A Metaphor for Destiny: The Guru’s Gift of Grace
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.
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.
A Miraculous Encounter with Gurudev
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.
A Journey of Transformation and Healing
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.
A Miraculous Encounter with Gurudev in Dubai
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.
How Gurudev Found me
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 (😇).
My Husband’s Battle with Cancer
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.
The Miraculous Journey Triggered by a Simple Question
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.
13th May
That special day when she waited in the hot sun for her Guru with Payasam in hand and the wait went on too long…
A Stroke of Grace: How Gurudev Transformed Our Lives
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?
A Miracle of Grace: My Defining Moment of Faith
“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,”
The Miracle of Non-Doership
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.
A Criminal’s Transformation
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.
A Tale of Unexpected Love and Acknowledgment
He showed me the truth that Guru is a caring essence, and that no matter how busy things around Him get, He knows.
From Guilt to Happiness: A Journey with Gurudev
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.”
Recognizing Our Worth: A Lesson Learnt with Gurudev
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.
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.
Gurudev’s Unseen Hands in Times of Need
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.
Navigating Dilemmas with Divine Guidance
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.
Beyond Medicines: Embracing Guruji’s Healing Touch
In 2004 and 2006, my life took an unexpected turn with two angioplasties, tethering me to medications for four years. However, it was the Advance Course in Ghoom with Sejalji in January 2008 that marked a transformative chapter, my sixth in the journey.
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.
A Healing Grace: From Skepticism to Surrender
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.
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.
The Shower of Grace at the World Culture Festival
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.
Gurudev’s Call
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.
A Remarkable Encounter with Gurudev
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 Mysterious Ways of the Divine: Unfolding the Unknown Blessings
The year was 2001, and I was supposed to travel to Kuwait from Abu Dhabi to teach the Sudarshan kriya course, the Basic Course.
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।
ऊर्जाविहीन से ऊर्जापूर्ण
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!!!
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.
Finding Clarity in Confusion with Guruji’s Guidance
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.
Quitting Smoking with the Help of Gurudev
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.
My Journey in the Art of Living
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.
A Memorable Experience at the Bangalore Ashram
I recently completed my first Advanced Course at the Bangalore Ashram, and it was also my first time visiting the ashram.
A Serendipitous Meeting with Gurudev
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.
A Profound Experience with Gurudev
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.
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.
From Crossroads to Career Triumph: How Gurudev’s Blessings Helped Me Secure a Spot at a Top Business School
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.
“Hollow & Empty” at Guru Purnima Course
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.
The Transformative Power of Sudarshan Kriya
Hi, I am Shreya, an HR professional. I did the Sudarshan Kriya workshop in 2010, and it has been a profound experience for me.
A Blessed Encounter with Gurudev
I have been associated with AOL since October 2008, and in these past few months, my experience has been nothing short of great.
Meeting Gurudev on a Beautiful Island
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.
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.
Grateful for the Positive Changes through Art of Living
Since 2016, I have been attached to the Art of Living (AOL) and I have noticed many positive changes in myself.
The Blessings of Grace
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.
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’
A Dream Visit from Gurudev
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.
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.
Celebrating the Guru Principle with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji
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.
My First Encounter with Gurudev at the Part 2 Program in Houston
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.
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.
From Atheist to Priest: A Journey with Gurudev
I used to be an atheist and firmly believed that science alone created the world without the intervention of any god or guru.
The Divine Abode
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.
Walking with Gurudev
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.
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.
The Life-Changing Experience of Sudarshan Kriya
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.
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.
Gurudev is truly divine
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.
Yes, he is My Guru
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.
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.
The Divine Gift
I had a beautiful experience during Mahashivratri 2020 at Bangalore Ashram! I was having a very rough time in my personal life and was even losing faith in Art of Living, even though I have been associated since 2013.
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.
Meeting the Divine
My name is Divesh Sharma & I am an Art of Living follower since 2015. Life with Gurudev is always so protected, so special &
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.
A Moment with Gurudev
Ten years ago, I attended a Satsang at Vishalakshi Mantap (Central Dome of the Art of Living International Center Bengaluru). It was my fourth week at the Ashram and I did my YesPlus Advance Course, Blessing Course and Gurupuja Phase I.
The Master came to Me!
In the year 2013, I was 29 and having many health troubles. My friends suggested various healing treatments and Art of Living was one of it.
In Giving a Gift, I received the Biggest Gift of Gurudev’s Blessings
When you are on this path, every day is a miracle. My name is Shruti and I am sharing another wonderful story of Gurudev’s Grace.
How Sri Sri’s Grace Brought the Biggest Joy in My Life
Dr. Sarla Vohra from Mumbai shares her life transforming experience of how her ectopic pregnancy was completely cured within just 6 days when she did her Art of Living course in the year 1999.
How Sudarshan Kriya Helped my Malformed Painful Hip Joint
Dr. Meenakshi Verma shares how the practice of Sudarshan Kriya helped her become a Yoga teacher despite having a congenital malformed hip joint.
How Sudarshan Kriya & Faith in Gurudev helped me clear my exams in the most challenging situations
In the year 2014, I secured admission in an engineering college in Nagpur, India. It was here that I was introduced to Art of Living &
How I learnt the wonders of Sudarshan Kriya
I am an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist surgeon by profession. I had been to Amritsar in 1999, where I fell sick and had a reaction to a medication that led to liver damage, raised my enzymes and caused drug induced depression.
How I Got My My Dream Home with Gurudev’s Blessings
In the summer of 2014, we were living in Boston. My husband got a new job offer from Amazon. We were not sure whether to accept it as the position was based in Seattle and would require us to relocate. We came to know that Gurudev was going to be at Boone Ashram during Guru Purnima and decided to seek His guidance.
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.
Gurudev’s Blessings Helped Me Ace the Toughest Exam of My Career
I did my first Art of Living course in 2010. I want to share a story that shook me from inside and instilled my faith in Gurudev.
My Blissful meeting with Gurudev in Rishikesh!
I was studying in VJTI Mumbai and we were given a sudden holiday. With nothing interesting to do, I was casually browsing Gurudev’s Facebook page & realised He was conducting a discourse in Rishikesh. Gurudev says, “The sign of youth is the ability to take challenges”. So, despite no preparations I decided to immediately fly out to Rishikesh to meet Him!
Sudarshan Kriya saved me from clinical depression
Few years ago, I suffered from clinical depression. The doctors had prescribed me anti-depressants. My family and friends were reluctant about my taking anti-depressants due to its side effects and addictive tendencies. It was at that time Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar showered His blessings on me!
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.
