Sri Sri Stories
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
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. During this challenging period, someone suggested that I try craniosacral therapy. I took many sessions and felt some improvement. My therapist then recommended that I enroll in an Art of Living program.
At that time, the weakness in my body was so severe that even sitting for two hours was extremely tiring for me. Despite this, my therapist encouraged me to go ahead with the course. The venue for the program had stairs that I couldn’t climb independently, but with the support of others, I somehow managed. Slowly, I gained strength and was able to complete the course.
Today, I am a certified craniosacral therapist, something that seemed impossible at the beginning of my journey. This achievement would not have been possible without Gurudev’s grace. Now, I am not only benefiting myself but also giving therapy to others, all thanks to the blessings and support of my Guru.
Jai 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. One day, Gurudev appeared in my dreams – dressed in pure white and all-smiling as he always does. I quickly started to move towards him in my dream and made an attempt to touch his feet. When I was about to touch his feet and take blessings, Gurudev stepped back and said, “No-No, don’t do that.” I was shocked and felt very sad in my dream. I thought that I had missed out on a golden chance to seek his divine blessings.
Two weeks passed by, and I got an opportunity to attend a Satsang in my city. I had to travel by local train to attend the Satsang after work, and I reached the venue (a local church) well before Gurudev had arrived. I patiently waited for him to arrive and was constantly praying that evening. The moment he sat down, he made an announcement that today after the Satsang, he would personally come and meet all the devotees present there provided everyone maintains lane discipline and sits where they are while he gives darshan. I thought to myself, “This is the right time to take his blessings in physical form.”
The Satsang got over, and he started his darshan walk, meeting and greeting all the devotees. Unluckily, I was on the other far side to where Gurudev started to take his walk. By the time he arrived close, the gathering swelled, and everyone just rushed towards him, all lanes were discarded. I too wanted to go near but could not as there were too many people ahead of me. I thought to myself, “Maybe today is not the day again,” and I looked down sadly and sat down on my seat. Once the crowd became unmanageable, Gurudev then moved towards the left of the hall and started to make his way out of the church.
But suddenly, he changed his direction, walked a few steps back in my direction, and stopped – I felt strongly that he was asking me to come over. At that time, a small pathway (void of devotees) got created for me, and I went through all the way, and within a few seconds, I was right in front of him. Gurudev lifted his attire and showed his shoes to me. I got my chance, and I fell at his feet and took his blessings and felt so happy. He showed his feet to me, and I was tearful. My tears of joy had no bounds. At that moment, I realized why Gurudev had refused to touch his feet in my dream – only to make me experience it in real life.
My master is so loving, and I am so fortunate to be connected with him every moment that I live on this planet. The next day, I met another devotee who travels with him, and I narrated this real story. The devotee happened to be at the same Satsang at the church and mentioned to me that what Gurudev did that day was very abnormal. He was leaving the church but suddenly changed his direction and came all around the way towards where I was seated for no reason. But he came just for me – just to fulfill my desire and my dream.
Forever, I remain in debt to you, my love, my Gurudev. Please let me be near you always, today and tomorrow.
Jai Gurudev
– Giri
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. I am truly blessed. I am a completely different person now; he gave me everything—life, success, peace—everything.
I had the most unsuccessful career, but he lifted me like a princess. It was unexplainable. He is everything to me.
Recently, I lost my father. It happened so suddenly; he was perfectly fine with no health complaints. He had a stroke and a heart attack. I was at my office when I received the call. At the hospital, he talked to me, but he was in a serious condition. I prayed to Gurudev to give us more time together, but there was no recovery. I realized it was his time and asked Gurudev to free him from pain. As soon as I requested, he passed away. It was his time.
I was in shock. I lost him.
For the last six months, I had an intuition that something would go wrong with him. I shared this with my family, but they said I was overthinking. Gurudev was trying to prepare me for this.
It took me a long time to get out of this. When I felt nothing was working, I connected with Hasan Bhaiya for AMP on a random decision.
From the day I lost my father until my first day of AMP, I never had such a peaceful sleep. During the first meditation, when Gurudev said, “Close your eyes, let’s meditate,” I slept like a baby. I cried after the first session.
Gurudev, I know you chose me, but I chose you to be my father and everything.
– Ashwini Somnathe
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. You assume you would be just one in the crowd. But this is completely wrong thinking. He loves each one of us and has plans for everyone.
It was March, and I was living in Dubai, missing friends and family, feeling the weight of being so busy. In the back of my mind, I was thinking about meeting Gurudev. I was craving to have his darshan. It had been almost four years since I last saw him in Chandigarh during an Infinity Course. Since then, so many ups and downs had come into my life, and I was just sailing through it all. I was praying daily in my sadhana to meet Gurudev. Meanwhile, my husband had booked a very expensive hotel in Dubai for our wedding anniversary on April 29th.
On April 23rd, a Sunday morning, I received a call from our Art of Living teacher, informing me, “Neha ji, we would like to inform you that Gurudev is coming to Dubai on April 29th.” I was completely shocked, confused, awestruck, blessed, and happy all at once.
Within seconds, I realized that my husband had made that hotel booking, and I wanted to meet Guruji. How would this be possible?
I requested my husband to change the booking dates, and together we sent an email to the hotel department, requesting them to change our booking dates. It was a completely non-negotiable, non-refundable, non-cancellable, non-changeable booking.
You won’t believe what happened next. We couldn’t believe our eyes. We received an email confirmation back stating that our booking was not found in the system. We were super happy to read this. They confirmed that due to some system error, our booking was not found anywhere in the system. They requested us to please take our refund or book another property.
He is a magician! He is the power! He is Bhagwan! He is everything to us!
Jai Guru Dev!
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 (😇). I had always been an agony aunt of sorts, way back in college, always there to help others with their troubles. But life took a turn in 2011, and I felt that my life was over. I even thought of committing suicide, with my child.
One evening in March 2011, a lady came asking for directions to a gentleman’s house for the Basic Course. He had missed his second Kriya that morning and could be called in for the program that evening. I didn’t know where the person lived, but I said I wanted to do it. I enrolled for the program that same week, along with my parents.
Since then, life’s hues have been different to this present day. Much gratitude, Gurudev. There are no words worthy enough to express my gratitude.
– Manisha
