Bhubaneswar, Jan 31 (PTI) Plans for commercial introduction of Bt Brinjal today came under sharp criticism from Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar, who said it should never be allowed in market without thorough verification about its impact on health and environment.
"Bt Brinjal should not be accepted in the Indian market at this stage. Thorough verification and study are required before its commercial introduction," he said during an interaction with reporters here.
Stating that the genetically modified crop had some adverse impact on people in a foreign country, he said Bt Brinjal needs further study as people in India are not very conscious and particular about their health.
Adequate safeguards are required to be put in place before taking a decision on introducing Bt Brinjal for commercial purpose in the country, he said.Read in PTI News
BHUBANESWAR: Art of Living Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Sunday offered olive branch to the Maoists. The spiritual guru invited Maoist leaders to a discussion with him to resolve the issue peacefully.
"I request the Maoists to talk to us and leave the path of violence. Though the sole intention of the rebels is to work for the society, the path of violence which they have taken is not right. They should not kill police personnel who are only carrying out orders," said Guruji, who had successfully spoken to Maoists in Lalgarh and motivated them for negotiation with the government.
The founder of Art of Living also said that the Sri Sri University to be set up in Orissa will have an agro-business academy for proper planning and management of agriculture in the country. The spiritual guru is on a four-day visit to Orissa to participate in the celebration of 500 years of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's Orissa visit and to look into the development of the university. Read more from Times of India
VICTORVILLE • Over the past two weeks, a group of Victor Elementary School District employees have put in voluntary overtime, learning to get better at a presumably simple skill: how to breathe.
District officials invited all workers to participate in a free series of evening workshops on the Art of Living, a destressing method developed by world-renowned humanitarian Sri Sri RaviShankar.
Centered around Sudarshan Kriya, or the healing breath, the Art of Living practices aim to reduce stress, increase energy and enhance brain function through specific breathing and meditation techniques. Read more
Report by Pabitra Senapaty, Bhubaneswar: On a five day visit to Orissa the founder of Art of Living and the renowned spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravishankar has arrived here on Saturday. Mass Education minister Mr Pratap Jena received Him at Biju Patnaik Airport at around 11 a.m and accompanied Him to Puri immediately.
Sri Sri Ravishankar, as per pre- scheduled programme joined a spiritual leaders’ conference that was held at Puri town hall. In this conference a number of saints from different parts of the country along with most revered Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb were present. Sri Ravishankar in his spiritual deliberation said the men and women should accept spiritual path as Sri Chaitanya did five hundred years ego. People who are running after money and power invite sorrows. For leading a peaceful life they should try to bring divinity in them. Tomorrow He would join different programmes that are to be held in Bhubaneswar. Read More
CHANDIGARH: With addiction among youth emerging as a grave concern in society, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday heeded a PIL seeking urgent measures to ban availability of correction fluid in the market.
Issuing a notice for March 25, HC asked Chandigarh administration, through its home and health secretaries, deputy commissioner and Union ministry of health to file their responses on the petition moved by NGOs Vyakti Vikas Kendra of the Art of Living (AoL) institution, Yuvsatta and theatre personality Neelam Maan Singh Chaudhary among others.
Pointing out the abuse of correction fluid and thinners among youth, even small children in some cases, especially those living in slums, the PIL sought compulsory ban on correction fluid bottles, withdrawal of stocks from the market and destruction of the same. Stating the presence of volatile organic substance, the petition quoted a PGI study that showed how continuous inhalation of correction fluid led to depression, confusion, aggression and violent outbursts.
"Long-term use of the same even causes seizures and damages the brain, liver and kidney,” the plea said.
AoL’s Punjab and Chandigarh chapter head Ashok Khanna had reportedly come across slum children in Palsora who used thinner to get a kick. Some of them, he stated, were as young as five years and they would pour the fluid on handkerchiefs before inhaling the same, the effect of which lasted some three to four hours. Read report from Times of India
It was early afternoon on Friday when the phone rang for the first time at the Art of Living's (AoL) Hopeline office in Camp. A young volunteer picked up the phone and heard a girl's shaky voice.
"I need help," said the 20-something on the other line and thus began the journey of Pune's first 24-hour helpline.
Alarmed by the rising number of student suicides and just days after foundation Chief Sri Sri Ravi Shankar left the city after public discourses, AoL Foundation started the helplines across three locations in the city.
H.H.Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, this evening inaugurated at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, an exhibition on AhilyaDevi Holkar, the 18th century queen of Indian, organized by FACT-India (Foundation against continuing Terrorism). This is one of many such exhibitions on historical facts, organized by Fact-India over the past few years.
The exhibition depicts her as a remarkable warrior, noted for her courage against the British, her piety, generosity, administrative ability, and concern for her people. It is an attempt to revive in the minds of Indians her contribution to the nation, as a great queen and able ruler.
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Sunday said veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu had great admiration for Swami Vivekananda.
In a statement, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said a few years ago he met Jyoti Basu who had 'great admiration for Swami Vivekananda and he mentioned that religion and spirituality is the private affair of people'.
Jyoti Basu died in Kolkata Sunday.
'Jyoti Basu was not against spirituality, but against superstition,' Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said.
He said that they discussed yoga and pranayama. (News Courtesy www.bombaynews.net)
Inspired by Guruji, 2750 Hindustani Classical vocalists & over 1,00,000 strong audience sing India's National Song 'Vande Mataram'. (Antarnaad, Pune, India, 12th January 2010)
Pune: Indian classical music and spirituality have the power to prevent students’ suicides, spiritual guru and founder of the Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said in Pune.
He was reacting to the recent suicides, mostly among students, in Maharashtra in his interaction with media persons ahead of themusic event organised in the city.
“Indian classical music has great potential. It can heal hearts and minds. We need to develop a taste for it among the youth. It should be taken to youngsters because it connects you with your higher self,” the spiritual leader said, adding that Indian classical music and spirituality could reduce depression and divert the youth from suicidal thoughts. Read Article in DNA News Paper
Sexual liberation has taken a backseat to pranayam with over 70 per cent of the 7,000 readers choosing the Art of Living (AOL) over the Osho commune in a poll conducted by MiD DAY.
PUNE: Indian music and India’s heritage of Adhyatma are the two strong powers which will help us overcome all the strife around us and it is essential for us to preserve these and other strengths of Indianness in our fight against ill-will and hatred, said spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Tuesday.
Addressing thousands of his disciples at Antarnaad, a musical programme hosted by The Art of Living Foundation to mark the golden jubilee of Maharashtra, Sri Sri said Indian music has evolved entirely from the nature around us and thus has the basic power to sustain. Music is the route to achieve oneness with the God, he said.
The sprawling S P College ground came alive with simple yet graceful decoration where Sri Sri’s disciples and followers filled the air with calls of ‘jai gurudev’ and listened to him all ears as he spelt out his mantra for a stress-free, peaceful living. There were men, women and children eager to get a piece of wisdom of their beloved Guru, who treated them through a session of dhyaan (concentration), gyaan (wisdom) and gaan (music). Read More from Times of India
Pune: Art of Living hosted a historic symphony - Antarnaad - in Pune on Tuesday, bringing over 2750 Indian classical vocalists together on one platform, to write a new chapter in the history of music.
Conceived by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, spiritual and humanitarian leader and Founder, Art of Living, the aim of Antarnaad was to showcase the vast repertoire of Hindustani classical music as well as to provide a platform for the exponents of this ancient Indian art.
“Why are you looking outside for a role model? Why don’t you look within you?” asks 27-year-old Arvind Varchaswi, who started Sumeru Group of companies at the age of 14.
He founded this group with the vision of creating wealth with a sense of joy and contributing significant portion of it back to the needy sections of society.
The group now has seven companies. Its uniqueness is said to be that its people are as passionate about improving the society as they are competent in delivering top-of-line services. Rest of interview with Sri.G.Sathyamurthy The Hindu
After the absolutely marvelous experience in 2009 it is our great pleasure to invite you for the second
Journey towards the Self with H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, 7th – 14th May 2010, from Arosa (Switzerland) via Weggis to Bad Antogast (Germany)!
- Art of Living Part 3
- Sahaj Samadhi Meditation course with Smt. Bhanumathi Narasimhan - Birthday Celebrations in honor of H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
- Extended stay in Arosa!
AND: special commentaries on the Bhagavat Gita!
Like in the last year, Shri. Ganeshji, Senior Faculty Art of Living, Chennai will be coordinating unique event at Arosa, Switzerland for participants from Tamilnadu.
We are enclosing all the relevant details click the links below.
Application forms, duly filled in, together with the requisite remittance advice have to be sent to our Apex Body Office:
VYAKTI VIKAS KENDRA - TAMILNADU
No 55 / 58, 5TH CROSS STREET
TRUSTPURAM, KODAMBAKKAM
CHENNAI 600 024
PHONE NO:044-4213320
In case you require any further information / clarification, please feel free to write to
Udupi, Jan 8: “A ploy to throw out of gear and destroy the food granary of the world is being hatched through the introduction of genetically modified seeds. We have to resist the genetical modifications and save our seeds, cows, land and water,” felt Sri Sri Ravishankar, spiritual head of Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore.
He was speaking after accepting the ‘Navayuga Guru (Guru of the modern era)’ award at the symposium on world peace, organized on Thursday January 7 at the Rajangan of Sri Krishna Mutt here. Earlier in the day, he paid obeisance to Lord Krishna.
“The DNA of scorpion has been used to genetically modify brinjal. Those who eat this brinjal may also imbibe the attribute of stinging others, like a scorpion. The vaccine for swine flu had been found two years ago. The spread of swine flu recently smacks of a conspiracy to make money through boosting the sale of this vaccine,” he explained.
“Let us be alert to the people who display demonic traits. Let us constantly follow the principles of Karma (duty-work), knowledge, meditation and devotion. A genuine devotee does not nurse enmity about any one. If Bhagawadgita is recited in every household, refinement, culture and control over our senses get achieved automatically. The temples should take up the task of teaching the people to recite the songs of Dasas and the Vachanas,” he advised. Read More
After the absolutely marvelous experience in 2009 it is our great pleasure to invite you for the second
Journey towards the Self with H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, 7th – 14th May 2010, from Arosa (Switzerland) via Weggis to Bad Antogast (Germany)!
- Art of Living Part 3 or Part 1 Course
- Sahaj Samadhi Meditation course with Smt. Bhanumathi Narasimhan - Birthday Celebrations in honor of H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
- Extended stay in Arosa!
AND: special commentaries on the Bhagavat Gita!
In the early 1990s, H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar gave a series of memorable Art of Living courses in Switzerland. It was during these courses that His Holiness spoke on some of the most profound subjects, amazing participants with, for example, his commentaries on the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, a magnificent stock of knowledge that is widely published and cherished all over the world.
After many years, His Holiness came in 2009 back to Switzerland and shared commentaries on the Isha Vâsya Upanishad. This year, Sri Sri will not only personally preside over the Art of Living Course, but he will also impart new knowledge: his much-awaited commentaries on the 7th chapter of the Bhagavat Gita.
Grüezi and Welcome to Switzerland!
Welcome to a rare unique journey to the depths of the Self!
On the request of many the Journey has been extended by one day!
The journey begins with the Art of Living course from 7th - 11th May 2010. After a day of rest, participants will then proceed on the 12th May to Lake Luzern, the most beautiful lake in Switzerland, where we will enjoy a unique boat trip! The journey will then lead participants directly to the European Centre of the Art of Living Foundationin the Black Forest, where on 13th May 2010 Maha-Satsang celebrations will be launched to mark the 54rd birthday of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Participants are advised to sign up as soon as possible, as last year the course was fully booked by middle of April. There are only 480 places available which will be allocated on a ‘first come-first serve’ basis.
It is with great joy that we announce a historical inauguration of a landmark building for the Art of Living foundation in Los Angeles.
During Guru Purnima 2007 as many of you may recall Sri Sri put an intention for all of us to look for a landmark property visible from the freeways, with a dome…a church. Amazingly we were led to a place in Los Angeles that fits exactly what Sri Sri had envisioned, and in December of 2009, the Art of Living Foundation acquired this hundred year old historical church.
Its dome is 146 feet high and can be seen for miles from two of the main freeways that crisscross Los Angeles. When lit at night, it will be seen by literally hundreds of thousands of people every single day. Its immense auditorium can hold 1,100 people. This sacred space will be a beacon of hope and blessings for the entire city. It is an imposing instrument for the descent of Grace and a royal palace to house and honor the Guru’s seat of wisdom, a legacy for generations to come.
This New Year, as we look back at an eventful year filled with economic turmoil and downfalls previously unprecedented in recent history, looking forward to the future seems like a daunting task. Today’s world is increasingly defined by not who we are but what we do. Work plays an increasingly important role in life. Considering the current volatile job market and notably the apprehension that inevitably accompanies it, those who are currently employed feel the sense of impending doom that they are barely hanging by a thread, while many have been rendered jobless, their future uncertain and present moment filled with worry.
A New Year And More Of Prosperity And Peace: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar New Year Message from Sri Sri (Speaking Tree: TOI 1-Jan-2010)
Each New Year, we wish others happiness and prosperity. What really is the sign of prosperity? There are several – a smile,contentment, freedom, the willingness to share, fearlessness and the trust and confidence that you will get what you need in life.
Welcome the New Year with a genuine smile. As you flip the calendar, keep flipping your mind as well. Don’t fill your future dates with past events. Learn and unlearn from the past, and move on.
You want to be free of greed, hatred, jealousy and all such imperfections. Understand that negative emotions are due to the past.
Do not let the past affect your life in the present. If you cannot forgive the past, then your future will be miserable. This New
Year make up with someone with whom you are not on good terms. Start life afresh.
In the New Year, wish peace and prosperity for all. Do selfless service. Live your life well. Realise that your priority is to check violence in the world, free of domestic and societal violence. Make a resolution to do more good, help people in need and bring solace to those suffering.
Whenever you are useful to people, merit will never be lost. Any good gesture or action of yours will always come back to you. Today you have the whole world for a family. That’s what you need to feel, that everybody is part of your own family. Take responsibility. Then there is no suffering.
The spiritual dimension of life brings a great sense of belongingness, responsibility, compassion and caring for the whole world, for all life. In its truest form spirituality helps us overcome narrow boundaries of caste, creed, religion and nationality and gives you a broader awareness of life everywhere.
Open your eyes and see how much you have been given. Focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have. The more grateful you are, the more will be given to you. Conversely, the more you complain, the more will be taken away from you. This is what Jesus Christ meant when he said, “Those who have will be given more; those who don’t give, and even what they have will be taken away from them.”
With gratitude, reach out and help those who are less endowed. You will get much contentment when you serve selflessly. Then you realise that your problems aren’t so big after all. The biggest reason for mental depression is the constant refrain of the mind that says, “What about me?” This is a sign of lack of prosperity. Become free like a bird. Open your wings and learn to fly. This is something you have to experience within yourself. If you think you are in bondage, you will remain bound here. Be free. When will you experience freedom? After you die? Become free right now. Sit down and become contented. Spend some time in meditation and satsang. This not only calms your mind, your inner self becomes strong enough to deal with challenges.
When the mind relaxes, the intellect becomes sharp. When the mind is loaded with ambitions and feverish desires, then the intellect loses its keenness. When intellect and observation are not sharp, life does not express itself fully. Ideas don’t flow properly and abilities diminish day by day. With this understanding, you step out of your narrow confines and that will solve many of the problems in your life. When you are centred, there is happiness always. With this calmness, talents arise naturally. Intuition comes, beauty comes, peace comes; Love springs up. Prosperity comes.
