The government of Gujarat recently had a brush with spirituality when more than 190 ministers , bureaucrats, senior state secretaries, district collectors, and district development officers led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, participated in an Art of Living Program

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/13/2011 -- The government of Gujarat recently had a brush with spirituality when more than 190 ministers , bureaucrats, senior state secretaries, district collectors, and district development officers led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, participated in an Art of Living Program.

The program being held during the 7th Chintan Shivir (Brainstorming Session) at Mahasena, Gujarat, the officials were guided in Yoga, Pranayama and the Sudarshan Kriya.

"I laud Sri Sri Ravishankar for beautifully presenting our ancient heritage of Yoga and Meditation to cater to our modern needs. The three day program was indeed very beneficial. I feel healthier and am now stress-free", said an official. "It was definitely a unique experience of my life which has made me more creative, energetic and optimistic. It will definitely enhance my success in work and help me serve people in a better way. I would recommend this workshop to every human being", added another participant. Many participants stated that they experienced a transformation and determined to regularly practice the techniques learnt.

The workshop was followed by a talk on personal effectiveness and good governance by Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. "Every human being has desires, responsibilities and aspirations, but one must strive to reduce desires and accept more responsibilities for happiness and higher pursuits. Success is sure for one who has a vision, honesty and empathy and who has the capacity to increase efficiency", said Sri Sri. He also urged the gathering to create a surrounding of belongingness in their workplace in order to facilitate better communication.

He gave insightful tips on stress relief and team-building for better governance and motivated them by giving examples of leadership training programs which have brought about extraordinary transformation in the society. He also elucidated on the positive impact of these breathing techniques on our surroundings and environment. He explained how the 3Cs – Context, Commitment and Compassion- can combat corruption and many other problems faced by the government.

Sri Sri strongly feels the need to 'spiritualize politics, socialize business and secularize religion.' The Program was a step towards realizing this need. "Politics is mainly about caring for people and their welfare and the aim of spirituality is to boost morality and human values therefore both need to go hand in hand." Over the years, Sri Sri has addressed world leaders at European parliaments, South Africa, France (Strasbourg), Germany (Deutscher Bundestag), Scotland, Brazil.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a universally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader.

His vision of a violence-free, stress-free society through the reawakening of human values has inspired millions to broaden their spheres of responsibility and work towards the betterment of the world. The Art of Living foundation works to bring peace at the level of the individual, society, nation and the world as a whole. Its areas of work covers conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, poverty alleviation, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all, campaigns against female foeticide and child labour and environment sustainability.

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Addresses a large gathering rural youth at the Art of Living centre

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/10/2011 -- "Fight corruption with truth and non-violent means, we have to come together to root out corruption from India", Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told a large gathering of youth, who had assembled at the Art of Living International Center for the Yuva Jagruti Sammelan.

The youth, he said, have an important role to play in combating corruption, "The youth have to bring a wave of transformation. We need to stand strong against corruption irrespective of any party or person." Sri Sri added.

Youth from villages around Bangalore and Ramanagaram had gathered for the event to debate on ways to tackle corruption at the grassroot level. The participants discussed a number of strategies, including the use of Right to Information (RTI) act and proactively follow up on the status of projects and schemes with local officials and elected representatives. The youth also plan to stage street plays to create awareness about the problem of corruption and enlist more supporters for the cause.

The organizers also released a sticker: "I do not take a bribe". The stickers will be distributed in government offices to discourage officials at village and taluka levels from taking bribes.

The Art of Living has been raising its voice against corruption as an active member of the 'India Against Corruption' campaign. The campaign is led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Baba Ramdev, Swami Agnivesh, Kiran Bedi, Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal (RTI pioneer) and others. The movement seeks comprehensive reform of anti-corruption systems in India, through the enactment of a law to set up effective anti-corruption bodies such as the Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta in each state.

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Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/09/2011 -- A pledge taken by thousands to practice organic farming marked the Art of Living Founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's visit to Gadag on February 2, 2011. 108 farmers were felicitated by Sri Sri for their commendable work for using organic methods of farming.

Titled 'Hasirotsava', Sri Sri's visit to Gadag on Feb 2, was to inspire farmers to pledge and support a vision of a poison-free land, food and water. He inaugurated Art of Living's first agriculture college in Harthi, offering a Diploma in Organic Farming, certified by IGNOU.

"Our country is a country of farmers, if the farmer is happy the country is happy. The youth along with the experienced will come together in our Agriculture College in Harthi. Our sole purpose is to make our youth grow as farmers and become the wealth of our nation." said Sri Sri.

Citing that the world needed to learn human values from India, Sri Sri added, "It is Indian villages which stand for and personify human values. This is what our country has to offer to the world. "

During his tour of North Karnataka, Sri Sri addressed a cross-section of people in public interactions, seminars, and satsangs.

On Feb 3, 2011, Sri Sri visited Bagalkot where he inaugurated a 'Farmers Resource Centre' to help farmers develop their own resources, manage their land, income and become self –reliant.

In Bellary, Sri Sri inaugurated a seminar on 'Business and Spirituality' organized by the Chamber of Commerce. The event was attended by industrialists, traders, doctors and lawyers. Later, he led a satsang attended by thousands.

Inspired by Sri Sri's vision of creating a stress free and a violence free society, the Art of Living through its various service initiatives & stress-elimination programs in villages, slums, prisons, flood affected areas have touched the lives of thousands of people. Through the Divine Karnataka Project (DKP), the organization has been working with women and children in urban slums and rural areas. More than 1,204 villages have been transformed with Art of Living's various developmental projects. 561 Self Help Groups have been established and 560 toilets have been built. Over 800 women have undergone training in tailoring. Under the Vidya Shilpa

Program, 206 government schools have been selected for providing holistic education and 1, 20,000 children have benefited from Art of Living's stress-elimination programs.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

“When the Heart Sings, the Divine Dances.” The Art of Living and MARG Brindavan organize a megaperformance of Carnatic music with great success.

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/08/2011 -- Filling the night sky, the sound of 5700 Carnatic music singers' voices resonated in unison on Sunday, January 30th 2011 at south Chennai's Sri Ram Gateway. Attendees at "Naadha Vaibhavam" witnessed the sheer power of music to transcend boundaries and express the voice of humanity as one. This ancient Carnatic musical tradition found renewed vigor when over one lakh participants sang 'Krishnam Vandhe' together. The event, organized by The Art of Living and MARG Brindavan, is expected to gain entry into the Guinness Book of World Records as the 'World's Largest Choir.'

On a majestically adorned stage at the foot of forested hilltops, renowned Carnatic vocalist Ms. Gayathri Asokan led the singers in an expression of the flowering of the heart. Youth as young as 10 years sang alongside learned maestro musicians in front of a massive audience spanning the length and width of the vast grounds. Making classical music accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds was the primary goal of the organizers of the first Naadha Vaibhavam.

Participants and audience members alike were brought toward a heightened consciousness through this music that celebrated devotion to the Divine. This performance was blessed by the presence of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who led the audience in a meditation session during his talk. "Music binds all of us," Sri Sri said on Sunday. "It is one power that unites all others through Love. Music touches the hearts of everyone. Just as we learn swimming, we also need to practice to sing."

Leading musician G.S.Mani commented, "We have never seen or participated in a mass event like this. Sri Sri Ravishankar has given us this chance. ...Where it is difficult to sing with 5 or 6 people,we have sung with 5700 people. ...Music is most convenient means to reach the divine and we did that here."

Ten renowned Carnatic music vidwans presided over the choir. These were Shri. T.K. Govinda Rao, Shri. P.S. Narayanaswamy, Shri. Alleppey Venkatesan, Shri. G S Mani, Shri. O S Tyagarajan, Shri. Trichur Ramachandran, Shri. B Krishnamurthy, Smt. Suguna Varadhachari, Smt. Suguna Purushotham, and Smt. Charumathi Ramachandran.

During the event, five outstanding social workers were honoured with the Heroes of Humanity Award by H H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for their exemplary service to society. These were Mr. M. Murali, Managing Director – Sri Krishna Sweets, Chennai, Mr. R. Elango, Managing Trustee, Trust for Village Self Governance, Kuthambakkam, Dr. R D Ravindran, Chairman – Aravind Eye Care Hospitals, Madurai, Dhan Foundation, Madurai & Mr. N. Krishnan, Managing Trustee – Akshaya's Helping in H.E.L.P. Trust, Madurai.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar noted the selfless acts of the award recipients. "What should we all do in our life? ...Let's all take a vow to reduce our needs and increase our responsibilities." Commenting on the occasion, Ms. Akhila Srinivasan, Tamil Nadu State President for The Art of Living and Managing Director of Shriram Life Insurance Co. Ltd., said, "We are all extremely excited by overwhelming response from the audience across cities towards Naadha Vaibhavam. I would like to thank H H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for giving us the opportunity to organize, witness and participate in this first-of-its-kind prestigious event. I also extend my thanks to Marg, all the sponsors, our media friends and the spectacular audience for making this event such a grand success."

Ms. Srinivasan added, "The event has achieved the objective with which it was conceived, to honour and showcase the rich, musical tradition of Chennai. The enthusiastic participation of musicians from all over the country is a beacon of light that our culture and tradition is bound to grow, breaking through all social, geographic and economic backgrounds."

In addition to MARG, many of India's well known business institutions have come together to
support this exclusive event in association with The Art of Living, namely, Shriram Capital and Venture Lighting are Platinum Co sponsors; India Cements, Nalli, Larsen & Toubro, Chennai Silks as Gold Co-Sponsors and Apollo Hospitals as Silver co-sponsor.

Naadha Vaibhavam is going to be Art of Living's 6th Guinness World Record. The Art of Living had earlier entered the Guinness Book of World Records with the following:

1. Annam Brahma, the world's largest vegetarian buffet with 5612 dishes an Ahmedabad, Gujarat
2. Antarnaad, the world largest sing-along with 104637 people singing Vande Mataram in Pune, Maharashtra
3. Brahm Naad, the world's largest sitar ensemble consisting 1094 participants in NCR, Delhi
4. Mehran De Rang, the world's largest bhangra dance of 2,100 participants in Ludhiana, Punjab
5. 1200 Mohiniyattam dancers performing together on one stage in Cochin, Kerala

The Art of Living continues in its constant endeavor to promote Indian art and culture. This event is yet another milestone to its portfolio. In the coming years, the organization intends to bring more such events which highlight H H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's vision of a violence-free, stress-free, and service-minded society, which no longer remains a utopian dream, but an achievable goal.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Art of Living joins to support this Citizens' demand for the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/06/2011 -- On January 30, 2011, In what could be termed as the biggest outpouring against corruption by citizens, thousands of Art of Living volunteers joined citizens across the nation in the India Against Corruption march that took place in more than 50 cities in India and some even in the United States.

'India Against Corruption' is led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Swami Ramdev, Swami Agnivesh, Kiran Bedi, Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, J. M. Lyngdoh, Justice Tewatia, Mallika Sarabhai, Maulana Mufti hamoom Kashmi, Maulana Kalbe Rizvi, Arch Bishop Vincent M Concessao, Prashant Bhushan, Devinder Sharma, Subhash Chandra Aggarwal, Pradeep Gupta, B. D. Lall and Sunita Godara among others.

Supporting this endeavour Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "If we can accept corruption as our way of life and carry on with this, we are cheating ourselves and millions of people of this country. Today we need to come together for a big transformation, a new direction, an awakening amongst our people. Everyone should speak out against corruption. Fight against injustice, but without anger or violence. Fight with a calm and serene mind. The spiritual values of Ahimsa and truth transcend time and work everywhere, even today. When you make your mind strong with a conviction not to be corrupt, people will also change. This awareness and awakening has to happen within each individual and this is where individual education will lead to a collective culture."

This movement demands comprehensive reforms of anti-corruption systems in India through the enactment of a law, to set up an effective anti?corruption body called Lokpal at the centre and Lokayukta in each state (the existing Lokayukta Acts are weak and ineffective.)

Cities where the march against corruption was held: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Aurangabad, Kolkata, Pondicherry, Vishakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Trichy, Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, Allahabad, Silchar (Assam), Chandigarh, Guwahati, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Barabanki, Patna, Bhagalpur, Jhansi, Gwalior, Jamshedpur, Rourkela, Aligarh, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Raipur, Amroha, Bilari (Moradabad), Jaito, Faridkot, Bokaro, IIT-Kharagpur, Jalaun, Ambikapur, Surguja (CG) and many others.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tours Karnataka for rural empowerment

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/03/2011 -- Spiritual leader, humanitarian & founder of The Art of Living Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will embark on a two-day tour, titled ' Hosa chiguru hale beru' of Bellary and Gadag, beginning February 1, 2011, with a vision of a developed and empowered rural Karnataka.

During his tour of North Karnataka, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will address a cross-section of people in public interactions, seminar, and satsangs. On Feb 1, 2011 at Bellary, his visit will be marked as 'Anandotsava'. Here, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will inaugurate a seminar on 'Business and Spirituality' organized by the Bellary Chamber of Commerce. The event will be attended by industrialists, traders, doctors and lawyers. Later, he will lead a satsang at Municipal college grounds.

Titled 'Hasirotsava', his visit to Gadag on February 2, will be to inspire farmers to pledge and support a vision of a poison-free land, food and water. In his presence, more than 50,000 people from the rural belts of Karnataka will take an oath to practice organic farming. Hundred and eight farmers will also be felicitated for practicing the ancient science of Rishi Krishi or organic farming.

"We have trained over 2000 farmers in organic farming in Karnataka. The ancient science of Rishi Krishi or organic farming will not just improve health standards but also revive human values in society," asserted Nagraj, Director, Divine Karnataka Project.

In keeping with his vision of the tour to empower rural Karnataka, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will inaugurate Art of Living's first agriculture college offering a diploma in Organic Farming with certified from IGNOU, at Harthi. In the evening, he is scheduled to inaugurate the Harthi Temple Samudhaya Bhavan.

Inspired by Sri Sri's vision of creating a stress free and a violence free society, The Art of Living through its various service initiatives and stress-elimination programs in villages, slums, prisons, flood-affected areas has touched the lives of lakhs of people. Through the Divine Karnataka Project alone (DKP), the organization has been working particularly with women and children in urban slums and rural areas. More than 1204 villages have been touched with The Art of Living's various developmental projects. 561 Self Help Groups have been formed, 560 toilets have been built. About 800 women have undergone training in tailoring. Under the Vidya Shilpa program, 206 government schools have been selected for providing holistic education and 1, 20,000 children have benefited from the various stress-elimination programs.

For further enquiries:
Karthik Krishna: +91-9342582375

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/27/2011 -- Sri Lankan cricket team captain Kumar Sangakara thanked Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and The Art of Living for helping the Sri Lankan cricket team to come out of trauma after the Lahore attack. Kumar Sangakara called on Sri Sri in Colombo on January 23. Sri Sri was on a three-visit to Sri Lanka, from January 21-23.

In 2009, immediately after the Lahore attack , the team had undergone breathing sessions and meditation techniques of the Art of Living in Colombo.

On completing the course then, Kumar Sangakara had said that he had felt relaxed and calm after two sessions of the Sudarshan Kriya. It was "a really pleasant experience", the sports ministry had quoted him.

"The Sri Lankan cricketers have now found a new direction to be relaxed, calm and still be dynamic and alert," the ministry said.

"Relaxation and recovery is an integral part of a sportsperson's lifestyle, it is techniques like Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique that gives them the energy to bounce back," he said. The eight-hour workshop was conducted by Swami Sadyojatha, International Director, The Art of Living.

On being asked if the cricketers spoke about the trauma, Sri Sri said, "The four days that we spent together, I didn't ask them anything about Lahore and they didn't tell me also. It was like past is past and finished. It was about how to bring your mind to the present and move ahead. They had the belief as well and they wanted to do something as a team."

For more enquiries, contact:

Karthik Krishna: +91-9342582375

Mail: media.coordinator@artofliving.org

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The Art of Living launched a redesigned website (www.artofliving.org) with a fresh look, enhanced features, easier navigation and inspiring case studies.

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/11/2010 -- "Technology has made the world into a global village, spirituality has made it into a family," says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder, Art of Living.

The Art of Living launched a redesigned website (www.artofliving.org) with a fresh look, enhanced features, easier navigation and inspiring case studies.

"The aim of the website is to use technology as a platform to reach out to people, encourage greater participation in positive social transformation, and globalize spirituality and human values. Sanghe Shakti Kalyuge – in this era, there is a strength in the unity of the hearts and minds of people. This strength can create a stress-free and violence-free society for our future generations. The website will catalyze this transformation," shares Swami Sadyojatha, Director, International Affairs, the Art of Living.

The Art of Living inspires action for peace and drives numerous service initiatives in the areas of disaster relief and trauma care, rural development, youth leadership, education, women empowerment and environmental care, worldwide. Seeking freedom from stress and the search for inner peace and happiness is natural to every human being. The Art of Living course offers a practical solution for this.

The Art of Living has a presence in 154 countries. Volunteers across the globe share Sri Sri's vision of a one world family – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The Art of Living website was first launched in 1996. The last 14 years have seen several revisions of the website, with this consistent vision of spreading the message of peace, love and service to people across the globe.

If you would like to share any stories or reach the Art of Living International website administration, write to webmaster@artofliving.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm