Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a spiritual master from Bangalore who leads the well-known Art of Living (AOL) foundation. He was born on 13th May 1956 to an eminent family in Papanasham (Tamil Nadu). At the age of four he could recite the entire Bhagavad Gita and by the age of 17 he had completed his traditional studies, including an advanced degree in modern science. He has been presented with the title "Yoga Shiromani" (Supreme Teacher of Union with the Self) in 1986 from the President of India. In 1995, he addressed the United Nations to mark its 50th anniversary. His service organisation, the "5H Programme" offers social and community development projects with a focus on Health, Hygiene, Homes,
Harmony amidst Diversity and Human Values.

In 1982, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar established the Art of Living foundation, as an educational organisation designed to assist all individuals reach their full human potential. The first AOL class was in Shimoga. The Art of Living is an internationally acclaimed programme combining the best of the ancient wisdom and modern science. The course is interactive and easy-to-practice workshop at two levels - basic and advanced. There is also a special course for the Professionals and Art Excel courses for children.

All the courses are conducted by specially selected and trained instructors who have years of experience in gauging your needs and adapting the courses to suit you. The teachers are personally trained by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar himself. While in the ashram (residential course) one has to do all the work 'seva' by oneself, and can attend the 'Satsang' ('sat' means 'truth' and 'sang' means 'company') where every evening melodious bhajans are sung. The 60-acre ashram is situated amidst five hills and a silent lake, with the 'Sumeru Mantap', a beautifully sculpted circular meditation hall atop the hill.

Central to AOL courses is the powerful breathing technique, 'Sudarshan Kriya', ('Su' for right, 'Darshan' for vision and 'Kriya' for purifying action) which releases deep stresses and toxins stored in the body and rejuvenates the body on a cellular level. The result is that we are more alert, energetic and centred. The Art of Living workshop also includes several techniques for handling everyday situations and helps us improve the quality of our life.

The Art of Living has a 'Youth Training Programme' wherein the youngsters of a particular place are trained to assist in the '5H programme'. Keeping this in mind, the organisation is in the process of adopting 3000 villages all over India. As a first step they have succeeded in making 25 villages in Maharashtra and 12 villages in Gujarat alcohol free and have set up a 'Community Kitchen' in Gujarat.

The Art of Living Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary from 17th to 19th of February 2006. Over 2.5 million people had come together in Bangalore, India, for what can only be described as the first ever 'spiritual Olympics' People from over 145 countries around the world who represented the promotion and propagation of human values into all levels of society were present. This includes distinguished business leaders, politicians, and revered spiritual leaders. In addition to this, representatives from the world of music, film, arts, and sports were present. Never in history has there been 2.5 million people meditating together, neither has there been over 1000 spiritual leaders from across the world coming together in the name of spirituality.

"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.".

.For further information contact :
Art Of Living International Centre
# 21st km, Kanakapura Road
Udayapura, Bangalore - 560082, India
Phone: +91-80-2843 2273 / 2843 2274
E mail: ashraminfo@artofivingindia.net
Website: www.artofliving.org

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