In February 1997, I found myself entering a hall for a program that would alter the course of our lives. Next to the instructor’s chair was a portrait of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living. A face that had subtly beckoned me over a year ago had resurfaced, weaving its way into my life.
The backdrop to this moment was the challenging recovery of my husband, who had suffered a paralytic stroke and falciparum malaria eight months prior. The toll on both of us was immense. Pushed into the Art of Living program by my concerned parents, little did we know that it held the promise of a profound transformation.
As the program unfolded, the Sudarshan Kriya, a transformative Art of Living technique, marked a turning point. During the second part of the Kriya, a torrent of emotions overwhelmed me — tears of frustration turned into a rush of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. The experience was surreal.
On the fourth day, during the sharing of experiences, my husband, who had struggled with a severe stammer and physical weakness, stood up. To my disbelief, he spoke in complete sentences with only a slight stammer, a stark contrast to his condition just days ago. His transformation left me in awe, tears streaming down my face.
Since that pivotal day almost a quarter of a century ago, Gurudev’s grace has been a guiding force. Countless instances, both big and small, have showcased his presence in our lives. In a state of total surrender, we continue to feel the flow of his transformative grace, grateful for the healing touch that altered the trajectory of our journey.
In Devotion to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gurudev's Silent Gift: A Thought Manifested
