Why a blessing at 35,000 feet above sea level is important?

We never really know how learning something could be used at any given time in our life! Well, this story illustrates just that. I recently attended the Gurbanai Kirtan Darbar in Guruji’s presence on June 19/09, at the Bangalore Ashram. I had left Vancouver on a scheduled flight to London , UK and then onto Bangalore , India ; to participate and support this special occasion.

Approximately three hours into the flight at an altitude of 35,000 feet and just after our meals were served; an elderly European man began behaving in an odd way. He hadn’t eaten his meal and his behaviour was becoming more and more offensive for the surrounding passengers. I saw this from where I as seated, just several seats behind him. He was holding his head tightly, clenching his fists, bending and tossing his body from one side of his chair to another. His behaviour became more offensive, the passenger’s eyes were now closed and he began mumbling loudly and his words couldn’t be understood.

The cabin crew along with those passengers seated near him began to feel fearful and there didn’t appear to be a way to engage and or communicate with this passenger. Seeing this situation worsening, I unbuckled my seat belt and got up. As I got up I took the name of our beloved Guruji into my heart and moved closer to this aggravated passenger. My intention was to bless him and inspire a calm presence within him.As I approached him I reached out to touch him. In a few minutes there was a dramatic change in his behaviour and he began to calm down. The blessings training were one of many learning events in my life and thought by our beloved Swami Pragyapadji. As he calmed down, the passenger opened his eyes.

While these dramatic events were unfolding, the cabin crew had contacted doctors back in Vancouver . Based upon a search of the passenger’s belongings (carry-on luggage), there was medication found which identified his condition. He suffered from diabetes and acute depression and was in desperate need of his medication. Understanding his condition, I immediately asked for juice and held the cup to his mouth and as well, fed him some dessert. The man replied: “You’re an angel.”

Naturally, this generated some curiosity amongst the passengers – especially when the sick passenger says: “You’re angel!” Well, here I was with an eager audience that wanted to learn and at 35,000 feet above sea level, I started my Art of Living introductory talk! It wasn’t a captive audience, but an eager audience that wanted to understand more about our “True and Permanent Self.” As it’s happened so many times before, I wouldn’t be surprised that some of these passengers may now become the Art of Living passengers – spreading blessings, goodwill and the Creator’s Will!

As a global passenger/teacher and instrument for Guruji, the blessings course facilitated by our beloved Swami Pragyapadji continues to be used by me at any given time and anywhere in the world! If you haven’t already signed up for the blessings course, it’s never too late. You must reach out to others by becoming a master learner! One never knows when you’ll be called upon to apply it and remove some of the suffering of our brothers and sisters!

JGD
Capt Brij Paul Singh
International Traveling Teacher
anasuyajgd@yahoo.com

07.07.09

Dear Divine Friends,
Jai Guru Dev

Recently I attended a Sri Sri Yoga course a ten hour workshop spread over five days under the guidance of Dr.D.Sirisha, Art of Living Faculty. Sirisha is an excellent teacher, soft-spoken, very graceful, mild, glowing, so calm and always smiling. She informed us that our beloved Guruji is a living example of a perfect yogi in action and creator of Sri Sri Yoga, which is composed of various yoga postures, breathing exercises, meditation and yogic knowledge.

He has presented these yogic techniques and knowledge in a simplistic manner to the entire world. It is rich with ancient knowledge. Guruji in his talks and seminars speaks on Yoga for Health and Happiness. During PDS, conducted by Him, part of the time is devoted to yogasanas, breathing and meditation.

She extensively described on various aspects e.g. asanas ( postures) nadis (channels) and chakras (energy centers). Asanas should be steady and enjoyable, firm yet relaxed and these postures purify and strengthen the body, and focus the mind. She also spoke on various fruitful sutras, yogic knowledge and introduced us to Ayurveda, the science of life. Every time she spoke, I used to close my eyes and experience her words and each and every sentence spoken conveyed its meaning magnificently.

Technically speaking, there is nothing in the Sri Sri Yoga course that cannot be learnt elsewhere. The asanas and pranayamas are taught in most yoga courses. And yet the magic in Sri Sri Yoga is striking. Even though the asanas and pranayamas taught seems so common, the Grace behind it becomes so prominently uncommon. It is simple yet powerful.

I am glad to share the following experiences. It was a tremendous relaxation for my body and soul. Now I feel more energetic, peaceful, calm, balanced, with increased concentration of mind. Different asanas and pranayams (which are basically exercises on breath control, connect our body, mind, and spirit ) i deally helped us immensely in meditation process and increased our sensitivity and awareness. I think, the more sensitive we are, the more present, the more present the more conscious, the more conscious the more Divine! Is not it true? What more one requires! Each participant cherished his/her mind, body and soul. We have experienced the best thing in life.

Jai Guru Dev
RAKulkarni

Dr.R.A.Kulkarni Scientist Polymer Science & Engineering Division
National Chemical Laboratory Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan Pune-411008, Maharashtra,
India Tel :+91-20-2590 2103 (Office) Fax :+91-20-2590 2615 (Office) Tel :+91-20-2589 3946 (Residence) Mail :ra.kulkarni@ncl.res.in www.ncl-india.org

Amazing experiences with Pankaj
This was posted by our Dearest Acharaya KashiJi
Tuesday, October 28th, 2008

Saw this beautiful sharing by madhavi from surinam. Pankaj Gupta is currently touring in the country and people are having amazing experiences. What really touched me was how Pankaj beautifully expressed the value of having Gurudev in our lives.

Suriname is blessed to be hosting one of Guruji's great GEMS. Pankaj Guptaji arrived here this week and from the moment he arrived he had everyone sparkling with enthusiasm. We are so fortunate to be able to sit and listen to his powerful discourses. I was lucky enough to accompany him to a Radio interview the next day that he arrived here. And, man, you should've been there. The confidence with which he spoke, the determination in his eyes, the strength he radiated, made me sooo proud to be on this path, to know that I am one of the fortunate ones. There was one thing he said in the interview, which was so strong, so bold. The moment we entered the radio station he charmed the owner, a sweet old lady. And in the talk before the interview this lady mentioned some health problems.

So Pankajji asked her if she had some pain in the body. She mentioned some pain in the arms and the hips, and how difficult it is for her to move around. So with a mischievous smile, Pankaj-ji asked her to close her eyes and he gave her a blessing. As she opened her eyes, you could see the amazement on her face. When asked if the pain was still there, she was completely stunned and told us that the months old pains had VANISHED. She got up with great surprise and kept saying "there is no Pain, there is no pain". We started with the interview and after a few general questions about Art of Living. This lady herself started sharing her experience of the blessing ON the radio. She asked Pankaj-ji if this healing was his job. And where he got the power from. And he smilingly answered "Guruji's blessings". So then she mentioned something about Guruji going to the U.S. And asked that if Guruji has a Satsang he also does healing? And the answer Pankaj-ji gave was one I will always remember.

He said: "No the healing work Guruji has left to people like us. We are so fortunate to have someone like H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on this earth. There have been so many enlightened Masters on this planet who are not here anymore. Their work is carried out by his followers. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is here now. One should just go for His darshan. We (teahers) are there to spread the knowledge and do some healing. Having only his darshan alone is so beneficial for your life. In another 50, 60 years we will be longing for his presence. So we are very grateful to have Him here now!"

It was amazing how the day progressed. The aunty of the radio station persisted on having a TV interview with Pankaj-ji, and before we knew it she was on the phone with the Vice-President of Suriname, telling how she was healed of her Pain and discomfort in such a short time, and that the VP should schedule a meeting with Pankaj-ji.

Seeing all this I realized what kind of treasure we have with us. Although being a blesser, I was a bit shy in actually going out and doing a blessing. But seeing how just one blessing decided the entire flow of the interview and the events after that, made me feel so strong and confident, and sooo grateful that Guruji has equipped us so well to do HIS work.

17.02.2009

I have just concluded a wonderful advance course (AOL Part-2) in AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia. Our teacher was Debjyothi from India. The course was conducted in a beautiful Farm House in Azizia off the Half Moon Beach. I have to write about it as I have never experienced such a marvelous time in my life!

The journey of life has no meaning or taste until we discover the mystical and divine path that only unveil its beauty and secrets to those who seek knowledge, truth and spirituality; the enlightenment is so intense and divine that you literally feel an eruption of a volcano buried inside of you, filled with all kind of emotions, memories… expelling out all of them, releasing the positive energy of unconditional love which spreads throughout your whole being, body, mind and soul and puts you in a state of overwhelming sensations of Joy, Purity and Love. Tears flow like a river, washing away all the negative energy, leaving you in a state of born again human being, energized with a new breath of life!

This is a fraction of what I have experienced, lived and felt during the Advanced Course of Art of Living I took few days ago in Dammam. Describing the ambience is almost impossible to express with the usual vocabulary we know; the pure form of hospitality, generosity, care, love, empathy…was incarnated in the attitude and actions of the organizers, volunteers and teachers. Dedication to serving people and loving them filled the ambience with such positive energy that touches you every second of the day!

Watching and listening to Guruji is an exquisite experience by itself! A wonderful human being, so serene, so filled of Love, that even through a screen, you can feel his positive aura and vibrations emanating in our space! I love you Guruji just as much as you love me. And right now, while writing these words, I get chills and I re-live the overwhelming experience and here I am in tears again.

I could write 100 pages, but I would stop at this stage, and invite the entire world to live this mystical adventure, with all my heart.

Last but not least, I want to say to all of those who contributed in making me live this experience: “Jazakom Allah Kheir”, meaning in Arabic: may God the Almighty grant you all the merit!

Jai gurudev!

Zeina Kasser

Posted by: Art of Living Khobar <artoflivingsaudi@yahoo.com>
Posted by:Zeina Kasser

Zeina Kasser - 17.12.2008

My dear friends Rajita and Ajay Bagga were among the fortunate survivors from the Taj, after spending the entire night there. She sent her inspiring, cathartic experience to us today, and has graciously allowed me to share this intensely personal message with you all. Raju, we are so glad that you and Ajay are safe, and join you in thanking Guruji. Truly, there is a huge task ahead, and will need all our combined strength to accomplish.
Vikram Hazra

"Dearest Ones

Jai Gurudev

There are no words to describe what we are going through after our miraculous escape after 12 hours in captivity at the Taj.

There is still a sense of daze & shock, there is fear ( after the continous sounds last 60 hours of grenades and gun firing) even the sound of a spoon falling is alarming, anger & rage at the total breakdown of security and the system , but above all, there is a huge huge huge huge sense of gratitude.

Gratitude to Guruji for giving us another life. As more is being revealed, 4 terrorists were in the kitchen of the chambers , just about 10 feet from the room we were in. They killed the chefs there. There was nothing stopping them from just turning left and come our way. It was almost like some indescribable force was between them and us. Knowledge of living in the present moment and present moment is inevitable was never never before a living reality for us. When they evacuated us after 12 hours, there was blood ,broken glass pieces, grenade remnants all strewn across the corridor outside our room. That's how close they came.

When we did come out and escaped another round of fresh firing at us as we were walking outside the Taj, the 1st call just that moment we got was from Guruji confirming that we were out and safe. It was almost as though He had escorted us out ! I was so shaken , I could barely stand let alone speak and He said to me, "When I am with you, how can anything touch you.come on be brave . Kya darti hai, main hun na "

Throughout the night, Bhanudidi kept calling and smsing us , giving us courage and encouragement. Giving us the confidence that we would be out surely. It seemed surreal then, but she kept telling me to be bold and support others. It was like being scooped in a blanket of grace and love. In every Part 2 course, I have learnt to sleep with a blanket of grace. Believe me, I can tell you with certainity that it was ON us that night

Through the night all of you kept calling us ,smsing us and telling us how much you are praying for us . Our parents, brothers ,sisters, sisters in law, little nephews and nieces from UK.......your voices gave us life & kept us going.
We were giving healing to the bullet hit, teaching deep breathing to some young boys with us to calm them down, teachimg mudras to control bladders to the old, all the while literally hanging on to each other ,holding hands tight and continuously chanting jai gurudev. My tongue continues to move in that chant in a almost pavlovian way even now
Even after we came out, all of you kept calling and supporting us. Hearing the concern and love in your voice was deeply humbling and moving for us. Anna kept refocusing my attention by talking about designing the Mandir for our new home to asking what I cooked ! Each one of you has kept reassuring us . This love is our only true treasure
I have no idea what we have done to deserve all this outpour of your love, concern,good wishes. We are just so grateful to you. It is the strength of your sadhana and sankalpa that rescued 100 of us that fateful thursday morning. As you know only about 8 people have come out alive from the taj after that

Many many people we know, top lawyers,bankers ,leading business heads have not been as lucky as us. They were victims of indiscriminate firing. Dalus son Shaan and daughter Shivanis 4 friends have losts either both or one set of parents.3 of our friends were stuck in Trident and rescued only yesterday morning after 36 hours and are in deep trauma
Writing this is a cathartic experience for me.

Going through this, a jolting wake up call to appreciate the value of every living moment of life, the indispensiblity of spreading knowledge URGENTLY, and above all deeply appreciating the love that surrounds us
We remain in Gratitude to you all FOREVER . Lifetimes will not suffice us to repay this love

Apart from our anniversary, Ajay and I now share a birthday too.Nov 27th

Love from the deepest depths of our heart
Rajita & Ajay"

Posted By:

Vikram Hazra | vikramandtina@gmail.com

aruna rajagopal | rajagopal.aruna@gmail.com

Rajita & Ajay - 29.11.2008

It was April 14th 08 when we were taking delivery of our new car from showroom. It was an auspicious day as it was Ramnaumi.

When the dealer handed over the car keys to us,we wished for Guruji to have been here to bless our new car. In his absence we placed guruji's picture on the front co drivers seat and then we all sat in the car - drove home. That whole day we drove around with my dear guruji on the front seat and rest of us in rear seat.

Day 18th Nov 08

The preparations for Brahm Naad are in full swing in Noida. Me and my wife are in attendence as volunteers with my wife also registering herself as a sitarist for Brahm Naad. She gets a call from the organizers ( Indu didi ) that we have been selected to take Guruji in our car on 20th Nov to PDS venue from the place he will be residing. OH MY GOD ! We were speechless, eye's swelled with emotions which words cannot describewhat we were going through. From that moment onwards we were walking on air, counting each minute, second as to when will that moment arrive when Guru ji will bless us with his presence in our car. Just the thought of having Guru ji all to ourselves for what ever little time kept us in high energy.

On the appointed day / time Guru ji came and took his seat ( front co driver seat ). Since I was to drive, I kept standing looking at guruji, eyes moist with tears of happiness, not believing that guru ji is in our car. Touching guruji feet and asking his permission to be his saarthi and thanking him for having chosen us for this seva, I started the car. All the way I kept assuring myself that I should not lose the way, nor should emotions hinder my driving skills. Guru ji was in his usual cheerfull and happy element. He Blessed me on my forehead, patted me on my cheek, complimented us on decking up the car with flowers.

Another blessing that we got in the form of a passenger who hopped on the rear seat - later we realized was Swami Mahesh Giri ji ! What a blessing indeed !

In retrospect, Guruji knew about our desire of the vehicle being blessed by himself, and he fulfilled not only that desire but graced us too with his
benign presence and touch. Dont think we need anything more in life. We have everything now. Blessed imensely by his grace, our lives are devoted to him.

Jai guru dev

Mukesh Bahri

Posted by: "Mukesh Bahri" Mukesh.Bahri@itc.in
Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:38 am (PST)
Posted by: "Shweta Agrawal" 77.shweta@gmail.com
Wed Nov 26, 2008 3:58 am (PST)

Shweta Agrawal | Mukesh Bahri - 27.11.2008

The following miracle has just recently happened in Taiwan. It has touched many people and moved them to tears. Thanks to Peak Wan for translating this.

Chinese article into English for sharing with everybody.

The Miracle of Blessing

Article by Wu Chao-Chuan
Translated by Thow Peak Wan

I had felt to write down something to share with everyone about the experience of my child receiving the blessings of Guruji. But as I had been very busy, I never got round to it. But seeing my child kneeling in front of a picture of Guruji last night really moved me. I could no longer resist writing down the experience with the hope of giving some food for thought for those who have either just started the Art of Living or who are hesitating at the door and have not entered in as yet.

Before the age of 8 my son had always been a strong, handsome and smart boy. I loved taking him out to play because I felt proud as a mother hearing the praises heaped upon him by people. But the year he was going into primary 3, a car accident on the highway put an end to both of our dreams. The aftermath of the huge impact to his head meant that schooling was difficult for him and plus the fact that the surgery on his skull left an area which was bald and could no longer grow hair, he became the butt of the other schoolchildren's jeers and insults. Names such as baldy, stupid, crazy were continuously hurled at him. The constant jeering left him feeling humiliated and angry but other than clenching his fists, he could not find any other way of emotional release. From then on he became the weak pupil in the eyes of the teacher. It was for him the beginning of an uncontrollable fall into an abyss of darkness. He was no longer a pupil with good marks, a lovely and lively boy. I could no longer see his clear bright shining eyes and innocent smile.

I could only see hate in his eyes!

I know he hated the car accident and the man who had knocked him down with his car.

Brain injury needs a long time to heal. But I and my son were very impatient in our quest to return to the good old days. This resulted in a lot of conflict and pain for us. Especially in the area of his studies, it was like taking a big fall. Every night I painstakingly accompanied him in his studies but there was not any improvement at all.

In the end my child begged me to please give up on him. When he spoke those words he was only 9 years of age. That night I was so heartbroken I fell on the floor crying. In the midst of my tears I kept asking myself "What kind of a mother am I really? What kind of mother am I?"

From that night on, I told myself that no matter how bad his homework is, he is sure to have something in him that is better than others. I have to think up means to help him regain his confidence, at least I have to let him be happy again.

After that, I let him learn drawing and jazz piano. This is not for the sake of art but for him to get some form of emotional release. He did both of these really well and from these activities he got some measure of achievement and joy. But I knew that he was still unhappy about the fact that his schoolwork was not as good as the others. But he pretended not to mind.

But the higher the grade, the closer he got to the top of the class, counting backwards. But we wryly smiled to ourselves in an effort to comfort ourselves, saying, "Never mind! At least he did not come out last!" But as he was such a fine student before we could not help feeling somewhat disappointed. We spenta few years like this. This year my son finally successfully graduated to middle school. We heard that the school will group the students according to their results. Of the 3 subjects ¨C National Language(Chinese), English and Maths, he only managed 30 marks in each of the subjects. It did not take too much of a guess to know which class he would be put into. But still we smilingly said, "Oh, never mind". I tried to encourage my son saying, " Maybe in the future you will be the dark horse which will surprise everyone!". When my son heard this, he just blankly said, "Oh, don't be silly!". It seemed that my son no longer held out any hopes as regards his studies.

But the Blessing Course held in the mid of September this year in Taiwan changed the destiny of my son forever. My sister was attending the blessing course held in Wulai Yun Xian Recreational Park. She was continuously calling to urge our whole family to attend the last satsang of the course which was held the night before the course ended. She said "Swami Pragyapad will be giving blessings to everyone. This is a very rare opportunity, so you should not miss out!" But because of various reasons, I just could not make up my mind to go. Finally, there was a dramatic turn of events and overcoming all manner of difficulties and mental obstacles, I drove my parents and the 2 children northward for the satsang. Frankly, I innocently went and quietly enjoyed being there. Whilst receiving Swamiji's blessings, my mind did not have any desire for anything. Neither were there any thoughts.

I just told my child: "Have a humble and grateful heart when you go forward to receive Guruji's blessings and feel blessed!" Afterwards, on the way home, I got lost on the way in the mountains and only reached home in the middle of the night. The children were very tired so I did not let my son do any preparation for the next day's tests. I just hurried him off to bed.

The next day after school, my child told me in an excited tone of voice that I had not heard in seemingly a few hundred years: "Mummy, Mummy, today I had 90 marks for my Natinal Language(Chinese)!"

My instinctive reply was "Stop joking!"

My child shook his head earnestly and said, "No, no, really ¨C I really got 90 marks!"

I was stunned for a couple of seconds and then yelling with joy, I picked him up and holding him turned him round and round in celebrative joy. During these few years we had never seen such high marks before. It came as such a surprise! Especially in the subject of National Language (Chinese language). Because of the past brain injury, my son was not able to remember many words. Even words that a primary 1 or 2 pupil should know, he was still not able to write them out. How is it possible that overnight he could know them all?

Who will believe such a thing?

The following 2 weeks, every day my child will come back home and with that high pitch excitement tell me: "Mummy, Mummy, today I got 100 marks in my maths test.!", "Mummy, Mummy, today I got 90 marks in my English, I was the second in my class!", "Mummy, Mummy ……." ….

With every passing day, my son loved his studies more and more and his smile blossomed more and more each day.

For so many years, I had not seen my son like this… I had thought that I would never ever be able to see him like this.

Because of this, I could not help crying at night, but this time it was because I was moved to tears..

Looking at Guruji's photograph, I sincerely knelt down…..crying, speechless with gratitude.

The huge change in my child's studies, if it were not because of the blessings of the Guru, what else could be the reason?

I finally experienced what grace was ¨C it is when you have not prayed for anything and it descends on you when you really need it.

Seeing the scene of my son kneeling down in gratitude, what I am really grateful for is that Guruji has taken the hatred which was in my son's heart away and opened up his closed up heart and brought back to him his own innate kindness, confidence and happiness. This is the miracle that we had not dared to wish for.

Because of gratitude, I could not help but kneel down in front of the picture of Guruji. I feel so fortunate that I have met Guruji and have him as my Guru.

It is only because of this that my son has such good karma today.

Jai Guru Dev！
2008.10.22 Taichung
Wu，Chao Chuan，
Public Servant, Nantou.
(Currently studying in Life and Death Research Centre in Nan Hwa University)

Posted By:  Nita nitav24@gmail.com | Tejraj Singh singhtejraj@gmail.com | Ghanshyam Agrawal agrawalgsa@googlemail.com

Nita | Tejraj Singh | Ghanshyam Agrawal - 24.11.08

For the first time ever in state of Indiana, a Prison SMART course was conducted between Nov. 10-14 in Indianapolis Prison-PREF. Our director of Prison Programs in USA, Gabriella Savelli; a dynamic and vivacious teacher came down to conduct it for 31 Prison Inmates! The class had inmates who have been in Prison since last 15 years, 17 years!!! These inmates were of variety of backgrounds and considerably wide age range.

They totalllyyyyyy enjoyed the Sudarshan Kriya and they wanted the Sudarshan Kriya Tape so that they can practice it! The inmates had a tremendous stress release and they all were smiling from their hearts after the Kriya! Some of the experiences are below!

They have loved so much that they wanted next workshop for their friends in prison, so it is scheduled for Dec. 6-11! The administration staff was so pleased with the experiences of the inmates that they themselves want to do it!!!! So a workshop for the Staff is also going to be offered!

Some Experiences-

"I never had confidence but now I do. I'm not anger (and) have a lot of energy." - Curtis

"It has help me not holding grudges, dealing with my own problems easier." - Coy

"The course made me sleep better. I feel better about the way I think. I feel that I can focus better." -Herb

"I thank the Art of Living Foundation for the insight to bring this session to PREF, I know that all people can benefit from this program. Even the people that don't participate. Because those that did participate will treat and act and look at things better." -William

For more information, please email- Gabriella@iahv.org

Jai Gurudev!!!
Akshay Ponda
akshay.ponda@gmail.com

Akshay Ponda - 24.11.2008

I remember a phrase from Ashtavakra Gita (not the exact verbatim)...

This is what I can say trying to explain the moments we spent with Guruji in Dallas...

An awestruck audience,majestic stage , soothing mantras and colorful people... Over 4500 people attending a diwali yagna... (The largest event in AOL US so far....) The whole of Dallas lived upto the expectation of the event... Only 1800 people had rsvp-ed on the day of the event... Even then we went all out to see the magic unfold ...

The media from all mainstream newspapers covered the event.. The major TV channels and radio stations covered the event within a short notice...

Art of Living was the talk of the town in Dallas-FortWorth Metroplex on the Diwali day in Dallas...

Thanks to all the support we received from world over to make this event a grand success..Only few remaining Blessed Silk Sarees and Dhothis of the yagna are for sale,Please email:- ramesh.vedantam@artofliving.org ( if you wish to buy them).

The videos or the webcast of the event will be coming soon....

Experience sharing:-

I volunteered to take the responsibility of preparing and distributing the dinner prasad for 6000 people... It was so effortless to shop for ingredients for the prasad (600lbs of rice,150lbs of wheat,75lb of peanuts,100lbs of sugar,100lb butter..) as every single item in the prasad menu was donated by people and grocery stores around dallas. By the way we distributed 4500 boxes of lemon rice and wheat halwa as prasad....

The overall lead for logistics (Aditya from Dallas) called me up to check on the status 24 hrs before the event... We were still looking out for gas stoves and vessels to cook for 6000 people...

Then I remembered Bawa say "WE DONOT BELIEVE IN MIRACLES WE RELY ON THEM" ... Then I sat and chanted Guru Puja and said "Guruji its your event.. I am here to serve ... Please guide me through...".

Slowly the magic unfolded by itself by the end of 2:00AM... We had 12 volunteers packing Halwa and 1500 people food being prepared..I was wondering if the food might get spoilt ...guess what? The weather turned cool enought (for one night!) and the garage temperature where we were cooking was 6 degrees below refrigerator temperature...(for that night only). Then next morning again the saga continued....Every small need that popped up was so nicely taken care of.. (either it was the carts i need to transfer the food or boxes to place the dinner packets... ) Finally I reached the venue by 4:30PM.(15 min earlier than planned ...)

I could only see a part of the yagna... It was so nice to see Guruji feeling so happy at the yagna... Again at the end of Yagna , He told everyone to make a wish and also take commitment for one seva....

On the 29th (day after yagna) I had the best moment of my life.... Sitting next to guruji in his sofa and pass on things to be packed in his luggage..... manning guruji's room, (These are some of the things I had always wanted to do...) , giving a high-five , a hug...posing for a picture with him... anyways ... (I had nothing to ask for....) I was just spending some quality time...

If anyone of you wonder,if Guruji reads the greeting cards signed by you... " YES,He does, infact he loves them ...he made sure that its packed in his luggage, carefully.. so that he can read it on his flight journey...(all the dallas volunteers had a picture session and wrote messages to him..(before his arrival) )

One thing I realised was... "Take every opportunity to be a part of seva, you will be chosen to have the prime time with Guruji..."

Finally, I would like to say its a blessing and a privilege to walk this planet in his physical presence...

With Love n Gratitude,
Keku... aka Aravind

aravindkk81@gmail.com

Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 1:47 PM

Aravind Kallahally

This is my experience with the miraculous healing power of Sudarshan Kriya. This experience will not only benefit those who have not done the basic part I course but also to those who have done the course but are irregular with the follow up kriya or having slight doubt in their mind regarding the benefits of the Sudarshan kriya:

Since my childhood I have noticed that I have tremors in my hand. I could not hold objects properly. I used to literally struggle to write and which eventually end up with very bad hand writing. Normally pattern of hand writing is set some where around the age of 7-8 years; however in my case hand writing would depend on tremors in hand at that time. I was good in studies but in examinations I could not perform because I could not write the question papers in given time. These tremors would increase whenever I have to meet someone or there is any important event such as interview or facing new situations or persons. Because of this I was suffering tremendous anxiety in mind whether I could perform or not or what will happen if the opposite person see me with my hands shaking. This anxiety and nervousness would not allow me to speak properly in front of any new person and I would struggle to speak even few words to express myself though I might know the matter. This worry occupied major portion of my mind putting block on creative and clear thinking. This anxiety affected my sleep also. In my Board examination i.e. 11th Standards (year 1978), though I know how to solve all the questions papers, I could write only up to 80-75% with shaking hands. For god¢s sake, I could secure 71% and got admission in Engineering college. In engineering college also I used to avoid interactions with teaching staff and other students except chosen few in order to hide my ailment. In verbal exams also I could not fare well because of anxiety and nervousness in spite of knowing the matter. Though I desired to do post graduate and appear in U.P.S.C. exams but I knew that I would not because of this serious shortcomings. I have to therefore settle down with government job which for god¢s sake I could able to secure. And I am grateful to god for that matter. In job also I used to avoid meeting top bosses. Many a times I would think why this is with me. More I think more I get frustrated. Some time I used to think of committing suicide. I could not concentrate on any activities as always these thoughts would occupy my mind. In short these shortcomings were a great impediment to my growth in life and also seriously affected my day to working.

I have started looking for allopathic treatment since 1982 with the help of my sister, who was studying medicine at that time. The head of department, Neurology, Medical College, Indore, at that time opined that he can hardly do anything. In Mumbai, I first consulted one neurologist at Goregaon in 1989. He continued my treatment till 1995 by advising medicines for anxiety. Initially that helped a bit in the sense that my anxiety had reduced till I consumed medicines and I could have sound sleep. Not fully satisfied with the treatment, I have consulted one head of department of Neurology at Nanavati Hospital, in 1995. He also treated me till 1999. Finally I enquired about best neurologist of Mumbai. My search landed me to the head of department neurology at Bombay Hospital. I heard that not only he is best in Mumbai but probably in India. He is a very senior doctor awarded with ¡Padmashree¢ by Government of India. His treatment has offered me some relief to the extent that it reduced tremors little bit till I continued with the medicines. After some duration with treatment, i.e. for nearly 3 years, he gave me a shock that I have to consume the medicines for entire life and for avoiding anxiety during stress causing situations, he advised me a small dose of ¡RED WINE¢.

During my allopathic treatment, I did some personality development courses including meditation courses. I had virtually gone for spiritual shopping. One of my friends suggested doing Art of Living course. Finally I landed up in Basic part I course in 1999. However I have not followed up thereafter. I did also not know venue for follow up. One day volunteers namely Raju, Minu and others came in our building and gave intro talk and told me to come for follow up. I wanted to avoid consuming RED WINE and hence this time I took up seriously and started doing Kriya regularly. I also started attending long kriya once a week. The benefits of Sudarrshan Kriya started showing results and after 3 months I completely stopped medicines which I was consuming since 1989. I meanwhile did Divya Samaj Nirman course and started doing Param Padma Sadhana regularly. DSN broadened my comfort zone. I also did Sahaj which is making me natural day by day. Everyday I could feel myself lighter and lighter and I could see the difference in myself on a day to day basis. Further guruji¢s knowledge tapes such as Ashtavakra GIta, Narad Bhakti stotra, Shiva Bhakti stotra benefited me a lot. Sudarshan kriya has cured my ailment completely but I think healing is only a by product of larger gain which I got namely peace of mind, unshakable faith, positive attitude towards life, increased awareness, focus towards life, increased confidence, better efficiency in work, better interpersonal relationship and above all it has brought my smile back. This is a rebirth to me and I am looking forward to every new day with lot of enthusiasm and energy. From my experience, I am of the firm opinion that sudarshan kriya can cure any ailment be it developed in this life span or hereditary ailments, as was in my case, because the recovery effected is in most natural way, cleansing each and every cell. But the journey towards the recovery was not a cat walk. I have not missed my kriya for a single day since last 2 years and param padmasadhana since last April (i.e. when I did the DSN). But that is a very small contribution from my side in comparison to treating a life long hereditary ailment for which I could not find any cure from any quarter during so many years. From my experience I can say that if you do sudarshan kriya daily including long kriya preferably once in a week and continue doing that, you get benefits which you have never thought off.

With tears in my eyes, I am deeply indebted to Guruji, Art of Living Foundation, Thakre, who advised me for Basic Course, Nitin Kachalia, my basic course teacher, who is no more now, Raghu Raj Raja, my first advance course teacher, Dinesh Ghodke, my second advance course teacher, Rishi Nitya Pragyaji, my DSN course teacher, Bhanu didi, my Sahaj Meditation teacher, Vinaya Hegde, my third and fourth advance course teacher, teachers in my area, specially Dinesh Bhojwani, Seema, Sreekumar, Rohit, Shilpa for spreading valuable knowledge of guruji and all the volunteers from Mahakali, Andheri (E) area, who have been always very supportive. We have a great team in our area. Our beloved guruji Sri Sri Ravishankar is transforming lives of millions, my life is also transformed and I will see that my remaining life is put in use for some good cause.

Jai guru dev.
Santosh mujumdar
Contact santmujumdar@gmail.com

Santosh mujumdar

The following is a miraculous experience shared by Capt Brij Paul Singh an Art of Living teacher.

Another Miracle of Gurudev's Kirpa (Grace) near Chennai, India Let me tell this wonderful story right from the beginning - Just before I was to board my plane at Bangalore airport after Silver Jubilee and was about to switch off my cell phone . it buzzed and Manjit (our Divine teacher from Vancouver) was on line from Guruma Shanthima's ashram near Chennai. She was excited and told me that Ma wants to meet Poojya Gurudev and her Sri Shirdi Sai Darshan Ashram to be used for AOL courses. I told her that we shall discuss this matter with our Dear Gurudev in Rishikesh as He was too busy in Silver Jubilee engagements.

We discussed the matter with Poojya Gurudev in Rishikesh and eventually after seeking His blessings, I was in Ma's ashram to start a Part I course for her devotees which she also joined and like any other participants, she too put her 100%.

As usual second day was the first Sudarshan Kriya where everyone had wonderful experiences. However the most amazing thing happened when I asked the participants to slowly open their eyes. while others were coming out of their life time heavenly experience . Ma also slowly opened her eyes. As she as she opened her eyes. out of sheer excitement she starting saying. Oh! I can see!!!.. Oh! I can see!!!!.. . and I noticed her left hand was covering her left eye. All her devotees rushed towards her and in joy they couldn't believe all this. I was speechless and was full of gratitude.

Well, initially I couldn't understand what was going on. However soon I came to know from Ma and other devotees that for almost last three years Ma could not see anything from right eye because of Ratina detachment condition. An escatsy of joy was among all the devotees and they started calling others devotees of Ma all over the world and this made the ashram telephone lines jam packed.

Next day Ma told me "Beta, at night I got up and keeping my left eye covered I walked the whole ashram ". to be doubly sure that it was true that she did regain the eye sight. 31st March, the day after the course finished, was Ma's birthday and she told me that Gurudev had already given her the most precious gift.

On 1st April Ma and Krishan Pada ( a very close devotee from California now an ashramite in Ma's ashram) were in Bangalore ashram to meet our Poojya Gurudev. The first thing Ma told Gurudev. so you wanted me to see you with both my eyes and with your Kirpa (grace) cured my right eye with which I couldn't see a thing for last almost three years. Krishan Pada expressed her gratitude by telling dear Gurudev that first time he had seen his Guruma receiving something as great as her eyesight otherwise he had seen her always giving to others. Ma told her experience to Guru Pooja course and then later in the evening Satsang. She had wonderful time in our ashram and discussed with Poojya Gurudev to start AOL courses in her ashram for which He blessed her to go ahead.

And before we left I shared with our dear Gurudev, a line from Jap Ji Sahib . " Dehnda Dey Lehnda thak pai " . The Giver (Satguru) continues giving (but) the recipients grow weary of receiving (First Prayer of Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji).

With Gratutude to our ever so generous Master
Jai Gurudev

srini_p2001@yahoo.co

srini

My first reaction was that of denial. It was just out of question. No, I do not need any spiritual or even a self-development program. It is for my grandparents or anybody who is retired and has nothing better to do. Or maybe for the people who are depressed or suffering from inferiority complex. There is no chance that I would go for the ‘Art of Living’ course. Period, and there is no further argument to it.

Ever since my mom did the course, she was constantly after me to go and attend this course. But I successfully avoided it for 2 years with different excuses. Later, I went abroad for work and I thought that was an end to the Art of Living chapter. But the destiny rules and it so happened that art of living is spread all over the world. There was no one to coax me there but then I went for the course, as there was no plausible explanation to avoid it. I had no chance to escape, as I was one of the organizers for the course !!!

I was still adamant and went for the course with a determination to prove that I was above the level of all these courses. They are good, but they are not for me. I had attended Tom Peters and Deepak Chopra’s workshops because I considered them at par with my level of understanding. I was working with a Management consultancy and I was myself taking certain management workshops. Hence I was sure that I would be able to give some tips to the teacher after the course was over.

I was constantly judging the statements made by the teacher and trying to refute them as vehemently as possible. But then that was the reason I needed the course. It was much later that I realized that people who need it the most resist it the most.

It was the third day of the course and I was trying my best to show that I was completely bored. I had already acquired the so-called knowledge and wisdom. I was also thinking about serious excuses to bunk the course from the next day onwards. But BOOM?…and I was totally bowled over. This was the day for ‘Sudarshan Kriya’ the most powerful process that I have ever experienced in my life, emotionally as well physically.

I have been an athlete and hockey player for years. I have played at national level for many years. Sometimes we practiced for more than 12 hours a day. These were the days of most intense and gruelling physical exercises. We use to run approximately 30 Kms a day. However I have never before experienced stronger physical experience than ‘Sudarshan Kriya’. I was stunned. I had no answers, no explanation. This was totally beyond my logical mind to explain. It was the day of transformation.

I understood that there are many things, which I still have to learn. This was the day I realized the importance of Art of living course in my life. I did not even realize that I had crossed the boundary and become a believer. Till date I remain one.

‘Art of Living’ course is a very very simple and lucid course, which takes you back to yourself. Its simplicity makes it one of the most powerful courses that I have ever come across. And it is for everyone. All of us need peace, happiness and sense of satisfaction. It is the basic nature of our soul. And hence everyone would love this course. ‘Sudarshan Kriya’ is a simple breathing process with unlimited grace and blessings.

I go through a different wonderful experiences, every time I do this process. It has helped me to meditate and go into the blissful world of thoughtless ness. A divine experience. A dose of it in the morning makes you ready to face anything in the world. It’s a must for everyone. However Guruji says that it only the blessed ones will be able to do this process. Yes, whom we lovingly call Guruji is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is the founder of this process and the Art of Living course.

Subsequently, I went for the advance course to Rishikesh and also for the DSN course. I also plan to go and stay in ashram for a few days every year. This course is journey from head to heart. A journey, which takes you back to yourself. Guruji says that life is like a festival. So enjoy and celebrate it everyday. I would also like to invite all the readers to this wonderful celebration.

Art Of Living - Bringing Relief....One Breath at a Time....

"Peace in Me, Peace on Earth"

By sahil

Udaya, a teacher from Kerala, India was in the Bangalore ashram participating in the Teachers Refresher Meet - 28th to 31st August 2008. On 27th she had a fall and injured her hand. There was also a doctor participating in the Teachers Meet who examined her, suspected a fracture and advised an x-ray next morning . However as a first aid applied some medicine and bandaged her hand from shoulder. Udaya had to keep her hand in a ‘L’ shaped position.

On 28th when Gurudev came in to the session, He led us into a meditation. At the end of the session what Udaya shared with us…………….listen to it in her own words.

“I found myself sweating a lot. The bandage had loosened. Before I could realize what was happening, there was a sweet smell of roses and the pain had vanished. There are still some red spots on my hand”

Some one from the crowd said ‘why don’t you remove your bandage?’
 

She removed her bandage and wow! There were rose petals sticking to her arm!!!

What Gurudev said on this incident?

“Oh, the angels around want to bless and heal you when you meditate”

See the power of Meditation! But let us transcend this expectation too. Udaya narrated this as a matter of fact. She said ‘this is a second time something like this is happening to her.

Veda Chakrapani

vedaramya@yahoo.com

Veda Chakrapani

Dear friends,

I always believed that life was a quest and every person has to fight his own battle. I was quite satisfied with the way I was turning stones to milestones. Early this year, I started planning my life into phases (very similar to the project planning and modulation) and started realizing my dreams one by one. Believe me it worked.

But my friend, LIFE IS NOT A PROJECT. It has surprises, risks and desires leading to another desire. Sometime plan fails and it causes extreme frustration. My life was a train on endless journey and I was always concerned about the station coming next. Meanwhile I never realized that the best part of journey is journey itself till I joined Art of Living course. I will always be thankful to Sujala for creating such an opportunity for me.

I was bit skeptical about the benefits that I could get after spending 1500 Rs/- as the course donation and waking up early was another Herculean task. Anyway, I was at the venue for my first class of six day schedule of AOL course. I looked around to get the feel of the air then entered a lean and thin man having serenity on his face, our teacher. He started asking us questions and I replied few of them to best of my wit and knowledge. During the interaction, I realized that what major bug my perspective towards life has. Living in future always gives rise to anxiety and meanwhile I never enjoyed the current moment.

"Current Moment is Inevitable, accept it and act accordingly"- is the greatest lesson which I learned there on the first day. I am practicing it now and by changing my perspective, I have changed my world. World is more acceptable to me now than before and life is fun. Art of Living course has nice mixture of Yoga, Pranayaam, Shudarshan Kriya and immense knowledge. It clears doubt about life, our existence and almighty. After completing my six days of class of AOL, I'm now more composed, happy and contented person with same dreams and aspirations but all together different approaches to fulfill them.

Each and every day, our teacher started class with a topic and we gained knowledge as the summary of it. In those six days, I gained experiences about life myths and philosophies which can be compared to my twenty seven years of life itself. Its life time experience and I would recommend each one of you to take the course to make your self more successful professionally and personally.

Jai Guru Dev.
--
Nishant Kumar.

System Engineer.
IBM India Pvt. Ltd.

nishant.iiitk@gmail.com

Nishant Kumar - Kolkatta

BEFORE AMC

I had severe pain in my right side of lower rib cage area. I was admitted to a famous hospital in Singapore. X-RAY, Few variations of CT scans, Ultra sonic test, MRI scans and multiple blood tests were performed. Good news was that all organs below the throat and above the hip area were found to be in good condition. Where as the bad news is that nothing could be found why and what is the root cause of the pain. Medications did not help. Pain became more severe if I continue to walk when there is a pain.

As my 90 years father wanted to see me in India, I decided to pay him a visit and also visit OUR home/Bangalore Ashram as part of this trip.

DAY-1 IN BANGALORE ASHRAM

TRM, many TTCs and Gulf advance courses were planed for the week of Aug-10th. After few minutes of compassionate discussion, I was given exceptional permission to stay in ashram and to attend Gulf advance courses…one and only
participant from Singapore.

When I reached my allotted room in Aparna, I wanted to get started with the day making my face better/shaving. That specific area/where mirror is supposed to be there was hollow and empty. When I entered Housing helpdesk to set this all
right, I realized that there were many people with more serious problems (no water, toilet not working etc). I reported the minor problem, accepting the situation and took a decision that I will not shave until unless there is a real need. Mind settled in present moment.

I had good care and went through Pancha Karma sessions for two days. Special thanks to Mr. Ramachandran, Dr. Domotharan and entire team to understand my situation and immediately giving time slots for consultation and treatment.

FIRST MEDITATION SESSION

Devji/our teacher for this AMC was looking marvelous.

While sitting for the 1st meditation session on 2nd day (with silence started), I had the same pain in the rib cage area.

Right after a minute starting the meditation, we were asked to open our eyes and go for a short break. Then realized that the cassette player had technical problem and it spoiled a cassette. Experts from the participants started repairing the player.

Devji asked me to go to TTC desk and get the cassette replaced with a new one. Without second thought, I accepted to do this seva. While claiming down, a thought came why not arrange another cassette player so that Devji could start another session. The very moment, I encountered a person from sound room in the staircase. He gave me a 2nd cassette player. It helped Devji to get started with the session. I continued my 1st assignment to go to TTC Desk. You might be aware that the distance from VM to TTC desk is more than one Km (kilo-meter) and it involves multiple up and down claiming. I started walking with my pain in the rib cage. There was one and one thought in my mind that I should get the cassette replaced without breaking my silence. I don’t know how it happened. But it just happened. I was back in VM in next 30 minutes AFTER this walking meditation session without a sense of my pain. When I entered the Mahaveer hall, the 1st meditation session was over and Devji asked people to standup and get in tune with the music. This dancing session was so fabulous and I was just flying with the music. Hence forth, I was looking for my pain, but it did no come back. Thanks to Devji and Guruji.

OUTSIDE THE AMC VENUE

I was sharing a room where three more participants were also staying. In one night during sleeping, I suddenly got up. I noticed next 5 minutes that my neighbor was not able to sleep. He was rolling in all possible directions with some disturbance. A Thought came to me to bless him (I was one of the persons to go through the very first blessing course). Signaled him to get up and sit-down since we were still in silence. He was stunned, but religiously followed my signal. After the blessing session, I went to toilet for less than 5 minutes. When I came back to bed, I saw this same gentleman making loud Ujjay breath in sound sleep. Then realized, why I was made to get up in the middle of the night to calm a mind and give peace to a good soul.

It was one of the BEST AMC/Part-2 courses that I have done in last 11 occasions. Once again, thanks to Devji, wonderful 160 good souls and our BELOVED one.

Jai GuruDev,
A Vairamuthu aka Muthu
Teacher, AOL Part-1,
Singapore.
avmuthu@yahoo.com

A.Vairamuthu

This miracle has taken place during an basic course of art of living in Ambala Cantt, Haryana

At Durga Mandir Hall, Sartia Didi (AOL Teacher) was taking the Part I Course & process of long Kriya was going on.

The people were doing the long Kriya, on that moment the power has gone and all the microphone, speakers and fans and tubes were blown off.

As soon as the Sarita Didi Ji, raised her hand to stop the tape recorder she was amazed to see that the cassette in the tape recorder was still playing on its full volume without any battery back neither in the hall nor in the cassette recorder.

The long Kriya in the divine voice of Sri Sri was flowing in the hall at its fullest without any power supply …..WOW!!!

It's the live miracle which we all have experienced ……SRI SRI is always and forever present at every single steps of our life and this incident is the solid proof that's during the long Kriya the presence of Sri Sri omit all hurdles which comes in process.

Sri Sri I am bowing my head on your divine foots with heartiest best regards and whole of myself.

Sri Sri Bless all.

Jai Guru Dev

Sanjeev
bp_shyju@yahoo.co.in

Sanjeev

Dear friends,

I always believed that life was a quest and every person has to fight his own battle. I was quite satisfied with the way I was turning stones to milestones. Early this year, I started planning my life into phases (very similar to the project planning and modulation) and started realizing my dreams one by one. Believe me it worked.

But my friend, LIFE IS NOT A PROJECT. It has surprises, risks and desires leading to another desire. Sometime plan fails and it causes extreme frustration. My life was a train on endless journey and I was always concerned about the station coming next. Meanwhile I never realized that the best part of journey is journey itself till I joined Art of Living course. I will always be thankful to Sujala for creating such an opportunity for me.

I was bit skeptical about the benefits that I could get after spending 1500 Rs/- as the course donation and waking up early was another Herculean task. Anyway, I was at the venue for my first class of six day schedule of AOL course. I looked around to get the feel of the air then entered a lean and thin man having serenity on his face, our teacher. He started asking us questions and I replied few of them to best of my wit and knowledge. During the interaction, I realized that what major bug my perspective towards life has. Living in future always gives rise to anxiety and meanwhile I never enjoyed the current moment.

"Current Moment is Inevitable, accept it and act accordingly"- is the greatest lesson which I learned there on the first day. I am practicing it now and by changing my perspective, I have changed my world. World is more acceptable to me now than before and life is fun. Art of Living course has nice mixture of Yoga, Pranayaam, Shudarshan Kriya and immense knowledge. It clears doubt about life, our existence and almighty. After completing my six days of class of AOL, I'm now more composed, happy and contented person with same dreams and aspirations but all together different approaches to fulfill them.

Each and every day, our teacher started class with a topic and we gained knowledge as the summary of it. In those six days, I gained experiences about life myths and philosophies which can be compared to my twenty seven years of life itself. Its life time experience and I would recommend each one of you to take the course to make your self more successful professionally and personally.

Jai Guru Dev.
--
Nishant Kumar.

System Engineer.
IBM India Pvt. Ltd.

nishant.iiitk@gmail.com

Nishant Kumar - Kolkatta

Jai Guru Dev,
 

I would like share with you an incident which took place just yesterday (19.10.2008, Time: 10.30 PM).

Yesterday, I was returning from Uttar Pradesh Roadways Bus to Jagdishpur from Lucknow (State Capital of Uttar Pradesh). Bus was overcrowded due to B.Ed., exam in Lucknow.

40 Kms. away from Lucknow on Lucknow=Varanasi Highway, there is a railway crossing by name “Loni Katra” and this crossing was without any barrier for last 3 days as the same was broken. Many trucks were lined up before & after the crossing. The trucks were lined up to allow fast approaching train “Shramjivi Express” which runs between Delhi to Patna.

Our bus driver, ignoring the queue of trucks, tried to take away the bus without caring that a fast moving train is approaching. Many truck drivers shouted at him to stop the bus but he didn’t listen and continued driving. When our bus was on the middle of track he didn’t find any way to take the bus away and bus got stuck up on the track and the train was approaching very fast. There were 75+ passengers in the bus. Driver after seeing the approaching train jumped and fled away without giving any warning to us to get out of bus.

There was only hues and cries among the passengers and began making last ditch effort by jumping out of windows & door. My mind was at fix. Normally my brain stops working during crisis hours and becomes stagnate. I was very calm even though I knew that my end is only 2 minutes and 30-40 ft away. However, lately, I too tried to get alighted but I knew that the moment I reach at the door, the train will hit the bus.

But leaving everything on Guruji, I too alighted from the bus but I was not safe because as per my own estimate train should have smashed the bus.

This is only the miracle of Guruji that the train driver applied the brake from a distance of 30-40 fit distance and it stopped only 20 ft away from the bus. All passengers who jumped from the windows/or doors were standing besides the bus only and in the event of an accident their life was also in danger because bus could have fallen on them too and lot of passengers were still inside the bus.

In my whole life time, it is the first time that I have seen my death/end so close. It was close for 2 minutes and 20 ft.

After train stopped, bus driver returned and took the bus away from the railway tracks. Many passengers shouted to him for his negligence.

Even now, when I am sharing this will all of you, my mind is totally stunned.

On reaching home at 12.30 in the night, I first lit a lamp in front of Guruji’s photo, chanted Guru Mantra, thanked a lot to my savior without whose blessings I would not have alive. I did sadhana & kriya which went up to 1.30 in the night.

I am overwhelmed with the blessings & miracles of our master who always keeps a close watch on his all devotees and helps them come out of all the crisis in the hour of need.
 

I am taking this as my rebirth.

With sincere regards &
I belong to you,
(Prabhakar Verma)
Jagdishpur, Uttar Pradesh
Mob: 09451775549

Prabhakar Verma- - Utter Pradesh

My first experience in prison…

When I think about prisons and prisoners, the connotations that come with that are not remotely good. The thought of prisoners brings to my mind only bad and pessimistic thoughts. Therefore this experience for me was life changing.

On the 17th September 2008, I stepped into Groenpunt Prison. This was the first prison that I had ever entered in my life and it was something that I never imagined myself doing in this lifetime.

That morning, we first went to the maximum security prison where the last session of the Prison Smart Course was being conducted. As we entered, the fences had electrical wiring and prisoners were walking around with their hands and feet chained up. I felt trapped and terrified. It was a chilling experience, something you would more likely read in a book than actually experience in real life.

All the prisoners gathered in the eating hall where the sessions were being conducted and started their routines. They started with some yoga exercises and then moved on to their breathing exercises. Now at a normal course held in a
town or suburb, this would be a relatively normal experience. But… seeing more than 200 of these rebellious, hard core prisoners, with their bright orange overalls - all doing bastrika simultaneously was a truly amazing sight. The vision of these big, hefty expressionless prisoners with their eyes closed - concentrating and focusing, doing their breathing exercises with conviction and determination - was truly unbelievable.

Towards the end of the session, a few of the prisoners were given the opportunity to say a few words. In essence, they spoke about how grateful they were that the teachers took time out of their lives to do something for them, as they have nobody. In maximum security, most of the prisoners have been disowned by their families and cast away by their friends. They have no visitors, and see no outsiders. And they have been sentenced to long periods to be served in jail. Some of them have even been sentenced to life imprisonment. Hence, they have been doomed to a life within the constraints of electrical fences, with little or no chance of freedom.

In such circumstances, how does a person continue to live when they have no reason to? When there is nothing or no one to live for? When even after serving your sentence in jail, you will serve another sentence in society with judgement and discrimination? When, even though the law states that you have paid your dues for your crimes committed and can therefore be released, society’s punishment is only beginning. It’s like moving from one prison to another. When this is your future, with no chance for freedom, why carry on living? How do you get yourself to wake up every morning?

In their speeches, the prisoners mentioned that this course had brought them closer to each other knowing and accepting that that’s all they’ve got. It’s given them a feeling of need and belonging. They spoke about how it was that, not only did the breathing practices learnt in the Prison Smart Course cure their illnesses, but it made them see life more clearly. It helped them appreciate what they have and make the most of their situations. Most importantly, at the end of the course, they were truly happy. You could see it on their faces and hear it in their voices. They even sang a song, and the
eating hall at that prison just lit up. You could feel the energy vibrating in every soul present. It was one of the most remarkable things ever.

To see these prisoners humbled by their experience and actually be sorry for their crime committed; to see them appreciate the knowledge being passed onto them and their eyes light up because this knowledge has given them something new to live for and work towards; to see all of this from people who I thought were inhumane and deserved nothing in life brought tears to my eyes.

On the 17th September 2008, I stepped out of Groenpunt maximum security prison, not feeling fearful or trapped anymore, but hopeful and content. I saw the prison not only as a place of punishment, but as a place of opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. I saw the prisoners not as numbers but people with names; and not as heartless creatures with no conscience but human beings, like you and me, who have made mistakes and are striving to become better people.

In life, we all get a certain amount of satisfaction from various material things, from people with whom we associate and even from our surroundings. But, the satisfaction that you get from seeing that you have changed a person’s life - brought them hope and happiness; a reason to make their life meaningful again - that satisfaction is priceless….

Jai Gurudev
Veen Ravjee-
South Africa!

AHV South Africa | iahv@artofliving.org.za

Veen Ravjee - South Africa

Jai Gurudev!

Firstly.......here's a small story.

We have heard the saints saying that GOD resides inside each and everyone.

Once upon a time, somewhere an elephant became mad. That elephant entered the market and started breaking and destroying everything which was in the reach. People started running to reach a safe distance. A person noticed but still he did not move an inch from his place. The "mahut" started warning the person to move from the way still he did not move. He said if GOD resides inside then the elephant should not do any harm. So ultimately, when he came within the reach of the elephant, the elephant rapped him with the trunk and threw him away. Sri Sri Ramakrishna Dev have said...it is true that GOD resides within all of us, so he resides inside the "Mahut" also. The person ignored "Mahut Narayan" and did not bother to give a hearing to what he said. So he had such ending.

Sometimes, GOD warns us from some fatal instance and since he cannot come directly, HE uses someone as HIS media so we should not ignore always what a genuine well wisher says..........

............that was a story & here is something very REAL, a narration of a MIRACLE which is very close to my heart as it gives me shivers & touch of Blessing showered by HIM !!! I bet......you'll find some similarities between both.

Date : 28th April 2008
Place : The Crossing at Birla Mandir, Ballygunge, Kolkata
Time : 5.45 pm to 5.47 pm

Sequence------>>>
Got down from Taxi to cross the road to reach GD Birla Sabhagar to attend programme organized by Art Of Living (Orchestra by Blind Boys, Meditation & Kirtan) saying bye to my friend. Saw a car & bike around 100 mts away coming towards me. Started crossing the road. In the midway...surprised & shocked to see both at 10 mts distance.
Me...in dilemma...what to do ?
Cannot run....no point of going forward or back.
Just stood still....closing eyes & let it happen as it is.
Remembered the Almighty & Guruji... Left it on them !
Felt the Bike passing by from back & the Car in front.
Had sigh of relief..............
Jai Gurudev were the words I uttered.
Stood it between the roads (up & down) bewildered with enormous gratitude.
Felt....somebody besides me. Am 150 % sure...IT WAS GURUJI !

My Realization........
My friend suggested me to drop me on the other side of the road knowing
that it's problematic to cross the busy road of Ballygunge, Kolkata in the evening. He was the MAHUT !
There was a genuine well wisher in my friend....but I ignored and almost ????
THE ALMIGHTY saves me again & again. I should not take HIM for granted & be extra careful from now.

I can feel the presence of Guruji around me. I'm INDEED BLESSED. Mujhe aur kya chahiye ?

With Warm Regards,

Prasenjit
U Can Call Me (24 x 7) at : 9831055163

prasenjit.saha@itc.in

Prasenjit Saha