Art of Living

Embracing the Chaos, Celebrating the Sangha – Sabarimala Pilgrimage

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Planning of a Sabarimala pilgrimage is never just about logistics, it is a spiritual exercise in surrender, flexibility, and collective faith. Over the years, our Sangha has witnessed an almost perfect adherence to schedules, but this year, the divine rewrite of our itinerary reminded us that the Bhagwan plans better than we do.

Calm after Chaos

Dance of the Dates

Initial blueprint set the Irumudi Kettu for June 15th (the 1st of Mithuna Maasa) and Darshana for June 16th. A simple request for office leaves sparked the first shift, advancing the dates by a day. Then, eyeing the calendar, wisdom prevailed. June 13th was a weekend. To lock down a foolproof buffer against unforeseen transit delays, Irumudi was advanced once more to June 13th noon. Crafting this point-to-point milestone plan was a puzzle of shifting pieces, but executing it with a seasoned team turned a complex scheduling challenge into a deeply satisfying milestone.

Economy of Grace

A pilgrimage for a large group requires meticulous financial and material coordination. Securing transport and budgeting every expense became a collaborative triumph. Arun stepped up first, securing three distinct quotes to anchor our options. Then, Deepika’s father stepped in with a masterstroke, landing us the absolute best deal that included seamless pickup and drop right from our Irumudi venue. When the final budget was presented to the team, concurrence was instantaneous. In our Sangha, financial alignment has never been an issue; it is always handled with complete transparency and trust and concurred without any questions.

Anchor of Rituals

Before the journey to the hills begins, the heart must be prepared. Our annual Deeparadhane and Padi Pooja serve as that spiritual anchor, traditionally held a week before departure. Scheduled for June 7th, the budgeting and collective contributions for the event fell into place seamlessly. This year, the sacred rituals are being hosted by the gracious Shanbhag family, ensuring our traditions continue in an atmosphere of warmth and devotion.

Digital Ascent: Sannidhanam and Virtual Qs

If the physical climb requires stamina, the digital booking phase required absolute nerves of steel. Accommodating a contingent of 43 pilgrims at the Sannidhanam was a monumental task. The rules were strict: 10 rooms needed, but only one room allowed per account. The moment the booking window opened, madness ensued. Multiple accounts logging in simultaneously, buffering screens, and racing against time. Yet, against all odds, every single room was secured. The collective sigh of relief was palpable.

But the real test of endurance lay in the Virtual Q coupons. Because the temple opens its doors on the evening of June 14th, the window for Darshana is tight, making the available slots incredibly scarce. What followed was a whirlwind of coordination on our messaging groups. We scrambled to gather every pilgrim’s vital details, Names, Mobile Numbers, Dates of Birth, Government IDs, Addresses, and Photographs, to register everyone on the official portal. Fact that about 30 of them are regular helped the matter a bit, since all are provenly registered and it was just a case of perfect data entry to finish the job. The portal opened at 6:00 PM, plunging us into absolute chaos. While the bulk of the registrations were pushed through within the first hour, a few stubborn profiles pushed the battle late into the night. It wasn’t until 1:00 AM that the final confirmation flashed across the screen, bringing a triumphant end to a gruelling digital trek.

Method in the Madness

They say all’s well that ends well, but the narrative is far from over. Up next is the Deeparadhana this weekend, and Irumudi the next, and the weather forecasts are already predicting rains. Instead of anxiety, there is anticipation. Over the years, we have come to realize that a Sabarimala pilgrimage is never truly complete without an element of unpredictability. We have learned to embrace the storm. With His ultimate grace, what looks like chaos from the outside always transforms into a beautiful method in the madness, leaving us with nothing but absolute calm at the center of the storm.

Sweat and Joy of Irumudi Prep

As the departure date draws near, a whole new flurry of physical activities takes over. Procuring the Samagris (sacred offerings) is a massive coordination effort, ensuring everything is ready both for and at the venue. Then comes the intense preparation of the items, most notably, the dehusking of around 160 sacred coconuts. While we are fortunate to have a mechanized solution today to help with the heavy lifting, it still demands a huge physical effort. Yet, this labor of love is transformed entirely by the Sangha, folks join in with their own unique contributions of fun, laughter, and banter, turning hard work into a joyous, communal celebration of devotion.

Gratitude to Sangha

What makes this upcoming milestone, my 67th Pilgrimage, possible year after year is not just personal resolve, but the incredible strength of our Sangha. It is a fellowship so vibrant and deeply supportive that it transforms a rigorous spiritual journey into an experience of pure joy, drawing me back to the holy hills time and time again. I remain profoundly indebted to the unique individuals who form the backbone of this journey – Arun and Nagesh, who served as true pillars of support during the critical initial planning phases and throughout the pilgrimage, Santhosh Shanbhag and his energetic gang; and dedicated contingents from the NEC and AOL gangs. Sharing this sacred path with Prathibha, my classmate since our very nursery school days, and her wonderful family adds a layer of lifelong connection to the trek. Each group and individual brings a distinct, irreplaceable flavor to this collective devotion, proving that while the destination is divine, it is the Sangha that makes the journey eternal.

A Tribute to Pujya Gurudev

At the very heart of this 67th Pilgrimage lies the divine grace of my Master, Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It is His boundless blessing that infuses every single climb with the exact same unbridled enthusiasm, purity, and wonder I felt decades ago as a wide-eyed Kanni Swami. In the face of logistics, shifting dates, and digital storms, Gurudev’s teachings are the compass that guides us, showing us how to seamlessly create magic out of madness in any situation. Under His spiritual umbrella, what begins as a test of human endurance transforms beautifully into an effortless flow of divine energy, proving time and again that with His grace, we can navigate any chaos with a smile.

🙏Swami Sharanam🙏

From Grassroots to Affluence: Universal Canvas of Art of Living (AOL)

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Disclaimer: This is not an official reply from the Art of Living, but a clarification from a Sadhak and ardent follower of Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji, since he has been posed this question by many during post-Satsangs chats or privately on various SM platforms. The views here are personal and doesn’t reflect organisation’s in any manner either in part or whole

Art of Living (AOL) foundation, established by Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981, operates with a core vision of creating a stress-free and violence-free world. Philosophy rests on the belief that global peace can only be achieved by fostering inner peace within individuals. To realize this, Art of Living champions a practical, experiential brand of spirituality centred around Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique designed to flush out physical and emotional stress, balance the nervous system, and anchor the mind in the present moment. While rooted deeply in ancient Vedic wisdom-incorporating yoga, meditation, and traditional rituals, the organization presents these activities as secular, universal sciences of sound vibration and mental discipline rather than religious dogmas, making them fully accessible to people of any faith or background.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-True Reflection of the One World Family

Despite this inclusive philosophy, a persistent public perception exists that Art of Living is an elite club catering primarily to wealthy and famous people. This misconception is largely driven by visibility, when a Bollywood celebrity, high-profile politician, or corporate executive attends a program, it naturally captures media attention, whereas participation of everyday citizens goes unnoticed. In reality, an overwhelming majority of Art of Living followers arrive at venues via bus stations or railway stations, quietly outnumbering those arriving at airports. Yet, because society and media focus heavily on airports and high-profile arrivals, the true, massive scale of regular public participation remains obscured behind a narrative skewed toward the affluent. Additionally, Art of Living‘s urban centers charge registration fees for courses, which can give an appearance of exclusivity. However, this fee structure is an intentional economic model designed to tap into affluent resources to fund the foundation’s massive, often invisible, humanitarian and grassroots operations (explained later in this article).

Being wealthy or famous is not a crime, nor should it act as a disqualification from spiritual growth or being a beneficiary of Grace of a Master. Affluence and public status often come with unique, crushing burdens, including intense isolation, relentless public scrutiny, high-stakes professional stress, and constant anxiety of maintaining success. Disregarding spiritual and emotional needs of public figures simply because of material wealth is a form of reverse prejudice. True spirituality does not discriminate, just as it does not exclude the poor, it cannot exclude the rich. Grace of a Master is universal, recognizing that under layers of wealth, fame, or poverty, core human longing for peace, love, and Ananda is exactly the same. Excluding anyone based on socioeconomic standing would contradict the very essence of Art of Living‘s inclusive philosophy, which holds that every individual, regardless of status, deserves tools to alleviate suffering and realize highest potential.

Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji

Crucial to this spiritual and cultural mission is extensive work done by Art of Living‘s Vaidic Dharma Sansthan (VDS), which dedicates itself to promotion and propagation of ancient Indian heritage. Vaidic Dharma Sansthan actively preserves knowledge of the Vedas, Yoga, Vedanta, Puranas, Itihasas, and Sanskrit language through educational literature and specialized publications. By establishing and supporting a network of schools, colleges, pathashalas, and research centers, Vaidic Dharma Sansthan provides institutional advancement for Indian culture while training new generations of Swamis and Brahmacharis capable of spreading this ancient wisdom globally. Vaidic Dharma Sansthan bridges ancient traditions with modern life by organizing universal festivals, conducting authentic pujas, Homas, and traditional Vaidic wedding ceremonies, all designed to purify environment and elevate human consciousness. Through these comprehensive efforts, Vaidic Dharma Sansthan successfully inculcates a deep love and appreciation for art, culture, yoga, and heritage in today’s youth, anchoring them in time-tested values.

In reality, the organization is completely agnostic to gender, religion, caste, and nationality, using resources to bridge deep socioeconomic divides. Revenue generated from urban programs directly powers extensive social welfare initiatives, most notably through the 5H program, a massive grassroots model designed to ensure sustainable development in rural areas. Focusing on Health, Hygiene, Homes, Human Values, and Harmony in Diversity, this core framework has uplifted thousands of villages by building homes, conducting medical camps, establishing sanitation facilities, and resolving community conflicts. Alongside this, Art of Living funds over 700 free schools for underprivileged and tribal children, trains lakhs of farmers in sustainable natural agriculture, and revives dying river basins. Additionally, Art of Living runs global trauma-relief operations, disaster response teams, and prison rehabilitation programs that have transformed lives of hundreds of thousands of inmates. Ultimately, while celebrities and wealthy people are highly visible participants, they represent only a fraction of a massive global matrix where the ultimate goal is Ananda (bliss), a universal human experience that remains identical on the meditation mat, regardless of social status.

Art of Living drives comprehensive social change across India through targeted initiatives in rural transformation, ecological sustainability, human empowerment, and crisis rehabilitation. At the grassroots level, the organization fosters self-reliance and community growth through initiatives like Rural Development, Skill Development, and Project Bharat, which train local youth and leaders to uplift village economies. Its commitment to the environment is reflected in massive Water Conservation, River Symposium, and Environment care campaigns, running alongside Organic Farming programs that transition farmers to chemical-free agriculture. To empower vulnerable populations, the organization provides holistic Education for underprivileged children, fosters Women Empowerment, and tackles menstrual hygiene taboos through Project Pavitra. Finally, it promotes deep societal healing and resilience by anchoring Peace initiatives, executing rapid Disaster Relief operations, and driving inmate rehabilitation through its Prison Program.

You can visit this link to know more about the Social Impact of Art of Living‘s activities.

🙏Jai Gurudev🙏

(Victory to the Guru Principle in you)

Satsang: Non-Template Way to Bliss

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This article comes out as someone pointed me to a Facebook post by a dear friend and fellow Satsangi whose perspective I deeply respect, yet it sparked a need to share a different side of story and asked me, what would be my take. When it comes to spirituality, we must recognize that every individual walks a unique path, there is no single formula that works for everyone. Spirituality is not a specification based product that comes off an assembly line in a standard size. It is a deeply personal journey where what brings one person to tears of devotion might bring another to a state of silent reflection, and both are equally acceptable. In the end it is all about the journey of an individual from “Where they are, to What they are.”

Satsang and Bhajans are beautiful because they do not demand one rigid way of being. While finding stillness is a powerful outcome, for a significant many, it may not even be the goal. For many seekers, true aim is Bliss. This usually leads to a choice between two experiences, Shanti, which is peace, and Ananda, which is ecstatic joy.

Singer becomes the Song and Dancer becomes the dance

Art of Living Satsangs thrive on this very freedom, remaining non-prescriptive so that every seeker can find a rhythm that feels like home. There is no rigid template to follow, instead, these gatherings embrace spontaneity, allowing for a natural flow between meditative silence and high-energy celebration. This flexibility ensures that you are never stuck in one way of being. You have full permission to choose path that suits you today and change it tomorrow as your inner journey evolves. By avoiding a fixed format, these Satsangs stay fresh and alive, making spirituality a lived experience rather than a forced ritual.

Satsang means being with truth, and truth is not always quiet. Sometimes it is a loud, joyful celebration. Those who prefer slow, meditative songs believe that the aim is to calm the restless mind. For them, music is a bridge to meditation where slow rhythms steady the breath and help focus on the silence between notes. On the other hand, fast medleys and high-energy singing belong to path of devotion. These fast tempos help release emotions and bypass logical mind. When people clap and move together, energy builds up until it turns into pure bliss. For many, sitting still is hard because mind is racing. High-energy Bhajans take that restless energy and channel it toward Divine until it naturally settles into a deep, unexhausted quiet.

If someone feels fast Bhajans are not good, they are most likely looking only at the quiet side of spirituality. But traditional Bhajans often begins slowly and ends in a fast, ecstatic peak. Just as a dancer becomes the dance, a fast song allows a singer to get lost in the sound until the singer becomes the song. Not everyone finds the divine in a cave,  many find it in the beat of a drum and collective voice of a crowd. Stillness and bliss are two sides of same coin. Stillness cools the mind while bliss lights up the heart. If a medley makes you feel joy or brings you closer to the divine, it has done its job.

That shift from peak excitement to deep silence is exactly how devotion is designed to work. It is a cycle of expanding and then absorbing. High-energy singing acts like a spiritual spinner. It moves so fast that daily worries and ego are thrown away. In that state, you are not thinking about God,  you are feeling the vibration. When a fast medley suddenly stops, the silence that follows is not just absence of sound. It is a charged, sweet stillness. Because your body was just at a high level of energy, sudden drop into rest makes peace feel tangible.

Our team’s experience has shown us that music is a powerful catalyst for this transformation. We ensure that we always have a mix of fast and slow Bhajans to cater to needs of most of our participants. We have also realized that a non-stop medley of Bhajans from slow tempo ones to fast ones (especially those dedicated to Bhagwan Krishna), automatically results in a dance of energetic bliss among the participants. While at the same time, stillness is a practice some work at. For many in our sessions, stillness is result of singing so fully that silence becomes inevitable. Neither way is superior, but high-energy path creates a collective wave that carries everyone along. Essentially, Bhajans provide the fire of bliss and silence provides the ash of stillness. One lights you up and other settles you down. Both are essential parts of same flame.

Catering to Young and Old Alike (Shanti or Ananda?)

As I understand (I could be way off mark too) from various discourses of Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, varying speeds of Bhajans are a deliberate tool for harmonizing our inner state. The fast, rhythmic chanting is designed to shatter mental inertia and release stagnant energy, using high-tempo celebration to pull a scattered mind back into the present moment with intense dynamism. This energetic phase awakens enthusiasm and creates a sense of collective unity that leaves no room for worry. In contrast, the slow and meditative melodies are intended to lead the consciousness into a state of profound rest, allowing the nervous system to settle and the mind to transition from activity to deep silence. By moving through these different rhythms, Satsang effectively balances the logical and emotional hemispheres of the brain, using sound as a bridge to reach the stillness of the self. Ultimately, Gurudev suggests that the outer music is simply a means to cultivate an inner silence that empowers us to be more effective and centered in our daily lives. Satsang balances logical left brain (through knowledge) and emotional right brain (through music)