This happened in 2022, when I was searching for a bride for my son.For me, Gurudev has always been everything.As I didnt not have elders at home with whom I could share my thoughts, seek guidance, or simply confide in.
In May 2024, I get a ping from Priyanka, my VTP batch-mate, at 8:00 pm. She says,a Utkarsha Yoga teacher needs a female volunteer for a course starting the next day.The person who had originally signed up to volunteer had to travel at the last minute.At lightning speed, my mind cooked up five excuses : too short a notice,I don’t knowanything about Uttkarsh Yoga, my kids have exams, I have many meetings, it’s too far….Well, not even one was true!So I agreed to volunteer and showed up at the course.
My experience with female inmates of the PrisonSMART program was an eye opener for me to live the knowledge ‘ You are made up of a substance called Love.
Those were the days when Vishalakshmi mantap was getting completed. In parallel, lots of other buildings were also getting finished. I was given to build 40 rooms for accommodation and my own labour strength was around one hundred.
There are moments in Seva that quietly transform your understanding of life. One such moment unfolded for me during a recent prison course.
My first experience of Advanced Meditation Program nearly three decades ago was where I had recognised the connection with my Master and felt healed at different levels.The impact was so very deep that I truly became a ‘
I recently completed assisting my first prison course at Gurugram District Jail, and my experience feels like nothing short of a series of miracles.
On 18 December 2020, I had an experience during one of my online Sri Sri Sanskar Kendra programs that strengthened my faith in Gurudev’s grace.
It was December 2009. I had been associated with The Art of Living for about four years and was eagerly looking forward to attending an Advanced Meditation Program in the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji in Rishikesh.
The project that I am completing, 500 kms away from Bangalore in Tamil Nadu, in the middle of no where is now getting ready for inauguration on 27th June.
It was in the 1990s I first felt a deep connection with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji. HIS articles in the column ‘The Speaking Tree’, had a deep impact and I could easily resonate with them.
After doing many beautiful Art of Living programs, I first heard about Shakti Kriya. I didn’t know much about it, but the word Kriya itself stirred something within me.
The year was 2010. Back then I was living in California. I was preparing to run my first marathon. After sixteen weeks of disciplined training, I felt both excited and nervous.
My longing to do Sanyam 2 was getting intense over the past couple of years. Gurudev kept emphasising that everyone must experience Sanyam.
Gurudev says, “I know your heart. Sometimes better than you do.” I remember being at an event with Gurudev, in New York City.
This time India trip was eventful and full of surprises. I almost had a miraculous escape from life! March 4th was my father’s first memorial (tithi).
Between 2007 and 2023, I taught in inner-city middle schools in New York City, working primarily with children with disabilities.In classrooms that often carried noise, restlessness, and emotional weight, I was always searching for something that could help my students regulate themselves — something deeper than behavior charts and discipline systems.
My mental health and wellness journey began with a wound – through heartbreak and chaos. I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder/ Bipolar disorder at the age of 22.
By Varun Chelwani I’ve always had a deep love for cars. So, I decided to buy a second-hand one. After a bit of searching, I found a Ford from a dealer that seemed to have all the best features.
By Leela Ramesh It is 1 PM and time to cook some hot rice for lunch. I look for rice in its usual container.
The inmate had been in jail for nearly three years. During his time there, He took the course a couple of times and regularly attended follow-up sessions.
By Sonia Mehta In March 2025, Gurudev visited Faridabad for Pearl of Wisdom 2.0. The moment He entered the venue, something stirred deep within me.
In July 2019, I was attending the DSN program in Pune. As part of the course requirement, we had to prepare and bring along something for breakfast on the last day.
In the year 2006, at the age of 22, I had just wrapped up a long night shift and was on my way home, utterly exhausted and eager to rest.
Jai Gurudev! I am 57 years of age now. In 2009, I was attacked by Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a disease which hits one’s nervous system and leaves one totally paralyzed.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have embarked on the spiritual path at the tender age of 12, when most children my age were busy navigating the challenges of adolescence.
By Ramesh Menon From guzzling beers to teaching The Art of Living in Maharashtra. From bars to ashram, RAMESH MENON narrates his life story that took a U-turn when His Guru came into his life.
Jai Gurudev, Back in 2020, my family was almost shattered by the devastating news of my mother’s diagnosis of a deadly disease.
Jai Gurudev, I am Babita. I have been struggling with a health condition that makes walking and climbing stairs very difficult compared to a normal human being.
I had a strong urge to touch Gurudev’s physical feet and take his blessings for several days. The urge to touch Gurudev’s feet and take his blessings grew with every passing day.
Jai Gurudev, 🙏🏻😊 My journey began long ago, and I was nobody until my Guru found me. From the day he decided to lift me, he never let me fall again.
Jai Gurudev, As everyone knows, Guruji holds a special place in everyone’s heart. However, when it comes to meeting him, you might think he has millions of followers above you, and wonder how you would ever get the chance to meet him.
I was on the lookout for the Art of Living Basic course, as it was called then, in 2007, but I couldn’t find the center, which was just a kilometer away from me (😇).
Jai Gurudev 🙏 I am Sudeshna Mukerji, originally from Kolkata, India, and now living in Amsterdam. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Parampoojya Gurudev for extending four years of life to my husband.
It was the year 2009… I was in San Francisco, USA, employed at the time with one of India’s big IT companies and on an assignment as a Business Analyst for one of the large US-based banks.
That special day when she waited in the hot sun for her Guru with Payasam in hand and the wait went on too long…
What does it take for a left-brain, sceptic couple to turn around and follow a spiritual leader like Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for over two decades?
“Not a single scratch on my body despite such a steep fall! It was a moment of reckoning; a feeling of deep gratitude was all I felt,”
One of the most common phrases we hear in AOL is, “Gurudev does everything; we are just in name.” I had been ill for a long time, one illness after another, bedridden, etc.
I was a hard-core criminal, committing serious crimes one after the other. I was arrested with arms in Delhi and was sent to Tihar jail where I was introduced to the Art of Living program.
He showed me the truth that Guru is a caring essence, and that no matter how busy things around Him get, He knows.
GURUDEV Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji told me: “Mere saath kya guilt? All I want from my teachers and volunteers is to be happy and be active.”
In the year 2020, amid the pandemic, online courses became the norm, and digital divinity began to permeate everywhere. Gurudev convened a Zoom meeting involving Trustees, Swamijis, Advance Meditation program teachers, and DSN teachers.
Guru Brahma, Gurur Vishnuh, Gurur devo Maheshwarah, Guruhu SAKSHAAT PARABRAHMA, tasmay shree Gurave namah 🙏 Reflecting on my relationship with Gurudev, I realize that it transcends mere words.
I had the profound opportunity to engage in a one-on-one conversation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an experience that filled me with immense comfort and joy.
Jai Gurudev! I am Prajwal from Nepal, and I want to share with you the remarkable journey that led me to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living.
Memories flood my mind as the awaited day finally arrives—Darshan on 24 Jan 2023 at 4:45 pm in Radha Kunj. Ramesh remains calm, immersed in his Adult Coloring Book, while I buzz around, eagerly preparing for the moment.
Jai Gurudev, Over a decade ago, during a sojourn in Jaipur to teach Art of Living courses, an unforeseen incident unfolded, revealing Gurudev’s presence in the most unexpected form.
Jai Gurudev, A profound desire stirred within me—to attend the Advance Course with Gurudev on Shivratri. Simultaneously, a family dilemma lingered as my niece, also an Art of Living teacher, was about to embark on her marital journey.
You’ve seen those gripping tales on the news or in movies—near-death experiences that seem distant from your own reality. Until one day, it becomes your story.
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.
The Master ensures that fun and chaos go hand in hand. Fun alone is akin to plain vanilla; it’s not His style to serve His devotees anything less than a rich blend of both.
In 2010, I had the profound privilege of meeting Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the Bangalore International Ashram. This divine encounter had an unforeseen consequence: my husband, Pritam Mahadik, and I became an Art of Living teacher, which was an incredible blessing.
Meeting Gurudev was a lifelong dream, one that had eluded me despite attending his darshans from a distance. The desire to speak to him, to express my deep connection, remained unfulfilled until June 2023.
In December 2009, I embarked on a journey that would forever change my life. Having been a part of the Art of Living community for just over four years, I was eager to attend an advanced course in Rishikesh, in the divine presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
The year was 2001, and I was supposed to travel to Kuwait from Abu Dhabi to teach the Sudarshan kriya course, the Basic Course.
कृपा ही केवलम,कृपा ही केवलम। कृपा ही केवलम, शरण्ये। शरणागतहम, शरणागतहम। शरणागतहम, शरण्ये।। जय गुरु शरणम, जय गुरु शरणम। जय गुरु शरणम, शरण्ये।। जय गुरुदेव!!!
I discovered the Art of Living in 2017 when I attended a Happiness Program in my college. At first, I was simply looking for a new experience, but what I gained from the workshop was beyond my expectations.
When I first met Gurudev, I saw him on stage at an advanced course I was attending. Though I couldn’t quite fathom who or what he was, I admired the wisdom of his words and his humor and was filled with gratitude for the practices and knowledge with which he had transformed my life.
As a seeker of both spirituality and worldly success, my journey has been a mixed bag of confusion and clarity. I’ve tried various paths, sometimes moving forward with triple speed, and sometimes getting nowhere.
I picked up the bad habit of smoking during my university days. While I enjoyed it for a few years, later it became a troublesome and sticky habit that was taking a toll on my body and mind.
I started my Art of Living (AOL) journey about 10-11 years ago. Before AOL, I had tried yoga and basic reiki but couldn’t find the depth I was looking for.
I recently completed my first Advanced Course at the Bangalore Ashram, and it was also my first time visiting the ashram.
In November 2003, I was busy preparing for the GRE and planning to apply for universities in the USA. When I learned about Gurudev’s visit to Calcutta, I hesitated to attend the event as I didn’t want to lose valuable study time.
When I first saw Gurudev in 1994, I had already been practicing Sudarshan Kriya for a few years. I was then following the guidance of another guru.
On August 15th, 2012, I joined The Art of Living in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The six-day YES!+ course changed my life entirely, and I credit my success and personal growth to the organization.
Since childhood, I had always dreamt of getting into IIM Ahmedabad, but my attempts to clear the entrance exam had been unsuccessful.
I was at a crossroads in my career. Despite my best efforts, I wasn’t making any progress, with no promotions or prospects on the horizon.
It was my first Guru Purnima course, held in Lake Tahoe in 1999, where I experienced 8 days of silence and deep meditations in Gurudev’s presence.
Hi, I am Shreya, an HR professional. I did the Sudarshan Kriya workshop in 2010, and it has been a profound experience for me.
I have been associated with AOL since October 2008, and in these past few months, my experience has been nothing short of great.
I was going through a very difficult time and used to pray to Krishna, talking to him all the time. One day, out of anger, I asked why he was hiding and why he didn’t come to save me from all my worries.
I have been a devoted follower of the Art of Living since 2013, living in Noida. However, in 2016, my life took a turn for the worst.
Since 2016, I have been attached to the Art of Living (AOL) and I have noticed many positive changes in myself.
I was at a crossroads in my career. Despite my best efforts, I wasn’t making any progress, with no promotions or prospects on the horizon.
After my mother underwent a major gallbladder surgery, she repeatedly expressed her desire to attend an advance course at Gurudev’s ashram.
Certain things in life happen unknowingly and without any explicit effort. Knowing about Gurudev for the first time was one such incident for me.
From the time we were married, my husband and I dreamt of building a beautiful, old fashioned house we call Thotti Mane’
I was part of the core-seva group that organized the Kathopnishad in Los Angeles in April 2010. At the same time, my mother was fighting blood cancer in India.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an advanced course with Gurudev in Washington DC. While sightseeing before the course, I felt drawn to a Kashmiri shop at the Union Station.
As an ardent devotee of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji, I find it almost impossible to express the inexpressible. But today, on the occasion of Guru Purnima, I feel compelled to sing the glory of the Guru Principle and the immeasurable love and compassion of my beloved Gurudev.
I signed up for part 2 after my friend encouraged me to do so. Additionally, with Gurudev visiting Houston, I was curious to find out who this person was that had such a significant influence on people’s lives.
Dearest Gurudev, I take this golden opportunity to express my gratitude to you on Gurupurnima! Gurudev, you came into my life when I needed you the most.
I used to be an atheist and firmly believed that science alone created the world without the intervention of any god or guru.
Walking up the interlocked concrete roads, uphill, from the parking lot and past the divine stores, I am out of breath when I finally reach this sacred place.
Once in June 2014, as I walked from my room to the amphitheater for the evening Satang at the Art of Living Bangalore ashram, I stopped on the way as I noticed Gurudev’s car parked outside a hall which was under construction.
If I too can be a blade of grass under his feet, in his long journey and walks of thousands of miles, I would be content.
I was attending a 7-day Advanced Meditation Program with Bhagavad Gita Live discourse by Gurudev at our Bangalore Ashram. As I made my way to Saraswathi Hall for the Gita session, my mind and heart were at war.
It’s difficult to put into words how much the Sudarshan Kriya has changed my life. Since learning this spiritual practice, I’ve experienced a profound transformation.
My name is Uthama Shankar, and I am a teacher by profession and a proud mother of two lovely kids. In 2005, my brother introduced me to the Art of Living Program, which I enjoyed immensely.
I was not mainly a devotee of Guruji, but on December 26, 2013, I lost my brother-in-law to mouth cancer. My sister was grieving, as was my entire family.
I did the Happiness Program in 2004, and I started attending the weekly follow-up sessions after the course. I always had a soothing, peaceful feeling each time, and there was a natural cheerfulness and feeling of being healthy at all levels, even if I wasn’t mindfully aware of it.
I walk all the way from the parking lot, crossing stores on the interlocked concrete roads, climbing uphill till I reach the divine abode and have to catch my breath.
On 16th June, I got a missed video call, from an unknown number at 9:10 PM. I saw the profile picture, a young devotee, a selfie picture with Gurudev.
One November morning, 25 years ago, my dearest Gurudev stretched his hand out and with gentleness, patience, love, and compassion, led me home and since then he has let me explore the world inside out without letting go off my hand….
Tears of Gratitude are always flowing from my eyes. My whole life is wrapped in Guru’s grace. Words are not enough to describe what I experience each moment!
Words fail when I sit down to write about my overwhelming gratitude towards my Guru, Poojya Gurudev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, whom we lovingly call “Guruji” across the globe.
I visited Mumbai ( then called Bombay) for a wedding when I was 18. It was monsoon season and in the mornings about 20 of us would gather around a blazing pump kerosine stove waiting for hot tea to be served in cup and saucer.
Jai Gurudev, My wife and I met in Art Of Living, and it was always our dream to get married at the Art of Living International Center Bengaluru, in Gurudev’s presence.
