Sri Sri Stories
After reading so many Guru stories and the miracles that so many devotees have experienced, I couldn’t contain myself from sharing my own experience during the World Culture Festival celebrations in Delhi, India, in 2016.
I had left to attend WCF. I was excited to be part of this mammoth experience and being with Sri Sri and everyone else attending. The only anxiety I had was that it would be very crowded, since people from all over the world were in attendance. My sister lives in Noida and I though that, for me, returning home after the program would be difficult even though the place was not very far from the WCF venue and traveling in the metro train was an option. However, it’s unsafe to take the metro at night. The first and second day of WCF went well because I had the company of my friend to travel to and fro the venue. We were both staying at my sisters place.
On the morning of the third and last day of WCF, my friend returned to Mumbai so I had to travel to the venue and back myself. My sister and her family haven’t done the Art of Living courses and did not want to attend. Everyone asked me to do to remain home and watch the program on TV instead of going alone. Delhi is notorious for all its problems, especially being unsafe for women to travel alone.
I was in two minds because I wanted to go but I wasn’t sure how I could manage it on my own. A part of my kept thinking that I should stay at home and watch the WCF activities unfold on TV but part of me was constantly saying that I did not want to miss the opportunity of being closer to Sri Sri in person and hear him speak live. I decided to go after lunch, even if it was late. I was confident because I knew my Guru would take care of me. I had to take the train and an auto-rickshaw to get to the venue.
To my sweet surprise, I got an auto driver who knew about Art of Living and was praising Guruji and the work being done by the foundation. I was on cloud 9 as I heard all the good things he was saying. He also took me faster to the venue compared to the previous two days, which was a longer ride wherein we had to walk for 2 kilometers to reach the gate. This driver must have sensed I was afraid of being alone so he kept telling me not to worry. He dropped me safely and even charged me a lesser amount as compared to the last two days.
As I got off, I could see the stage right before me and Guruji was already there. To my next sweet surprise, I got a seat right in the VVIP section in the first row. As I sat down, I heard the program just beginning. I hadn’t missed as much as I imagined I had. Now my mind was settled and I was enjoying the program for the next couple of hours. At around 9 pm, I realized that I have to now find my way home. As I kept thinking, I asked the person next to me about where he stayed and how he would be going back. He was with a group who had arranged a bus for the three days of WCF. He asked me to join them even though the bus was already packed.
This bus would drop me at the Noida junction, which would still mean taking an auto to get to my sisters place or call them to pick me up. Nevertheless, I agreed to join them. Through this entire process, I was texting my sister and brother-in -law, who kept telling me to leave because it was late. I didn’t want to leave because Guruji was still speaking. It was the last day, the lines were getting longer to leave. I was happy, though, because I was safe and would get to travel in the bus.
All of a sudden, some women were clicking pictures and posing against the backdrop of the stage. I couldn’t help just looking at them; they were so gleeful and happy. I casually asked one of them, because she sat behind me, who they were, where they were staying and how they were getting back. To my surprise, they were put up right next to my sisters house, just one lane away. They told me they were traveling back in the car and I could join them in their journey.
This is how everything works out when you trust the Master, no matter how big or small your worry is. I kept wondering how I would leave at 9 pm amidst this very huge crowd and take the metro all alone. I kept on praying to Guruji. His magic was with me because not only did he put me on the seat so close to the stage but these women, who stayed so close to where I was, were right there, too. He just does everything for us before we even ask for it, sometimes. I keep thinking that all this was planned. I was anxious for no reason.
I am in total wonder and amazement in my Master’s grace.
Jai Guru Dev!
Uma Nerurkar
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. I had become extremely weak, physically as well as mentally, and was also undergoing a great amount of depression due to my situation. Doctors were of the opinion that even after treatment, I wouldn’t live long. My life was truly miserable. I was living the life of a scared, feeble, fragile and helpless person, knowing that I would die soon. The attachment towards my parents, wife & my lovely two kids, and the thought that I was going to lose them in a few days haunted me every second.
One of those days, a close relative of mine along with a few friends invited me to do the Art of Living basic course. This proved to be the starting point of a truly magical phase in my life. Sri Sri’s work really opened up a new door to my life, a door of hope, a door of peace, a door of strength.
I regularly practiced my sadhana and Sudarshan Kriya, which I learned in the course. It was healing me. It was helping me progress towards good health. To the surprise of my doctors, I started responding very well to their medicines. My health was showing extremely positive signs of a speedy and successful recovery. My blood counts had become normal. I was very hopeful at this stage, seeing the positive effects of the Sudarshan Kriya in my life.
One particular night, Guruji appeared in my dream and in a soothing voice told me “You are alright now.” This was truly magical. I had never experienced something so powerful, yet so peaceful, ever before. This dream, which felt like reality, really boosted my confidence, and it also reassured me that I am being taken care of.
Soon after that, I did the Part 2 Course in my village itself. I then proceeded to the Ashram to do another Part 2 Course with the hope that I could meet Sri Sri in person there. Luckily, I got to meet him really well. He spoke to me as though He knew everything about me. He then asked me to share my experience with the video team there.
The best part of my meeting with the Master was that, Guruji had the same look, same clothes, same voice, same appearance as He had in my dream. I just could not believe that all that was happening with me was actually a reality. It seemed more like a fairytale.
And I happily continued my fruitful journey with the Art of Living. I did the DSN, Sahaj Samadhi meditation, Sri Sri Yoga, Gurupooja course, and finally the TTC (Teachers Training Course). I am 56 now, happily organising and teaching Basic as well as Gurupooja courses every now and then.
Thank you, Gurudev, for turning my life into heaven from hell. Living has truly become a celebration for me, all thanks to YOU.
I hope and pray that miracles happen to all those who read this, just like they happened to me.
Jai Guru Dev
Mithran
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. I keep reading other stories and while it fills my heart with immense joy, I kept waiting for the perfect miracle to happen to me, so I could also one day share my experience, my Guru story.
Let me start from the beginning.
I did my first course in October 2009. I am an only child so when I was younger, I was pretty shy and had trouble making friends and opening up to new people. Somewhere in my mind, I thought I was lonely, and I wasn’t truly happy. However, I always wanted to change this feeling.
I had attended an Art of Living satsang and was mesmerized when I saw just how blissful and happy all the people there were. I did not fully understand the reason for this and was curious to know their secret. I always thought, though, that AOL courses only took place in the Bangalore Ashram so I gave up hope. Luckily, a friend informed me of a course taking place very close to my home so naturally, I decided to do it.
I experienced my first Sudarshan Kriya and it was like a miracle. Since then, I did not feel lonely. I stopped feeling out of place. I felt comfortable talking to almost everyone. I felt happy and that, too, without any reason, as true happiness needs no reason. Now it’s been over five years with the organisation, and to be very honest, life didn’t completely cease to be challenging but my outlook towards facing those challenges changed. That’s all that really matters.
We need to change the way we look at tough situations in life. I have gained immense strength from this course, which has not only helped me survive through rough phases but has truly made me a more evolved person. I have hit various lows in my life but somehow Guruji’s grace didn’t let those situations break me.
Miracles happen every day in my life. I pray to Guruji for the silliest of things like “Gurudev, please help me get the bus on time” and the moment I think He is way too busy for my stupid requests, I see my bus right there. Once, I lost my wallet and got it back and thanked the Guru’s grace but again, it did not feel like a big deal or a big story that I should share.
Now I have realised something much bigger than all this, that which is the truth of my life.
The very presence of Sri Sri in my life is the biggest miracle ever. The other small miracles are just subsets of having faith in a Guru. Many things in my life are yet to be sorted but I am sure about one thing – that as long as I have Gurudev, I have nothing to worry about.
Jai Guru Dev
Shrija R.
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. Despite having a great family, I underwent some turbulent times. I finally found my savior in 2005, when I did my Art of Living course and connected with Sri Sri. I still sometimes swim against the tide but at least I do it with a smile now. A Guru has that impact on you.
Both my boys are also a part of Art of Living, while I became a full-time teacher, even though I continue my dental practice a few hours a day. I realize every day just how much I have been moving towards the shore. All my dreams are coming true ever since I met Gurudev. However, I always had the desire to be married in the presence of Guruji, which seemed impossible because, of course, I was married years ago. Every time my husband and me fought, my mind kept telling me it’s because Gurudev did not bless us on our wedding day. It did not happen in his presence.
Finally in 2013, my husband decided to remove this from my mind and make sure I don’t use it as an excuse. For our 18th wedding anniversary, we made a trip to the beautiful Bangalore Ashram to seek blessings from Sri Sri. Deep in my heart, I kept wishing to have a traditional wedding in his presence but decided to keep it within me.
When the day arrived and we were standing inside Shakti Kutir, where Sri Sri meets with devotees, I had to pinch myself to remind me that it’s real. What happened next is unbelievable. Gurudev was handing me sweets when I told him it’s our anniversary. He asked someone to quickly bring us two garlands, which he made us exchange, in his presence! He also fussed for a while about which pagdi (turban) my husband should have and then Sri Sri made my husband wear it on his head. I was so happy and giddy! After this, Gurudev gave me a gorgeous purple saree. We bowed down and touched his feet. He blessed us and asked if we wanted to take a photo with him. I was just struck with wonder. What else could I ask for?
Today, adorning my wall, is that same photo which feels like a beautiful dream. I am so grateful to my Master for giving me this lovely experience of a lifetime and gifting me with many more happy moments. I also have become very careful and aware of what I wish for or dream about because when you have a Guru like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, all our wishes and dreams do come true. Now my only wish is that he utilizes my life for a higher cause and my dream is to serve him to the best of my ability.
Jai Guru Dev!
Dr. Shivani Billimoria
The day I attended my first Art of Living course, I knew I had opened a new dimension in my life. It felt like my consciousness had awakened. Until then, I was a very logical person and hadn’t realized how stubborn I had become. However, thanks to AOL, my life changed for the better.
I always assumed problems were gender specific. I used to think it’s easy for men to overcome their problems but not for me, I was getting vacuumed into all my issues. Luckily, this thinking has changed. We all face problems. Challenges do not escape anyone. It’s up to us to enjoy our lives and appreciate the ups and downs it brings us. Everything is a lesson.
Through the course, I understood the importance of self-discovery. I learnt to accept all my problems and deal with them correctly. It gave me the gift of insight. Especially the insight into our culture and the importance of passing all of this down to the generations to come.
My anger and stubbornness was seamlessly converted into positive energy. The list of good things is endless.
My husband was diagnosed with early Parkinson’s disease. We discovered this one year into our marriage. I had AOL so I found a way to better manage my personal and professional life with this new information. This led to reduced conflicts in my mind and therefore, my life. My family atmosphere only kept improving and my husband’s stress level reduced. He is very fit and active, fighting his way through, despite having Parkinson’s for the last 12 years.
I know none of this would be possible in the absence of grace. Thank you.
Jai Guru Dev
I did my Art Of Living basic course 7 years back in Mumbai. It has been the best experience of my life. I learnt the amazing practice of Sudarshan Kriya. After months of meditating, I decided to make a trip to Bangalore, where the AOL International Center is located. That’s when I had the precious opportunity of seeing our Gurudev, Sri Sri Ravishankar. I had never felt so joyous, peaceful, and satisfied in life. Just that one loving glimpse that Sri Sri gave me made me realize that this was the true start of my spiritual journey.
He looked at me and asked what my name was and where I was coming. My heart skipped a beat. I told him my name is Kunal and I’m from Mumbai. With his mischievous child-like smile, Sri Sri blessed me. This was my first ever conversation with Gurudev and I knew there were many more to come.
Over the years, I attended various sessions with Gurudev and was sincere with my meditation practices and got involved in service activities. Because this part of my life was going good, everything else was flowing smoothly, too; I got my dream job, I was surrounded with the most amazing, equally devoted people, and I had this endless smile and utmost confidence because I knew Guruji’s grace would always be with me.
My wish was always to travel across the world with Gurudev. We know he takes so many trips internationally to meet devotees all over. At my workplace, I had begun conducting meditation sessions and it was so well-received that I was sent to Ireland to travel for a mindfulness conference to train other employees to meditate.
In Jan 2015, I was lucky enough to travel in the same flight from Bangalore to Mumbai with Sri Sri. I was at the airport, waiting for Him to come to the check-in and security point. As he walked by, he looked at me and smiled and asked me, “You’ve come all the way from Hydrebad to Bangalore to go to Mumbai, why?” I just looked at Gurudev and said, “because I love You.” He winked and patted me lovingly on my back as we walked into the aircraft. In the plane, he gracefully met other devotees and passengers who were coming up to him. As the flight landed in Mumbai, we all started walking behind him. He looked at me and called me ahead. I said to Him that I have a wish to move to the U.S. and take up new challenges and opportunities at work. He looked back and said, “that’s a good idea, we have a good set up there and you will do great.”
I worked towards my intention of moving to the U.S. and applied for jobs there. While I was interviewing for a few months, nothing had really worked out. On my birthday in June, I went to Bangalore ashram to celebrate with Gurudev. Exactly at midnight, my family and friends started calling to wish me. Amidst all this, I got an email confirming that I had got the job in New York City that I wanted and I would have to move in a month. I was shocked. This was the best gift I have ever received with perfect timing on my birthday and at the holy and beautiful Bangalore center with my Gurudev’s blessings. Next morning I met Him and mentioned that I was moving. He blessed me again and pampered me a lot. He gave me a Rudraksh mala (sacred thread worn on the neck) and said that I would do well.
I moved in July 2015 and two days after that was Guru Purnima. Sri Sri was visiting Boone, North Carolina, at another one of our beautiful international centers in the U.S. I had moved at such a good timing. I landed in NYC and the next day, I flew to North Carolina. I can’t believe he made all my wishes come true. I have been in the U.S. for 2 years now and attended two Guru Purnima’s in his presence. Even today, as I type this, I am celebrating Guru Purnima with Sri Sri. How fortunate am I?
I have been taken care of unconditionally and sincerely because of his love. We are truly lucky to have Gurudev with us. I bow down in gratitude to Gurudev for always being there. I have realized the Guru is always with us. The Guru tattva (energy) and principle is taking care of us dearly and wants us to always be happy and life live to the fullest. I always keep this quote by Sri Sri in my mind and heart: “I will continue to care for you, watch over you and meet your needs, you only need to trust me.”
Love and blessings!
Jai Guru Dev,
Kunal Khanna
Every time I complete any Art of living program, starting from my first ever experience with Sudarshan Kriya to doing an advance course , the beautiful blessings program , Shakti kriya, TTC, to Samyama , I am reborn!
The old me dies and I come up as a completely new person with a bright glow, a fresh mind, and a memory free from the grip of and bitterness or guilt of past events.
In fact, my life has become so positive now that it’s hard to relate to who I was as a person in my past, just a few years ago. I was extremely short-tempered. I don’t even remember how many glasses, remotes controls, and cordless phones I have thrown and broken.
I was emotionally imbalanced and would have possibly ended my life due to depression if Sudarshan Kriya and Sri Sri hadn’t come in my life, which found meaning after I did the Art of Living programs.
I am a fashion designer and have hosted several fashion shows and exhibitions. I loved my profession and used to work passionately for it in terms of being creative, designing the best outfits, putting efforts to get every thing right for the model. However, all of this felt great from the surface but I knew deep down I was missing something. I was missing being content and happy with my life. How ironic because I made people look beautiful through my outfits before I realized that’s all it was, just and “out” fit.
The moment this realization dawned on me, I decided to become and Art of Living teacher to design and transform people’s lives from the inside. What you wear on the outside is nothing compared to the smile, enthusiasm, and bubbling energy of love you carry within yourself.
It has been 18 years for me now and I feel absolutely blessed and grateful that my existence could become an instrument of my Master’s vision of a stress free and violence free society, bringing that undying smile on every face.
As Gurudev has often said, just because a room has been dark for 20 years does not mean it will take many years for it to have light. To get liberated, just this one incredibly lucky life with a living Guru is enough.
I wish more and more people realize this and live to the fullest.
Jai Gurudev
Pranali Ambarish
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. At that point in time, my mind was very unstable and confused because even though my exams had gone fine, I had another big decision in front of me: what field should I major in? What field do I choose to establish a career in. To top it all, my result date was rapidly approaching.
Several people had given me guidance about which field of study to choose, which confused me further. I had decided to simply ask Guruji what to pursue because I knew that would be the best guidance.
There were way too many fields, and many people for guidance who had different opinions about each course. I decided to follow what Guruji would say, that would be the best guidance ever. We went to the secreteriate to request for an appointment to meet Sri Sri. We were told to come back later. This went on for the next three days. It was holiday time and there so many courses going on, including one taken by Gurudev himself, so he was very occupied. Plus, there were so many devotees who also wanted their time with him.
Though I perfectly understood the situation, it was heartbreaking for me that after reaching the ashram, I was not being able to meet Guruji. Then, one day we were walking around the old ashram to go to Sumeru Mantap for our meditation. We passed by a beautifully decorated hall with essenced flowers, people were dressed in heavy colorful clothes. We understood a wedding was taking place here. We just stood there admiring the beauty of it all. A man standing near the hall spotted us and invited us to the wedding. We didn’t know at the time but he was the father of the bride.
He was a fine gentleman who lovingly called us and told us to attend the ceremony. He said it meant more blessings for his daughter. We couldn’t resist his kindness and decided to go in. The groom was welcomed in at the beats of drums. After some time, the relatives of the couple were standing at the door waiting to welcome somone. In few moments two cars arrived. In the first one was Bhanu Didi, who entered the hall. We all took her blessings. She truly looked radiant and divine. We heard people whisper around that Guruji would also be reaching soon.
I felt so joyous that I would get to see him. He was welcomed with a garland and a traditional Jaipuri head gear. He spent time with the couple and blessed them. As he was preparing to leave, I quickly took the opportunity to meet him. I asked Guruji the question that was bothering me: which field of study and career is the right one for me. He smiled and said, “the choice is yours, the blessings are mine.” While it wasn’t a definite answer, it left me very satisfied. I left with the feeling that now only the right things will happen. He would take care of this.
During kriya with Gurudev, my intuition told me which course of study I should take up. When I reached back home in Mumbai, the admission process began. Luckily, I got through all of the colleges and courses I had applied to. Ultimately, I made my choice and it worked out extremely perfectly. It was all done with so much grace. I received such clarity of mind after meeting Guruji.
It was all that I needed and he knew it.
Jai Guru Dev.
Karishma Khanna
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 meeting was totally unplanned. I was going to Texas and walking towards my gate when I saw Gurudev walking through security. Knowing this was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to miss, I rushed and got his footwear from the security belt and placed it on the floor for Sri Sri.
He gracefully came, wore them, and looked up and asked me “Tu aayan nahi?” (You didn’t come for the event?). He was referring to the Yoga Day event on June 19 for which he was in New York City. I had avoided going. “Yes, Gurudev, I was busy with some commitments,” I replied.
Sri Sri then took the small group of 4-5 people who were with him on a walk around the airport as our flights were late. During the walk, Gurudev asked me why I did not attend a Vigyaan Bhairav session he gave 3 months ago. Honestly, I was really stumped that he knew that I had not attended! I replied that I was busy with work and couldn’t make the time.
He then whispered in my ears, “itne paise kamake kya fayda agar tumhe samaj main nahi aata ki kidhar aana chahiye?”(What’s the point of earning all this money if it doesn’t guide you to the right place?).
I was floored. I told him that from this point onward, I will not miss any knowledge sessions Gurudev would give. He is just too sweet and I feel blessed to receive his love and attention.
During Christmas in 2016, I finally attended the Vigyaan Bhairav session in our beautiful Art of Living Retreat in Boone, North Caroline and wow, it’s something that shouldn’t be missed at any cost. Like other tapes we have of Sri Sri giving his wonderful knowledge, we will hear this on a DVD soon but truly, it’s a real blessing to attend in person. Make the time! After all, like he told me, what is the point of earning so much if we can’t choose wisely where to spend it.
Jai Guru Dev!
