Sri Sri Stories
On 22 November, 2012, which was a very special day of my life, I entered into the magical world of the Art of Living. I did the Part1, Yes!+ and DSN courses. I heard a lot about the Advance Course, but did not get a chance to do the course because it was a full day course of four days and somehow I was not able to take leave for it.
My craving for doing the course was increasing day by day. One day, Saleel Bhaiya, who was my Part1 and DSN Teacher happened to talk to me and suggested that I go to the Ashram for an Advance course with Guruji. I liked the idea very much but my mom and dad refused to give permission to go alone so far. Later on, fortunately, they agreed to send me to Bangalore on Maha Shivaratri with my friends.
I was happy in doing the course in Mumbai only, but Guruji always gives me the best, so He wanted me to do the course in the Ashram so that I could have the best experience of this course. In order to reach the Bangalore ashram, I needed to travel by bus for approximately 17-18 hours but since I feel very nauseous in buses, I was really afraid of travelling all the way.
However, as I really wanted to attend the Maha Shivratri celebrations in the presence of the Master, I took the name of Guruji and boarded the bus. I was originally supposed to travel by another bus which got cancelled at the very last moment; hence I finally took the bus in which a friend of mine from Art of Living was also there.
Unfortunately, I had left my water bottle in the luggage section of the bus. After an hour, I started feeling pain in my body, which scared me. Luckily my Art of Living friend Dhruv was with me, so I asked him for a water bottle, and felt better after that. After a while, we got down for taking a break of half an hour. At that time, Dhruv bought me a water bottle and juice so that I could have it to reduce my pain. I was just thinking what would have happened if I would have gone alone by another bus. I felt like My Guru sent Dhruv in His form just to take care of me.
Finally, I was in the Ashram and feeling like I reached heaven. Then while returning, again I had to travel by the AC bus and that too alone this time. I boarded the bus at night, so I dint feel any pain at night as such, but next morning, the pain was so severe that I felt like getting down that very moment. Then My Guru’s Blessing worked for me. I messaged my Art of Living friends to bless me as I was not feeling well and was alone too. I was praying really hard to Guruji to get some natural air somehow just for two minutes so that I could get rid of the suffocation.
It was just unbelievable that within 15 minutes, the bus stopped at a place only for two minutes. I felt like My Guru gave me life. It happened only because of my friends blessings. I have firm belief that whenever I face any problem, Guruji always comes to me in the form of a person (like this time it was Dhruv) and helps me.
Love u Guruji
JGD
Sapna Kushwaha
We all know that meeting Guruji is a great task and definitely an opportunity that we all seek. But He has his own ways. With a magician like him around, miracles are sure to happen and mine too was one such miracle. Meeting my life partner is only Guru’s grace. Ram is a wonderful person but I had made up my mind that I was going to do whatever Guruji said.
As I was coming back with Guruji from Amritsar to Delhi in the same flight, I was sure that I would get a good chance to talk to Him. There would be less number of people on board and all would be well behaved and would not mob him. Getting a chance to speak with Guruji, I immediately asked Him whether I should get married. He replied saying “Yes Of course”.
I told Guruji that He would have to meet the boy and take his interview. All along, my mind wondered how that would be possible. I also told Guruji my problems and setup. He yet told me to go ahead. Once again I repeated that I would do so only if Guruji met him and took his interview, and once again He said a yes. I asked Him how, when and where would that happen. He did not say anything.
I was confused because Guruji had said He would meet Ram but hadn’t said how or where He would meet him. Gurujis recent visit to Borivali, Mumbai was what cleared my confusion.
Ram and I got the opportunity of being a part of security for the house Guruji was to stay in. This made me realize that whatever Guruji had promised at the Delhi airport was coming true. Had He already planned this? Quite surprisingly through the whole event and even by the end of the day, nothing had happened. He did not call us to speak to Him. At night, however, Guruji was meeting all the volunteers at the ground. Being on duty, Ram and I were unable to go there either.
But at the house, having met everybody, Guruji came back at the door and to my surprise asked Ram “Haan Ram, kya karte ho? Kaise ho? Shaadi karni hai?” (Yes Ram, what do you do? How are you? Do you want to get married?) He hugged him and took him to His room. After speaking to Ram, Guruji told me, ”Haan shaadi karlo” (Yes, you can marry him!)
He had spoken to Ram and brought him along and told me to go ahead with the marriage. This meant Guruji had actually taken his interview. This is how Guruji works wonders for those without appointments. Each one is special for Guruji! He can do what he wishes and even when He doesn’t reply, it means a lot. It means He has planned something in the future!
Jai Guru Dev
My mom was diagnosed with cancer recently. The entire family was tensed. I kept praying to Guruji. Recently when Guruji came to Mumbai, I took my mom to meet Him.
It was a lovely meeting. He blessed my mom and me. This morning when I took my mom to the doctor, we got very surprising news. The doctor said that the cancer was at a mild stage and could be cured easily. He also said that it was one that does not spread and after the surgery my mom could live a normal life, without any tension.
It was so good to hear these words. OBVIOUSLY, MY MOM HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF, BY GURUJI.
JGD,
Divesh Sharma
I never had the guts to speak to Guruji. I used to make plans about things I would ask him, things I would tell him when I would meet him. But when I would be near Him – ‘woosh!’ my mind would go blank. All the planning would go in vain and I would just flash a smile and say Jai Gurudev! This happened very often, so much so that I was jealous of all those who seemed to tell him hour-long stories!
Once, he was at the starting of the line and my mind was doing the usual planning. It seemed to be a repeat telecast of what my darshans used to be. But what happened different here was, just as He went past me, I half shouted to him “Guruji will you always be with us?” He slowly turned back and said “Of course, I will always be with you!”
Few weeks had passed since this incident. I was back in my normal life, which seemed eventless. I had my classes, which were sort of hectic. One fine evening I was walking home with a friend after few hours of class-room session. All of a sudden, she started shouting and I realized there was a car wheel on my right leg. I was exceptionally calm for a person whose leg was struck under a car! My mind went blank, the same way it goes in Gurudev’s presence. There was a cool breeze in that area all of a sudden.
I was telling the lady who was driving rather coolly “Excuse me Aunty; your car is on my leg!” My friend went hysterical, she was shouting at the lady and there was a crowd all around us. Before the driver realized what was happening my leg was nicely struck under the tyre. She had already taken the car twice over the leg and for releasing it by default she had to take the car wheel over my leg once again.
She got down and asked me if I need to be taken to any hospital. I smiled and told her all that was not necessary as nothing had happened. The only consequence was my leg was as red as a beetroot. My friend asserted that she would accompany me home, which I denied. I was feeling calm and adventurous after this, so I walked a 20 minute stretch home, for which otherwise I would take a Rickshaw.
I came back home and told my mom what had happened. She was astounded, and insisted that I apply some medicine. I told her I felt no pain and it was not needed. She forced me to go to a doctor. Next day she took me for an X-Ray. My leg was perfectly fine in the report. The surprised in-charge of that place asked me what the secret of my strength was. I smiled for I knew the explanation was not a logical one. A fine tuned Art of Living person was needed to agree with what I had to tell as the answer ‘It is FAITH that moves my World’!
Barathi Krishnamurthy
Ghatkopar, Mumbai
The biggest u-turn of my life started when I met Guruji. Initially, I was not aware of what He really is, so when I did my first Art Excel course eight years back, I never realised the importance of it. I just took it lightly like any random activity done by a child. But I was blessed with Guru’s Grace and once again after I completed my schooling, I came across the Yes+ Course, suggested by my uncle.
I finally successfully completed the course after several attempts made by my uncle and cousins who had experienced this grace before I could. I wasn’t really interested in doing it but my Yes+ teacher was always behind me. She was the one who always pushed me towards this grace.
The year 2011 was filled with too many ups and downs in my life. That was when I realised the true importance of having a Guru in my life. I was very depressed; always worrying about certain things that I could not resist thinking about. It was bothering me every day, every hour, every second. I was totally shattered and all broken. At that time, the same Yes+ teacher pushed me on doing the DSN Course then followed by the Advance Course with Pankaj Bhaiyaa.
This Advance Course changed my life and here the biggest shift in my life began, which took me closer towards divinity, peace, happiness, love and contentment. I just cannot forget the state in which I had entered the Advance Course, all depressed, shattered and I had lost all hopes of living and enjoying life at that time. But trust me; the moment I stepped out, completing my
Advance Course, it seemed as if life was waiting to hug me tight. It was like my miseries had vanished and I was granted happiness and bliss that I always longed for.
I can never forget the dates 8th-11th December, 2011, the dates of the Advance Course. This was the first time I actually felt, yes there is someone who is continuously watching me taking care of me. My wishes just came true before even me telling anyone or knowing myself.
Guru Grace is a blessing which has no comparison. I feel blessed and privileged being one among the chosen ones. I am extremely grateful to my Yes+ teacher who always pushed me towards this grace. Having a Guru in my life makes my life more simplified and content.
Jai Gurudev
Rachita Agarwal
Today, my heart overflows with tears of gratitude, and my life is abundant with grace. For more than two decades, my family and I endured financial struggles. My father was burdened with a debt of 50 Lakh rupees. My sister longed for a soul mate, while my immigration status in the United States remained uncertain. I faced suppression and depression from my supervisors and carried constant anxiety. The weight of my father’s debt continued to grow, and these challenges appeared endless, with no apparent solution in sight.
Since 2006, I felt a magnetic pull towards Gurudev, and my devotion to Him began to blossom. With each passing day, my faith grew stronger. I committed myself to regular sadhana, diligently attending courses, and immersing myself in Gurudev’s teachings. He occupied my thoughts every moment, and I surrendered myself to His divine presence. Remarkable transformations occurred within me. My virtuous qualities flourished, while my negative tendencies simply vanished. Devotion, prayer, sadhana, and Satsang became my constant companions. Depression and anxiety no longer held me captive; they dissolved into thin air. I emerged as a confident, joyous individual, prepared to confront the challenges of the world.
Then, the most extraordinary miracle unfolded in my life. After completing the Guru Purnima Blessings Course in 2010 in the US, all my desires and worries began to dissolve and find resolution. After enduring 17 long years of work dissatisfaction, I lost my job and embarked on my own business venture. From that point on, an outpouring of grace has embraced me. Today, my father’s debt is completely cleared, and he has even acquired wealth. My business is thriving, and my sister has found her life partner. We have everything we need. Yet, above all, the most precious gift I have is the presence of my Guru, alongside my unwavering sadhana and devotion. That is what will endure. Gurudev, I LOVE YOU!
Jai Gurudev
Nimish
In March 2013, Sri Sri was scheduled to visit Mumbai for 5 days. I was very eager to have him in my city and wanted everyone to be in his presence. I was traveling in the train and I realized I have 200 calendars of 2013 with Guruji’s picture with me, which I was given to distribute. I used to travel by train everyday and thought of distributing the calendars to fellow commuters.
However, I felt a bit uncomfortable talking to strangers in a crowded train. I had done seva many times before but it was always with fellow volunteers and never alone. Nonetheless, a few people did take the calendars from me. After distributing it in my compartment, I was standing near the door to get off at my station, Andheri, a suburb in Mumbai.
Just then, a gentleman came up to me and asked me if I was from the Art of Living. I excitedly said yes. He then told me, “you’re doing an awesome job.” I was shocked. I didn’t expect to hear that. I asked him if he had done the course. He told me he had done the advanced course and had even met Gurudev. He hailed from Rajasthan and was working in Mumbai. I felt at ease instantly with a fellow devotee.
He told me he was eagerly waiting to do the long Kriya but had no clue where follow-ups happened in the city because he had recently moved. Turns out, he now lived in my neighborhood! I told him all the details of follow up courses around us and where the regular Kriya and Satsang’s happen. He shared with me how much of a positive impact the AOL course had in his life.
The conversation with him reaffirmed my enthusiasm and I was charged up. With full confidence, I spoke to several more people about Gurudev’s visit and distributed the calendars. And guess what? Within five minutes, 200 of them were exhausted and people came to me asking for more information. Doing this seva led more people closer to Sri Sri.
I learnt from this experience that we just need to take one step towards Gurudev and he will guide us all the way. We are blessed to be on this path.
Jai Gurudev.
Kunal Khanna
This happened at the Vasad Ashram in Gujrat in 2012 during the Diwali Advance course. First of all, the course was not supposed to happen that year. I prayed a lot to Gurudev and so did many other devotees and it was finally fixed from the 10th– 13 th of November, 2012, 13th November being the auspicious day of Diwali.
During the course, Gurudev came to visit us. Everyone was made to sit in lines so that we could all get Darshan. I was sitting in the 3rd row. As He was meeting people, one by one, He entered the 2nd row from behind and then entered the 3rd row where I was sitting. He looked at me while passing, but unfortunately for me, there was another lady in between me and Gurudev.
He then went ahead, leaving me dissatisfied. I was crying and just thinking to myself that God knows when I would get such an opportunity to meet him so closely again. By then, He had reached the end of the 3rd row. Now He could go directly to the 1st row from behind. But to my utter surprise, as though He could listen to what I had thought, He came back running towards me.
I saw Him in front of me and I touched His feet. I was in a state of complete bliss at that time. Words cannot explain my feelings. He left leaving me with tears of gratitude. Thank you so much Gurudev for everything.
JGD!
My whole family and I were returning from the Bangalore Ashram after an Advance Course during Navratri in 2007. We got HIS darshan peacefully. We even visited Mysore during that trip. Before leaving for Ashram, I was still working with The Oberoi’s and was saving money to buy my first mobile phone with all features (like music, camera, GPRS).
After a few months, I managed to save up Rs.10000/- and went to shop for the mobile. I bought a handset of Rs.8500/- which was like the most expensive set in our whole dynasty. And I was on cloud 9, the proud owner of my multi featured handset. I kept flaunting it everywhere; at workplace, in satsangs, to my relatives, just everywhere.
So at last after being Antarmukhi for 10 blissful days we left for Bangalore Airport. The flight was two hours late. Even though we had an extra heavy lunch in Ashram, we were still quite hungry so we had some patties. Then went for the security check and waited again in the lounge. The lounge was full of Art of Living devotees flying back home. We had some more snacks while waiting and we spent Rs.1200! It was shocking because even our monthly grocery bill for four never crossed Rs. 650 per month.
Finally our flight was announced and we boarded it. We took our respective seats and the Air Hostess started with the emergency instructions. When she said,”You are requested to switch off your mobile phones and other electronic gadgets during the flight”, I inserted my hand into my kurta’s pocket and time stopped there .My mobile, the most expensive gadget of our household, bought with my hard earned money of over three months was lost. I immediately informed the attendant and she said that we could let the security know about this only once we had landed in Delhi.
Is this what one is supposed to get after being in HIS presence? First time we came to Ashram and I lost my mobile. This was the only thought that kept coming in my mind.
With a heavy heart I landed in Delhi by 1am .Before going to sleep, I prayed to ‘HIM’. Next morning, I felt someone nudging me. It was my brother .He was waking me up since the last seven minutes as I had a call waiting on his mobile. It was 5.30 am and my best friend from school, Anup Paul was on the line. “Tu Kahan Hai Abhi?” (Where are you now?) “Aur tera phone kahan hai?”(And where is your mobile?) Then I told him the whole story.
Anup asked me, “Do you know who called me up last night at 11? The Security Commander in Chief of Bangalore Airport called me up and said in a robust voice, May I know who this is? Do you know whose number is this? We found it in the Airport Lounge.” And then Anup narrated to me the whole thrilling story that the Commander told him.
My mobile was lying on the chair, and the sweeper, who was also an Art of Living devotee saw Guruji’s picture as the wallpaper of my mobile and she took the mobile to the security officer who was also a devotee! He took the handset to the Commander. The Commander just scrolled through the phonebook and dialed the first number in it, which was Anup’s, who is settled in Bangalore. I was then told to fax an authority letter to Commander’s office stating that I knew Anup and hence the mobile may be handed over to him.
Sometimes I feel awkward while bothering HIM for such small things. But it has been said that, when the mind is settled with small things, then only you can have a broad vision.
Jaigurudev!
– Deepan Mukherjee
When I decided to go for my advance course to Bangalore,at that time,I had no place to stay here in Mumbai,as I decided to move out from the place where I was staying.I had looked for another place but the owner said that I would have to share the room and that also it will be available only after 5th June.I packed my stuff,kept at my friends place,some bags in my friends car and boarded the flight for Bangalore.
On with my advance course,and in silence for 3 days,on the 3rd day when we came out of the silence,and in the evening as the satsang got over,the landlord of the new place called me saying you can come on 30th and you will be given the full room of service apartment to yourself.I was in distress,that where will I stay when I go back.But thanks to Sri Sri for taking care of all my needs and giving me such a beautiful and peaceful place to stay.Thank you
Jai Gurudev…!
Pallavi Dutt
