The Art of Living is no joke

Rashmi Bhatia with Sri Ravi Shankar in Melbourne in December 2009

It happens all the time – revelations from India about vegetarian diet, the need for proper balance between work and leisure, mental and physical exercise – the Art of Living in fact, has met with scoff, ridicule and laughter.

Yet, over the years, the Western World has adapted each of these, and converted them into commercial packages, which people readily buy. You may have even been told that Yoga was conceptualised in Europe, that Nirvana is ‘a state of bliss’ discovered in the UK and that ‘Stress Relief’ is a part of modern management principles enunciated by great men of lore in the US.

One explanation is that Indians often fail to recognise greatness in themselves and those around them, until someone from a faraway land does so.

When Sri Sri Ravi Shankar put forward the Art of Living and the Technique of Breathing as a palliative for many of our ailments, there was laughter.

Today, more than 25 million people around the world practice these concepts and the number is growing.

By happy augury, an increasing number of Indians in India are beginning to understand the nuances of life and appreciate the Art of Living.

The Indian Diaspora is no different.

Indian Newslink is perhaps the only newspaper in New Zealand that has accorded a place of pre-eminence to Sri Ravi Shankar, his Art of Living Foundation, its local, regional, national and international practitioners and teachers and promoted their efforts in making this world and its people better and free of stress.

In such a sense, we would accord a cordial welcome to the spiritual leader, as he sets foot on this soil in early April.

We will be with an estimated 5000 people at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson to listen a lecture by one of the greatest men of our times.

As we mentioned in our last issue, “The visit of Sri Ravi Shankar to any country is an event and it would be no less for New Zealanders.”

The news of his visit has already begun to stir the interest of our readers.

We begin with this issue a series of opinions and experiences shared by New Zealanders in respect of Art of Living.

These may appear to be one-sided opinions but then most good things are so!

Subtle and long lasting

Ten years ago, I was forced to attend my First Art of Living course. For me it was a laugh – ‘A breathing course? How could that help?”

However, what an eye-opener it was; it totally changed my life. I am still amazed about the changes that occurred after only a few days of completing the course. I had gained more focus and clarity, more positivity, better grip on my temper and I could sleep again. Even my colleagues and friends commented on the changes that had occurred in me.

Over the years, I became further involved in Art of Living. I met Guruji (Sri Ravi Shankar) and was blown away by his presence, his unconditional love, his cleverness, humour and the depth of his wisdom.

Today I believe I have the best job in the world as a travelling Art of Living teacher, bringing smiles on people’s faces – and it can only get better.

Working in the prisons has opened up a dimension in my life, making me value this knowledge even more; it is there for all and does not leave anyone untouched.

The effects are subtle and long lasting.

Karl-Peter Mittermuller, Christchurch

Celebrating life

During the last seven years, I have participated in various Art of Living courses, local service projects, knowledge sessions and satsang evenings. 

I am also fortunate to have met Sri Ravi Shankar on a couple of occasions. 

The courses have given me many benefits, including breathing. 

As an asthmatic, my breathing was previously shallow but now I am able to breathe deeply.  I feel my involvement with Art of Living has put the smile back on my face. I feel brighter, healthier, happier, more compassionate, positive and committed than ever before in my life. 

Sri Ravi Shankar is both visionary and inspirational.  He is the personification of love, peace and joy, each of which radiates whenever you meet him. His wisdom and capacity to give to others are unlimited.  He teaches us how to make life a celebration, which is of course the Art of Living.

Jacky Morton, Christchurch

Art of living and Sri Ravi Shankar have given a new meaning to my life. I am fortunate to have a good family but felt something was missing, until I completed the first course in 1996. Apart from improved health, I felt happier, more energetic and experienced inner peace.

Immediately thereafter, I attended an Advanced Course at the Art of Living Foundation Ashram in Bangalore (India), during which I had the good fortune of meeting the great master. I realised that he was the living example of selfless service, love, compassion and a great source of knowledge.

It was during one of the sessions of the Teachers’ Training Programme that Guruji made me come out of my shyness and face the world with courage and love.

I have been an Art of Living teacher in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and India for the past 12 years.

Guruji has improved the quality of my life and I feel blessed to spread what I have learnt to so many people at each of the three-day courses.

We are so fortunate that Guruji will visit Auckland in April.

Rashmi Bhatia, Henderson, Waitakere City