Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an ordained spiritual leader, a humanitarian, and a creator of the Art of Living Foundation. Born in 1956, in Karnataka, a southern Indian State of Karnataka He started his journey to spirituality at an early age and then spent several years studying under prominent spiritual masters throughout India. He was a founder in 1981. created The Art of Living Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that is focused on promoting spiritual and personal development through various workshops and courses.
Early Life and Education
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was born on the 13th of May 1956 in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu. The parents of his father, R. S. Venkat Ratnam, and Visalakshi Ratnam, both were prominent social activists. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was attracted to spirituality from an early age and began doing in meditation when he was just four years old. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s College of Bangalore University.
Founding of the Art of Living Foundation
The year was 1981 when Sri Sri Ravi Shankar created The Art of Living Foundation, an organization for a non-profit that promotes yoga, <1>meditation as well as other practices of spirituality. The organization is active across more than 150 nations and helped thousands of people improve their mental and physical well-being.
Teachings along with Philosophy
Sri Shri Ravi Shankar’s teachings are built on the fundamentals of yoga, meditation, and spirituality. He emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and attaining inner peace through self-reflection and meditation. The most influential instructions include:
Sudarshan Kriya
Sudarshan Kriya is a breathing practice that was developed through Sri Sri Ravi Shankar that was designed to assist practitioners attain a state of complete calm and peace. The method consists of breathing exercises, which are performed in a particular order.
The Five Pillars of Wisdom
The Five Pillars of Wisdom are five fundamental principles that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar teaches his followers. These are the principles that include:
- Seva Serve others
- Sadhana A daily spiritual practice
- Satsang: Connection with other like-minded people
- Sanskara’s positive habits and attitudes
- Swadhyaya Self-study and Self-reflection
Social Responsibility and Service
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasizes the importance of giving back to other people and social responsibility. The Art of Living Foundation has launched a variety of humanitarian projects, such as aid to victims of disasters in addition to vocational and educational programs, as well as healthcare initiatives.
Controversies
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation have been involved in a variety of controversies throughout time. The most prominent controversy are:
Ayodhya Dispute
The year 2002 was the time Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was commissioned as a mediator by the Indian government to resolve a dispute that was brewing between Hindus and Muslims regarding the Ayodhya sacred site. The mediation efforts ended in failure and the issue remains unresolved until today.
Criticism of homosexuality
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been accused of being sexist for his opinions regarding homosexuality. In a 2013 interview, Shankar said that homosexuality is a “tendency” that could be “corrected” with meditation and breathing techniques. The comments were widely criticized by LGBTQ+ activists and organizations.
“The Arts of Living’s Environmental Record
The Art of Living Foundation has been criticized for its environmental performance. The group hosted the World Cultural Festival in Delhi which was attended by a huge crowd. The festival was situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and caused significant destruction to the ecosystem of the river.
Personal Life
Family and Marriage
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is married to an Indian woman called Bhanumathi Narasimhan. She’s also a spiritual teacher and leader. The couple is not parents.
Health Problems
In the year 2011, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He underwent surgery in order to have the tumor removed. He then recovered fully.
Reward and Recognition
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has received many awards and honors for his contributions to the field of social service and spirituality. Some of his most well-known honors include:
- Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India
- Doctorate of Letters from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
- The Gandhi-King Prize for Nonviolence at the University of Rhode Island
Conclusion
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a spiritual teacher and leader who has made a profound influence on the lives of millions across the globe. His lessons on yoga, meditation, and spirituality have enabled people to attain more inner peace and happiness. While he’s been involved in controversies through the years, however, his contribution to the fields of social service and spirituality are indisputable.
FAQs
What is Sudarshan Kriya?
Sudarshan Kriya is a breathing technique that was developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It is a form of rhythmic breathing that is said to help purify the mind and body, reduce stress, and improve overall health and well-being.
What are the Five Pillars of Wisdom?
The Five Pillars of Wisdom are a set of principles that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has developed as a guide to living a fulfilling life. The five pillars are: Meditation, Breathwork, Yoga, Service, and Wisdom.
What humanitarian projects has the Art of Living Foundation initiated?
The Art of Living Foundation has initiated numerous humanitarian projects around the world. These include disaster relief efforts, educational programs, and programs to promote sustainable living and environmental conservation.
Why has Sri Sri Ravi Shankar been criticized for his views on homosexuality?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been criticized for his views on homosexuality because he has stated that homosexuality is a “tendency” that can be “corrected” through breathing techniques and meditation. LGBTQ+ activists and organizations have criticized these comments as being insensitive and harmful.
What awards has Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received for his work in the field of spirituality and social service?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has received numerous awards and honors for his work in the field of spirituality and social service. Some of his most notable awards include the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, a Doctorate of Letters from the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, and the Gandhi-King Award for Nonviolence from the University of Rhode Island.