Sri Sri Stories
There was a time in my life when things were getting really tough to handle as my spouse would drink regularly. He would not listen to anyone and just keep drinking. This led to an atmosphere of continuous stress and tension around me.
Knowledge and regular practice kept me calm and going through the testing times of life. Yet I felt like I was drowning. Guruji knew this all along, and so one day, we were called to Ganga Kutir to meet Gurudev, just both of us. I couldn’t believe it!
And then the magic happened! Four months later, on Shivratri, my spouse just gave up alcohol. Jai Gurudev was all I had to say about this magic that suddenly happened in my life as I knew that this great miracle was only possible with my Gurus grace and nothing else.
But this was not the end of it. The magic continued. Within no time, my spouse started gaining good health. The magic continued. He began working hard, harder than ever before. All relationships began to improve, be it friends, family or business associates. He began having fun, began living life to the fullest, and not just existing, as was the case earlier.
Even today, 19 years later, it makes my heart skip a beat and brings a twinkle to my eyes as the magic still continues. With a Guru in your life, you cannot but experience magic all the time. Guruji truly is my Magic Man. We are deeply in love with you Gurudev.
Jai Gurudev!
My name is Rupen. I am a part of Art of Living since the August of 2012. There was a point where I discontinued because I believed there was no point in doing these breathing techniques and they would not help me. I ignored the Master’s calls and gave excuses like I am not well or I am very busy.
I reside in Dubai and I am facing a huge financial problem. I was not able to manage on my own here. Then I spoke to my sister in Mumbai. She told me to fly back immediately and I went to Mumbai with lots of hope and support of my family members. However, I also had a habit of lying due to which my family only supported me partly.
My sister requested me to join Art of Living again. I agreed with her and completed my part 1 course, and my faith towards my Guru became stronger and stronger each day. On the last day of the course, I told my teacher Satishji that I wanted to meet Gurudev. He told me that Guruji was in Anand, Gujurat and that I can go and meet him there and surrender my sufferings by writing them down on a piece of paper and give it to him. He said, ‘If your faith is strong, HE will meet you.’
I left for Anand by bus early morning and even thought I reached late, I was able to see my Gurudev for the first time and I was able to ask for a solution to my problems. His reply was very short and sweet but I was still not happy. Five hours later, I had to catch a bus back to Mumbai.
I was resting in the hotel and suddenly I got a call and was told to stay with Gurudev for two more days since it was the auspicious festival of Diwali. However, since I had been in Mumbai for four months and was away from my family, I decided to catch a flight back to Dubai instead. I did not listen to the phone call and flew back. When I landed, I was stuck and got caught in the airport as my partner had filed a case against me.
By Guruji’s grace, I was released in a day from the airport. If I would have stayed back and paid heed to the phone call, I would have avoided this whole episode.
Due to paying huge debts, I was tired and my client had to still give me a cheque for 1,00,000 Aed. I was doing his work which was a financial guarantee but sow how his work got delayed. He got annoyed and he bounced my cheque, and complained against me. On 12 March, I got a call that my client has complained I need to pay the amount.
In utter frustration, I was continuously calling the Bangalore Ashram and finally I was able to explain my reasons for calling and the lady who answered gave me Gurudev secretary – Jaina didi’s number. I was able to call her and I told her that I would like to speak with. She told me he was meditating and would not be able to speak.
I spent the entire day calling her up but she was not able to take my call. That day was spent in fear of what lay ahead. The next day, I was calling her since morning but she was not able to attend to my calls. I wrote ample of emails and messages but still no reply.
It was about 10 am and I was having my breakfast when I got a call from Jaina didi. She told me that Gurudev would like to speak with me. In that very moment, for me all the fear and pain was shifted to happiness. He listened to all my problems and told me to just be patient and pray. HIS words will always be with me. This is how my Gurudev is with me always
Jai Guru Dev
Rupen Doctor
My parents had gone to Rishikesh once, as Guruji was there. That day was an extremely auspicious one which had come after 400 years. Guruji along with other devotees were going to take a dip in the holy water of the River Ganges. My relatives Sumit and Dipti had also decided to go to Rishikesh via road because they couldn’t get the train tickets. They were very excited, and all this while I was at home, relaxing on the couch.
Dipti di asked me why I wasn’t coming along. I told her that I was excited to be home alone for two days and party the whole time. She intelligently convinced me to come by saying she would even sponsor for my whole trip. A free road trip sounded good to me so I decided to go as well, thanking Guruji.
I got ready quickly and we left for Rishikesh. We discussed many Guru Stories on our way. Talking about Guruji is always the best thing you can do in your life. It automatically brings a smile on your face. Even just thinking about him is enough.
It was 9 pm and we were really hungry. Due to the extreme crowd going to Rishikesh, we had decided to take a different route there. There were no good restaurants or dhaba’s on that way for us. Finally at 11 pm, we found a place to eat but it wasn’t that good. We had no other option so we decided to eat there. We ordered our food, but within five minutes, Dipti di said she felt something was wrong with the place and that we should leave.
We left from there, and on our way she told us that she noticed that there were barely a few people there and they were drunk and pointing towards us. It was past midnight and we were starving. Dipti di wondered out loud, ‘Is this how Guruji is taking care of us?’ On the dash board there was a book called ‘Punarnava’ , an amazing book by Guruji which I had bought but had not read yet. I pointed to Guruji’s picture on the cover of the book and said to him, “I don’t know anything, as soon as I reach the Rishikesh Ashram, I need good food and a place to stay. It is your headache now and in the morning I want to take a dip in the Ganga holding your hand. Jai Guru Dev.” Dipti di laughed and said that it is 1 am and no one in the Ashram there would be ready to serve me food so late. An hour later, we finally reached and the guard told us where to park our car. As we stepped inside the Ashram, a gentleman came and told us, “Oh good, you’ll have arrived. Should I lay out the food?” I looked at Deepti Di and smiled. He always takes care of us
We were served Dal and Rice. Wanting to eat chappati as well, I asked the man who served us if there were any left. He politely told me they were all over. Another man came up behind him and said, “I have a few chapatti’s which Guruji has sent from his kutir.” Dipti di looked at me and said, ‘I believe you Kunal, we are surely taken care of.’ And like that, he granted my first wish.
We finished our meal but had no idea where we were going to be staying. My mentor, Avinash Tiku, who is an international faculty member, called up asking if we had reached. I told him we had, and he told us to that he had arranged for our accommodation as well. Second wish granted! We went and met him, and I was very happy as I was meeting him after four months! By 3.30 am we slept. I woke up at 7am and went to Avinash Bhaiyya’s room. Just then he told me to check outside the window and Guruji was walking on the shores of River Ganga. I saw and in excitement said, ‘Run, it is Guruji!’ We both ran quickly towards him. There were only 7-8 people with HIM. I wished Guruji ‘Jai Guru Dev’. HE Smiled and blinked his eyes, there was an innocence in His Smile.It was the first time I was walking with Guruji so I did not let anybody come between us. He did not leave even a single chance to pamper us. Very soon, the amount of people around him increased. As we reached the Ghat , he asked everybody to do chanting and went to change. I helped the volunteers clear the passage so that Guruji walk smoothly and due to this I was made to stand in the first row of the Ghat.
Half an hour later, Guruji came out and the gathering followed him like thousands of bees swarming around a dessert. In the meantime, I got pushed and was left far behind while the gathering along with the Master descended down the ghat. I stood there, hanging onto a chain on a very slippery surface. I saw Guruji take the first dip, chanting ‘Jai Gangey’. The surreal aura of his is simply impossible to pen down.
HE took his second dip and abruptly started walking towards where I was clinging on to the chains. My heart beat running, I asked Guruji to stop as the surface beneath was extremely slippery. But, by then he had already reached quite close, and to my horror, he slipped and in no time, I caught hold of his hand and held him tight. And at the same time, with that perpetual smile, Guruji took his third and final dip holding my hand! Without a word, he returned to his kutir. I was completely dumbstruck. When Guruji went out of sight and I returned back from my state of trance, I realized that my last wish was also granted.
I realized that the master would go to any extent to see that smile on your face. That’s my Satguru, my GURUJI!
Jai Gurudev
Kunal Gambhir
It was a regular morning for me; I got ready and left for college to finish my work quickly, so that I could go to Ashram, as Gurudev was in Bangalore. I finished my work, unexpectedly very fast.
Happy with myself I decided to rush to the Ashram and having a bike of your own is the best possible thing at such a time, But I was then reminded of the previous night when my friend borrowed my Wego and while parking it back, she accidentally broke the key.
For couple of minutes I was completely clueless as to how I would start my bike as I had already lost the original key 2-3 months back and this one was the only key I had. Then to make my state of mind better, I imagined the presence of Gurudev and started singing the bhajan ‘Om Namo Bhagvate’.
After few minutes I realised that I was back to the college gate (I had no idea why or how did I reach there), and then I saw my batch-mates standing there. So I went to them and asked if anyone knew any key-maker nearby and narrated the whole story; but surprisingly the whole time, I was only looking at one particular girl while talking and she was not even a friend of mine.
She asked me- “Do you want it for a bike?” I said “Yes!” Then she said, “Wait
let me check, I think I have a key, hopefully in the same bag. I found it long time back, just sees if it’s yours”.
Turns out, that was my long lost original key, which that girl happened to keep, thinking she might find its owner and return it someday!
The essence of this entire episode was that I bumped into the same girl who had my keys standing exactly at the college gate, and she happened to carry the same bag which she had on the day she found my key
And then I realized – “Nothing can be lost in my life when I have found my Master.”
JGD
Sakshi
I remember writing letters to GOD when I was just a little kid- though demanding small things like “Please turn the Wednesday into Sunday so that my father can come back from his duty and stay with me.” Faith was all I had during my years of growth.
I grew up to be a considerably shy person, but someone who could wear a confident look on the outside. My problem was that I was unable to persuade people, and convince them for doing the AOL courses, as compared to other volunteers. Deep inside me, I longed to bring more and more people to the AOL, to bring a smile on each ones face and spread love and peace around the world.
Many-a-times there are phases in life when things seem very gloomy and the only way out is your beloved GURU. My miracle happened when, in one of the satsangs, Guruji said, “I grant you one wish!” and I immediately wished that I want to do Seva and bring merit in my life.
I wished and forgot what I asked for. But He did not forget. He very subtly and beautifully granted my wish. He placed me at a good post in a hospital where I started telling all my patients to do the Art of Living courses. I felt very happy with myself in doing so and felt that I am His instrument.
On completing two years recently, it struck me that Guruji had granted my wish in super style and had given me the opportunity of doing Seva in my day to day life. Such a great privilege it is to get the chance of being the Guru’s messenger to humanity and spreading His message of Love, Peace and Joy.
Only He knows His ways. He takes care of every small detail and never lets your smile fade. He is the Master and the only one who loves you unconditionally. It’s great to walk on this path with this blessing that He is around you, taking care of you in every way.
Everything I ever wished for in this lifetime has been fulfilled and I am living His miracle every day. There is nothing that I need now, except His Love. He made my life worth living. So when my patients recover from all their illnesses and health problems, I smile with happiness, thinking to myself that the Superpower (Gurudev) loves His beings in Super style.
He is the true Love who fulfils every wish with style and brings joy to everyone. Thanks for this blessing Deva. Love you.
JGD
Pooja
The connection with Guruji has been there ever since eternity. The realization and coming in touch with the Master physically has made this lifetime as well as the coming ones – all so celebrative. HE has been there as a protective shield all throughout – whether this myopic mind can perceive it or not.
I had gone to attend a satsang organised at a YES!+ workshop and was hanging out with the Satsangis on the last day – it was almost 8.45pm. I realized the ride back home would take over an hour. To add to it, soon my phone battery drained and I could not inform at home that I would be late.
It was winter and the weather in Delhi was really chilly being last week of December. I dropped off at Rohini East Metro station at around 10pm and looked here and there for an autorickshaw, still in the blissful state of Bhajans and Hymns. Amidst the scarce chances of finding one, I sat comfortably on one to ride across another 5-6 kms to reach home.
There was dense fog and silence on the road with a few vehicles passing by the side. My mind filled with sweet remembrance of the Gur , and the heart basking in gratitude for innumerable reasons!
Suddenly it dawned on me that a Santro was moving slowly along with the autorickshaw with full volume music and four guys in it, staring at me! For a second, it was like – oh God! What is this! Hardly could I register what was happening, when another car with same features – came on the other side of the rickshaw! I could recollect my memory – that was the same road – where 4 days back – around the same time in the night, a girl was shot dead!
My body temperature was falling and I could hear my heart throbbing at its loudest. I was upset and I did not even have a phone to use. However, within a fraction of a second, it was like The Lord of the Universe was with me! I thought, whom should I be fearful of? What for?
I had one option. The only option! The wisest amongst all options – To Surrender! With all my strength and a Jai Gurudev in my mind, I closed my eyes. 4-5 seconds later, there was this fragrance that filled the air – the fragrance of rose incense – the fragrance when HE comes near! The fragrance that is so settling!
10-12 seconds later as I opened my eyes, there weren’t any of the two cars and we were almost at the end of that road. A heavy, deep, gratitude filled breath came out with an overwhelming heart and tears rolling down at the amazement of how – no matter where we are, no matter what time it is – day, night or midnight, HE shall be there without fail!
-Suvidha Malhotra
I had two angioplasties in 2004 and 2006 and thus remained on medication for 4 years. In January 2008, I did the Advance Course (my 6th one) in Ghoom with Sejalji.
It so happened that I had forgotten to carry my medicines on the course. On the first night at 2 am, I had a severe palpitation attack and angina. Luckily at that time Sejalji blessed me and it all subsided with one loose motion.
Later, in April/May, again I experienced severe palpitation. To save me, two words from the AOL teachings “SO WHAT” overpowered my mind and this lamp of deep faith lit within my heart which made me believe that everything is being and will be taken care of by Guruji.
With that I began to sink in deep, very deep relaxation and a feeling of infinity. And after that moment, no angina and no palpitation occurred. This happened without any medical regime. The enclosing and engulfing love of Guruji felt every moment is too great.
Jai Gurudev
Arvind Sharma
I am a Corporate Lawyer and am very regular in doing my kriya. I had gone to London to study Law and having done so, I came back to Mumbai to look for a job. For a whole year, I did not get a job anywhere, no matter where I applied.
I was told that I had studied the Foreign Law, and not the Indian one. There was a big difference between the two. The failure at getting a job discouraged me and I felt as though I had no chance at all.
As many people had said, ”If you want your dream to be fulfilled, you should do an Advance Course,” I went ahead and did the Advance Course in the Bangalore Ashram, in March 2012. I told Guruji my situation. After a month of my return to Mumbai, I got a very good job with a handsome pay.
This is how the Advance Course really helps to fulfil all your dreams. With an advance course around the corner, miracles are not far away.
JGD
A birthday is an occasion to celebrate as it marks the day of someone’s entry in this world. The date of 13th May 1956, marked the advent of a Miracle Man. The birthday of our beloved Guruji, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Coming face to face with Guruji is experiencing the infinity of love. Tears keep rolling down and it is hardly important whether He is saying something or not. A most delicate feeling suffuses every level of the being, as if a fountain were streaming from within.
In His presence, buds blossom, eyes light up and a wave of peace and comfort heals all wounds in the heart. A drop of love resonates in the stillness of Being, taking one beyond time and space into eternity.
Ravi Shankar was born in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu to Smt. Visalakshi Ratnam and Shri R. S. Venkat Ratnam. He was named “Ravi” (a common Indian name meaning “sun”) because his birth was on a Sunday and “Shankar” after the 8th century Hindu saint Adi Shankara.
He was a gifted child. By the age of four, He was able to recite parts of the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Sanskrit scripture and was often found in meditation. His first teacher was Sudhakar Chaturvedi, who had had a long cooperation with Mahatma Gandhi. He holds degrees in, both, Vedic literature and physics and also a graduate degree in Bachelor of Science from Bangalore University.
After graduation, Ravi Shankar travelled with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The 1980s saw him initiate a series of practical and experiential courses in spirituality around the globe. Sri Sri says that His rhythmic breathing exercise Sudarśana-Kriyā came to Him in 1982 “like a poem, an inspiration”, after a ten-day period of silence on the banks of the Bhadra River in Shimoga, state of Karnataka, adding, “I learned it and started teaching it”.
The Sudarshan Kriya, is a powerful breathing technique that cuts down stress and helps individuals focus on the present moment. Today this program is taught around the world as part of the Art of Living course. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of Living Foundation, a UN affiliated non-governmental agency, and is the inspiration behind many charitable organizations devoted to the service of others.
Guruji’s ability to connect with people is perfectly effortless and His spiritual appeal, irresistible. To use the words of one of his ardent followers, Sri Sri is as compassionate as Jesus, as playful as Lord Krishna and as erudite as Adi Shankara. He has this uncanny ability of helping people unburden their stress-filled minds. His invaluable sayings act as balms for wounded souls. Here’s a sample: ” Life is a ball in your hands to play with. Don’t hold on to the ball.”
Words by themselves are inadequate to express what a Master or a Guru brings to one’s life. His presence, His love, His grace and His shining light can uplift one from the miseries and the sorrows that life brings us.
His Birth is a Blessing for one and all. Somebody once asked Guruji about His birth date and He replied “MEIN TERA” – I am Yours (May 13).
Wish You a Very Very HAPPY BIRTHDAY GURUDEV.
WE ALL LOVE YOU !!!
Jai Gurudev
Life has been nothing less than splendid after the Master came into my life. He has been there in mind and spirit even when the whole world has been against me. This incident happened in 2011. At that time I had just moved to a new building in Bombay along with my parents.
From the very beginning, I did not feel good vibrations from that apartment. There was this particular watchman who was a thug and always used to pass lewd gestures at me and other women. Even after repeatedly admonishing him he would threaten me back saying that he did not do anything wrong. He used to drink also during working hours but nobody paid heed.
I complained to my parents many a times but they just asked me to ignore him. But that man did not stop with his indecent activities. One day while I came back from a Satsang he passed a lewd gesture and I was livid. I fought with him and came back home and told my parents. I was reduced to tears when my parents started shouting at me saying that I should not mess with such thugs.
They put the blame on me saying that I had lost my mind and my mother also beat me up that night. I was devastated and called up my friend but he too was unable to help me since he was out of station. Feeling completely helpless, I just prayed to Guruji to please help me. After that I don’t know from where I got immense strength to walk past that same man with conviction and confidence that nothing will ever happen to me and that I am protected.
I was very disappointed with my parents but still did not fight with them. After a few days a miracle happened. That same watchman was caught drinking on duty by some officials and fired from his job. Just like that. Who complained against him or how did the officials come to know about his misdeeds, nobody ever knew. He was never to be seen in that building ever.
I knew it was my Guru who took care of me. After he was fired, many people came to know about his wrong doings and were glad that he was gone. I told my parents that it is all because of Guruji that this happened, they just looked away in an ashamed manner. This made me believe that in this country where women are raped every hour and are denied any form of respect, it is the Guru who saves you.
He will take care of you no matter what. Just have faith in Him. He might delay but He delivers, ALL THE TIME.
JGD
Aratrika
