IQ - Now a days there is so much tension in the society, so people are more willing to try out methods of relaxation, but how was it in the early 80's ? Did you have to face a lot of problems ?
Guruji - Yes in the initial days it was difficult to talk to people about yoga, meditation etc esp the people outside India, but slowly the testimonials of the ppl who benefited from the programs spread and more and more ppl came into the Art of Living family.
Q- You have always mantained a very spiritual profile as opposed to a religious one. But sometimes in some events, like the one you supported VHP in the Ganga cleansing, did you feel maintaining that equilibrium became difficult ?
Guruji - Religion is something that a person is born with and he remains associated with that thru life thru various events. Whereas spirituality is something bigger and deeper and can transform a person. I always say religion is like the skin of the banana and spirituality is the actual stuff ! Rivers like Ganga is very important to mankind, and cleaning it is very essential. When the cause is just and it brings benefit to many we should not see who is executing the project. Just because some religious org is doing it, it should not become untouchable for us.
Q - Guruji, your canvas is huge, at one level you are impacting the invidual at other levels you are going to strife torn areas like Kashmir. Do you find it difficult at times
Guruji - Not at all. Satisfaction of an individual can not be obtained thru any events. It has to be internal. And only when an individual is truly satisfied with himself, can he be of service to others. We can consider entire world as one-world family, so we have to be available to our family members whenever they need it. The entire mankind is a 6 billion strong family !
Q - Do you want to give any message to the Kashmiris ?
Guruji - Think with an open and calm mind. And become financially independent, only with financial independence, can freedom come.
Q- Does the magnitude of the scale of your reach overwhelm you ?
Guruji - No , Not at all! I feel I am not doing anything different, anything which is not in my nature.
Q- Guriji, you have followers amongst so many political and business leaders. Is it more difficult to teach them because they carry so much weight with them.
Guruji - No no, we teach whatever we have to teach. Whatever they have to pick up they will pick up. Only people come to spiritual organizations like ours, they come with a certain set of expectations.
Q- Seeing the current condition of the society. are you worried ?
Guruji- I do not worry, but yes I am concerned. Increased suicide rates, divorces, poor people are getting poorer ...
Q- In your entire period of time, did you have to face any particular difficult challenges ?
Guruji - Yes there are 2. One is ultra-left - who think all
spiritual activities are rubbish and ultra-right - who are v conservative in their thinking. They are both stuck at some level. To deal with both these kind of ppl is a challenge.
Q- Has the population in these 2 groups come down ?
Guruji - Yes a lot , from the the time we started the Art of Living.
Q- At this stage of your life, what do you seek ?
Guruji- I am at home. I do not seek anything !
Q-Guruji, I am so tempted for the sake our viewers to take a mini Art of Living course from you ? What would you like to tell the viewers esp the young population , knowing the kind of life that they are leading ?
Guruji - (Facing the camera) You have your feet on the accelerator ! But do remember you have brakes too. If you go for shopping and do not apply the brakes what will happen ? In the same way, it is important to take breaks, to rest within yourselves through meditation. When you do that, you see there is so much energy right within you ! It gives you so much insight into the future !
Spirituality is a very practical thing in life, it is not something that is useful for the next life. Ofcourse , the next life becomes good , so does this life ! And yes one more thing, do not think only about yourself. Stretch your hand first ! Be of service to the society !
"Celebrate Life. Care for others and share whatever you have with those less fortunate than you. Broaden your vision, for the whole world belongs to you."
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation. P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
