Sri Sri Stories
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. But, just a few days after getting it, the car started to give me trouble. Fortunately, it was under a 6-month warranty, so I decided to return it.
I was sitting alone, reflecting, and then a thought came to me. I asked myself, “What kind of car do I actually like?” Almost immediately, I thought of my favourite brand, the Toyota Camry. I had never owned a white colour car, and I secretly wished for one. At that time, Gurudev was also traveling in a white Kia, and I had this desire to own a white colour car, just like that.
I called the dealer, and he told me that he didn’t have any Toyota cars in stock at the moment, so I did not even get the chance to tell him about the colour. He assured me he would return my money. But then, something amazing happened. A little while later, the dealer messaged me saying that a new batch of cars had just arrived. He sent me a photo of the car, and as the picture was downloading, guess what I saw—a white Toyota Camry! Hurray! I was overjoyed!
What’s even more beautiful is that just 1–2 days before this incident, I had read a very profound knowledge sheet from the book An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker and it mentioned that “Knowledge has organizing power.” It struck me deeply. It felt like everything was falling into place—like nature had already organized this experience for me, even before I consciously asked for it. I didn’t pray for it, but Gurudev knows exactly what’s in our hearts and which wishes to fulfil and which not!
Another instance that left me in awe was when I went to a client’s site for an audit. I had a quiet desire to work from the underground floor in the building. It was beautifully crafted, and something about it just felt right. I didn’t say a word, didn’t ask for anything—but on the second day of the audit, the client himself requested to shift to that floor.
Once again, I hadn’t prayed for it, but Gurudev knew the wish within me and made it come true. I’ve had moments where I prayed deeply for something, yet it didn’t happen. It made me realize that the Divine is mysterious, unpredictable, and always knows what’s best for us.
Gurudev knows which wishes to fulfill, and which ones are better left untouched. Jai Gurudev.
By Leela Ramesh
It is 1 PM and time to cook some hot rice for lunch. I look for rice in its usual container. It is empty. I store 3 or 4 varieties of rice. To my dismay, all the containers are empty! Obviously, in my preoccupation with various things, I have not checked the stock. I look around wondering. On the kitchen platform lies a beautiful vegetable basket, fresh from the market. Alluring red tomatoes, inviting white potatoes, cutest of red onions—and I remember the fresh peas I had frozen when they were in season. A bunch of green coriander leaves, a couple of yellow, juicy lemons complete the dish already cooked in my mind. Pav Bhaji!
A packet of soft pav gets delivered by the small shop downstairs in no time, and the vegetables get chopped in the chopper, loaded into my fast-cooking AMC cooker to produce a delicious mash in a matter of minutes—suffused with Everest Pav Bhaji masala, Kashmiri red chilli powder, salt, and turmeric—emanating a heavenly aroma. The segments of pav get roasted in butter with a smear of pav bhaji masala and lol!—an unplanned, unexpected treat is ready on the eve of my Gurudev’s birthday!
The purpose of the post is not my lunch story. Far from it!
As the Pav Bhaji making process was on, my mind raced back to 1999—to a Guru story that was hidden in the deep recesses of my memory.
Those were the days Art of Living teachers from India visited Gulf countries to teach courses. At the end of the day, we would all sit around the visiting teacher and listen to Guru stories late into the night.
A visiting teacher once shared that Gurudev was in Mumbai, the teachers took Him to a chat joint and ordered Pav Bhaji. Gurudev asked, “How do you eat this?” The teachers said, “Dabake khana hai” (by stuffing your mouth). Our childlike Gurudev promptly followed their words and started stuffing His mouth with Pav Bhaji with the glee of a mischievous child. The hilarious action of Gurudev left everyone in splits! He is still that ‘child who refuses to grow up’—in His own words! Innocence with profound wisdom.
Time for some introspection. Had I not exhausted the rice supply in my kitchen, this Guru story would not have come to the fore.
Trivial it may seem, to me it drove home the knowledge point: “Everything is a happening. You are not the doer” — Ashtavakra Geeta. Heard, read, taught several times—yet it feels new today. Knowledge is ever new.
The whole lunch episode was a happening! To remind me to be childlike, just as He is; to go with the flow, and to be a witness to the happenings.
Awakening to the Witness Consciousness is perhaps the most valuable gift I have received from my Gurudev.
I am grateful!
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.
On 22nd Feb, 2025 during a follow-up, He shared with me that his case file had been closed and the final judgment was expected in March. He appeared very anxious.
I encouraged Him to continue practicing Kriya regularly and to pray to Gurudev with complete faith and devotion. I reassured him that everything would work out—Bhakti, prayer, and surrender have immense power.
After a few days when He came for a follow-up, He was filled with gratitude. He told me that the judgment had been passed and his total jail sentence was set at five years. Since he had already served nearly three years, He had only two more years remaining. He seemed relieved and happy.
What made it even more remarkable was that out of nearly 200 judgments, His tenure was the shortest. Everyone else had received sentences of 20 years or more.
He also mentioned that He had applied for a further reduction and was praying to Gurudev for a favorable outcome. He seemed confident that something positive would happen.
This experience reaffirmed His faith that sincere devotion and surrender to Gurudev can bring grace even in the most difficult circumstances. Everything unfolds through His blessings.
Shared by:
Neelakandan VR
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. I felt a strong urge to run up and touch His feet, but I stayed in my seat, holding that emotion quietly inside.
After the session, Gurudev announced He would walk near each row for darshan. The hall was full of people—volunteers, photographers, all moving with Him. It didn’t seem possible to get close.
But when He reached the row where I was sitting, something unexpected happened—there was no one around Him. In that quiet, powerful moment, I didn’t think. I didn’t plan. I simply found myself at His feet. It was as if some unseen force had drawn me to His charan kamal.
Even now, I can’t fully explain it. It just happened. Grace moved through me.
Gurudev, thank you—for the most beautiful blessing of all: Devotion towards you in my heart.
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.
I decided to make sandwiches. As there was no one at home whom I could inform to get the necessary ingredients from outside, I called my landlord while heading home at night and requested to buy essentials like cucumbers and tomatoes and leave them outside my door.
However, just as I thought everything was set, I realized I had forgotten the most crucial ingredient—bread! By then it was quite late and all the shops had closed for the day. I was returning home with one of the other participants who had offered to drop me near my home.
To my surprise, she stopped the vehicle right in front of a bakery! I immediately rushed inside and asked for bread. Miraculously, they had just one last pack left, and the shop was about to close in a few minutes.
At that moment, I was in awe, deeply moved by how Gurudev had provided for my needs in such an unexpected way.
-Ashwini Kadam
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. As I got to my building, I met my father downstairs. He was off to the bank and he mentioned that my mother was really in a bad mood and angry. I rushed to the apartment and I could hear loud voices when I walked in. My mother and my maternal grandmother were in the middle of an argument.
I was completely clueless as to what was going on. After finishing a long night shift, I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep. I felt that this was not the right time to talk to my mother as she was not in the best frame of mind. So, I decided to head to my aunt’s house, just ten minutes away so that I could catch up on some sleep there. I was hopeful that by the time I woke up, my mother would have calmed down.
I have always believed that there is no problem in the world that can’t be solved. All it really takes is sitting down and talking things out. With this thought in mind, I went to my aunt’s place and quickly fell asleep.
The doorbell rang after a few minutes followed by loud banging. Half-asleep, I opened the door to find my neighbor standing there with my grandmother. The sight of her left me completely stunned. I can’t even put into words what I felt at that moment. My mind started racing with a million questions, doubts, and fears.
They had come to take me home. As I followed them back, I saw almost everyone from my building had gathered downstairs and some were there inside my house.
As I stepped into my house, the sight before me shattered me-my mother lay there in my sister’s lap. She was no more. I was completely choked and and my mind went blank. I could not accept the harsh reality unfolding before my eyes.
My mother was gone and life became an overwhelming challenge. I had to find the strength within myself to pick up the pieces and move forward. During this time, I found guidance and solace in my Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar. His support has been a beacon through the storm. Looking back, I now realize that it was with Gurudev’s help that I was able to navigate those difficult times, finding peace and resilience when it seemed impossible.
A new life began to unfold—one that has shaped me in ways I had never imagined. This journey has revealed and nurtured the strong, sensitive and resilient person within me.
Though more than 19 years have passed, this profound moment became the cornerstone of my spiritual journey with Gurudev. Life has been a beautiful blend of treasured moments and challenging ones.
It has helped me grow into a more mature and grounded individual. These experiences have taught me to truly value and cherish every moment of joy and happiness that life brings.
A mother’s influence on a child’s life is truly irreplaceable. Even after she left this world, my mother’s presence continued to shape my journey. In her absence, she became the unseen force that guided me towards my Guru, and in doing so, helped me find my way to my truest self.
-Deepti
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 was immediately shifted to Delhi. I had total faith in Gurudev. During my travel, I practiced Sudarshan kriya and surrendered to Him . His blessings! I received medication soon and was cured within 5 days, which is a miracle! The medicine for this disease was tested on me for the first time! We were told that a doctor in Mumbai had passed away due to non availability of medicine. I am very blessed to have my Gurudev in my life.
Bharti
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. Meditation became my anchor early on, and meeting Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji had a profound impact on my life. Little did I know that one simple gift from Him would continue to shape my journey and bring success in ways beyond my imagination.
It was during my high school years, around the time of my 10th-grade board exams, that I had a special encounter with Gurudev. Each time He visited Delhi, I felt an irresistible urge to meet Him. It was an overwhelming desire, one that overtook all other thoughts. So, when a group of my fellow 10th-graders decided to go to the airport to seek Gurudev’s blessings on the eve of our exams, I didn’t hesitate to join them. However, unlike my peers who were eager to ask for blessings to excel in the exams, I didn’t feel the need to ask for anything specific. I was content just being in His presence, knowing that nothing else mattered.
We were a lively bunch that day—fifteen-year-olds, full of energy, all talking at once and eagerly trying to capture Gurudev’s attention. The atmosphere at the airport was buzzing with excitement. Amidst the chatter and enthusiasm, Gurudev, with His ever-serene demeanor, pulled out a simple wooden pencil from His hand. With a playful smile, He asked, “Who wants this pencil?”
Naturally, there was a surge of excitement among my friends. Everyone rushed forward, each hoping to receive this prized possession from the Master. I, however, stood back, lost in the moment, my eyes fixed solely on Gurudev. It was as if I was in my own world, unaware of the commotion unfolding around me.
Then, something truly surreal happened.
Gurudev’s gaze met mine, and in that instant, it felt like time had stopped. He leaned forward and, amidst all the clamor, He extended His hand towards me, offering the pencil. My hand instinctively opened, and He placed the pencil gently in it. For a brief moment, I felt as though the world around me had disappeared, and I was left standing in awe of what had just transpired.
I had not sought special blessings for the exams, nor had I been clamoring for the gift. Yet, here I was, holding in my hand what felt like the most sacred gift from the Master. Gurudev gave me His all-knowing smile, and in that simple gesture, He taught me a profound lesson: When one is truly content, all desires are fulfilled even before they arise.
Needless to say, I aced my 10th-grade board exams and every school exam thereafter. I went on to graduate with distinction in both my bachelor’s and master’s programs, receiving the highest academic honors from the universities I attended. But beyond academic success, the wooden pencil symbolized something far greater—a metaphorical reminder of the ultimate writer of my destiny.
To this day, that wooden pencil continues to serve as a powerful symbol in my life. It represents the grace, love, and ever-flowing blessings of the Master. I carry it with me as a reminder that the true force shaping my destiny is none other than Gurudev’s boundless love.
For the countless gifts He has bestowed upon me, both seen and unseen, I am eternally grateful.
By Rochi Khemka
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.
🌸 Cigarettes and Alcohol Leave Me 🌸
This was in November 1999. To my surprise, I found the course quite interesting. I followed the instructions diligently, which included staying away from alcohol, cigarettes, and meat for the duration of the program. But, being the smoker that I was, with my habit of 4-5 packs a day, I couldn’t wait for the course to end so I could get back to my cigarettes.
When the course finally ended, I eagerly lit a cigarette. But to my shock, I coughed uncontrollably and felt sick. I tried again the next day, hoping the awful feeling would go away, but it only intensified. I did this for a week before I finally realized that maybe it was time to let go of the habit altogether.
It was the same with drinking and eating meat. I had always loved my beer and my non-vegetarian food, but suddenly, it all seemed disgusting to me. I couldn’t understand what was happening!
The Sudarshan Kriya was the highlight of the course for me. It had such a deep impact that it inspired me to visit the Art of Living’s Bangalore ashram for the Advanced Meditation Course in December 1999.
🌸 Meeting Gurudev: The Turning Point 🌸
During the program at the ashram, I couldn’t believe that I was sitting with my eyes closed and eating sattvik (pure, vegetarian) food! But the main attraction for me was to meet Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. However, my mind still hadn’t fully accepted Him as my Guru.
After the program, Gurudev was meeting people in groups. When it was my turn, I didn’t know what to say, so I simply said, “Hi.” To my surprise, He responded with a “Hi” too! I saw others hugging Him, and suddenly, I felt this strong urge to hug Him as well. Before leaving the room, I mustered up the courage to ask Gurudev for a hug, and when He embraced me, it felt like I was in seventh heaven. Still, my mind hesitated to fully recognize Him as my Guru.
🌸 And a Devotee is Born 🌸
At that time, I was facing some personal problems. I had been told by someone that black magic had been done on me, and I had tried several remedies to rid myself of it, all to no avail. Filled with fear and uncertainty, I felt helpless.
During the Advanced Meditation Course, I mentally communicated with Gurudev, telling Him that if He was my real Guru, He would know about this issue and provide a solution. As these thoughts were swirling in my head, Gurudev suddenly said, “Do you know about jaadu-tona (black magic)? If anyone has done that on you, the moment you did your first Sudarshan Kriya, all its effects were nullified. I guarantee you that no one will ever come close to touching you.”
I was stunned, in complete disbelief! With goosebumps all over my arms and tears streaming down my face, I knew in that moment—He was my Guru.
🌸 Embracing Seva and Teaching 🌸
After returning from the Advanced Course, I committed myself to practicing Sudarshan Kriya daily and got actively involved in service (seva) for the Art of Living. I even stayed back at the ashram to help manage the kitchen, taking responsibility for feeding everyone there.
Soon, I completed the Teacher Training Program, and Gurudev asked me to return to Mumbai to teach. I threw myself into teaching with all my heart. I traveled to interior villages in Maharashtra, teaching multiple batches a day. In a week, I would teach around 400 people. From 2000 to 2003, I was constantly traveling, conducting courses, and spreading the knowledge. Many of the teachers in Navi Mumbai and Chembur were once my students.
🌸 Gurudev’s Call and Unwavering Faith 🌸
In 2009, my health started deteriorating, and I had to reduce the frequency of my courses. One day, while at the doctor’s clinic, I was asked to get tested for cancer. The thought broke me completely. I locked myself up at home, feeling hurt and upset, waiting anxiously for the test results.
During that difficult time, I received a call from a private number. It was none other than Gurudev! He listened to me patiently and then asked me to wait for the reports. And, of course, when the reports came back, they were negative!
Gurudev has always taken care of me. He knows what is best for me, and I know I don’t need to worry as long as He is there.
Today, many people know me as Ramesh Menon Ji, a teacher with unshakable faith and surrender. But this life transformation would not have been possible without the grace of my Guru.
When you have a Master in your life, everything else falls into place. Life becomes complete.
🌸🌸🌸
Jai Gurudev,
Back in 2020, my family was almost shattered by the devastating news of my mother’s diagnosis of a deadly disease. It felt as though something precious was being taken away from us, despite no wrongdoing on our part in this lifetime.
However, I completed the Happiness Program back in 2015, which provided me with the inner strength I needed during this difficult time. I also enrolled in participating Homas with the Vaidic Sanstha by Art of Living and regularly chanted “Om Namah Shivaya” as Gurudev suggested. Through this practice, I believe my family crossed hurdles by what I perceive to be divine grace.
With renewed faith, I enrolled my mother in the online Breath and Meditation course while she was on her path to treatment and recovery. The meditation helped her body adapt to the strong medicine and contributed to her cure.
This year, both of us did the Advanced Course for the first time. Now, she is a regular practitioner and even more devoted than I am. Today, her doctors say she is healthy, fully recovered, and has returned to her normal life.
I truly believe this is a blessing from God, Gurudev, good doctors, and the right contacts at the right time. My dear uncle, who was instrumental during this period, was truly God-sent. The prayers of my well-wishers were all heard.
The almighty has given my mother, father, brother, and me a second chance at life.
Jai Gurudev
Prakriti
