Sri Sri's global appeal

[Guest guest]

Sri Sri's global appeal  

Thursday, May 11, 2006  23:19 IST  

"Many masters call me with affection, and I heed the call. I believe  

that no one religion, guru or philosopher is enough for mankind."   

  

What appeals to me about Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who turns 50  

tomorrow, is his emphasis on interfaith harmony and the universality  

of his message.   

  

While rooted in the Vedic tradition, he is modern and broadminded.  

Sri Sri's Art of Living (AoL) is perhaps the fastest growing  

spiritual movement.   

  

He is popular both at home and abroad. His charisma flows from his  

accessibility, unconditional love for all and his simplicity-you  

feel he is closest to you.   

  

Sri Sri scores with his simple yet profound and heart-warming  

sayings. Sample this:   

"Meditation is seeing God in yourself. Love is seeing God in the  

person next to you. Knowledge is seeing God everywhere."   

  

Or savour this one: "The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of  

prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is  

service. The fruit of service is peace."   

  

His nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize is an indication that a  

large number of people in different countries appreciate what he has  

been doing.   

  

In a world where so much is happening to divide people, he is  

constantly on the move, travelling to all corners of the world,  

promoting understanding, harmony, justice, service and sacrifice.  

His call to humanity is to move from tolerance to love.   

  

Sri Sri's movement has taken up numerous service projects. I  

particularly appreciate their work for the development of villages,  

tribal areas and slums, and promotion of organic farming.   

  

Only if our agricultural practices are in harmony with  

'samasthi' (universe) can the farmer and we be happy and  

comfortable. I am fortunate to have enjoyed Sri Sri's affection and  

seen how people of all races, religions, castes and creeds adore him  

in cities and villages in India and places like Venice, Washington  

and Israel.   

DR Kaarthikeyan  

The writer is director-general, National Human Rights Commission.  

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1028897&CatID=19