Gurudev’s Blessing on St. Thomas Day
Jai Gurudev, I’m Rishika, 9 years old, studying in an FCC convent school in Kochi, Kerala. One fine morning, it was a holiday for St.
Jai Gurudev, I’m Rishika, 9 years old, studying in an FCC convent school in Kochi, Kerala. One fine morning, it was a holiday for St.
Today, I understand the power of silence. The silent trees, silent soil, silent sky, silent sun, silent moon, silent stars, silent universe—everything I see now is full of silence and stillness.
I am excited to share an incredible Guru story with you all. Our teacher and country coordinator from Azerbaijan, Kanan Mammadov, had the privilege of sitting in the Masterclass with Gurudev on 4th January in Berlin.
In 2015, my life was in shambles. I had recently gone through a painful divorce, stayed in rehabilitation centers multiple times, and was battling a psychiatric diagnosis of Schizophrenia.
This is a story about how a chance encounter changed my life forever. After completing my final year MBBS university exams, I eagerly searched for the dates on which Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar would be at the Bangalore ashram, as I had decided to attend the Advanced Meditation Program when he would be there.
During a basic course on Sudarshan Kriya, my teacher introduced us to the concept of the “botheration box” and how it can help us let go of worries and anxieties.
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.
After attending the Basic Course, I had a deep and loving experience, and hearing the stories of Gurudev made me very happy.
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.
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.
I have been associated with AOL since October 2008, and in these past few months, my experience has been nothing short of great.
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.
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.
In 1997, I met Meenakshi, an Art of Living teacher in the Bay Area of California, and I was taken in by her enormous energy and enthusiasm.
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.
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.
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.
Words are not enough to express my gratitude and grace for our beloved Gurudev who has given us such wonderful courses for life.
Jai Gurudev, I am sharing my guru bodha गुरु ब्रम्हा गुरु विष्णू गुरुः देवो महेश्वराः।गुरु शाक्षात परब्रम्हा तस्मै श्री गुरुवे नमःः।। Salutations to Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji Grace of guru is inevitable for a seekerPresence of Guru or Live Guru is a blessing साक्षात् गुरुःप्रणमामि I hereby express my gratitude to Gurudev, the embodiment of art, music, dance, knowledge, culture, service, peace, and humanity.
I did my first Art of Living course three years ago. Before doing the course, if someone would ask for my help with something, I would say no.
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