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
Very Very Happy Birthday My Dear GURUJI
Jai Gurudev…Happy Birthday. .