From Bars to Ashrams
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.
A Journey of Faith and Healing
Jai Gurudev, Back in 2020, my family was almost shattered by the devastating news of my mother’s diagnosis of a deadly disease.
Finding Strength Through Gurudev’s Grace
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.
Embraced by Grace: A Journey from Gaya to Enlightenment
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.
Gurudev’s connection is beyond 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.
Guided by Grace
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.
Embracing the Divine Dance from the back door
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.
A Divine Intervention: Surviving the Unthinkable
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.
When Divine Chaos Unfolds
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.
मेरे गुरुदेव शुद्ध तत्व हैं
नमस्कार, मेरा नाम नमिता कुमारी है। मैं सेल सिटी रांची की रहने वाली हूं। मैं MCA Final Year की छात्रा हूं। मैंने एक साल तक Heavy Engineering Corporation में भी काम किया है साथ ही साथ मेरी पढ़ाई भी जारी रही। मैंने Happiness Program 2016 में किया था, और उसके बाद मैंने अपने भीतर ही बहुत बड़ा परिवर्तन देखा। मैंने ये अनुभव किया कि मेरी क्षमता और भी पहले से बेहतर होती जा रही है। मेरी Close Friend ने मुझे course suggest किया था इस के बारे में बताया था, और ये मेरे लिए काफी फायदेमंद रह। इतने सालों में तो मेरा अनुभव बेहतरीन रहा है, बोहोत से गुरु Stories भी रहे है, (गुरु Stories उनको कहा जाता है जब हम कोई मुसीबत या ऐसी परिस्थिति में होते जब हमें लगता है अब कुछ भी ठीक नहीं हो सकता सबकुछ खराब हो गया, और ठीक तब ही हमें गुरु का अनुभव मिलता है, और उसके बाद अचानक से सबकुछ पहले से और भी बेहतर होने लगता है।) मुझे अपने गुरु के होने का आभास है, वो शुद्ध तत्व हैं, वो हम सब में है और सबके साथ है। मैं हमेशा से एक समाज सेवक के रूप में काम करना चाहती थी , और Art Of Living एक बेहतरीन Platform है, जहां हम सभी स्वतंत्र रूप से सीख तो सकते ही है , साथ ही प्रशिक्षण प्राप्त करने के बाद सिखा भी सकते है। मैं सुदर्शन किर्या के बारे में बताना चाहूंगी जो कि एक सांस की प्रक्रिया है , जिससे लोगों को उनके सामान्य जीवन जीने में एक अलग तरह का उत्साह मिलता है, और उसके साथ ही अच्छा स्वास्थ्य, अच्छा मन, अच्छा विचार एक साथ महसुस किया जाता है। बहुत से लोगों के जीवन में बहुत से बदलाव आए हैं और ऐसे लोग जो पहले बोहोत परेशान हुआ करते थे वो अब वो दूसरो की सहायता करते हैं, समाज सवा करते हैं वो भी खुले मन से। सुदर्शन किर्या हमें भीतर से स्वतंत्र करता है , मजबूत करता है और सशक्त बनाता है, ताकि हम एक अहिंसा, जनकल्याण, एवं मन से स्वतंत्र सामाज स्थापित कर सके। मैं आप सभी से निवेदन करती हु कि अपना किमती वक्त निकालकर ज़रूर से इस Happiness Program को करें। इस मूल्यवान जीवन की महत्ता को समझते हुए, थोड़ा ध्यान अपनी सांसों की भी तरफ ले जाए। धन्यवाद।
The Art of Living: A Life-Changing Journey
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.
The Power of Love: Meeting Gurudev
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.
The Transformative Power of The Art of Living
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.
Gurudev Remembered My Dream
Since childhood, I had always dreamt of getting into IIM Ahmedabad, but my attempts to clear the entrance exam had been unsuccessful.
A Miracle Encounter with Gurudev
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.
My Mother’s Dream Fulfilled by Gurudev’s Grace
After my mother underwent a major gallbladder surgery, she repeatedly expressed her desire to attend an advance course at Gurudev’s ashram.
TV Connection
Certain things in life happen unknowingly and without any explicit effort. Knowing about Gurudev for the first time was one such incident for me.
Welcome Home!
From the time we were married, my husband and I dreamt of building a beautiful, old fashioned house we call Thotti Mane’
The Gifted Shawl
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.
Grateful Devotee’s Message to Gurudev on Gurupurnima
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.
A Blade of Grass for the Divine
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.
Arjuna Vishada Yoga
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.
Finding Peace and Joy through Meditation
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.
Gratitude and Happiness
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.
The missed video call.
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.
The Palki
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
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!
With Smiles Of Gratitude
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.
My cup of grace is overflowing..
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.
Gurudev’s Love is Boundless
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.
A memorable trip to the source of the Self
My name is Francis D’Souza. I did my Art Of Living course in August 2017. I’m now teaching Yoga full-time and serving society.
He Would Never Let Me Fall
It was the year 2017. I was supposed to travel to Jalgaon and Chopada districts in Maharashtra to teach the first ever Spine Care Course conducted in that region.
Through the Master’s Eyes
Once Guruji was returning to the German Ashram from Caracas, Venezuela. However, due to unavailability of a direct flight to Frankfurt, he landed in Paris before going to the Ashram.
He is Watching Over!
Few months ago while traveling in the local train in Mumbai, a lady who was seated next to me asked me to lend an extra pair of earrings to her, if I had any!
Be Careful What You Wish For, It Might Just Come True!
After two months since I completed the Art of Living Happiness program, my teacher insisted to do the Advanced course at the Bangalore Ashram.
I received the greatest assistance when I needed it the most
I am Manisha and I have been an Art of Living devotee since 2015. My life has become full of happiness and joy after becoming a part of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vision of a One World Family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam).
The Passport for my Journey on this Planet
When Gurudev was in Denver, I took a last-minute trip to meet him. I loved the entire event and I was extremely grateful that I got this opportunity to be with Him.
The Power of Surrender
Gurudev always says the Divine is dwelling inside you and He takes care of you. I decided to test this phenomena in an experiential way.
How Gurudev looked after my whole journey to the Berlin World Cultural Festival
In July 2011, Gurudev had announced the ‘World Cultural Festival’ to be held at Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. The event would mark 30 years since the foundation of The Art of Living.
How I Spread Happiness in the world with Sri Sri’s Knowledge!
I recently conducted a follow-up session at a center in Pune. After the follow-up, I told the following story which I heard in Narad Bhakti Sutra: “Once a saint visits a city.
Faith in the Guru Led Me To My Dream Job
After taking a one year break from work, I was eager to get back to my career. I was searching for a well-suited job.
The Power of Panchkarma, Meditations, and Sri Sri’s Blessings
I was not really a part of the Art of Living family or a devotee but thanks to the miracle I experienced recently, it has made me want to be a part of this family.
The Decision to do the Art of Living Course Saved me from Depression
Art of Living came into my life at a time when I needed it the most. I was in a totally miserable condition.
How my Life Found True Meaning After my First Art of Living Course
At the age of 44, I happened to be an unfortunate victim of a deadly disease, Leukemia. Its treatment with modern day medicines had made me a 90% dead man.
Sri Sri’s Presence and Grace Itself is the Biggest Miracle
It has been quite a while since I’ve been wanting to write about my experiences with Art of Living and having Sri Sri as a Guru.
Sri Sri’s Blessings Turned All My Wishes into Reality
I am a Hindu woman who got married in 1995 to a Parsi man. We had a court marriage. Now, we have two children who follow both our religions.
Guru Purnima Special: Celebrating Life with the Guru of Joy
I did my Art Of Living basic course 7 years back in Mumbai. It has been the best experience of my life.
Sri Sri’s Blessings are Always There to Guide Me to the Right Path
I have always felt connected to Sri Sri, even before meeting him. After my 12th grade exams, I visited the Art of Living International Center in Bangalore with my family.
Sri Sri’s Guidance Will Always Lead You to Happiness
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was visiting the United States in the summer of 2015 when I met him at the Newark airport in New Jersey.
The Act of Selfless Seva
I recently did the Art of Silence Course (Mar 19 – 22, 2015) with the absolutely brilliant and awesome teacher Percyji.
His Mysterious Ways
This was during Gurudev's recent visit to the Boone Ashram in U.S., in Dec 2014. One day, during an argument, my twelve year-old son said "Nobody loves me". I told him, "Daddy and I love you". He still looked dejected. So I said "When you feel like that, remember Guruji loves you". He said "But Guruji does not even know who I am!". At Boone, we'd attend the Satsangs at evenings. Guruji spent a lot of time during those five days, answering questions and giving knowledge.
With Love and Gratitude
Guruji's presence in my life has always been so unspectacular, yet, always so profound and deep. His grace in my live is immeasurable and yet so subtle. Recently, after a very hectic schedule of late nights and early mornings, we (my wife, my 4 year old daughter and I ) were returning from Dubai to Abu Dhabi after attending Rishi Vidhyadharji's morning Sadhana.In about 10 minutes from the time I actually touched the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway, I started feeling sleepy. As Priyanka, my wife and Avni, my daughter, too were tired, they dozed off a little later and I kept driving to be on time for a meeting at Abu Dhabi.
Noise to Silence
Noise to Silence, Spoiled Teenager to Youth Leader, From a Rough Stone to Polished Diamond, yes, that's the Miraculous journey of Kapil Bhatia, a 27 Years Young Dynamic Art of Breathing Workshop and Yes Plus Teacher from a very small island which is even hard to see on a globe, but, when drop meets the ocean it’s no longer a single drop, it itself becomes the ocean.
The Power Of The Present
I was in dire need to do an Advance course but something or the other would keep coming up. I was praying to Gurudev for it and then Blessings came to me in many forms. I happened to get the opportunity, this Gurupoornima, in the form of Kamalashile Gurupoornima Special Advance course. Kamalashile is a tranquil, beautiful village with dense forests and amazing waterfalls located in Mangalore. Our course venue was Sri Brahmi Durga Parmeshwari temple on the banks of a beautiful river in Kamalashile. Eight days spent in those surroundings were the most blessed and serene days of my life as they were soaked silence, meditation, knowledge, seva, satsang, homas, poojas, tears of gratitude tasty food made with lots of love by the volunteers, amazing people, sound of the flowing rivers and rain that never stopped, Chaya Aana (our course teacher) and Gurudev (whose presence could be felt every second). As every drop of rain fell and mother earth received love, I went into a deeper state of meditation.
Guru Purnima Special: Greatness of my Guru
The most beautiful memory of Gurudev is that of the one with my father. My father was a Gurupooja Pundit. He completed the Gurupooja course in 2006, and I followed in 2007. Before that I completed the TTC (Teacher’s Training Course). Papa (father) was devoted to chanting many verses daily and he believed in Guruji immensely. In May 2012 papa was taken ill. It started out gradually with swellings in his feet, but his condition did not improve over time. The doctors said it might be a problem with his liver, but they couldn’t put a finger on exactly what it was. We decided to visit the Ayurveda Hospital first. My brother took him there. He underwent treatment for 6 days – various cleansing procedures. During this time, I was at my Sahej TTC (teachers training course). So in May he was at the hospital and when he came back he was slightly better than before. We all visited Srinathji (a temple) in Rajasthan (a state in India); my father believed in Srinathji very strongly too. After that he went with my brother and his family to Kumbalgarh (a fort). On his way back from there he suffered from a phase of disorientation. We admitted him to the hospital and he was diagnosed with a malfunctioning liver. The doctors and we were contemplating certain paths of treatment including blood transfusion.
Angel in Disguise
This is another story of my Guru's Miracle which has strengthened my faith in Him. My family and I came to the US just a few days back. As we were new to the place, there were a lot of apprehensions in mind, which were causing me a lot of tension and stress. But this was a part of travelling to a new place, so I accepted it and surrendered all my fears to Gurudev. The next day of our stay, my 2.5 year old son had to be dropped to his Day Care Centre, before I and my husband would head to complete our work. This Centre was around 5-6 miles away from our home, but since we were new to the city, we were not aware of the routes, and were not able to locate the Centre. So my husband took some assistance from the GPS on his mobile phone. At the time, we didn't have a car and my husband was using his bicycle to drop my son. In spite of trying for a while, he still wasn't able to find the route and seemed to have lost his way. After about 1 hour, when I called my husband, he was still on the road, with no clue of the way. This news really got me worked up. I wanted to help my husband, but knew not how to, as I myself did not know the ways well. So I decided to pray to my Master and seek for help. This was my only resort in this helpless situation. I did my Kriya, with hope and faith in my heart. I then sincerely prayed to Guruji and pleaded Him to show my husband the right path.
Alcohol Deaddiction
I visited the Bangalore Ashram in August 2011, where I got an opportunity to see our beloved Guruji. There was something mesmerizing about Him. His presence felt just so divine. His being was not that of a human. I felt as though I was in a different world, a world of peace and bliss. A world that seemed like heaven on earth. And before I could realize what it was, I found myself sitting for the next Yes+ course in the Ashram, in the presence of Sri Sri Himself. I have been staying all by myself in Bangalore since I started college. It’s been quite difficult for me to survive here alone. Living by yourself in a new city is never too easy. I had started smoking and alcohol had become an integral part of my life. I felt I could not do without it. It was more of a psychological thing. I kept looking for support in the outside world. Little did I know, it was all within. Since the time I did my first Sudarshan Kriya (meditation and breathing technique taught in the Art of Living basic course), I started feeling the positivity in my life. I could feel the energies changing. My life had taken a big turn since then. Things that seemed impossible were actually materializing. I had quit smoking and drinking and there was no urge to get back to it ever again. I know it was all Guruji’s Grace.
A Step Towards Infinity
This was way back in September 2011, when a silly conversation between two friends introduced me to a world of unknown. The conversation went something like this: Namita: “Prads, why don't you do the Art of Living (AOL) Part 1 course. You do this course now, and since I am in Bangalore, you come here in December and we will do the Advanced course at the Ashram. It will be amazing!” Pradnya (Me): “Ok Nami :)”
Sri Sri Birthday Special Guru Story
Guru’s Miracles are truly beyond Time, Space and Distance! Nilesh Gupta did the Part-1 course in July; travelled to Perth in August to do the Advance Course with Chris Dale, and did the Sahaj Samadhi Meditation in mid November in Sydney.
Receiving The Best
I would not attribute any one particular miracle to Guruji – rather, my coming into the Art of Living, my meeting the great Master, my change in perspectives of life – all that would be called the greatest miracle.
A Fire That Lit My Faith
It was Holi and I had planned a celebration in the evening with friends. But when I returned home after work I saw a fire engine standing in front of my house.
The Power of Seva
JGD As I write this story, I truly hope that it inspires many more to do more and more Seva! I passed out of Stephens with sour memories –
The Bigger Cause – Volunteer for a Better India Guru Story
When Sri Sri Ravi Shankar launched Volunteer for a Better India, many people asked, “So what is it for? It’s a good idea broadly, sure, but what is it specifically about?” This question dwelt in their minds, and there were some very sincere attempts at finding out answers through discussions.
My Second Life –Saved in Terrorist Attack
You always see those surreal moments in the news and movies, where people survive near-death experiences. But it doesn’t cross your mind that it could happen to you one day.
My Master’s Present
Jai Gurudev, It’s been quite a while since I wanted to write about my experiences with the Art-of-Living, but I was waiting for that one great miracle to mention over here.
My Lifeline
Art of Living came into my life at a time when I was in a totally miserable condition, when I needed a helping hand from the Divine, as I had given up all hope.
Faith & Surrender
Though there are many miracles happening with Guruji’s presence in our lives, I would like to share something which I recently experienced.
Guru’s Unlimited Grace
It was my birthday the next day when my Art of Living friend Uma called and asked me to come to Ankit bhaiya’s place (Aol volunteer).
The Dreamy Reality
This was in March, 2010, when myself along with our Part 1 teacher – Miss Smriti Thakur, her sister Kiran Pardeshi (also Part 1 Teacher) and Mr.
Mysterious Keys
This was on the day after finishing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the ART OF LIVING at Jakkur aerodrome in Bangaluru.
Sri Sri is my Savior
Jai Gurudev, I would like to share one of my Guru stories with you all. This was when I went for a trip, with my husband, my daughter and one of our family friends, to Malaysia in October, 2009.
If we take one step
I had heard Guruji saying “If we take one step, then the nature will take ten steps”. I have seen the knowledge given by Guruji becoming reality in my daily life many times.
Blossoming Talents
It is said that in the presence of a Guru, five things blossom. One of them is that all talents in a person manifest.
Whatever Happens, Happens For The Best
Jai Gurudev! My Guru story goes as follows… There was this one late evening, me and my mother were going back home from a meeting at the Art of Living center, Jaipur.
Testing The Master’s Love
The story I am going to narrate happened on 31 Oct 2013. I was going home after ten months, from Bangalore.
Guru Krupa
It was December 2004 when we were in Rourkela (a place in India) , we planned to visit Andaman and Nicobar for Christmas vacations with the help of a travel agent.
He Is Listening
JGD! This story that I’m about to share, is still fresh out of the oven! It happened on the 6th of November, 2013.
Yes, He is Always Looking After You!
Well, well, well… My Guru story is finally here. As most of them have experienced His miracle moments, and I did too.
The Trial
JGD This was way back in 2004, when I was in grade 11. Like most youth, I felt that Guruji and His miracles were just a sort of promotional strategy.
Sri Sri Is Always Guiding Us
I work with a private sector bank and life usually is quite hectic. Typically on Sundays, I like to stay home lying around, or go for outings such as a movie.
I Find Him At Every Step
I want to share a recent incident that happened with me on the 11th of July 2013. I work in an Oil and Gas company, so I am required to travel a lot for professional reasons.
He Is Always With You
Jai Gurudev I am a Homeopathic student. I did my Part 1 Art of Living course during my semester break. After doing the course and becoming a part of the AOL family, I became crazy about Gurudev.
WHEREVER I AM, I KNOW YOU ARE WITH ME!
I was visiting Avon, a small town near Paris (France) but my flight was from an airport on the outskirts of Paris city.
My Guru – My True Strength
JGD, My name is Divesh Sharma and I am from Mumbai. I am a devotee since 2005. I would like to share a lovely miracle which happened with me recently.
Angels Do Exist
As most people who are connected to Sri Sri through the Art of Living are, I am also undoubtedly and one hundred percent convinced that I am totally taken care of by His Grace at all times.
Sri Sri is Everything for Me
From the day I joined the Art of Living family, I have been completely taken care of. Transforming my life from the very first day of my course, Sri Sri has been fulfilling all my wishes, from the smallest to the biggest.
The Rescue
This was exactly a week before going for Guruji’s Birthday Special Advanced Course at the Ashram. This time, I had planned to go to Rishikesh ( city in Northern India) for an adventure trip with my friends.
Faith and Surrender
Jai Gurudev 🙂 My name is Bhakti Bakale. I live in Vasai (a locality Mumbai). Though there are many miracles happening with Guruji’s presence in our lives, I would like to share something which I recently experienced.
Never Lose Your Smile
I was with Gurudev at the Canadian Ashram during the Guru Poornima celebrations this year. Due to the huge number of visitors to the Ashram, car parking was arranged right at the entrance to the Ashram property.
Meeting my Family after ages
In the year 2009, I read about Art of Living and finally got a chance to take up Part 1 course in April 2012.
Amazing Grace
It was in the year 2007 that a life changing event occurred with a boy named Sagnik, 4 years of age, who happened to take admission in my mother’s school “The Divine Grace”.
My Caring Sri Sri
I am associated and connected to Sri Sri since 12 years now. Since then I have been hearing from all the teachers, devotees and the Master himself – “Do My work and I will do your work.” But I never had this experience all these years and I really did doubt it.
THE POWER IN MASTERS GRACE
This is an unforgettable phase of my life. My daughter (Sanaya) and I were going through a terrible phase as death of my dear mother had devastated me.
ONE WORLD FAMILY
I had done my Part 1 (Basic) Course in January 2006. After that I did my DSN Course, Part 2 Course, Advance Meditation Course, Sahaj Samadhi Course with Guruji.
Walking on the Right Path
I was given accommodation during pre-TTC (Teachers Training Course) in the home of another participant and I stayed with him the night before the first day of the pre-TTC.
At The Home Of The Divine
It was 24th December, 2009 and I had returned from the Ashram (Art of Living International Center in Bangalore) after completing my 21 days TTC (Teachers Training Course).
You Are Always Taken Care Of
When Sri Sri had visited Punjab (India) in November 2010, I went from to Ludhiana from Jalandhar, where I study, to meet Him.
His Grace is All that is
My daughter Shruti is doing her graduation in Communication Design and had to take a lot of print outs for her project.
Chaotic fun turned to Grateful fun!
The Master makes sure that Fun and Chaos go hand in hand. Just fun is like the plain vanilla version –
