Sri Sri Stories
He showed me the truth that Guru is a caring essence, and that no matter how busy things around Him get, He knows. He always Knows. In all the busy-ness, He is still looking out for you, shares RUCHIRA ROY, blogger and former journalist with The Economic Times. This fascinating narration is a story of oneness, read on.
The doubting Thomas that I was, I used to harbor many misconceptions about Gurudev. One was, Gurudev must be too busy to care about me or my problems. After all, I am just one among the millions of devotees all over the world, some who have served Him longer and with more dedication and commitment. Why would he bother about me? I knew Gurudev was not an ordinary man but I was yet to come to terms with what happened to me on 5th March 2016. Of course, He did not look at me, as my pet peeve had always been, but He looked out for me.
A BUSY EVENING
We were a week away from one of the biggest events of the year-the World Cultural Festival that was going to witness the gathering of more than 3.5 million people from 155 countries, a colorful cultural celebration of our One World Family. There were super VIP international guests traveling to our ashram for the event every day, the new accommodations were coming up, and Shivratri was to be celebrated a day later. And then there were multiple media interviews from hundreds of publications that Gurudev was tirelessly addressing. Not once did I see his energy diminish. I could not believe my eyes. I could not believe someone could attend to so many situations, each seemingly more important than the other, without losing His energy, centeredness, and compassion. All of this blew my mind already.
Back then, I had recently started serving with the Art of Living media team (ABC). One day was particularly busier for us all when Gurudev easily had more than 6 or 7 interviews to attend to, three of which were supposed to happen in the evening, on 5th March. One of the channel guys came in to set up the camera. He handed an earphone (with a mic) to Gurudev. And I thought, this must be a used one. We should get Gurudev a new and unused one, before the interview starts.
THE ONE WITH THE DRY THROAT
I ran down from Ganga Kutir, towards Gate 3 (Ashram kitchen gate), hitched a ride with a sevak to the nearest shop in Udipalya, and bought 2 pairs of headphones (one black and one white, so He could pick a color of His choice.) They were no Apple headphones but the best I could find in that place, with the money I had in my pocket. The wonderful sevak dropped me back at gate 3. I ran back up to Ganga kutir. I ran the fastest I could, as if I was being chased by 2 greyhounds, and I am certainly not much of a runner. Only He can make lazy people run and restless people settle, with Love. Anyway, so I reached Ganga Kutir, and despite my personal record best running, I was late. The first interview had already ended, and the second one was going to begin. I had just enough seconds to pass on the new headphones to Sreekumarji (a long-time Ashramite), to give it to Gurudev. To my surprise, Gurudev took them and put on the new headphones, for the interview with NDTV. I was all smiles. I sat down with the small group of people who were around in the room.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT
Now you should know I had run and climbed up a little too fast. So my throat was all dried up and contracting in discomfort, forcing a cough out of me. But I could not, because the interview had started rolling, the lights in the room had been dimmed down and there was pin-drop silence, apart from the interaction between the NDTV journalist and Gurudev. There was no way for me to excuse myself out of the room, as that would attract unnecessary attention. But my throat was drying up, and it was becoming more and more difficult to hold back. I surrendered the discomfort to Him and sat tight.
A minute or two into the interview, Gurudev started coughing incessantly. The filming stopped for a bit. Gurudev drank some water before continuing with the interview. And just like that, my throat felt hydrated and the urge to cough simply disappeared. I sat there with tiny tears in my eyes because I knew what He did there. After the interview ended, devotees around Gurudev were trying to figure out why Gurudev was coughing so much. Gurudev said, “(It) must be the carpet” and He moved on to the next interview.
HE CHOSE ME!
That evening, after all the interactions ended, my friend and fellow sevak with ABC, Mansi Dharmaraj, who was also coordinating the media interactions, asked me where I had been in the evening. I told her, I had gone to fetch new earphones for Gurudev because I suspected the channel guys were giving Him all the used ones and I wasn’t sure if those were clean. What Mansi told me next, left a lump in my throat and to this day, it remains the most special in my entire life. Mansi told me, after the first interview (when I ran down to Udapalya), Gurudev’s secretary had also offered to fetch Gurudev’s personal and new/unused Apple earphones. But apparently, Gurudev refused them…only to later use the sasta ones I got, with zero qualms. That moment I realized, how casually without a word spoken between us, in the midst of the chaotic and extremely busy evening that was for Him, Gurudev did the unthinkable for me, that nobody had ever done for me-acknowledged my love. He showed me the truth that Guru is a caring essence, and that no matter how busy things around Him get, He knows. He always Knows.
Later that night as I went to bed and reran the whole evening in my head, it dawned on me… I pulled out my phone, to see it gleaming on my wallpaper- “You are in me as me and I am in you as you.” Indeed, You are and indeed I am.
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.” Read this touching account by POOJA TOLANI, leading faculty from The Art of Living’s Canada Chapter.
I have never had a job in my life, hence never faced any of the ordeals office-goers talk about. I’ve been a full-time teacher with the Art of Living for about 20 years now and there isn’t a thing I would want to change about my life. It’s perfect! But there is one person who works overtime to make it this beautiful – My Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar!
He has taught me to recognize and celebrate the many miracles that life brings, and there have been plenty of them. He has taught me to notice and be grateful for the unconditional love that nature and he constantly showers me.
CANADA CALLING Ever since I became a faculty with The Art of Living, he would ask me to share the stress-elimination techniques on different parts of the world to bring smiles on people’s faces. Initially, I traveled on my own and then with my husband. We traveled and taught The Art of Living Programs in India, Europe, and then North America. With his blessings, wherever we went, we were fortunate to be able to teach many people. We were by now, so to speak, a “successful couple”.
In 2009, Gurudev asked us to go to Canada to teach these life-transforming techniques. Canada was somehow more challenging than anywhere else we had been to. It took us a lot more effort to organize courses and get things moving. While in other countries, within days of arriving, we would have people gathering in large numbers, in Canada, it had been over a year and we were still struggling to put courses together.
I began to feel stressed, burdened, impatient, and unhappy about the fact that Gurudev was taking such good care of us, yet we weren’t able to offer anything back.
MEETING WITH GURUDEV – This drove me to a point where eventually when Gurudev visited Canada Ashram in the summer of 2010, I spoke to him about this. I had to. I couldn’t take it any longer. So, I said to him, “Gurudev, I’ve been feeling very guilty that we haven’t been able to perform well here. Courses are so small, nothing is happening. I feel guilty that so much effort and money are being invested in keeping us in Canada but we are unable to be useful. Perhaps we should return to India or go to another country”. Gurudev, after listening very intently, looked at me with his eyes full of compassion and yet a sense of authority, and said, “Mere saath kya guilt?” (How can you feel guilty with me?). Then he went on to glorify the little work we had done and boosted us up by telling us how well he thought we had done. We were surprisingly, within minutes, feeling uplifted. And then he looked at me in a way that I will never forget and said, “All I want from my teachers and volunteers is to be happy and be active! Are you active?” I said yes. “Are you happy?” I looked at him with my eyes welling up with tears of love and gratitude and without even pausing to think, said, “Yes Guruji!”. “That’s it then”, he reaffirmed.
I walked to my room so full of love and purpose. But this time the purpose was not to organize a course or quantify the work I was able to do or not do. The only purpose I was focused on was “To be happy”. I kept thinking, of how many relationships do we have in our lives where the other wants NOTHING from us but our happiness. Here was Gurudev who has been unconditionally and continuously only giving, and all he wants in return from me is to be happy! I have to be able to give this to him. I will be happy simply because he wants me to! And that’s enough for him and for me. So that day I decided I would be happy despite everything – whether courses happen or not, whether I am able to perform and live up to my ego or not. I will be happy! I AM happy!
BE HAPPY! A few days later Gurudev left for India and we returned to our city in Canada. To my surprise, as soon as we came back, I felt different. I didn’t know how, but I was happier, lighter, and more at ease. This is when courses began to happen effortlessly, people started coming, we were now organizing big events, we started getting media coverage, and the face of AOL Calgary changed! I didn’t have to do anything, but sit and watch it happen.
Since then, Gurudev has visited Calgary twice, in 2013 & again in 2018. Both were extremely successful visits with multiple events, meetings with Government officials from the Mayor to the Lieutenant Governor, corporate leaders, social change-makers, and media personnel. All in all, Calgary moved, grew, and was ready for Gurudev!
Soon we attended a North American Teachers’ Refresher Meet with Gurudev where he asked us to share with everyone how we work and organize courses. I went up on stage and all I could say was, “By being happy – that’s it!”
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. As I joined the Zoom call, I noticed a large number of devotees already present—over 1600. Gurudev initiated discussions on crucial matters, and amidst the presence of esteemed individuals, I felt insignificant. Turning off my video camera, I focused solely on absorbing His wisdom.
The following day, another Zoom meeting was scheduled for Advance Meditation and DSN teachers. With only around 600 attendees expected, I hoped that Gurudev would notice me on screen. Ensuring I looked presentable, I turned on my camera and awaited His presence.
In His omniscient manner, Gurudev unexpectedly addressed me, saying, “Leela Ramesh, I did not see you yesterday.” His words shook me to the core. Despite my belief that I didn’t matter, Gurudev’s acknowledgment reminded me of my significance. From that moment onward, I realized that each one of us holds importance in His eyes. I am always prepared and aware of my worth.
Leela Ramesh
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.
There’s a story about an Asura called Gayasur, who wished for Moksha for anyone who visited Gaya, from Lord Vishnu. This led me to book my tickets for the 7-day Advanced Meditation Program (AMP) in Bodhgaya. Amidst skepticism and resistance, I followed my inner calling.
During the second day of silence, I received the news of my Grandma’s passing. Shattered, I found solace in Swami Atmmananda ji’s words, guiding me to channel vibrations to the departed. It was Gurudev’s divine plan that brought me to a place of peace, meditation, and Moksha.
In the silence of meditation, amidst the teachings of Ashtavakra Gita, I found profound truths. “You are not the doer, It’s all happening” echoed in my soul as I immersed myself in the 7-day silence at Bodhgaya Ashram.
Gurudev’s grace has transformed every moment, blessing every life I’ve lived. Grateful for the journey from Gaya to Enlightenment, I am forever indebted to His divine guidance and love.
With every breath, I feel His presence, guiding me through life’s ups and downs. His teachings resonate in my soul, offering solace and strength in times of need. As I continue to walk the path of spirituality, I carry His love in my heart, knowing that His grace will always light the way.
Kavya Bandaru
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. During our interaction, I shared with him the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, and he listened attentively with compassion, embodying the boundless love akin to an ocean.
As I poured my heart out to him, Gurudev’s presence enveloped me in a sense of peace and reassurance. His blessings and wise counsel left an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me to take care and stay grounded in knowledge.
Reflecting on my relationship with Gurudev, I realize that it transcends mere words; it’s a connection that resonates deep within my being. Through his divine presence, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in my life, guided by his wisdom to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles.
With Gurudev’s grace lighting my path, I am confident that I am being guided safely towards my destination. His teachings and blessings continue to shape my journey, instilling within me a profound sense of gratitude and faith.
In Gurudev’s grace, I find solace and strength, knowing that I am always held and supported on this spiritual journey of life.
Gratefully embracing Gurudev’s grace,
Narayan T V
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.
My quest for spirituality began long ago, but without a Guru in my life, I struggled to find the path to enlightenment. Everything changed when I arrived in Australia as an International Student in February 2023. I had heard about the Art of Living and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and I felt drawn to explore further.
On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, I was invited by a relative who was already involved with Art of Living to attend a Satsang program. It was my first time going alone to a new place in Sydney, but I was warmly welcomed by my brother’s friend, who later became a close companion.
The Satsang was a transformative experience for me. Surrounded by devotees, immersed in the uplifting music and chanting, I felt a sense of joy and connection that I had never experienced before. Despite the challenges of living alone in a new city, this experience brought light into my life.
As time passed, I found myself struggling with depression and questioning my decision to move to Australia. However, I remembered the joy of Satsang and began seeking ways to calm my mind. Through YouTube, I discovered guided meditations by Gurudev and embarked on a 10-day meditation challenge.
Although I longed to learn Sudarshan Kriya, I couldn’t afford the course fees due to my financial situation. But in a divine twist of fate, my friend who had picked me up from the station arranged for me to enroll in a course with an Art of Living teacher, allowing me to pay in installments.
The three-day Happiness Program was a life-changing experience. I learned the Sudarshan Kriya and embraced a new perspective on faith and life. From that moment on, I incorporated Kriya and Satsang into my daily routine, finding solace and strength in Gurudev’s teachings.
Through Guru stories and my own experiences, I came to believe that Gurudev is always with us, guiding us through life’s challenges. Whenever I feel lost or overwhelmed, I surrender to Gurudev’s wisdom and find comfort in knowing that He is by my side, guiding me every step of the way.
With each passing day, month, and event, I continue to connect the dots of Gurudev’s master plan, feeling blessed to walk this path of light and love.
Jai Gurudev!
Prajwal Pokhrel
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. “Don’t forget to buy gift wrapping paper and a ribbon,” I remind him for the umpteenth time. Patiently, he assures me, and I eagerly plan to present Him with the book “Ageless Tales” I self-published on Amazon.
The excitement is palpable, akin to a child showing off a new toy to her mother. Ramesh meticulously wraps the book, struggling to tie the satin bow perfectly. With a long list of blessings and gratitude in mind, we enter the Darshan hall, albeit late, finding only two vacant chairs at the far end.
Amidst the flurry of activity, I clutch the book close to my heart, waiting eagerly. And then, there He is—our eyes lock, and His smile radiates the brilliance of a thousand suns, exuding the serenity of a thousand moons. My heart dances, my soul sings, as I anticipate His entrance from the unexpected direction.
True to His divine play, He enters from the exit and meets us first. Ramesh shares his concerns, and I present my book. His words in Kannada, “I will read,” resonate like nectar to my ears, a language of love that transcends barriers. With blessings and rose petals, He moves on, leaving me with a sense of contentment in uncertainty.
Though I may not have shared all I intended, I am not disheartened. For in leaving something behind, there is always the promise of return. With each moment, I eagerly await the next Darshan, embracing the wonder and celebration of His divine dance.
In gratitude and anticipation,
Leela Ramesh
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. Rushing to join fellow teachers for lunch, I stumbled on a small slope, assuming it was a minor sprain. To my shock, my left ankle was broken into two pieces, and I found myself in a state of desperate attempts to straighten it.
In this vulnerable moment, a laborer from a nearby construction site ran to my aid. With a compassionate gaze, he gently stopped me from worsening the injury. His caring expression became a beacon of reassurance, guiding me through the initial shock. Subsequently, an ambulance rushed me to the hospital, where a surgeon emphasized that the laborer’s intervention prevented a permanent limp.
Returning to Mumbai for surgery, I was graciously provided two adjacent empty seats on the flight, offering comfort for my healing leg. Every detail, from the laborer’s timely help to the surgeon’s expertise, the seamless flight back, the surgery, and subsequent recovery, unfolded flawlessly—a tapestry woven with divine intervention.
For years, I pondered whether Gurudev truly sensed my struggles during cloudy days. The incident taught me that the Divine can manifest in myriad forms at any moment. Gurudev, in the guise of that compassionate laborer, came to my rescue, orchestrating a series of events that culminated in my recovery.
When I reflect on my Guru Grace story, I realize that I am the miracle—stripped of His grace, my existence would be but a mere shadow. Gurudev’s profound presence accompanies me, moment to moment, shaping the miraculous journey of my life.
Jai Gurudev.
Nandita
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. Struggling with conflicting emotions, I turned to Gurudev through a heartfelt email, surrendering my decisions to His wisdom.
As fate would have it, ashram registrations were closed, and financial constraints added to the complexity. Undeterred, I confided in my daughter-in-law, expressing my yearning to be at the ashram. Without hesitation, she registered my name, breaking through the financial barrier.
The journey unfolded with its own miraculous rhythm. With no reserved seat on the train, I embraced the uncertainty with a waiting ticket. To my disbelief, six berths remained unoccupied, granting me a restful night’s sleep. Upon reaching the ashram, accommodation miraculously became available just as I arrived, sparing me the need to find an alternate stay.
Transferring from one course to another was usually forbidden, but an exception materialized, preserving my financial investment. The saga reached its pinnacle when, amidst the ashram’s bustling crowd, Gurudev graced me with a darshan near the Shiv Temple. Through a video call, He bestowed blessings upon my niece’s marriage, coinciding with the mehndi ceremony.
Inexplicably, Gurudev’s grace touched every facet of this journey, washing away dilemmas and leaving an indelible mark on my soul. His boundless compassion and divine orchestration underscored the essence of this transformative episode. May His blessings continue to shower upon us all.
Jai Gurudev.
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. It was a day like any other, marked for a cooking competition on the rooftop of a renowned Nairobi mall where I, along with my sister, found ourselves.
We arrived later than the stipulated reporting time, a decision that held a twist of fate. I had initially contemplated going later with my cousin and another sister, but an inexplicable gut feeling urged me to go immediately. Little did we know, this decision would spare us from the impending horror.
As we approached the mall, I needed to return a shirt, a seemingly inconsequential task that became strangely postponed. A few minutes later, chaos erupted. Gunshots pierced the air, and a sea of people surged out of the mall. What we assumed to be a robbery escalated into something far more sinister, compelling us to run for our lives from the top of the building.
In the midst of the pandemonium, I called my cousin, sister, and a friend, warning them not to come. It was an act of providence; they were on the brink of entering the danger zone. Huddled in a corner, with gas cookers left unattended, we sought refuge amidst the terror unfolding around us.
The minutes felt like an eternity as gunshots and explosions intensified. Deep in the chaos, my mind clung to one mantra: ‘JAI GURU DEV.’ Despite the screams and cries, the thought of Gurudev brought an inexplicable strength and faith. I made a difficult call to my father, uncertain of our fate, urging him to pray for us.
As we learned of the terrorist attack, fear escalated. The assailants reached the rooftop, firing indiscriminately and throwing grenades. In the midst of the horror, a grenade lay unexploded nearby, and a terrorist, armed with an imposing gun, spared us. The ordeal unfolded, and in the chaos, I lost sight of my mother, sister, and her friend.
For two harrowing hours, we remained in a cramped position, uncertain of our safety. A mysterious figure eventually guided us to an exit. Running through the mall, we encountered a man with a gun, causing a moment of hesitation. Assured of our safety, we continued, stiff-legged from the prolonged confinement.
Guiding my struggling mother, we made our way out of the mall, unscathed. In retrospect, that day was nothing short of a miracle. Many lost their lives, yet here I am, recounting the experience. Gurudev’s divine influence subtly shaped our decisions, ensuring our safety.
Looking back, the day taught me profound lessons—life’s fragility, the importance of living in the present, and the imperative need to spread love and happiness. Jai Guru Dev.
Nikasha
