Art of Living: A Sun brought on the earth by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

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Updated on June 24, 2006 at 18:45:18

Making a Difference to our World: The Service Projects

The fruit of Silence is Prayer.
The fruit of Prayer is Faith.
The fruit of Faith is Love.
The fruit of Love is Service.
The fruit of Service is Peace.

Service is the natural expression of love and caring. All over the world, the Art of Living Foundation and its volunteers support many service projects.

From poverty reduction programs in Asia to trauma therapy following the 9/11 attacks on New York City, Art of Living has committed itself to drawing diverse communities together into a one world family.

Service programs range from stress-reduction education programs for prisoners, medical camps, reintegrating human values in society to educating rural children in India.

"Service is the expression of joy and love. Ask yourself 'How can I be useful to those around me and to the whole world?' Then your heart starts to blossom and a completely new level begins" -- Sri Sri

The Art of Living Foundation

"Life is sacred. Celebrate life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."
Active in over 140 countries the Art of Living Foundation offers unique programs that eliminate stress and help individuals develop their highest potential. The Art of Living reinforces human values and brings people from varied social, economic, geographic, cultural and religious backgrounds together in a spirit of Service and Celebration.

The Art of Living Course

"By Nature we are friendly, cooperative, compassionate. If we are unfriendly, it is because of stress and tension." - Sri Sri
Through out our lives we learn many skills reading, writing, science, music and art but very few of us have actually learnt the true Art of Living. We are rarely taught how to handle our negative emotions - anger, depression, stress. Yet, the quality of our life depends upon the quality of our mind.

The Art of Living courses offer simple but effective techniques which eliminate toxins and stresses that accumulate in our systems over time. They are a unique way to harmonize and energize the Body, Breath, Mind, Emotions & Spirit.

Developed by H.H Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, these courses offer simple and effective techniques for eliminating stress, resolving conflict, improving health and living life with new joy and enthusiasm - A combination of the very best of ancient wisdom and modern science.


His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
"The values that enhance life are confidence, cooperation, compassion, love, enthusiasm, faith and knowledge. These values come only through spirit. We think we can find happiness or comfort through the material, yet we know that material comfort alone is not sufficient or complete.

Happiness is a quality of consciousness. It does depend on matter, but to a far greater degree, it depends on attitude and understanding… Living the spiritual values makes your personality solid and strong."

Born in 1956 in Papanasam, India, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar studied with many renowned spiritual masters and became a scholar of Vedic Literature. By the age of seventeen, he obtained an Advanced Degree in Modern Physics, and later received an Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India.

In 1982, His Holiness founded the Art of Living Foundation, which is now the world’s largest volunteer-based educational and humanitarian organizations. In 1997, His Holiness founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), which to date has development projects in 25,300 villages, bringing self-reliance and sustainability to millions of people.

The innovative programmes he has devised and the immense social work he has undertaken stem from his commitment to a rejuvenation of human values, a violence-free society and to enable people to lead happier, healthier, stress-free lives.

Trauma relief, humanitarian work, peace initiatives and conflict resolution are just some of the variety of work undertaken by volunteers around the world. In the aftermath of wars (Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo), terrorist attacks (9/11, Madrid bombings), natural disasters (SE Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, Pakistan earthquake) or the extensive sustainable development programmes in rural areas of developing countries: all of these activities are testament to the inspiration of His Holiness.

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar travels to more than 35 countries every year to reinforce the message that all religions and spiritual traditions share common goals and values. His simple message of love, practical wisdom and service encourages harmony and teaches everyone to follow their chosen path while honoring the path of others.

His message of compassion, commitment to society, and a universal understanding of life, has resounded in the lives of millions worldwide. Through the regeneration of human values, he seeks global peace and development by inspiring individuals towards self awareness joyful living and selfless service.






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