Suraj K

[Pallavi Dempo @bibidempo]

My conversation with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ranged from peace and mental wellbeing to education, Nature and our shared humanity.

[Swamiji @AOLSwamiji]

.@Gurudev brings calm to the unlikeliest rooms on earth: https://t.co/9eSBi977AL @DailyMirror @MirrorUSNews @ArtofLiving

[@i_am_a_sadhak @i_am_a_sadhak]

Q: Gurudev, what is the true meaning of Rakshabandhan?

@Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji - Rakshabandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August). It is a day when brothers and sisters affirm their bond. Sisters tie the sacred thread on their brothers’ wrists. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. The brothers’ in turn give their sisters’ gifts and promise to protect them. Rakshabandhan is celebrated in different forms and is also referred to as rakhri, baleva and saluno in different parts of India.

The tradition of tying Rakhi can be traced to various stories in Indian Mythology. According to one legend the Demon King Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken up the task to guard King Bali’s kingdom leaving his own abode in Vaikunta. Goddess Laxmi wished to be with her lord back in her abode.

She went to Bali disguised as a Brahmin woman to seek refuge till her husband came back. During the Shravan Purnima celebrations, the Goddess Laxmi tied the sacred thread to the King. Upon being asked why, she revealed who she was and why she was there. The king was touched by her goodwill and her purpose and requested Lord Vishnu to accompany her. He sacrificed all he had for the Lord and his devoted wife.

Rakshabandhan is said to be a sattvic bandhan whereby you tie yourself in with everybody, with knowledge and love.

Thus the festival is also called Baleva that is Raja Bali’s devotion to the Lord. It is said that since then it has been a tradition to invite sisters in Shravan Purnima for the thread tying ceremony or RakshaBandhan.

There are three types of bandhan or ties:

1. Satvicbandhan ties you with knowledge, happiness and joy.

2. Rajasicbandhan ties you with all kinds of desires and cravings.

3. In Tamasicbandhan, there is no joy but still you feel some kind of connection.

Rakshabandhan is said to be a sattvic bandhan whereby you tie yourself in with everybody, with knowledge and love. On Rakshabandhan day, the festivities start at daybreak.

After invoking the blessings of the Gods, the sister performs the brother’s aarti, puts tika and chawal on his forehead and ties rakhi on his wrist while chanting mantras. Then she gives him sweets and gifts. The brother accepts her offerings and vows to take care of her and be by her side in the time of need and gives her a token gift. The Rakshabandhan ceremony ends here and the celebrations begin. The family reunion itself is the reason for celebration.

Rakshabandhan if taken in the true sense encompasses love, peace and protection.

Although, now it is considered as a festival for brothers and sisters it was not always so. There have been examples in history wherein rakhi signified raksha or protection. It could be tied by a wife, daughter or mother. The Rishis tied rakhi to the people who came seeking their blessings. The sages tied the sacred thread to themselves to safeguard them from evil. It is the ‘Papa Todak, Punya Pradayak Parva’ or the day that bestows boons and ends all sins as it is mentioned in the scriptures.

Follow @i_am_a_sadhak for more such amazing wisdom by Gurudev

[“Riseyourself” RL Narayanan @rlnarayanan]

I first met Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla at an annual event of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Mr Uttam Prakash Agarwal, whom I knew well, was then the President of ICAI and had invited me to the occasion.

Many years have passed, but Mr Birla’s speech that day has remained with me.

The Chartered Accountancy examination is among India’s toughest professional examinations ~ an institution where merit, discipline and perseverance ultimately decide the outcome.

Kumar Mangalam Birla is also one of the rare inheritors of a great business legacy who earned the distinction of becoming a Chartered Accountant.

His success may appear extraordinary today, but nothing extraordinary is built overnight.

He recently shared the ancient Sanskrit wisdom that has guided his philosophy:

शनैः पन्थाः शनैः कन्था शनैः पर्वतमस्तकम् ।
शनैर्विद्या शनैर्वित्तं पञ्चैतानि शनैः शनैः ॥

A long journey is completed one step at a time.
A quilt is woven one stitch at a time.
A mountain is climbed one careful step at a time.
Knowledge is acquired slowly.
Wealth, too, is built gradually.

We live in an age that celebrates speed. But education, character, institutions, businesses and enduring wealth are never created through shortcuts.

Great things take time.
And the greatest things are built—शनैः शनैः—slowly, steadily and patiently.

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

The satsang today had two talented youngsters showcasing their achievements!

A 9 year old polyglot recited verses, with their meanings, from the Bhagavad Gita, which he memorized when he was just 5. He is fluent in Hindi, English, Spanish, and Kannada, among others, with the ability to read and write 13 Indian scripts. He has also used AI to build a device that helps people learn the ancient text!

A 13 year old Intuition Process graduate demonstrated an app he built using AI in just 2 months that helps teenagers with studies, homework, getting tutored and building healthy habits.

[Sunil | IIT Kharagpur | @ArtofLiving Faculty 🧘‍♂️ @asunil2001]

Did you know about the numerous benefits of Pranyama?

What are the benefits that pranayama can provide to all, especially to Students , how can it help them in their development and success @Gurudev Sri Sri Answers students at IIT !

At 75th Foundation Day Celebration at @iit.kgp

[ANI @ANI]

#WATCH | On flood situation in Nepal, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tweets, "Nature's fury and disaster has taken over Nepal at this hour. It has been such a wonderful place for people to visit. And many went as a pilgrim to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. And many of them lost their lives. In this very difficult time, let's all show our solidarity with the people of Nepal and the affected families and the government of Nepal. Let's pray to Almighty God to give strength to all the victims who lost their near and dear ones. Let's hope that the country will limp back to normalcy very soon and let's all work towards saving the environment, especially in the Himalayan region. Om Shanti."

(Source: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar/X)

[Art of Living International Center @ArtofLivingIC]

Former Prime Minister of India, Shri HD Deve Gowda ji visited the Art of Living International Center, Bengaluru earlier today and had a warm conversation with @Gurudev.

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

Nature’s fury has struck Nepal, impacting many lives. Let’s unite in prayer and support for all those affected and hope for a swift recovery for the nation.

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

इस समय नेपाल बड़ी आपदा का सामना कर रहा है। लापता यात्री और क्षति के बीच, हमें उन परिवारों के साथ खड़ा होना है। सब मिलकर प्रार्थना करें कि उन्हें शक्ति मिले।

[@i_am_a_sadhak @i_am_a_sadhak]

Question : Can we see our AURA ???

Must listen to this beautiful wisdom ⬇️by @Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji .

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

Honorable MP Dr. C. N. Manjunath, former director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, shared his philosophy and approach to a stress-free life during the evening satsang at the Bengaluru Ashram.

@DrCNManjunath
@SJICSR_

[BhikuMhatre @MumbaichaDon]

"U can't go to Kargil & shout at our men in uniform that I pay taxes. Go & tell that to mother of Captain Vikram Batra. She will ask U to take Ur money & give her son back"🔥

"U can't go & beat Tukaram Omble (26/11 Martyr) because he's wearing police uniform"🔥

Destroyed 🪳s in just 172 seconds. Welcome back, .@smritiirani Ji. We were missing this fire.

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

The Honorable former Prime Minister of India, Shri H. D. Deve Gowda, visited the Bengaluru Ashram today.

@H_D_Devegowda

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

@ErikSolheim @ArtofLiving @OfficeOfGurudev @ArtofLivingIC @ArtofLivingABC @RajitaBagga You’ve always been a champion for the environment. Thank you very much for your support and understanding. We deeply appreciate it.

[Erik Solheim @ErikSolheim]

I am so happy to see the great vindication of The Art of Living and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

In a a remarkable ruling The Indian 🇮🇳 Supreme Court this week set aside the anccusations against The Art of Living for alleged environment damage during World Culture festival in 2016. It clarified what many of us always knew - that no environmental damage was done.

After a decade-long fight, truth has triumphed. It has taken ten years - no less.

I still recall visiting India during the World Cultural Festival 2016. There was an unprecedented media frenzy on the Yamuna River event attacking it morning, midday, evening. The Supreme Court ruling should act as a severe warning against such one sided media onslaughts.

The World Culture Festival 2016 was a historic celebration of India’s cultural heritage and soft power, bringing together 3.5 million people from 155 countries, including world leaders, heads of state, 37,000 artists and 2,500 spiritual leaders. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It was unprecedented in size.

My warmest congratulations to Gurudev Sri Sri and the entire Art of Living family! This is a day of huge relief. It inspires to future good work for india and the world.

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

The Bengaluru ashram came alive with the Gen Z vibe this afternoon. Lively performances, great music, and real conversations!

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

Eminent leaders and advocates from the Islamic community shared their appreciation for our various initiatives in building a better world.

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

Patience pays. Truth triumphs.

Today, the Honorable Supreme Court has vindicated our stand.

[Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar @Gurudev]

We will expose all the lies of the NGT expert committee & their malicious intentions. https://t.co/Iw9FDzMyRb