Interesting facts
“Breathing is the first act of life. Within breathing is the secret of life,”

Interesting facts about the Art of Living course:

• AOL has been part of the training for NASA scientists and employees.

• It is part of the training for Miss India contestants.. Teachers in a school in Basel, Switzerland get paid vacation to do AOL course.

• Sudarshan Kriya has been acknowledged by All India Institute of Medical Sciences based on its medical research

8 ways to peace in mind
1. Smile - Only 4 muscles are used to smile. To have a serious face 72muscles are used. Intelligent people work less by keeping a smile.Doesn't matter if it is not natural. Fake it till you make it.

2. Sadhana – Why we should do sadhana every day? Our body has billionsof cells and these cells function in rotation. The cells that are onduty today will get their slot to work only after some days. That iswhy we cannot afford to miss even a day's sadhana. Do at least 20minutes of meditation daily.

3. Sing for a few minutes every day. Just for yourself. During thistime you need not have to bother about your voice (just like duringsatsang) and what others will think of it(we have done enough thinkingfor others lets now take a break from it).

4. Take a walk for yourself. Sort of Nature work. Feeling thesurroundings and feeling our own Self.

5. Have a bigger goal in life – 'I want to know the TRUTH'. 'I want torealize myself' etc., would be worthy goals.

6. Seva –Gurudev says – If you do not do seva, you are a burden on theplanet. No where He speaks harsh like this. To that extent seva isimportant.In one of the AMCs Some one asked Guruji how to attain Equanimity ofmind.Gurudev answered if you feel sad then Meditate; If you are happydo seva

7. Once in a while reflect your life in the context of time and space– Who am I? What i am doing to this world?It makes our worries
insignificant and makes us realize how tiny our problems are.

8. Have faith, shraddha in ourselves, in the Divine or/& in the Master.All these eight ways are equally important and should be followed daily.

Jai Gurudev

A saint asked his disciples, 'Why do we shout in anger? Why do people shout at each other when they are upset?'

Disciples thought for a while, one of them said, 'Because we lose our calm, we shout for that.' 'But, why to shout when the other person is just next to you?' asked the saint. 'Isn't it possible to speak to him or her with a soft voice? Why do you shout at a person when you're angry?' Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the saint. Finally he explained, 'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other through that great distance.' Then the saint asked, 'What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, why? Because their
hearts are very close. The distance between them is very small...' The saint continued, 'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper and they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other and that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'MORAL: When you argue do not let your hearts get distant, do not say words that distance each other more, else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.

Yama (5 rules important for peaceful living in society.)

1. Ahimsa – Non Violence . It unites you with the whole creation. Everything is part of yourself, and since you do not harm yourself, how can you harm anything?
2. Satya – Truth. You don’t lie to yourself, do you? If you are wearing beads, you don’t say, “I am not wearing the beads.”
3. Achaurya - No regrets. Not missing what you don’t have at this moment. “I wish I had a voice like that person so I could sing like him, I wish I could run like him, I wish I could be intelligent” comparing yourself with others.
4. Brahmacharaya Not interested in small things, such as bodily shapes and forms. Brahma means “BIG” and acharaya means “Moving in the bigger things”. I am this, I am that, I am a man, I am a woman, I am good, I am bad, these are small identifications. Keep our mind on bigger things and see beyond the physical. Seeing the infinite is Brahmacharaya.
5. Aparigraha – Not taking what people give you. You often take insults willingly than compliments. You know people sometimes not giving insults but simply taking the insults out of their pockets. You just go and grab them and keep them safe with yourself. That is what most people do.

Niyama (5 rules for inner development.)
1. Shaucha – Cleanliness. Showering everyday. Keep yourself clean, wear clean clothes and see don’t have bad breath.
2. Santosha – Contentment. Be happy. If you don’t take a step to be happy, nothing in this world can make you happy. You will complaining about this and that. How do you want to live the rest of your life – the next 30,40,50 years? With a smile or with a grumbling face, the choice is yours.
3. Tapas – Forbearance or penance. Something is uncomfortable, but you still put up with it and happily. Tapas we have to take it, to forebear.
4. Svadhyaya – Self study. Observe your mind and see what your mind says. Observe how you behave and how you react. Whether you are feeling good or bad, just observe will change. Knowing this will bring peace.
5. Ishvarapranidhana – Love of the Divine and surrender to the Divine. Whe you feel that you are totally helpless, you say “Oh God and surrender your situation to the Divine. This connection with the Divine is Ishvarapranidhana

These ten rules make you very strong, whole and complete. To feel clean inside, we have two things “SO HUM” and “SO WHAT”.

“SO WHAT” will definitely work and if it dosen’t then “SO HUM” will certainly work.

Do not be afraid to shine.
The world needs what you have to give.
Open up the areas of your being;
Expose them to yourself - to others.
You are valuable. You are unique.
You have much to give.
Do not be afraid to give it.

As we risk ourselves, we grow.
Each new experience is a risk.
We can try, and maybe fail,
And, as a result, grow or hold back and stagnate.

You have the potential to be anything you want.
You are free to choose.
You are limited only by your fears.
Let your dreams take over.
Fly with the eagles. Soar into life.The world is waiting for you.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tells us about Shivratri :)

Shiva is not any person sitting in some hill, kailas hill, he is not that. What does Kailas mean? Kailas – 'Las' means what, where there is celebration, happiness. Where there is a festive atmosphere. Where there is frolicsomeness / intoxication. Where there is celebration and only celebration. That is Kailas. Vaikunth is where there is nothing short. Kunth – is shortage. Vaikunth is where there is shortage of nothing. Where there is only celebration that is kailas. So, Shiv ji is seated in such kailas. Aatma only is Shiva.
If you meditate on shivaratri then the power of meditation is 100 times more, it is said like that. At least do it on that day, it's okay if you don't do it on other days, at least do it one day. It's said for the sake of saying. So that which is always(nitya) and which is (shashwat), that is shiva tattva. It's said beautiful in that shloka:
Shivaratri is the day of Lord Shiva. Shiva is the lord of meditation and therefore the lord of awakening. Shiva Tatva means to be awakened. Shivratri is thus an occasion to awaken one's self from all sorts of slumber. Shivaratri is not a night to be slept over. One should try and be up through the night. It signifies being aware of everything you have and being grateful about it. Be grateful for the happiness which leads to growth, and also for sadness which gives a depth to life. This is the right way of observing Shivaratri.
For the pious, the following method of Shiva worship is advisable - sit down in lotus posture, do some Pranayam to stabilize your breath, then indulge in Dhyana, followed by chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya". It is the greatest mantra and the devout should drown himself in its Kirtan. Shivaratri worship leads to fulfillment of a devotee's wishes.
There are certain days and time frames in a year that enhance one's mental and spiritual faculties. In such times, whatever one wishes, materializes. Shivaratri is one such day. All this is very scientific. Going to temples on this day is OK but you should remember that Shiva is everywhere.
The meaning of Kailasa (legendary abode of Shiva in Himalayas) is celebration. So where there is happiness and celebration, Shiva is present. Whether in Sanyasa or Sansara, you can't escape Shiva. Feeling his presence all the time is the essence of Shivaratri. That is the real Sanyasa. No worship is complete without offering something to the deity. Shiva is a very simple lord, he is innocent - Bholanath. One just needs to offer bel-patra to him. But in this simplicity is a deep message. Bel-patra offerings signify the surrender of all three aspects of one's nature -Tamas, Rajas and Sattva. You have to surrender the positives and negatives of your life to Shiva and become carefree! The greatest offering is your self. To offer one's self is the key to happiness in life. After all, why do you get sad? It is mainly because you are not able to achieve something in life. At such times you should surrender everything to the all knowing God. The greatest power is in surrender to the divine. It's like a drop owning the ocean. If a drop remains separate, it will perish. But when it becomes the ocean, it is eternal!
Your true nature is Shiva. And Shiva is peace, infinity, beauty and the non-dual One. Ratri means "to take refuge." Shivaratri is taking refuge in Shiva.
Shivam, Shantam, Advaitam: Shiva means your very Self your innermost core, the purest Self. Shanta is quiet, peaceful, very innocent. Advaita is non-dual, only One. So, Shiva means good, benevolent, Ratri means that which gives rest, takes you into its lap and comfort. Night is always comforting, all activities have stopped, everything is quiet, peaceful, environment becomes quiet, body gets tired, goes to sleep. Shivaratri -- a rest which is so deep. When the mind rests with the Divine, that is the real rest, only in the Divine lap.
Any meditation we do on this day has a manifold effect, for this is the day when spirit touches the earth.
The first sound when creation manifested was Om. The second sound was So Hum. The third sound was Om Namah Shivaya.
By chanting Om Namah Shivaya, it is said that one gets rid of all the sins. Even if one has never chanted the Om Namah Shivaya mantra, it is worth just listening to it and soaking in it. It is called Mantra Snanam (bathing in Mantra). It elevates the consciousness.

Q: Can Karma get exhausted by practices?

Sri Sri: If someone is used to chewing gum, if he goes to Singapore for 6 months, he will feel totally out of place for first few days. This is because Singapore has banned chewing gum and importing it is like importing drugs in that country. So first, he would feel a bit strange and then he would get used to it. This is Chewing Gum Karma and he would get over with it. If a person smokes, and he decides to quit smoking - first few days he feels different - his smoking karma gets exhausted after certain days of practice of not smoking. In same way, karma can get exhausted by practices.

Amazing experiences with Pankaj Bhaiya

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
Saw this beautiful sharing by madhavi from surinam. Pankaj Gupta is currently touring in the country and people are having amazing experiences. What really touched me was how Pankaj beautifully expressed the value of having Gurudev in our lives.

Suriname is blessed to be hosting one of Guruji’s great GEMS. Pankaj Guptaji arrived here this week and from the moment he arrived he had everyone sparkling with enthusiasm. We are so fortunate to be able to sit and listen to his powerful discourses. I was lucky enough to accompany him to a Radio interview the next day that he arrived here. And, man, you should’ve been there. The confidence with which he spoke, the determination in his eyes, the strength he radiated, made me sooo proud to be on this path, to know that I am one of the fortunate ones. There was one thing he said in the interview, which was so strong, so bold. The moment we entered the radio station he charmed the owner, a sweet old lady. And in the talk before the interview this lady mentioned some health problems.

So Pankajji asked her if she had some pain in the body. She mentioned some pain in the arms and the hips, and how difficult it is for her to move around. So with a mischievous smile, Pankaj-ji asked her to close her eyes and he gave her a blessing. As she opened her eyes, you could see the amazement on her face. When asked if the pain was still there, she was completely stunned and told us that the months old pains had VANISHED. She got up with great surprise and kept saying “there is no Pain, there is no pain”. We started with the interview and after a few general questions about Art of Living. This lady herself started sharing her experience of the blessing ON the radio. She asked Pankaj-ji if this healing was his job. And where he got the power from. And he smilingly answered “Guruji’s blessings”. So then she mentioned something about Guruji going to the U.S. And asked that if Guruji has a Satsang he also does healing? And the answer Pankaj-ji gave was one I will always remember.

He said: “No the healing work Guruji has left to people like us. We are so fortunate to have someone like H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on this earth. There have been so many enlightened Masters on this planet who are not here anymore. Their work is carried out by his followers. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is here now. One should just go for His darshan. We (teahers) are there to spread the knowledge and do some healing. Having only his darshan alone is so beneficial for your life. In another 50, 60 years we will be longing for his presence. So we are very grateful to have Him here now!”

It was amazing how the day progressed. The aunty of the radio station persisted on having a TV interview with Pankaj-ji, and before we knew it she was on the phone with the Vice-President of Suriname, telling how she was healed of her Pain and discomfort in such a short time, and that the VP should schedule a meeting with Pankaj-ji.

Seeing all this I realized what kind of treasure we have with us. Although being a blesser, I was a bit shy in actually going out and doing a blessing. But seeing how just one blessing decided the entire flow of the interview and the events after that, made me feel so strong and confident, and sooo grateful that Guruji has equipped us so well to do HIS work.

One afternoon in Bali, Guruji picked on this girl amidst 700 ppl doing the course and asked her to meet Him later. It turned out, that girl was planning to commit suicide right after the course (she was forced to sit through it). Guruji "tried" cajoling her to change her stupid thinking and when nothing worked.....His voice became stern!

HE said "do you know how many times have you been on this planet.....18 times as a donkey...14 times as a dog....do you know how precious is this human birth haaan....and in this birth you get to see ME...do you even realize this is such a BIG blessing....you get to sit in MY satsang and it's only because of MY GRACE!" Nothing moved after that....the air was still and the room went beyond the realm of time and space!

I sat there in one corner with goosebumps all over my body and tears in my eyes! I realized...
We haven't chosen this path.....this path has chosen US!

With all my innocence and love, I bow down to the Master of the Universe and ..........

Isn't this A.W.E.S.O.M.E ???
The sign of true devotion is unstoppable tears. V R Indeed Blessed. ThanX for sharing Nutan

Jai Gurudev Bolo.......

Kabir Soota Kya Kare, Koore Kaaj Niwaar
Jis Panthu Tu Chaalna, Soyee Panth Samwaar

Translation
Arise from slumber O Kabir, divest yourself of the rubbish deeds Be focused and illumine the path on which you were meant to tread
My UnderstandingHere slumber refers to a state of daze and fixation on what is perceived by the senses. Sleep is no different from the normal waking state in that it engages our senses completely. Both are essentially of the same intrinsic nature where Mind is the central player. Kabir recognizes the futility of mental and physical worlds and categorizes everything in these domains as "rubbish". He then urges us to focus ourselves on finding our true spiritual root - putting an end to the cyclical realities that have kept us engaged thus far.

Kabir Soota Kya Kare, Koore Kaaj Niwaar
Jis Panthu Tu Chaalna, Soyee Panth Samwaar

Translation
Arise from slumber O Kabir, divest yourself of the rubbish deeds Be focused and illumine the path on which you were meant to tread
My UnderstandingHere slumber refers to a state of daze and fixation on what is perceived by the senses. Sleep is no different from the normal waking state in that it engages our senses completely. Both are essentially of the same intrinsic nature where Mind is the central player. Kabir recognizes the futility of mental and physical worlds and categorizes everything in these domains as "rubbish". He then urges us to focus ourselves on finding our true spiritual root - putting an end to the cyclical realities that have kept us engaged thus far.

Sri Sri in Asansol (WB)

Param Pujya Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji will be here in Asansol & in the Divine presence of SriSri will be conducted Rudra Puja on the 16th Feb, '09 at Loco Ground.
All are invited to be in Bliss. And if you want to sit for the Sankalpa with SriSri then minimum donation is Rs 1,000/- (and will be given a Rudraksh ).
PDS from 13.02 to 15.02 (Morning 5.30 - 7.30 & Evening 5.30 - 7.30 ). Minimum donation Rs 250/- .
It is a unique opportunity for all that cannot be missed.

Pehle Agan Birha Ki, Pachhe Prem Ki Pyas
Kahe Kabir Tub Janiye, Naam Milan Ki Aaas

Translation
First the pangs of separationNext grows the thirst for LoveSays Kabir then only hope The union to materialize

How does one merit Love? How does one become one with the One? How does one attain that ultimate unity? In this Doha, Kabir shows the way.First, it is the longing of a person to be with one's beloved. It can be one's choicest person or one's Ishta or God. Because, one feels the emotional pangs of separation the intensity or thirst to meet the other increases. Like a flame, it kindles the very being of a person. Only when the desire becomes unshakeable and unbending, Kabir says, the seed of hope germinates to eventually sprout into a true union.
This phenomenon applies to almost every aspect of our life. Even in our vocation, studies, pursuits or daily chores, we find that only when our intent becomes clear, only then our hope and faith grows. Only then the work becomes a source of joy. Only then we realize fulfillment

Chalti Chakki Dekh Kar, Diya Kabira Roye
Dui Paatan Ke Beech Mein,Sabit Bacha Na Koye

TranslationLooking at the grinding stones, Kabir lamentsIn the duel of wheels, nothing stays intact.

This doha picks up a situation from our daily life. Kabir watches the woman grinding wheat on the flour mill. I have used the word woman here as generally it is the woman who does this work even today in the rural Indian society. The wheels are made of stone. One is stationary while the other on top is made to rotate by turning it with the help of a handle attached to it. The grain that is put into it gets crushed and the converted flour comes out. Thus the literal translation given above conveys that.

(Diya Kabira Roye) Kabir cries out, however, is what makes the reader to contemplate on this Doha and realize for oneself the hidden meaning behind this metaphor. Dui Patan here signifies earth (Prithvi) and sky (Akash) and within the ambit of these is all creation and life as also the manifestation of all natural phenomenon of dualities – day and night, life and death, joys and sorrows, thereby making life forever in motion (Chalti Chakki) and an ever changing process. Trapped in this duality, whatever we see is perishable. Nothing that we comprehend is eternal.

Bura Jo Dekhan Main Chala, Bura Naa Milya Koye
Jo Munn Khoja Apnaa, To Mujhse Bura Naa Koye

TranslationI searched for the crooked, met not a single oneWhen searched myself, "I" found the crooked one

This doha deals with our perception behavior and tendencies. It has been invariably noticed that we tend to find fault with someone else for our situations and circumstances. Our "I", the ego, always tries to put blame on others. Non-awareness of our own self is the cause of this attitude. Resultantly, we find ourselves being busy in criticizing and condemning others and conveniently term them as crooked or evil.
So Kabir says that instead of finding fault and maligning others, dive deep into your own-self. Amazingly, an honest introspection will reveal that all fault lies with "me" and "my" own perceptions and attitudes. If there is any evil or crookedness, it is in "me". Correcting this and opting for a loving and compassionate attitude will change one's perceptions and the world will appear wonderful all over again.

Here is something that comes straight from a typical bollywoodblockbuster. A reel life scene experienced in real life!
One day before the chennai Utsav started something so miraculoushappened that reminded me of what Bawa once said," When you spreadknowledge, nature will bend to serve (save) you".
One of the active volunteers (Anil…. He is 6ft 6 inches and weighs 90kgs) was driving his bike on a fly over and a bus dashed him frombehind. He flew from his bike and he collided on the railing. Hetoppled over and fell.... on the other side... 8 ft down on the busyroad below. It was amazing to hear the story from Anil himself as wewere sitting in the Fruit Shop at Greams road. At this point we weretoo excited to know what happened next since it was obvious that amiracle had saved him.
Here is what happened. As he took off from the bridge and was fastdescending down towards mother earth a fast moving open truck carrying"HAY" was passing by. He fell exactly inside it.. His fall wascushioned!! JaiGurudev!

Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma.... .
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....
Shabdh Brahma....Ne-shabd Brahma...
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....
Shabdh Brahma....Ne-shabd Brahma...
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....

Jiva Brahma....Jagatpi Brahma....
Drishta ....Darshan….Drishyam Brama....
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....

Saguna…nirguna…sarvama Brahma…
Saram Brahma….samadhi Brahmam...
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahmam....
Shabdh Brahma....Ne-shabdh Brahma
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....

Akshar Brahama....Sharavati Brahma....
Gyaan, Vigyaan Pragyaan Brahma...
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....

Adi Brahma...Anadi Brahma...Anan Brahma...Aneyam Brahma
Praram Brahma...Parapar Brahma....Gyaan Brahma....Pragyaan Brahma...
Adi Brahma...Anadi Brahma... Adi Brahma...Anadi Brahma...
Anan Brahma...Aneyam Brahma
Praram Brahma...Parapar Brahma....
Gyaan Brahma....Pragyaan Brahma...
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....
Shabdh Brahma....Ne-shabd Brahma...
Naad Brahma....Ne-naad Brahma....

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,"
Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2.. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3 A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
5. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8.. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
13 . Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy
14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Send this letter to all the people you care about, if you do so, you will certainly brighten someone's day and might change their perspective on life...for the better.
To everyone I send this to
Thanks for your time!

A must read : Guru's graceMy dear friends Rajita and Ajay Bagga were among the fortunatesurvivors from the Taj, after spending the entire night there. Shesent her inspiring, cathartic experience to us today, and hasgraciously allowed me to share this intensely personal message withyou all. Raju, we are so glad that you and Ajay are safe, and join youin thanking Guruji. Truly, there is a huge task ahead, and will needall our combined strength to accomplish."Dearest OnesJai GurudevThere are no words to describe what we are going through after ourmiraculous escape after 12 hours in captivity at the Taj.There is still a sense of daze & shock, there is fear ( after thecontinous sounds last 60 hours of grenades and gun firing) even thesound of a spoon falling is alarming, anger & rage at the totalbreakdown of security and the system , but above all, there is a hugehuge huge huge sense of gratitude.Gratitude to Guruji for giving us another life. As more is beingrevealed, 4 terrorists were in the kitchen of the chambers , justabout 10 feet from the room we were in.They killed the chefs there.There was nothing stopping them from just turning left and come ourway. It was almost like some indescribable force was between them andus. Knowledge of living in the present moment and present moment isinevitable was never never before a living reality for us. When theyevacuated us after 12 hours, there was blood ,broken glass pieces,grenade remnants all strewn across the corridor outside our room.That's how close they came.When we did come out and escaped another round of fresh firing at usas we were walking outside the Taj, the 1st call just that moment wegot was from Guruji confirming that we were out and safe. It wasalmost as though He had escorted us out ! I was so shaken , I couldbarely stand let alone speak and He said to me, "When I am with you,how can anything touch you.come on be brave . Kya darti hai, main hunna "Throughout the night, Bhanudidi kept calling and smsing us , giving uscourage and encouragement. Giving us the confidence that we would beout surely. It seemed surreal then, but she kept telling me to be boldand support others. It was like being scooped in a blanket of graceand love. In every Part 2 course, I have learnt to sleep with ablanket of grace. Believe me, I can tell you with certainity that itwas ON us that nightThrough the night all of you kept calling us ,smsing us and telling ushow much you are praying for us . Our parents,brothers,sisters,sisters in law, little nephews and nieces from UK.......yourvoices gave us life & kept us going.We were giving healing to the bullet hit, teaching deep breathing tosome young boys with us to calm them down, teachimg mudras to controlbladders to the old, all the while literally hanging on to each other,holding hands tight and continuously chanting jai gurudev. My tonguecontinues to move in that chant in a almost pavlovian way even nowEven after we came out, all of you kept calling and supporting us.Hearing the concern and love in your voice was deeply humbling andmoving for us. Anna kept refocusing my attention by talking aboutdesigning the Mandir for our new home to asking what I cooked ! Eachone of you has kept reassuring us . This love is our only truetreasureI have no idea what we have done to deserve all this outpour of yourlove, concern,good wishes. We are just so grateful to you. It is thestrength of your sadhana and sankalpa that rescued 100 of us thatfateful thursday morning. As you know only about 8 people have comeout alive from the taj after thatMany many people we know, top lawyers,bankers ,leading business headshave not been as lucky as us. They were victims of indiscriminatefiring. Dalus son Shaan and daughter Shivanis 4 friends have lostseither both or one set of parents.3 of our friends were stuck inTrident and rescued only yesterday morning after 36 hours and are indeep traumaWriting this is a cathartic experience for me.Going through this, a jolting wake up call to appreciate the value ofevery living moment of life, the indispensiblity of spreadingknowledge URGENTLY, and above all deeply appreciating the love thatsurrounds usWe remain in Gratitude to you all FOREVER . Lifetimes will not sufficeus to repay this loveApart from our anniversary, Ajay and I now share a birthday too.Nov 27thLove from the deepest depths of our heart

DENYING ALLEGATIONS
‘Art of Living is being maligned’
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
New Delhi: Reacting to the allegation that an Art of Living camp in Panchmarhi bred Hindu terror, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Saturday denied reports of the organization being involved in the activities of Lt Col Shrikant Purohit who was arrested for his role in the Malegaon blast. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, ‘‘It’s impossible to say that Art of Living has any links with Lt Col Purohit’s activities.’’
The alleged links find their roots in the fact that Lt Col Purohit had reportedly organized a youth training session in October in Panchmarhi, MP, during which more than 40 youths attended the sessions of one of the trainers from Art of Living.
Addressing the mediapersons, Jigish, who was invited to conduct the course in Panchmarhi, said, ‘‘I was told by the organizers the three-day camp is supposed to invoke patriotism in the youths, and that I would impart them the lessons of Sudarshan Kriya.’’ Making it clear that Art of Living had nothing more to do than teaching the basics of Sudarshan Kriya, Jigish added, ‘‘My interaction with the youths was limited to the lessons and I was escorted out of the campus after the course every day.’’
Stressing that linking Art of Living with terrorist activities was absurd and baseless, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, ‘‘We have more than 6,000 training centres around the globe. All of them work towards creating a stress and violence free world. If anyone, who has been a part of our sessions, gets involved in a wrongful act, it doesn’t mean we endorse or support his idea.’’ He further added, ‘‘If required, we will certainly cooperate with the agencies in their investigations.’’
With politics in the air, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also hinted that relating Art of Living with unlawful activities could be a part of the political agenda of some parties. He said, ‘‘I feel this entire episode to malign Art of Living could be a political move. However, we are not going to allow any organization to derive any mileage out of this.’’
toireporter@timesgroup.com

PS - Request ALL devotees to discourage any discussions/arguments on such BASELESS topics. Plz do not allow rise of any kind of Negative Energy. Instead, resort to SILENCE with a SMILE as v know the essence of AOL.

Jai Gurudev.