Art of living is loosing its impact because of its followers. Agreed, that right now it is one of the biggest NGOs in the world, with a following across several countries. However, from being a way of life, Art-Of-Living is being turned into a fashion statement by many poor souls.
This is a very unfortunate turn of events. Nowadays not all who join art of living are in search of answers to their questions. Some are joining it for networking purposes, or to appear spiritual and more humane to others. It is people like these that are misusing the art of living and its teachings to their advantage. In the process, art of living is acquiring a rather mixed image.
True, there are true seekers in this organization, who love Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji (lovingly refrred to as GuruJi) and are eternally grateful to him for giving the world a method (Sudarshan Kriya) to attain peace. Guruji, in himself is a sweet and loving human. There are umpteen followers, whose lives have been bettered by following GuruJi.
I, myself have had the good fortune of meeting GuruJi three times in my life, till now. And I proclaim I love him as a daughter can love a father. Just being near him, can bring tears in one’s eyes, such is his aura.
But as is the case with most good things that become too big. The social climbers will latch onto each new ‘Big’ thing to gain from it. Even if the Big thing is something that affects the lives and hearts of millions, these climbers are not bothered.
But as GuruJi has himself said…
“Much energy is wasted in trying to charm others. And in wanting to charm—I tell you, the opposite happens.
—Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,
Seva and the Art of Enthusiasm.”
As usual, Guruji has said it beautifully. There is no need for me to say anything anymore
J
August 31, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Don’t worry, politics will always be present in any organisation.
It is part of of the AOL path also, and we have to learn to play along with it… How to maintain a sincere heart and commitment, even in the midst of politics. Guruji wrote about it.
For his part, he can see through any heart and embraces all.
How can we unite the world if we reject anyone?
Jai Guru Dev
Sylvain
September 1, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Let us take the right chord and leave the wrong one. We are not acceding to this organization, there is no dearth of guiding souls ever in the human history, if one goes naturally the other will emerge
January 3, 2008 at 10:11 am
” Every person on this earth feel helplessness,at some time or other feel that things are ruled by some thing other than what one can logically conceive .The feeling of helplessness canturn into frustration…Divinity can be perceived in the Prayerfulness….
SRI..SRI
January 6, 2009 at 11:09 am
different people have different ways of expression. It may be fake or a fashion statement. it really doesn’t matter and you don have to worry about how other followers are. One need to transcend beyond all this small mind to be happy.
Spiritual seeker only sees himself with the master and master with him and every other ( so called followers) doesn’t matter…
let them be…
..
April 27, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Thank you for your help!
August 27, 2009 at 11:32 pm
tht Guruji says U will find four types of ppl in any organisation- kuch acche , kuch lucche , kuch kacche , kuch sacche.
tht these are all part of the game, these are just distractions placed in your path and one needs to overcome al of these to reach the Guru. All one needs to hav is one-pointed focus on the Guru. Me and my Guru, none in between