There is a practice of engraving the date of birth and death on cellars in which the dead are buried. Sometimes that makes it seem like the person's life was just about birth and death. Sadly, people who die after 'living' their lives are few. Sri Sri Ravishankar teaches us to live each day happily.
Through Art of Living, the guru spreads the message that people can withstand circumstances and not be threatened by them. I met him first in Delhi during a function that was being conducted under the auspices of the UN. I was much impressed by his physical appearance, his multilingualism, and his ideas that took us closer to God and so on.
Later, I went to meet him at his ashram in Bangalore. Some students from the Gulf had come to the ashram for their summer holidays. Those students, who led luxurious lifestyles, benefited from the camp by understanding the basic principles of humanity and the meaning of life. That day he served food for me and the children and turned that event into a class for the kids.
When swamiji, the head of the ashram served food for all, I and the students understood the message of sharing the blessings given by God with all. He was opening a chapter for all to read on social service and care.
When the Art of Living Foundation celebrated its 25th year, I was invited to Bangalore. The function was attended by dignitaries such as the president of India. There were many spiritual gurus and dignitaries there and all of them talked to people, in various languages. Their speeches highlighted the unity in different philosophies.
I also attended the international meet organised by the foundation in Delhi. There were scores of people who were attending the function and as soon as he saw me, he came up to me and arranged a seat for me in the dais. His behaviour and actions proved that god had blessed him with skills to attract and infuse divinity in people.
He does not merely share information on happy living. His ashrams also have facilities that make basic living possible in the common man. It is not easy to train people to live. The ashram, which has classes, information and blessings to lead a fruitful life, would take us to a new level. The contributions of the foundation to environment preservation, women empowerment, youth empowerment and disaster management are unparalleled.
The guru has taken on himself the unenviable task of teaching how to live for others and derive happiness from it. The message of the ashram is that we can have a new world if we actualise the concept of god-nation and live with belief in god. On the day when he is turning sixty, I, who is entering the realms of 99, wish him well with all my blessings and benedictions.
The textbook of joy
Friday 13 May 2016 07:11 PM IST
