandhar, Takṣaśila and all these. So it can boost the economy in a very constructive way. That is something that you can do.
After this movie Chanakya in India, everybody thinks about Gandhar.
Have you heard about Chanakya? Chanakya was a great minister and a very intelligent man from Takṣaśila. He was the one who was responsible for Chandragupta Maurya's kingdom.
Chanakya picked up a very poor boy from here (Chandragupta Maurya) and made him an emperor of the whole continent.
He had also written a book called Arthaśāstra, which is on economy and even today it is being taught in management schools in India. It is a very beautiful treaty on economics.
So they all are from this place (Pakistan).
Ayurveda also was born in Pakistan and so was Yoga. The first Yoga teachings were done in Pakistan. So Pakistan should own this ancient cultural heritage and then you can have a huge tourism industry and prosperity will come.

Q: How does it feel to come here to Pakistan?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It is completely different now. I have interacted with the youth and I find the same enthusiasm and the same sense of belongingness like the youth in India. All the people here, you are all educated and I do not find any sort of close mindedness at all.
What I am saying is the projection is wrong. The media is like that; they pick and project only those pockets where there is trouble and problems.
So we need to create a new image for the country, that this country is also tolerant, we honor diversity, we acknowledge people from everywhere. This type of message should go out loud and clear.
Then what will happen is Pakistan's tourism will improve and that will bring a big economic boost as well.
I feel so nice here; the people are so beautiful and so nice. This is the message that needs to go to the world, that there is so much love amongst the people here. And my visit here is going to carry this message to India and it is going to create a big wave.
The media has already taken this message that Guruji has been welcomed there and the people are very happy and Guruji is very happy. This message is going to bring the two countries much closer.

Similarly I was saying that the medicine for the 21st century medicine is Ayurveda and it belongs to Pakistan. It was born here.
Ayurveda, the materia medica of all the herbs (which herb is used for what) was written in Takṣaśila. The university here used to have 10,000 students from all over the world, they used to come and study there. Unfortunately Ayurveda is not used in the place where it was born. India and all over in the world they are reaping the benefits of Ayurveda and I think Pakistan should also focus on it and get it back.

(Sri Sri Ravi Shankar demonstrating Shakti Drops. An Ayurvedic medicine by Sri Sri Ayurveda) You know a drop of poison can destroy your body. When a drop of poison can destroy a mass of 70 kilos, a drop of nectar can also work to strengthen it.
So this is (Shakti Drops) a combination of three herbs distilled in water which boosts your immune system so much that your body gains power.
It is really unbelievable. Right?
In the morning if you put 3 to 4 drops in water and drink, you feel very energetic. During exam time if you just rub a little on your skin you will be able to stay awake for another two hours without getting tired.
Similarly, there is one more product called Ojasvita which is like bournvita. It is made up of seven herbs and these seven herbs are so good for our brain and nervous system. If you take a cup of it then you will feel so good and so alive.
How many doctors are here? You should go to our website and see our Ayurveda Hospital. At our hospital, there is a technique to pull out a tooth without a drop of blood, without anesthesia and no pain.
Similarly pulse diagnosis; the doctor will catch hold of your pulse and will give you a complete history of what has happened to your health in just a few seconds. You do not have to go through an x-ray machine.
These are the specialties of Ayurveda, and what I want to tell you is Yoga and Ayurveda were born here in Pakistan.
Unfortunately nobody knows about it here. Many people do not know about all the systems of medicine. Ayurveda can be very useful for people.

Q: Guruji, if we are taking any allopathic medicines, will it have any side effects to take Ayurveda along with it?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: No! The beauty of the Ayurvedic medicines is that there are no side effects and they do not contradict any other medicine.

Q: How do we know Ayurveda has no side effects?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It has been time tested.
That is the beauty of herbology. If you take any medication through herbs, they do not have side effects. All the herbal medicines in the world, if you go through their webpage, they do not have any side effects, but if you take any of the herbs in excess it may not be good for you.
Like for example Triphala, is very good and it has no side effects but if you take too much of Triphala you will have diarrhea, but you cannot term that as a side effect.

Q: Guruji, do desires lead to pain?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Desires need not lead to pain.
Some desires, when you want to fulfill them but you do not have enough energy and you can't fulfill them, then they give you pain.

Q: What is success?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Success could be different for different people. To me success is the smile that you have on your face. If nobody can take the smile away from you, I will call you successful. And the confidence that you have to face any challenge is another measure of your success.

Q: What is love?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Look into the eyes of an innocent child and see, that is love! Come back home to your pet dog, see how it wags its tail and jumps all over you, that is love!
And when you have fallen in love with someone and you are remembering them, look at your face in the mirror and see! You will find the same love in your own eyes. Love is such that it makes even a stone melt.
Just like how our body is made of amino acids, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins; our consciousness is made of love and beauty.

Q: What is ego?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Ego is that which destroys love. You can overcome ego by being natural, just like how you are right now!

Q: How to explain this restlessness in my heart which arises when I feel 'Who am I?' and 'Why am I here?'
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This is very good! This longing is very necessary in life. This longing will uplift you.
Who am I? What is all this? Why am I here?
These are beautiful questions, be with them. Do not ask anyone for the answer, just keep asking yourself.
When you ask these questions and rest within your inner self, then you will see that you are light, which is everywhere and in everyone. You will also feel that you have no boundary. We usually think the mind is inside the body. No! The body is inside the mind.
Your mind is there up to one foot around you. Like in a candle, the wick is there and then the flame, right. Similarly, our body is like the wick of a candle and the mind is like the flame all over it. A bio-energy is there all over our body. That is why when you touch something it works, like your touch screens.
20 years ago if you had told people that just by touching an iPad will work, nobody would have believed you.
Nobody would have believed you that just by touching a phone would work or a screen would open. They would say, 'Come on, do not be foolish.'
Today, there is an advanced technology that only if you touch it will open. If someone else touches it, it will not open. So that means every one of us carries a particular energy, particular vibration. Have you heard about this? There are biometric locks that have your energy in it and only when you put your hand it will open. Someone else puts their hand it will not open.
So technology has come so close to the ancient thought that everybody is energy. We all are bio-energy and we all have a lot of abilities within us.

Q: Why don't yogis marry?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: There is no rule that they should not marry, but they become like children again and child marriage is prohibited.

Q: What is tension?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I do not know. May be you should ask people who are stuck in traffic who have an urgent plane to catch, they will tell you what is tension.

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