@SriSri

यदि हम जीवन में केवल सुख भोगते हैं, तो दुःख मिलता हैI यदि हम जीवन में सुख देते हैं, तो प्रेम और आनंद मिलता हैI
If you are only a taker of happiness you get misery. If you are a giver of happiness you get joy and love. ‪#‎Happiness‬ ‪#‎Service‬

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Why Attaining Spirituality is Necessary?

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It is because you want to be happy unconditionally; you want peace which does not get disturbed by small things. And this is quite natural.

Wanting spirituality is as natural as wanting deep rest, as wanting to be loved, as wanting comfort and happiness.

The definition of spirituality in Sanskrit is attaining greatest happiness, attaining greatest freedom (Nirvana) . It is natural. Like water flows down, and fire goes up, human beings want enlightenment.

Guru Punch of the day

Guru Punch of the day
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

See when the sunlight has come, you don’t need to put off the candle. Even if the candle is there, it just loses its significance. The candle light has significance only as long as the sun has not come up. So when the inner joy wells up in you, you don’t need to exercise control. It is a spontaneous happening. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

QnA with Sri Sri

QnA with Sri Sri
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Q: What is the importance of ‘Service’?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: People who are willing to serve will have good times even in the bad times. When there are problems, such as famine or war, Red Cross people are fine as they are serving. The more relief they bring, the happier they feel. And people who are selfish and who just want to enjoy themselves will be miserable even in good times. Often the organizers of a party do not enjoy the party because some little thing is missing, they forgot to invite somebody, somebody did not come or some little thing went wrong.
A wise one is happy even in bad times. And the ignorant one is unhappy even in good times. You make the time good or bad. People usually blame the bad time and just wait for the good time. Even if an astrologer says that you are in a hopeless time, you can still make it good time! Like Weather, time has its impact on you. Your Satsangs and sadhana are your shields, your protection. So realize that you are more than time and that you can change the time by your connection to the Divine.

http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru One Liner of the day

Guru One Liner of the day
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Q: How realistic is it for a person to become enlightened in one lifetime?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You don’t have to be very special. You can have it right now in this room.

http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014

Simply recognise all the virtues you appreciate in others and realise that they are present in you in seed form. You only have to nurture them. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

QnA with Sri Sri

QnA with Sri Sri
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014

Q: I start to do a lot of things, but I don’t get to complete. Can you tell me a way how can I improve the situation?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: If you want to do, you can do anything. It has to come from within. With the determination, ‘I will do this job, and I will see to it that it gets completed’. This commitment from within will help you, and get you through. Got it? Nobody can do the job other than you.
So, take up with small things and follow it through, and then you will get the confidence. That prepares you to take up big tasks. You know, why do you drop things? Because you think they are not important. But there is nothing important or unimportant in life, everything has importance. So, even if something looks unimportant, you say, “I want to finish it, and I will finish it”. Then you will be able to enhance your commitment.

http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru One Liner of the day

Guru One Liner of the day
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014

Q: How can I cope with the anger that comes with seeing so much injustice to so many people?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Don’t just feel the anger. Take action. You don’t need to lose your balance of mind. Rather, you should respond. This is a skill. Be calm, and united in yoga. That is the message of the Bhagavad Gita.

http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Whenever you experience joy, ecstasy, bliss and happiness in life, knowingly or unknowingly you are abiding in the form of the seer; in the nature of the seer. Otherwise, at other times, you are with different activities of the mind. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru Punch of the day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Once in a while the top management should have access to people all the way down while maintaining the dignity of all the other in-between layers. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru Punch of the day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Once in a while the top management should have access to people all the way down while maintaining the dignity of all the other in-between layers. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru Punch of the day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Once in a while the top management should have access to people all the way down while maintaining the dignity of all the other in-between layers. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru Punch of the day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Once in a while the top management should have access to people all the way down while maintaining the dignity of all the other in-between layers. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Truth is hidden by the golden veil of the mundane. Pierce through this thin glittering sheath and know 

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Truth is hidden by the golden veil of the mundane. Pierce through this thin glittering sheath and know 

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Truth is hidden by the golden veil of the mundane. Pierce through this thin glittering sheath and know 

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Truth is hidden by the golden veil of the mundane. Pierce through this thin glittering sheath and know 

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

QnA with Sri Sri

QnA with Sri Sri
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Q: The golden rules of meditation?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: There are three golden rules for meditation.

The first is you say “I want nothing, I want nothing for next 15-20 minutes.” If you say “I need to drink water or change my position,” then meditation cannot happen. When you want nothing, then you also do nothing.
The second golden rule is “I do nothing.” You only breathe. Do not make an effort to think “I want nothing” and “I do nothing” - Just an effortless attention.
Then the last one is even more important, “I am nothing.” While meditating we drop all notions about ourselves of being rich, poor, intelligent, stupid, male, female or any other. So what are you? Nothing! After meditation you can again be something. It is your choice, but if you think, during meditation, that you are somebody great or somebody hopeless, there is no way you can settle down to that deepest core of the being.

This must be our initial step to settle into that infinity, the consciousness of which we are all made up of. It is the journey from sound to the inner joyful silence.

http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru One Liner of the day

Guru One Liner of the day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Q: I’m very afraid of flying. The fear controls me. What can I do to control my fear?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Observe the sensation. Fear is the opposite of love, yet fear can transform into love. You can also go through and move beyond all these cycles by taking the ‘Advance Meditation Course’.

http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2014

Whenever you experience joy, ecstasy, bliss and happiness in life, knowingly or unknowingly you are abiding in the form of the seer; in the nature of the seer. Otherwise, at other times, you are with different activities of the mind. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Reasons for Misery

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The first thing one must know is that there is misery in life. One should not deny this fact or be oblivious to it. One who denies that there is misery in life is foolish. First, know and accept that there is misery in life. Then do what is needed to overcome.

Why is this so? It is because there is always some cause or reason behind sorrow or misery. Misery cannot exist without a cause. What can be the cause of misery? There are four Eshnas (attachments) a person may have that can lead him to misery.

They are:

1. Vitteshna (attachment to wealth and materialistic prosperity)
2. Putreshna (attachment to one’s children and progeny)
3. Jiveshna (attachment to one’s life and physical body), and
4. Lokeshna (attachment to one’s reputation or fame).

What does the word ‘Eshna’ mean? It means craving or greed towards something.
For example, a person is feverish and greedy for money and prestige. When he does not receive either, then he becomes miserable. Similarly, the attachment one has towards one’s children and progeny is called Putreshna. Then, having a feverish desire to be famous in society is called Lokeshna. Jiveshna is the attachment and craving to live more and more (meaning to one’s life or the physical body).

QnA with Sri Sri

QnA with Sri Sri
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Q: What do you say about the eastern and western cultures?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Pick up good things like cleanliness and following the rules from the Western society. Western Civilization has such cleanliness and the sense of following rules. Learn the Human values from the East. Every country or tradition has something good to offer. We need to learn hospitality from the Japanese, precision from Germans, etiquette from the English and marketing from America and from India, human values.
We can also learn, what not to learn or what to unlearn? Too much formality! At some places, the mother has to take permission to go to her daughter, or the daughter has to take appointment from the mother. This has started to happen somewhere in urban society here also. The naturalness, sense of belongingness is disappearing from the society. That has given rise to depression and other disorders in so many countries in the west. There is such a sense of belongingness and human values even in a village in the east, and that is to be maintained.

http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru One Liner of the day

Guru One Liner of the day
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Q: What’s your secret for having so much energy, such a big heart and so much compassion?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Simplicity. When you are not being yourself, you get exhausted. When you try to impress someone or expect something from someone, you become burdened.

http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Don't focus on what others want! See what it is that you want. When you stop looking inside and look at others, that is when you miss the boat. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Knowledge Sutra for the day!

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Everything in this creation is a sign of celebration.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014

Learning About the Mind

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There are many situations or states of mind, but generally you can categorize them into three kinds:

1. When there is craving or longing. Longing for worldly or spiritual experiences
2. When there is dullness. There is neither longing nor there is any interest in anything. a sense of inertia in our mind. You just go on with inertia. This situation can set now and then in life
3. When there is contentment, happiness and joy

The purpose of all this celebration is to move from inertia to joy, to move from longing to contentment. It’s so beautiful.

There are those who do not even look at their mind, they just keep working and working. Then there are others who keep looking at their own mind. Both are not good, take the middle path. Sometimes take a look at the mind, but not all the time. Do you see what I’m saying? Otherwise you will become self-centred, all the time thinking, 'What do I want?' Or 'I am feeling like this'.

Forget about how you feel, feelings keep changing. One minute it is good, next minute it is not good, so what! Move with valour and courage.

Guru Punch of the day

Guru Punch of the day
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014

The more we are in our comfort zone, just caring for ourselves and our immediate families, our life starts shrinking. Then we start being angry, upset, frustrated; all these negative thoughts start coming. If you keep yourself a little engaged in social and public activity, you will be less upset at home, and there will be more harmony at the home. front. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

‏@SriSri
कुदीॅ और अरबी भाषी हिंदुस्तानी युवा जो इराकी कुदिॅस्तान में स्वयं सेवक के रूप में काम करना चाहतें हैं वो हमें सम्पर्क करें। (9343988844)

@SriSri

हज़ारों यज़ीदी सिंजर पर्वत में फँसें हैं। बर्फ़ गिरने से पेहेले इन्हें बचाना ज़रूरी है। IS के  अत्याचार के विरुद्ध सभी को खड़ा होना पड़ेगा।
Our relief work is going on for months in Kurdistan. The volunteers have shared many heart-wrenching stories & pics. http://on.fb.me/1xqvNsH 

@SriSri
I urge @narendramodi @barackobama @europarl_EN to rescue the thousands of Yazidis trapped in the Sinjar Mountains. 

 @SriSri
Yazidi leaders met me in US. The picture is grim. A community reduced from 23 to 1 Mn. I am going to Kurdistan soon. 

QnA with Sri Sri

QnA with Sri Sri
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014

Q: Please share your view on the present education system in India.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You know, management courses these days are adopting more and more informal ways of teaching. This approach is being emphasized everywhere, and I hope that soon the world over, everyone realizes the need for changing the methodology of teaching. Slowly it is happening.
I would like to share some good news with you. The World Bank has invited The Art of Living foundation to design their courses for their employees. Our courses have been welcomed and well received everywhere. The Harvard Business School too has appreciated our courses. In fact, the Stanford University has placed our course as a Credit Course. That means that when a student completes The Art of Living Course, they get marks for that.
Universities like Stanford, Cornell, etc., are rapidly recognizing and adopting The Art of Living Courses. But this is still a small number and we have a long way to go. We have so many IITs and IIMs still struggling in our own country. In the world over, the situation is the same for so many educational institutions. In fact, if you check the list of the top 50 educational institutions of the world, you will find that many of them are in China. So, we have a long way to go and promote a value-based education to the students, which develops a person in a complete manner. Education should not just be informative, but also develops a person with emotional intelligence and spiritual quotient as well. That work is still pending, but today the doors are opening.

http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru One Liner of the day

Guru One Liner of the day
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014

Q: How do you know when to forgive someone?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When something starts to bother you too much.

http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014

Like water flows down and fire goes up. This is a physical law, the more contented you are the more you will get. And the more lack you feel, that lack will grow. Just wake up to this reality. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Knowledge Sutra for the day!

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2014

Faith is the subject of the head, Devotion is the subject of heart and Meditation connects both.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014

What is Enlightenment?

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We do not realize our inner potential. We think we are just this body mind complex with a few emotions, some little thoughts, little likes and dislikes. The truth is that we are much beyond these things, and that is why enlightenment is like the peeling of it.

The word enlightenment is used so many times, that is why it is so confusing. Enlightenment is simply the peeling off layers and becoming hollow and empty. Get to that spot where you feel absolute comfort and absolute freedom. That is liberation, that is nirvana, that is self-realization, that is yoga, and that is unity. You can call it by so many names. And too much reading also confuses you about it. That’s why I say be natural, be simple. Read a few words, or a few sentences and let that knowledge sink inside.

Guru Punch of the day

Guru Punch of the day
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014

The soul is God, but in many people the God inside is sleeping, and so you are not able to see the light that is deep inside. The Divine is also in those who do wrong things. It is not that people who do bad things are devoid of God, no, it is just that the Divinity is covered; sleeping. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

‏@SriSri
जीवन में तीन तत्व हैं - स्व-प्रयत्न,समय अौर अदृश्य शक्ति। और तीन साधन हैं - निष्ठा, धैर्य और अनंत संभावना में विश्वास।

@SriSri
Life has 3 aspects: self effort, time and higher power. And the 3 tools you need are perseverance, patience and faith in all possibilities.

Knowledge Sutra for the day!

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014

Inside you are both Big Mind and the Small Mind. The Being is only One. So when the mind recognizes this oneness, the mind disappears.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

QnA with Sri Sri

QnA with Sri Sri
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014

Q: Why is it so that we don’t feel same for a person all the time? Sometimes we are angry with the same person whom we love.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You know we go through all different types of emotions. We like somebody and the same person we dislike. We trust somebody and same person we start doubting and so all these mixed emotions keep rising and falling in our mind. Don’t be scared. All these emotions make you strong somewhere deep inside. Somewhere you will come out a very powerful human being. When you are aware that all these moving emotions are just a temporary phase, and that you are much bigger than this, you become strong and centered. Don’t get stuck in any of these emotions or make a concept in the mind.

http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru One Liner of the day

Guru One Liner of the day
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014

Q: My heart and mind are often in conflict. Which should I follow?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Use each at different times. Do not do business with your heart. Do not do service with your mind.

http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2014

Nature loves to give you surprises. God loves fun. He always gives you surprises - sometimes pleasant, sometimes unpleasant. And you grow by unpleasant as well as by pleasant. In fact you grow much more by unpleasant surprises than the pleasant ones. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Importance of Meditation and Guru

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See, pain is not just in the body or just in the mind, it is somewhere where between the body and the mind, where they both meet. When a local anesthesia is given, some nerves are numbed and you don’t feel the pain, even though you are awake.

Sometimes there is nothing in the body, but there is pain in the mind. Emotional pain is all caused only in the mind, but again it cannot be only in the mind or only in the body but somewhere where these two meet.

Meditation is definitely something that takes you above misery and pain. That is why the Guru is called the medicine for the worldly diseases. Mind is caught in the diseases of aversion, anger, hatred, cravings and the Guru is the doctor and the medicine.

@SriSri
Had great programs in Music City Nashville and St.Louis. I appreciate our volunteers work in riot hit Ferguson city.

Guru Punch of the day

Guru Punch of the day
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Know that you don't know who you are, and how creative and strong you are. You should say, 'I don't know who I am'. When you don't know who you are, then you stand a chance to improve. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Knowledge Sutra for the day!

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Naturalness is the antidote to ego.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Guru One Liner of the day

Guru One Liner of the day
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Q: Which is the best and intelligent way to worship?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: When you do any action with a sense of sacredness, that becomes worship.

http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/

QnA with Sri Sri

QnA with Sri Sri
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Q: What made God alive? When did you start believing in God, Have you seen God, what does God look like?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: This same question was asked 10000 years ago by a little boy to his dad. He asked his father, “Dad, what is God, how is God, how does God Look like?” Dad takes him by hand, brings him out of his house and asks him, “What was here before this house was built?” The boy says Space.

Dad: Where the house is built?
He says in the space.

Dad: When this house will demolish what will exist, what will remain?
He says space.

Dad says that is God.
God is not a person sitting somewhere and showing little finger and as you try to catch him he runs away. It’s only so in some paintings. God is love, God is the space in which everything exists. God is from which everything has come and into which everything dissolves. And that is what is said in Upanishads, it says God is Brahman. God is like a space, joy and love that is all pervading. The space around you is not dead space, it is filled with energy, intelligence and that energy, that intelligence is divinity and it is inside you, outside you, and everywhere.
If you see the native cultures of all parts of the world, most of the countries in the world have this concept; they say God is in the mountain, in the river, in the flowers, in the trees, in the animals, in the human beings, God is everywhere all pervading. Love is god, you can feel it and not see it, but you can experience this enormous energy when you go deep in meditation.

http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014

When someone is drowning in the ocean of attachments, surrender is the life jacket they can put on and wait for the rescue team. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014

When you move with this thought that 'I want', then the mind wanders. When you move with this thought that 'I have received', then you are content. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Diwali: Celebrating the Light of Wisdom

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One of the biggest festivals of the East, Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

For an oil lamp to burn, the wick has to be partially immersed in the oil. If the wick is completely drowned in oil, it cannot bring light. Life is like the wick of the lamp, you have to be in the world and yet remain untouched by it. If you are drowned in the materialism of the world, you cannot bring joy and knowledge in your life. By being in the world, yet not drowning in the worldly aspect of it, we can be the light of joy and knowledge.

Diwali is the commemoration of the light of wisdom in our lives. Lamps are lit on this day not just to decorate homes, but also to communicate this profound truth of life. Light the lamp of wisdom and love in every heart and bring a radiant smile on every face.

Diwali is also called Deepavali, which literally means rows of lights. Life has many facets and stages to it and it is important that you throw light on each of them, for life to be fully expressed. The rows of lights remind you that every aspect of life needs your attention and the light of knowledge.

Every human being has some good qualities. And every lamp that you light is symbolic of this. Some people have forbearance, some have love, strength, generosity, while others have the ability to unite people. The latent values in you are like a lamp. Don't be satisfied with lighting just one lamp; light a thousand! You need to light many lights to dispel the darkness of ignorance. By lighting the lamp of wisdom in yourself and acquiring knowledge, you awaken all facets of your being. When they are lit and awakened, it is Diwali.

Another profound symbolism is in the firecrackers that are burnt on this day. In life, you often become like a firecracker, waiting to explode with your pent-up emotions, frustration and anger. When you keep suppressing your emotions, cravings and aversions, they are bound to reach a bursting point. Bursting crackers is a psychological exercise created by the ancient people to release bottled-up emotions. When you see an explosion outside, you feel similar sensations within you as well. Along with the explosion, there is so much light. When you let go of these emotions, serenity dawns.

There is also symbolism in the exchange of gifts and the distribution of sweets during Diwali. Sweets and gift exchanges symbolize the dispelling of the bitterness of the past, and renewal of friendship for the times to come.

Any celebration is incomplete without the spirit of service. Whatever we have received from the Divine, we should share it with others because it is in giving that we receive -- that is true celebration. Happiness and wisdom have to spread and it can happen when people come together in knowledge.

Diwali means to be in the present, so drop the regrets of the past and the worries of the future and live in the moment. It is a time to forget the bickering and negativities that have happened through the year. It is a time when you throw light on the wisdom you have gained and welcome a new beginning. When true wisdom dawns, it gives rise to celebration.

Celebration is the nature of the spirit. The ancient sages brought sacredness in every celebration, so that you don't lose the focus in the hustle-bustle of the activity. Observing rituals and religious practices (called Puja) is simply showing one's gratitude to the Divine. This brings depth to the celebration. The tradition is to put all the wealth you have earned in front of you and feel the abundance. When you feel lack, the lack grows but when you put your attention on abundance, then the abundance grows. In the Arthashastra, Chanakya says, "Dharmasya Moolam Arthah," which means, "prosperity is the root of righteousness."

For the one who does not have spiritual knowledge, Diwali comes only once a year, but for the wise, Diwali is every moment and every day. Wisdom is needed everywhere. Even if one member of the family is shrouded in darkness, we cannot be happy. We need to ignite the light of wisdom in every member of your family, extend it to every member of society and every person on the planet. When true wisdom dawns, it gives rise to celebration.

The Yajurveda says, "Tanme Manaha Shivasankalpam astu" - let noble intentions flow from this mind of ours. This Diwali, celebrate with knowledge and take an intention to serve humanity. Light the lamp of love in your heart; the lamp of abundance in your home; the lamp of compassion to serve others; the lamp of Knowledge to dispel the darkness of ignorance; and the lamp of gratitude for the abundance that the Divine has bestowed on us.

Guru Punch of the day

Guru Punch of the day
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

For an oil lamp to burn, the wick has to be partially immersed in the oil. Life is like the wick of the lamp, you have to be in the world and yet remain untouched by it. If you are drowned in the materialism of the world, you cannot bring joy and knowledge in your life. By being in the world, yet not drowning in the worldly aspect of it, we can be the light of joy and knowledge. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Jaigurudev Dear Ones, 

Wish you a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali!

You can watch the live webcast of Diwali Celebrations with Sri Sri as per the following schedule

1. 24 Oct, 4:30 am IST onwards - Satsang with Sri Sri

2. 25 Oct, 5:30 am IST onwards - Lakshmi Puja and Satsang with Sri Sri

Note: For 24 Oct the time of webcast could shift to 5:30 am IST. Any changes done will be updated on webcast page

Link to watch webcast: www.artofliving.org/webcast

Do share this special webcast news with all!

On this festive occasion, we'd like to share Gurudev's message: 

Light the lamp of knowledge to dispel ignorance.

Light the lamp of compassion to dispel cruelty.

Light the lamp of friendliness to dispel animosity.

Be light unto yourself and the world.

Knowledge Sutra for the day!

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

If a flower does not remind you of the eternal truth, then it has not fulfilled its purpose.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Happy Diwali - Light the Lamp of Knowledge & Wisdom 

QnA with Sri Sri

QnA with Sri Sri
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Q: What is the significance of Diwali?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Today is Diwali - the Festival of Lights. The streets and buildings are lit up with colorful lights. The four aspects of Diwali:
The lights: Symbolic of spreading the Knowledge.
Fire crackers: When the explosion happens outside, the explosion inside is diffused.
Gift exchange and distribution of sweets: Sweets dispel the bitterness and renew the friendship.
Feeling abundance: Brings awareness and gratefulness for what one has.
When true wisdom dawns, it gives rise to celebration, and in celebration you may lose focus or awareness. The ancient rishis knew this so to maintain awareness in the midst of gaiety of celebration, they brought sacredness and puja to every celebration.
Celebrate the Knowledge and feel the abundance, for "those who have will be given more"!
Light signifies wisdom. We need to globalize wisdom today. People of various cultures, religions and nationalities will have to come together and realize that we are a part of a One Human Family. Let us, on this auspicious occasion of Diwali, resolve to spread peace, to unite people in love and celebration and to bring prosperity in society. This is the occasion to let go of all past bickerings and misunderstandings and once again come together in a spirit of celebration.

http://qnawithsrisri.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Guru One Liner of the day

Guru One Liner of the day
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Q: Does thoughts happen by previous Karma or impressions in the mind?

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Karma is nothing but impressions in the mind and brings about similar thoughts. Ya, it is very much possible.

http://guruoneliners.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Wisdom Quote of the day

Wisdom Quote of the day
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Let's celebrate this Diwali with great fervor and enthusiasm. Let's bring wisdom to every home and to every heart. - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://srisriravishankarquotes.artoflivinguniverse.org/

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Knowledge Sheet of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Greed Takes Away the Contentment

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You are not happy? You are not contented now? This very moment; right now (Sri Sri snaps his finger)!
Greed takes away the contentment. It is the, 'I want more, I want more', which makes you miserable, which makes you put so much effort! You should think that whatever is needed for me, I will get it. You should have that faith, that it will come to you. Why do you get so disturbed? It is greed which disturbs you. So, not wanting too much of anything; balance! Happiness and contentment comes, the only thing you have to ensure is:

1. You are not lazy. If you are lazy and you say, 'Let happiness come to me', it is not going to come to you. Lazy people will not be happy.
2. Don't be selfish. If you are selfish, happiness is not going to come to you. If you only say, 'Me, mine, only me', you are not going to be happy. Selfish people will not be happy.
3. Don't be greedy. A greedy one will not be happy. If you are greedy and say, 'I want more and more and more', you will not be happy.
4. People with the feeling of revenge will not be happy. If you want to take revenge on anybody, then you cannot be happy.

Guru Punch of the day

Guru Punch of the day
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

Don’t try to dissolve your ego. If you find you have one, just keep it in your pocket. It’s okay to have an ego. Let it be there. You try to dissolve the ego and that is what the problem is.  - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

http://gurupunch.artoflivinguniverse.org/

@SriSri
ज्ञान के दिए से अज्ञानता को दूर करो,
साक्षरता के दिए से निरक्षरता को दूर करो,
आत्मीयता के दिए से परायापन को दूर करोI
उदारता के दिए से छोटेपन को दूर करो,
स्नेह के दिए से कड़वाहट को दूर करो.
दीपावली के शुभ अवसर पर शुभकामनायें सब कोI

Light the lamp of knowledge to dispel ignorance,
Light the lamp of compassion to dispel cruelty.
Happy Diwali!
Light the lamp of friendliness to dispel animosity,
Be light unto yourself and the world.
Happy Diwali!

@SriSri
ज्ञान के दिए से अज्ञानता को दूर करो,
साक्षरता के दिए से निरक्षरता को दूर करो,
आत्मीयता के दिए से परायापन को दूर करोI
उदारता के दिए से छोटेपन को दूर करो,
स्नेह के दिए से कड़वाहट को दूर करो.
दीपावली के शुभ अवसर पर शुभकामनायें सब कोI

Light the lamp of knowledge to dispel ignorance,
Light the lamp of compassion to dispel cruelty.
Happy Diwali!
Light the lamp of friendliness to dispel animosity,
Be light unto yourself and the world.
Happy Diwali!

@SriSri

आर्ट ऑफ़ लिविंग ने १०५०० सोलर लैम्प्स आंध्र,जम्मू कश्मीर,कर्नाटक,झारखण्ड,मणिपुर,त्रिपुरा और अन्य राज्यों में दीपावली के पर्व पर वितरण किया।

Art of Living distributed 10,500 solar lamps in remote villages in Assam,J n K,Jharkhand,Andhra,Manipur,Tripura,
Karnataka etc. Happy Diwali

@SriSri
Hon John mcCallum, other MPs & ministers hosted a warm reception at the Canadian parliament. 

Knowledge Sutra for the day!

Knowledge Sutra for the day!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014

In the presence of the Master, our enthusiasm and spirit is in an elevated state. Sorrows diminish, joy dwells up, there is contentment, knowledge is nourished and protected and talents blossom.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar