Guru Story - Sankalpa Always Pays off

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Guru Story - Sankalpa Always Pays off

It was before Shivaratri* Celebration 2009, when we were starting for celebration. With everything falling in place as always, the day long awaited arrived, but we failed to arrive at the station on time. The Kochuveli Express headed for Kollam* was off the platform when we were on the crowded over bridge at the Bangalore station. 


Madhuri was having double thoughts now, if this was an indication for her to stay back in Bangalore; I decided that I had to go. Madhuri agreed to come till the bus point to see me off. I called up the travel agency, they declared that the last VOLVO would leave in 10 min; a long speech in Malayalam* could get that from 10 min to 15 min. 


We hopped into an auto, with one ear already at the travel agency and a mind already at the next day's Sudarshan Kriya. But again, it was not to be. This time it was the bus that we saw waving the second bye of the day. I know Guruji does this to people whom HE absolutely loves. Half disappointed that my Malayalam did not pay off and also at the fact that I let the person along down, but with much more assurance that I will get a bus, I walk into another agency. I asked him for 2 seats and he said – "seat indu pakshe bus poyi" means "There are seats but the bus just left." And then came those words "orappanenkil bus nirutham" - If you really want we can ask the bus to wait.


I rushed to the ATM, literally pull out the money out of the machine, this was enough stimuli to get Madhuri as well to an even active state, she also hopped into the auto, a few minutes of gratitude, the throat choked, and there it was a black shiny VOLVO parked by the side, with just 2 seats free. 


SANKALPA always always PAYS OFF. If your intentions are good and you just have to do all that you can, then Guruji will make sure the rest falls in place. And now every moment we know for sure that we are all taken care of. We got to Kollam even before our first miss train got there, we caught the final minutes of the mornings Kriya session. Got some great shots of Guruji and had 2 days of absolute BLISS.


Srikanth Subramanian
Bangalore, India


Shivaratri: (Night of Shiva or "Great Night of Shiva") is a festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the krishna paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maaga (as perShalivahana or Gujarati Vikrama) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calender (that is, the night before and day of the new moon). The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil and performing Rudra Pooja. Its one of great annual festival celebrated by Art of Living in presence of Guruji.


Kollam: is a city in the south Indian State of Kerala. The town is very famous and a prominent tourist destination. Art of Living Shivaratri Celebration happened in Kollam city.


Malayalam: is a predominant language used south Indian State of Kerala 




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Guru Story - Surrender

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Guru Story - Surrender

I would like to share one of my recent personal experiences. This is about my green card which is pending for approval for a while, like most of other people. My application will not be considered for an approval in the near future, based on my application category and visa numbers availability. However there are some grim chances of having an upgrade of my visa application category, but chances are very little.

Very recently visa numbers are available for the just one above category to the my application category. My friends and some other known people applications are started getting cleared. My curiosity bumping up day by day and my expectations also started diminishing day by day. Ultimately ended up with a stress and I failed to apply the knowledge point of expectations kills joy.

Out of my stress, I made an inquiry about my case, which is not a recommended course action, because technically my application was filed in the different category. My attorney was trying from her side to port my case to the next level of category. In spite of all these uncertainties, I made that mistake by filing an inquiry and got a following response saying no visa numbers available for your application category. This information made it clear that my application category is not ported to the next category.

Having known the fact about my case status, I become dispassionate with a flavor of disappointment. And there were so many internal dialogs flashing inside my mind from all the directions like a high beam of neon flash beam bombarding and reflecting back with in a very enclosed transparent sphere. I lost my present moment and not focused on what I am doing. And at this moment idea flashed to apply some knowledge and wisdom to get over it, then who else is the wisdom hub. Started reading a small book that I borrowed from Nirupama with an intention to find some knowledge points and apply. I find surrender is the way to step out of dilemma.

I wanted to surrender Now next question is how to do surrender? Based on some points here and there in this book about the surrender and some close relative points. What I understood is

1. Do whatever you can do, with in your ability of 100% 

2. Surrender actions and inactions and get free out of it 

3. Measure stick for the quality surrender: If you are not happy with your present moment, surrender didn't happen completely 100%. (This is my interpretation based my understanding)

I started gauging my completeness of surrender by present moment happiness. So I wasn't happy with the that moment, therefore I am not surrender. Finally while I was on the flight back to Home closed my eyes for three minutes and contemplated my mind to surrender my worry for three minutes. It was so deep and intense that I totally forget about it and had a cup of coffee in the flight and soda. Happily returned home and opened internet browser to check US Open tennis game score but happened to see my email and got a email from USCIS saying that my green card is approved

Act of surrender worked out and just said Jai Gurudev and lived my moments for sometime in astonishment and wonder.

The idea of this email not to present miracles but to emphasize the significance of knowledge and wisdom and how powerful it is to manage our day to day issues and some chronic problems. we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful Guruji to make our every moment as a celebration and happy.

I don't know how to close this subject, again I am surrendering conclusion.

Jai Gurudev

M V Sekhar

Milwuakee USA

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Guru Story - Divine Experience

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Guru Story - Divine Experience

I teach Management and Organizational Behavior to students of MBA. One fine day during February 2009 after a lecture, a thought came, that this sort of classes are not helping in my spiritual progress, all these students want spoon feeding and, they're just concerned about their examinations, whereas I have a lot more to pour.. I was little disturbed with these kind of thoughts for few days, and then it all happened..

A senior Doctor from Fortis Hospital asked me on 13th March 2009, whether I would be able to take a lecture on 'Positive Attitude in Life' & 'Motivation' for a group of few selected patients. I whole heartedly accepted the invitation without giving it a thought, what I am going to do there & how, since it would be totally different from the other management classes where I am given a topic and syllabus, and all the students will go through examination process etc... but here this situation demanded greater responsibility and commitment.

Anyways, the whole week till Saturday I was busy with one or the other thing, couldn't prepare for the lecture, and then the D-day arrived, it was Sunday 22.03.09, I was awake at 5.00 in the morning and started assembling thoughts jotting them down on a piece of paper…. After 1 & ½ hour, I was fully and confidently ready for the event. Planned to make them meditate first (meditating is one thing but making others meditate & that too without any experience, as I have never done such a thing earlier) and packed a big white sheet (as if the hospital wouldn't provide the sheets), on my way to hospital, stopped the car at a General store, and bought few packets of Cadbury Gems (something guiding me continuously… didn't know exactly what I am going to do with these tiny colored sweet tit-bits…) then stopped at the florist shop and bought 10-rose buds, again didn't know what for…

You would be amazed to know what happened there... there were 7 participants (3 patients, 2 physiotherapist, and 2 other curious persons) I made them meditate for complete 20 minutes.. before starting, asked them.. "have u ever been to Heaven.." they were shocked at my question, then I said "don't worry, there is no need to die for being in heaven, today we'll go for a picnic in Heaven…Okay, close your eyes, first of all we'll chant 'OM' for 3 times…. "…. (even I amazed myself with all this.. I could easily feel the presence of the 'Higher Power' then and there itself. I myself didn't know, what was there inside me.. and all coming out with such an ease… was continuously speaking… "You are a peaceful soul…a loving soul.. going to meet the almighty… our journey is full of life, beautiful birds are chirping, colorful butterflies are touching us, we r as light as air, we r flying, HE is waiting there for us… the one who is full of love and life…the One Who gives us Eternal Joy… is 100%... is calling upon us… …………. Now that we are here.. HE is here… fulfilling our lives with eternal peace, joy, love and bliss... we have been longing for years….. let's unite with the ultimate…" ….

By the end of this meditation session when I asked them to open their eyes.. I could see them smiling back and filled up with joy and love… to my utter surprise.. I asked them all to hold each other's hand, look into each other's eyes.. they did… by then (I am delighted to say that) my hands started passing RIEKI (although haven't completed my RIEKI Course yet but still... it started happening) to the lady sitting next to me, she said..."Mam I am feeling the current/vibrations in my hand", I said "don't worry, keep smiling and let it pass through your body and onto the person sitting next to you.. after few seconds everybody in the room said that their body is having vibrations, they could feel it... They all said.. yes, today you took us to Heaven. It was a wonderful experience.

Oh God.. What a moment was that I couldn't help with the tears rolling down my eyes.. the tears of joy, the tears with a sense of completeness, fulfillment.. (my vocabulary is short of words to express that particular moment in words). After that... I gave them a small questionnaire, then we did a case study for motivational aspect.

And in the end.. the Doctor joined us, then I gave each of them a packet of Gems and a rose bud… and you would be surprised to know(since I amazed myself too-- it was totally unplanned) what I told them… I said.. "the packet of Gems contains colorful sweet bits… I pray to God.. that your life be as colorful and as sweet as these tiny gems, and u all share colors and sweetness with all and everyone who comes in contact with you" and for the rose bud I asked them "do you know why this flower is being given?" Someone said "Yes, it is given to the loved one and to the one whom we wish to congratulate or share happiness".. I said "no".. "today am giving this flower to you.. just to say that if you care for the flower, if u keep it in water.. it will be fresh for few hours.. but tomorrow or day after, it is going to die.. same happens with our life.. we are granted very less time.. nourish your life, keep smiling… do today and now whatever u wish to do.. because there is no tomorrow.. and don't forget if the night has come, it is definitely accompanied with a day… joys n sorrows, days n nights, good n bad.. come what may.. don't ever lose hope.." with these words I ended the session..

The session ended but yes.. the experience will remain in my heart for the rest of the life…. I got huge applause from all of them.. then the Doctor said I wish to confess something, I asked him 'what?' he said.. "last Sunday I invited a Dietitian and last to last Sunday, a cosmetic physiotherapist.. and when I asked you to take a lecture I thought, whether you'll be able to go with the sync, and what if our purpose of the lecture is defeated. But now, I am proud to say that all my apprehensions were wrong, you proved to be the best faculty for this. I wish, I would have invited you first...".

And then, when he reached for his drawer, I stopped him, without knowing, what he was up to.. I said "what I earned in the past 2 hours.. is priceless.. don't make it small by paying me few bucks." He was surprised & said.. "how do u know what I was up to?" I said.. "Even I don't know, what am saying or doing today".. But I knew one thing… THE DIVINE PRESENCE then and there.

Although I have been doing 'Saadhna' since last 5-6 years, but in actual sense now have started experiencing it in life after doing my AOL Basic course in November 2008 and then Advance course in March 2009.

PS: One more thing would like to share that this class was held on 22.03.09 and my first advance course was scheduled on 26.03.09. I did several things in my class which were later taught to me in advance course, I was totally unaware about the practices or exercises of the advance course, but with the grace of Guruji, it all happened 4 days in advance to me.

Life is short, make it sweet..

God Bless You!

Jai Gurudev

Deepa Kapoor

(C) Art of Living Foundation

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Guru Story - Divine Insurance

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Guru Story - Divine Insurance

26th November 2008, probably one of the most horrific days for the civilized world of this planet which was a brutal attempt to humiliate the human values on this planet. Terrorists attacked the heart of Financial Capital of India killing more than 200 innocent people and leaving many dreadful wounds and scares of fear and anger on many people heart. Many also survived from the fire rain of bullets. 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 continuous 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 Taj Hotel, 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 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 (why are you fearful, I am there with you)"

Throughout the night, Bhanu didi (Guruji's sister) kept calling and messaging us, giving us courage and encouragement. She was keep giving us 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 certainty that it was ON us that night

We were giving healing to the bullet hit, teaching deep breathing to some young boys with us to calm them down, teaching 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 an 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 (spiritual practices) and sankalpa (Intention) 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 people we know, top lawyers, bankers, leading business heads have not been as lucky as us. They were victims of indiscriminate firing. Three 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 indispensability 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

Art of Living Teachers

Mumbai India

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Guru Story - He is OMNIPRESENT

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Guru Story - He is OMNIPRESENT

I had a wonderful experience today and also learned a very important lesson.

It all started after I did my 3rd Advance course with Rishi Nityapragya few days back. I was mesmerized by the kind of knowledge that he imparted, especially OFS. It made a direct connection with the Guru. And then I was also a part of the Rishi Ji's 4 day event called the Gyan Ganga. Hmm.. So now the interesting part, Guruji just landed in Delhi today at 1:30 P.M. I stay little far from the place where He was going to stay, and so doubts about the distance that I have to travel started coming up in my mind. Also, I had my MBA classes from 3, so was feeling a little apprehensive about missing that. While all these 'kuturka' (wrong logic) thoughts were going in my mind, I suddenly became aware, and surrendered these thoughts to Guruji. Once Bawa had said that if you choose Guruji over anything else then everything will fall into place automatically. I decided to pay heed to that advice and left :)

So now I reached Vasant Vihar, and it was really hot. There were few hundred people inside the house, and I was happy to see the fewer crowds! But lo! After a short while the number just increased and increased. We were all busy doing satsang, and then the lights went off. The temperature seemed to have increased further. People started praying to Guruji for a nice weather and the thing that I am going to tell you guys is simply unbelievable. Just before Guruji was stated to come the weather suddenly changed, and it started drizzling. Clouds seem to have covered us as an answer to our prayer and the entire weather had changed. Things were fine, but as soon as Guruji entered there was total chaos. I was standing outside the room and was not at all feverish to meet Him. I had decided to give Him total freedom today, to meet whoever He wants to.

SO I didn't mind when He didn't look at me when I was standing at the entrance when He arrived. I was patient yet firm in my mind, that He will definitely meet me, If He wants to. Guruji entered the room where 50 or so devotees were seated. The room was very small, and there was no light : ) But outside it was raining heavily, and the rain Gods of Delhi, were all welcoming Him : ) With a longing in my heart to meet me, and yes no feverishness I also entered the room. Soon hundreds of people stormed that small room, and people were falling on top of each other. I also happened to step on few people, and the situation was really bad. I totally surrendered that situation to Guruji as well.

Few minutes later after total chaos, I suddenly find myself in front of the Master. He was meeting people personally. I was completely awed by His presence, had no words to tell Him. 

The only word that I could utter was "Thanks", to which He sweetly said "Jai Gurudeva" and handed me a box of prasad.

I was shocked to see the contents of the prasad, it had proper lunch and amazingly I was thinking of skipping my lunch as I was going to meet Him. He took care of it. And yes, talking about my MBA classes our Angel made sure that I reach the classes on time. In spite of so much chaos, heavy rains I was able to make it to my MBA class at 3 PM! All His grace.

Just have an intention to meet Him, and you will definitely. There's really no one between you and Him except your ego and small mind :)

Jaigurudev!

Sidhharth Jain

East Delhi, India

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