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My vision is of a world that is crime-free, stress-free and violence-free.
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At a time when many people feel that modern knowledge and ancient traditions tend to contradict each other, it is refreshing to come across someone like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who has been able to reconcile his scientific education with his Vedic training to find a path relevant to contemporary needs.
- His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Biography Summary
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired a global phenomenon of compassion and service. A spiritual leader and humanitarian, his programs have impacted more than 25 million people worldwide.
In 1981, he started the Art of Living Foundation, an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization that works in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. In the United States, the Foundation’s programs are helping youth in inner cities turn away from gang violence, drugs and alcohol, toward greater generosity and service.
In 1997, he founded the International Association for Human Values, a humanitarian Non-Governmental Organization that advances human values in political, economic, industrial, and social spheres. In India, South Africa, and Latin America, the Association is working in poor rural communities to promote sustainable growth, and has reached more than 30,000 villages.
A leading figure in human development and social transformation, he is a multifaceted social activist whose initiatives include conflict resolution, disaster and trauma relief, prisoner rehabilitation programs, youth leadership, women’s empowerment, campaigns against female feticide and child labor, and education for all. In Kashmir and Sri Lanka, Sri Sri is working to further dialogue between opposing parties to resolve the conflicts peacefully.
Sri Sri travels to more than 40 countries and 100 cities a year (175 cities in 2004) to share his message that all the great spiritual traditions share common goals and values.He inspires leaders to balance business with ethics and social responsibility. His teachings of love, practical wisdom, and service promote harmony among people, and encourage individuals to follow their chosen spiritual path, while honoring the path of others.
Organizations
Sri Sri has founded organizations covering most aspects of improving life:
- The Art of Living Foundation
- International Association for Human Values
- Ved Vignan Mahavidyapeeth
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir
- Sri Sri Center for Media Studies
- Sri Sri College for Ayurvedic Science and Research
- Sri Sri Ayurveda
- Sri Sri Mobile Agricultural Initiatives
- Sri Sri Pre-University College
- The Sri Sri Institute of Management Studies
- The Sri Sri School for Performing Arts and Fine Arts
- Sri Sri Rural Development Trust
International Association for Human Values
 The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) was founded in 1997 with the mission of fostering a deeper understanding of the values that unite us as a global human community, and encourage the practice of human values in everyday life. The IAHV has initiated several programs like the 5H program, Trauma Relief programs, Disaster Relief and rehabilitation, Campaign for Road peace and women's empowerment programs. The reach of these programs includes South Asia, Africa, Europe, Central and South America and North America.
 Arne Næss var æres-taler under IAHV konferansen i Oslo. Her sammen Sri Sri etter ett felles TV intervju. , the organization has reached more than 26000 villages, building more than 1000 homes, conducted 20000 health camps and planted more than 1.5 million trees. Also through the Youth Leadership Training program, more than 44000 youth have been trained to identify and resolve community issues and inter-community conflicts.
One of the most recent programs has been the campaign for Road Peace in the United Arab Emirates since July 2006. This was designed to increase traffic safety awareness and reduce stress among motorists. Through the efforts of the IAHV, the government of UAE has now mandated the Art of Living Course as compulsory for all cab drivers. Among IAHV's core programs is the Women's Empowerment initiative.
Along with VISTA India and the Africa Bead Project, more than 2500 women have been provided micro-finance support. Several self-help groups have been formed to raise awareness about female infanticide in South Asia.
For More information, please visit www.iahv.org
Humanitarian and Social Initiatives
Sri Sri has launched a range of humanitarian and social initiatives to promote peace and well-being at various levels:
- at the individual level, through self development and stress elimination programs for adults, youth and children;
- at the community level, through socioeconomic development programs for poor communities, women’s empowerment initiatives and programs to tackle gang violence and drug and alcohol addiction among youth; and
- at the global level, through peace initiatives in Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Kashmir, Kosovo, Pakistan.
Peace initiatives
Sri Sri has launched a number of peace initiatives to end violent conflict, combat rising fundamentalism and provide trauma relief to victims of conflict. He has inspired thousands of volunteers to work for world peace, and has traveled extensively to strife-torn areas to heal the divisions among warring groups and calm aggressive minds. Successfully bringing together antagonistic groups in areas such as Sri Lanka, Kashmir and Bihar, India, he has inspired many groups to shun the path of violence and adopt peaceful means of resolving conflicts.
Video: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar interviewed on CNN on his visit & message of peace to Iraq Interfaith Harmony
In the face of rising fundamentalism and growing ethnic and religious tensions, Sri Sri has dedicated himself to promoting harmony betweenpeople of different faiths. Sri Sri has said that in today’s globalizing world, we also need to globalize wisdom. He has played an active role in organizing and promoting a number of interfaith dialogues, including the 2006 Brussels conference between Rabbis and Imams, June 2007 Interfaith Summit in Bali Indonesia. Sri Sri has been bestowed many honors for promoting dialogue and harmony among faiths, including Dara Shikoh Award for National Harmony and Mahavir-Mahatma Award for Peace.
Post-conflict Trauma Relief
Sri Sri’s programs have helped heal post-traumatic stress disorder in thousands of individuals in theaftermath of war. They have helped individuals transcend negative emotions of fear, hate and anger, which often hamper the peaceful resolution of disputes. Trauma relief programs have been conducted in Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Kashmir, Kosovo, Lebanon, Russia and Sri Lanka.
When attention is given to the spiritual aspect ofone's life it brings responsibility, a sense of belonging, andcompassion and caring for the whole of humanity. Spirit upholds andsustains life. It makes you strong and solid. It breaks down the narrowboundaries of cast, creed, religion, and nationality, and gives you anawareness of life present everywhere. It is only through thisawareness, this uplifting of consciousness, that wars can be eliminatedand human rights restored in the world today.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Peace Initiatives
Conflicts, rising fundamentalism, and erosion of human values in different corners of the world have been key areas of concern for Sri Sri.
Respected as a neutral entity with unquestionable integrity, he has successfully worked to help the peace process in all parts of the world including Kashmir, Sri Lanka, the Balkans and Israel.
Through the Art of Living programs and personal interventions, he has encouraged and enabled many conflicting groups to adopt peaceful means of resolving their issues. Espousing the Gandhian principle of non-violence, Sri Sri calms the minds of aggressors, provides solace and emotional strength to victims and works towards developing long-lasting solutions to achieving peace.
Sri Lanka
Sri Sri has been actively involved in peace negotiations in Sri Lanka. In September 2006, he ventured to Kilonichchi for peace talks with LTTE leaders. His peace initiatives began in early 2005 when he sent emissaries for negotiations with the Sri Lankan President and the Tamil leaders. His visit in April 2006 came at a time of tremendous civil unrest. However, his interactions with locals as well as the country's top brass have been instrumental in changing mindsets. He remains actively involved in brokering peace between the government and the LTTE.
After undergoing special programs designed by him, hundreds of Tamil youth in Jaffna work hand in hand with Art of Living volunteers to bring relief to the people of North Eastern Sri Lanka traumatized by over two decades of ethnic violence.
He was been responsible for the formation of a Committee for Peace comprising Hindu and Buddhist leaders including the Dalai Lama to take the peace agenda forward.
Kashmir
Since 2004, Sri Sri has been quietly paving the road to peace by bringing together all sections of the Kashmiri population. His inspiring vision is altering perspectives among the Kashmiri youth so much so that over 1,500 youth have averted from violence and work towards peace.
In June 2005, when he visited the Kashmir Valley, Sri Sri was warmly received at Srinagar airport by a rally of 500 Muslim youth. The visit culminated in a rare gathering of leaders representing different factions of the Kashmiri people. For the first time, leaders including both the factions of the All Party Hurriyat Conference and representatives of Kashmiri Pandits came face to face in his presence for a dialogue.
Sri Sri recently established an orphanage for children who are victims of militancy in the state as well as those that have been orphaned after the devastating earthquake. The orphanage currently houses 150 children who are provided food, clothes, books and formal education. Sri Sri has also adopted 30 children from Kashmir and is taking care of their education and upbringing
The Balkans
Under hostile circumstances, Sri Sri made a lasting impact in helping resolve ethnic conflict in Kosovo, Bosnia and Macedonia. Sri Sri's programs helped trauma victims in Kosovo to live peacefully within a multi-ethnic society by providing them with tools to reawaken tolerance, reconciliation and acceptance. He also inspired dialogue between Albanians and Macedonians by widening the circle of belongingness from the narrow identities defined by ethnic or national boundaries.
Bihar
Sri Sri's clarion call for peace during his visit to the Naxal- infested villages of Bihar in 2002 resulted in an unprecedented gathering of 100,000 youth from the warring groups of Ranvir Sena and Naxalite groups such as CPI-ML, People's War Group and Maoist Communist Centre. Subsequent to their meeting with him, both sides publicly took a vow to spread the message of non-violence. It isn't a mere co-incidence therefore that Naxalite violence has virtually stopped in Central Bihar, India since the year 2000. Remarkably, in the aftermath the 2006 Jehanabad killings, there was no retaliatory massacre which would have been a natural consequence under earlier circumstances. Instead, soon after the incident, the warring groups came together for a community gathering organised by the Art of Living in Ekwari, the nerve centre of Naxal violence in Bihar.
Despite imminent threats from Islamic fundamentalists, Communist Maoists and other extremist groups from time to time, Sri Sri continues to work tirelessly to galvanise people towards peaceful co-existence in different corners of the globe. Not only has he motivated thousands of volunteers to work for global peace, but has himself traveled intensively to strife-torn areas to heal the wounds of victims and calm the aggressors.
"It is a meeting no politician could organize!"
- Ms. Edith Cresson, Former Prime Minister, France speaking at the Art of Living Silver Jubilee Foundations.
Global Peace Conference
Silver Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations, February 2006: This tongue-in-cheek remark from the Honorable Ms. Cresson carried the weight of truth behind it. Who could have imagined organizing a peace gathering of 2.5 million people from 110 countries? It required the vision of an exceptional spiritual leader, one who looked at all people in the planet as members of a One World Family. Sri Sri led a world-wide group of thousands of enthusiastic volunteers in organizing this gigantic event, always confident that the power of love could bring the impossible within reach.
One World Family
The massive crowd reflected the diversity of the One World Family, perhaps the most unique gathering ever - members of tribes from the farthest reaches of India to the King of Ghana, simple folks using bullock carts as means of transport to fast talking New Yorkers on jumbo jets, the President of India to a Pakistani psychiatrist from San Francisco - all had come together for one purpose - to celebrate humanity.
Video: Art of Living's Silver Jubliee Celebrations World Stage
Such a fantastic event demanded a magnificent stage and it certainly got one. A 30-foot-tall stage spread across the length of three football fields with a design inspired by Vijayanagara (Hampi) architecture was the jewel that adorned the 243-acre Jakkur airfield on the outskirts of Bangalore. Only half of this beautiful stage was enough to accommodate the 3800 Indian classical musicians who came together in an incredible orchestra and with very little practice performed a memorable musical symphony each of those three nights of celebration in Bangalore. They played 100 Ghatams , 360 Mrudangams (percussion), 60 Tamburas , 770 Veenas , 782 Violins, 150 Guitars, 750 Flutes, and many other instruments. Other harmonious performances by renowned Indian and international musicians reiterated the theme of unity among different peoples and cultures of the world.
Meditation of Millions
The first day was devoted to spirituality with a 1000 saints and religious leaders from all faiths gracing the stage to bless the large gathering. The second day had kings, presidents, and political leaders from all over the world stressing the path of spirituality and service championed by the Art of Living over the last 25 years. While each of the first two days ended with a peaceful meditation it was the third day that was truly spectacular as waves of the primordial sound "Om" swept the massive airfield from one end to the other. On this day H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the crowd in an energizing Sudarshan Kriya culminating in the sweet silence of meditation. Never before had millions come together in such deep silence to foster an atmosphere for global peace and harmony. The evening continued with a rousing address from His Excellency, Abdul Kalam, the President of India and culminated with the "One World Family Dance", incorporating dance and music from all parts of the world.
Human Values Conference
On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee, the Foundation hosted a Human Values conference. Political, business and cultural leaders addressed about 500 delegates in the Vishalakshi Mantap meditation hall at the Foundation's international center in Bangalore. Speakers at the conference included United Nations Messenger of Peace, Vijay Amritraj; Dr. Michael Nobel, head of the Nobel Family Society; German musician Peter Maffay; CEO of American satellite company WorldSpace, Noah Samara; and Dr. Myron Scholes, Nobel prize laureate in economics.
The Jubilee celebrations continued a week later with a conference on Science, Consciousness, and Spirituality in New Delhi. Two impressive studies showed that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was relieved after just a few days of Art of Living trauma relief with Sudarshan Kriya-both for tsunami survivors and for a group of Australian War Veterans, some of who had experienced PTSD for more than 30 years.
Video: The Art of Living Silver Jubilee Celebrations concluded at the Kennedy Center,
with the proposal to UN of the "Universal Declaration of Human Values"
Universal Declaration of Human Values
Universal Declaration of Human Values
As Proposed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
This document, developed by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, represents his vision for a fresh approach to fostering understanding and harmonious coexistence among different peoples and cultures, and fulfilling the purposes for which the United Nations was formed. It is in the form of a proposed resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations. It is hoped that, in due course, member States will formally bring this document forward to the United Nations, in accordance with normal General Assembly processes and channels, for discussion, adoption, and subsequent implementation. It is Sri Sri’s intention that this proposed Declaration serve as a tool to begin a global discussion of the crucial issues it raises.
The United Nations General Assembly,
Recognizing the paramount importance of harmonious coexistence among different peoples;
Acknowledging the urgent need to bring about understanding among different cultures and civilizations and to foster harmony in diversity throughout the world;
Deeply concerned by increasing conflict and violence around the globe;
Determined to address the root causes of this increasing conflict and violence;
Recognizing that much of the conflict and violence today is attributable to religious and ethnic divisions and misunderstanding;
Recalling that the United Nations was formed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights and the dignity and worth of the human person, as set out in the Preamble of the United Nations Charter;
Reaffirming our commitment to the purposes of the United Nations that include maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and achieving international cooperation in encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, as set out in Article 1 of the United Nations Charter;
Emphasizing our commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which constitutes a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations, as well as our commitment to the subsequent existing international human rights instruments;
Recognizing that grave human rights violations continue around the world, despite more than half a century of efforts to achieve human rights and fundamental freedoms for all;
Reaffirming our commitment to the United Nations Millennium Declaration, adopted on September 8, 2000;
Recalling that the United Nations Millennium Declaration sets out a number of basic societal values considered essential to international relations in the 21st century, as well as specific objectives to be achieved consistent with these values in key areas which include peace, security and disarmament; development and poverty eradication; protecting our common environment; human rights and good governance; protecting the vulnerable; and meeting the special needs of Africa;
Determined to achieve the goals and objectives of the Millennium Declaration, including universal human rights, despite serious challenges that the world now faces in doing so;
Recognizing that we must broaden our vision and readjust our strategies in order to foster mutual respect and understanding among different cultures and civilizations, enabling the achievement of the commitments made in the past;
Acknowledging the urgent need to address the spiritual aspect of human existence in order to achieve harmonious coexistence among diverse peoples, realize universal human rights, and fulfill the purposes for which the United Nations was formed;
Appealing to that same universal Divine consciousness and power that is at the core of all the world’s religions for assistance and support in this crucial endeavor,
Solemnly proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Values.
ARTICLE 1
Global Commitment and Call to Action
1.1 We, heads of State and Government, gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, collectively acknowledge the urgent need today to rekindle universal human values throughout all sectors of society around the world.
1.2 A global resurgence of human values is vital in order to foster harmonious coexistence among different peoples and cultures and to achieve peace and security on the planet, universal human rights, the eradication of poverty, and the protection of the environment.
1.3 We hereby formally declare our solemn commitment to nurture and strengthen universal human values around the world through every possible means. We will work with all organs of society in every sector to ensure that human values are acknowledged, honored, encouraged and rewarded.
1.4 Broad-based education in universal human values, consistent with the principles set out in this Declaration, is essential in this crucial endeavor. Multi-cultural, multi-religious education is urgently needed to bring people together and foster harmony in diversity.
1.5 We hereby formally commit to working with partners in all sectors of society to ensure such education is available to all, and most especially to all children and youth.
1.6 We call upon all levels of government and all organs of society, including religious institutions, to join us in our sacred and urgent endeavor to reawaken human values across the globe by acknowledging, encouraging, and rewarding universal human values, and by fostering awareness of the principles set out in this Declaration.
1.7 We call upon all individuals of all ages everywhere to put into practice the principles in this Declaration by honoring human values in their own lives and by nurturing human values in their families, at home, at school, in their place of work, and at their place of worship.
1.8 We hereby commit to taking all appropriate measures to ensure that copies of this Declaration, and information about the principles it espouses, are widely disseminated and available to all.
ARTICLE 2
Human Values
2.1 Human values are those attributes and qualities which are the very heart of humanity, representing the highest expression of the human spirit.
2.2 Human values are innate in all people. They are part of our deepest nature and include:
2.2.1 A deep caring for all life
A profound awareness of the sacredness of all life is the basis for all other human values. This awareness goes beyond respect and even reverence to a deeply felt caring for all life that should be nurtured among all people as the highest of values. In its fullest form, this caring for life manifests as unconditional love. Ultimately, love is the very sub-stratum of existence; at the deepest level, love is what we are.
2.2.2 Non-violence
Non-violence arises spontaneously in one who has a deep awareness of the sacredness of all life, including one’s adversaries. True non-violence encompasses non-violence in words and thoughts as well as actions, because words arise from thoughts, and actions arise from both thoughts and words. We need to be ever mindful that, as fire cannot extinguish fire, violence cannot extinguish violence.
2.2.3 Compassion
Compassion arises naturally where, at some level, one feels the suffering of another as one’s own. Compassion is rooted in the awareness that we are all part of one universal spirit. It flourishes where one sees the other as oneself, without blame, pity, or judgment. In its fullest form, compassion is characterized by the desire to eliminate suffering and misery for all life.
2.2.4 Friendliness and cooperation
Human relations should be characterized by friendliness and cooperation, not by competition or jealousy. Friendliness and cooperation are the natural and spontaneous tendencies of all people when they are among those they love, including family and friends. These qualities naturally grow to extend to all people where there is a deep caring for all life and the awareness that we are all part of one world family.
2.2.5 Generosity and sharing
Generosity and sharing are natural responses toward those we care for, starting with the members of our own family. These qualities grow and expand along with the awareness that true prosperity is the result of giving, not of hoarding, and that our family is truly the whole of humankind.
2.2.6 A feeling of belonging and oneness with all life
Within our own families, we naturally experience a sense of comfort, security and ease - a feeling of belonging. A deep understanding that we are all members of one world family leads to the same feeling of belonging with all people everywhere. A recognition that we are all part of one universal spirit leads to a feeling of oneness with all life.
2.2.7 An eco-friendly attitude and caring for the planet
An eco-friendly attitude arises spontaneously with the understanding that the earth is our own mother, and the mother of all life on the planet. The Millennium Declaration identified respect for nature as one of the fundamental societal values essential to international relations. The corresponding human value goes beyond mere respect to reverence and a profound caring for the planet, in the same way that we revere and love our own mother.
2.2.8 Service to society
Helping those in need is a natural tendency in human beings, giving great personal satisfaction to those who engage in altruistic activities. This innate altruistic tendency increases with the awareness that we are all truly part of one world family and are here to contribute something of value to society, not to get something for ourselves, for we will take nothing with us when we depart from this planet.
2.2.9 A sense of commitment and responsibility
We naturally feel a sense of commitment and responsibility for what we perceive as our own: our body, our children, our family, our possessions. When we recognize our oneness with all of life and consequently have a vastly expanded sense of what is our own, we broaden our sense of commitment and responsibility accordingly to encompass all society, all life.
2.2.10 Peace and contentment
Peace and contentment are the hallmarks of the human spirit. They are our very nature, to be nurtured and encouraged. Peace within the individual ultimately manifests as peace in the family, in the community, and in the world. Contentment grows naturally with the awareness of all the gifts that nature has bestowed on us, whatever our condition or situation.
2.2.11 Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is life itself. The boundless enthusiasm that is natural to all children should not be lost as we mature and age; joy and enthusiasm should be supported and nurtured as life itself. Dampening enthusiasm is an act of violence that amounts to smothering life.
2.2.12 Integrity, honesty and sincerity
There is no spiritual tradition that does not strongly advocate integrity, honesty and sincerity. These qualities are universally prized as virtues that form the foundation of social order and justice. They are innate within all people, to be nurtured and encouraged.
2.3 Human values do not depend on, and are not derived from, any external authority. Human values cannot be imposed by society, nor can they be legislated. They are not the subject matter of rules. As the infinite potentiality within all people, human values are already present in every human heart, whether flourishing or latent, whether manifest or unexpressed. Human values need only be uncovered, rekindled, encouraged and nurtured in order to thrive and grow.
2.4 Just as water flows downhill and fire rises, so the natural tendency of the human spirit is to evolve toward these universal human values. Although these values are innate in every human being, they have been overshadowed by the stresses and strains of our lives and by society’s failure to encourage and nurture them.
2.5 Very little attention has been paid to human values over the past half-century, despite the focus on human rights. Yet, if a tree is to bear fruit, one must water the root. Otherwise, all efforts to make the fruit grow will be futile. Human rights are like the fruits of the tree of human society whose roots are human values. We have collectively neglected to water the root of this tree, though we have waited eagerly for the fruit to appear and ripen. There is now an urgent need to focus our attention on human values.
2.6 Wherever human values flourish, there also will human rights flourish without effort, irrespective of any human rights codes that may or may not exist. There also will peace and security prevail and violence subside. There also will different cultures and civilizations coexist in harmony. There also will people spontaneously help to uplift their neighbors and ultimately to eradicate poverty. There also will the environment be honored and protected, with great care and respect.
ARTICLE 3
Creating New Heroes of Humanity
3.1 Although the qualities of non-violence, friendliness and cooperation represent the highest expression of the human spirit, it is often the baser qualities of violence, aggression and domination that are respected, rewarded, and glorified in today’s society. These baser qualities, common to the animal kingdom, are often erroneously associated with bravery, strength and heroism, and consequently held in high regard by many.
3.2 Youth in particular often seek approval and recognition from their peers by engaging in violent and aggressive behavior. A great sense of pride comes from being perceived by one’s peers as exceptionally violent, aggressive or even cruel. Unfortunately, no similar pride or status is attached to the qualities of non-violence, friendliness and cooperation. In fact, these human values may even be viewed as signs of weakness rather than the great strength they truly represent.
3.3 This situation needs to be reversed. Non-violence, friendliness and cooperation must come to be recognized as the new norm, as hallmarks of today’s true hero. Moreover, a sense of pride must be kindled in connection with these qualities, instead of with violence and aggression.
3.4 We must foster the creation of new role models and heroes in order to reawaken human values in youth. Today’s heroes for humanity must exemplify those values that represent the highest expression of the human spirit. They must serve as models of non-violence, friendliness, and service to society. Today’s heroes must be ready to face any challenge for the sake of helping the world and its people, with an unshakeable confidence in their ability to achieve whatever they may undertake. The true heroes of humanity shine, not as a result of triumphing over a villain, but because of their very character and virtue.
ARTICLE 4
Human Values and Conflict Resolution
4.1 One in whom human values have fully blossomed shines as an example to all of the potential for spiritual perfection that exists in every human being. Only such a person, regarded as a friend to all, will be successful in promoting dialogue in areas of conflict around the world. Only such a person, whose very presence soothes, calms and comforts, can truly be effective as a peacemaker.
4.2 In creating arbitrators and negotiators to work toward achieving peace in areas of conflict, primary consideration must be given to choosing individuals in whom human values are exceptionally strong, and whose lives exemplify those qualities that represent the essence of what it is to be human.
ARTICLE 5
Spirituality, Human Values, and Identity
5.1 There is an urgent need to reverse the growing lack of spirituality in the world today which is contributing to the increase in all kinds of violence throughout society, including armed conflict, criminal activity, domestic violence, and suicide.
5.2 The term spirituality, as it is used in this Declaration, means living and honoring human values. It means a deep caring for all life and a profound awareness of its sacredness.
5.3 Spirituality means rising above limited concepts of one’s own identity to be able to see one’s basic identity first and foremost as part of one universal spirit, one consciousness, one light, one God; secondly, as a human being; thirdly, as a man or a woman; and, finally, as a member of a particular religion and citizen of a particular nation.
5.4 Today, however, this hierarchy of identity is reversed, as most people identify themselves with their religion first, failing to recognize that we all belong to one world family.
5.5 Only the clear and unshakable awareness that we are all part of one universal spirit, and that our family is truly all of humankind, will provide a solid foundation for peace and security in the world.
ARTICLE 6
Human Values and the Millennium Declaration
6.1 A resurgence of universal human values throughout the world is urgently needed in order to achieve the objectives of the Millennium Declaration.
6.2 The Millennium Declaration set out certain shared societal values that are essential to international relations in the 21st century. These values govern the conduct of nations and include freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature, and shared responsibility.
6.3 Underlying the shared societal values of the Millennium Declaration are universal human values, which are part of the deepest nature of all human beings and which govern human conduct.
6.4 The world is at a tipping point today. It is on fire with hatred, conflict, violence, and religious and ethnic strife. Universal human values now need to be the focus of our attention, in order to strengthen the societal values of the Millennium Declaration and achieve its goals and objectives in the key areas of peace, security and disarmament; human rights and good governance; development and poverty eradication; protecting our common environment; protecting the vulnerable; and meeting the special needs of Africa.
ARTICLE 7
Globalizing Human Values and Wisdom
7.1 Universal human values are at the basis of all the major world religions. All religions advocate compassion, love, generosity, non-violence, and selfless service to others. Today, however, religious fanaticism, arising from a narrow vision and a lack of knowledge and understanding about other religions, has become a menace to world peace and security.
7.2 Globalizing human values is essential to counter religious fanaticism. Although we have globalized the market economy today, including technology, fashion, food, and music, we have yet to globalize human values and wisdom.
7.3 The Millennium Declaration calls for equitable and inclusive globalization, so that it becomes a positive force for all the world’s people. We need to further expand and refine this principle of globalization as a positive force. Globalization of a market economy is not enough. Globalization of wisdom must now be our focus.
7.4 All children must receive a multi-religious, multi-cultural education so they have a general knowledge of all the world’s religions. Only in this way will they come to see the one truth among the diversity of religions and grow up to honor all spiritual traditions.
7.5 Broad-based ecumenical education throughout every part of the world is essential to promote understanding among different cultures and civilizations, and to achieve peace and security. Even if only a small area of the planet remains untouched by this effort and is left in darkness, thinking its own religion alone provides ultimate salvation, the world will not be a safe place.
ARTICLE 8
Follow – Up
8.1 Given the paramount importance of putting into practice the principles contained in this Declaration in order to foster understanding among different cultures and civilizations, to fulfill the purposes for which the United Nations was formed, and to assure the future of society and of the planet itself, we call upon the General Assembly to monitor and review on a regular basis the progress of member States in implementing our common commitments in this Declaration. We further request the Secretary-General to issue periodic progress reports, as a basis for further action.
When attention is given to the spiritual aspect of one's life it brings responsibility, a sense of belonging, and compassion and caring for the whole of humanity. Spirit upholds and sustains life. It makes you strong and solid. It breaks down the narrow boundaries of cast, creed, religion, and nationality, and gives you an awareness of life present everywhere. It is only through this awareness, this uplifting of consciousness, that wars can be eliminated and human rights restored in the world today.
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Innovative Educational Programs
Sri Sri has launched far-reaching educational programs to inspire, uplift and empower individuals to live life to its fullest. Through the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values, Sri Sri has provided customized training for different age groups and various segments of society with a common emphasis on nurturing human values common to all cultures, such as non-violence, compassion, and service. The Art of Living Course has provided millions of people across the globe with powerful tools to eliminate stress, unlock their deepest potential and bring fullness to life. The APEX course has helped employees in corporations and public sector organizations – such as Shell, NASA, CitiBank, World Bank -- to reduce workplace stress, and increase mental clarity and creativity. Making ancient wisdom available to the modern world, Sri Sri inspires leaders how to balance business with ethics and social responsibility
Numerous schools set up by Sri Sri are providing value-based education to children through the Sri Sri Vidya Mandir. Sri Sri has also designed special educational programs for disadvantaged groups, providing primary education in poor rural communities and urban slums.
You may read more about these Educational Programs under the Projects Section.
Honors and Awards Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - Govorment of Mizoram
- Floyd 'Shad' Meshad, president and founder of the National Veterans Foundation, presented Sri Sri with an award honouring his outstanding service to returning veterans and their families. Meshad, who recently took part in the Art of Living's 'Project Welcome Home Troops,' program said, "Anything we can do to bring our troops peace of mind and let them come back and reintegrate into society, is worth its weight in gold.", Washington DC 2007.
- Leadership Award for Extraordinary Promotion of World Peace and Harmony by Amity University, New Delhi 2007.
- Doctor of Science, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India (honorary) 2007.
- Order of the Pole Star, top civilian and military honor, Government of the Republic of Mongolia, August 2006.
- Peter the Great First Grade Award for Contribution to the Russian Federation, Government of the Russian Federation, February 2006.
- Mongolian Prime Minister’s Award for Contribution to the Nation, Government of the Republic of Mongolia, February 2006.
- Sant Shri Dhyaneshwara World Peace Prize, World Peace Centre, Pune, India 2006.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Holistic Medicine) by Open International University for Complementary Medicine, Sri Lanka (honorary) 2006.
- Papal Apostolic Blessing for Sri Sri from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Feb 2006.
- Fervent Global Love of Life by the Cultural and Education Foundation of Human Life, Taiwan 2006.
- Dara Shikoh National Award for Harmony, New Delhi, India, August 2005.
- Global Humanitarian Award, Illinois, May 2005.
- Bharat Shiromani Award, New Delhi, India, April 2005.
- Mahavir-Mahatma Award for contribution to peace - Times Foundation, India, April 2005.
- The Illustrious Visitors Award, Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 2004.
- Doctor of Philosophy, Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India (honorary) 2004.
- Guru Mahatmya Award - Government of Maharashtra, India, September 1997.
- Title of Yoga Shiromani, Supreme Jewel of Yoga, President of India 1986.
Doctorates for Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
- Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), Amity University, Bangalore 2006
- Doctor of philosophy (Holistic Medicine), Open International University for Complementary Medicine in Sri Lanka 2006.
- Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India 2004.
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Day
 Sri Sri Ravi Shankar dag - Austin TX
- Pomona, California (July 29, 2007)
- Washington DC (March 28, 2007)
- Ottawa, Canada (September 13, 2006)
- Edmonton, Canada (September 7, 2006)
- Halifax, Canada (September 10, 2006)
- Chicago, Illinois (June 28, 2002)
- Beverly Hills, California (May 8, 2002)
- Atlanta, Georgia (April 29, 2002)
- Austin, Texas (January 10, 2002)
- Washington DC, Washington (August 26, 2000)
Selection of Addresses and Symposia
 Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - FN
- Corporate Culture and Spirituality Conference at the European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium, Nov 2006.
- American Jewish Committee 100th Anniversary Plenary Address Washington, D.C. May 2006.
- "Leadership and Trust", Stanford Law School, May 2006.
- Parliament of South Africa, May 2006.
- European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium, May 2006.
- Karnataka Legislature, India, April 2006.
- University of Oslo, Norway, January 2006.
- Parliament of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, August 2005.
- "The Science of Mind/Body Techniques: How and Why They Work", Boston College, May 2005.
- "The Art of Teaching Human Values: Creating Communities in Our Schools", Boston College, May 2005.
- "Faith and Service: An Interfaith Perspective", Harvard School of Divinity, Cambridge, MA, May 2005.
- University of Gothenborg, Sweden, April 2005.
- First World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace, Brussels, January 2005.
- "In Service and Celebration", Morehouse College, 2005.
- “Psychiatry and Spirituality: A Holistic Approach”, American Psychiatric Association, N.Y.C. 2004.
- University of Oslo, Norway, May 2004.
- "Wisdom, Music and Meditation”, Columbia University, New York, May 4 2004.
- European Parliament Brussels, Belgium, December 2004.
- International Court of Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands, December 2004.
- Orissa Legislative Assembly, India, November 2004.
- Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture, Karachi, Pakistan July 2004.
- “Time for Reflection”, Scottish Parliament, June 2004.
- Federal Senate, Brazil, May 2004.
- Institute of International Affairs/CARI, Argentina, May 2004.
- Panama Chamber of Commerce, Panama, May 2004.
- “Corporate Governance and Spirituality”, American Chamber of Commerce, New Delhi, September 2002.
- “Different Cultures, Common Values”, Anti-Corruption Conference, Seoul, Korea, May 2003.
- “Uplifting Spirit through Education”, University of California, Berkeley, May 2003.
- Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, India March 2003.
- Inter Pacific Bar Association, New Delhi, and India, February 2003.
- “Love and Trust”, World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland, January 2003.
- “Social Partnerships Make Business Sense”, Confederation of Indian Industry, Mumbai, India, November 2002.
- "An evening of Wisdom, Music, and Meditation”, Georgia Institute of Technology, April 2002.
- European Parliament, Strasbourg, France, June, 2001.
- “Where are the Peacemakers?”, World Economic Forum, Davos Switzerland, February 2001.
- “Fostering Universal Understanding” Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, United Nations, New York, August 2000.
- Calcutta Management Association, India, April 1998.
- International Conference on Integrated Value Education, UNESCO, Ministry of Human Resource Development, India.
- “Expanding Paradigms: Science, Conciousness, and Spirituality”, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, February 2006.
- Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, Bangalore, India, June 2006.
- International Conference on Human Values, 25th Anniversary of The Art of Living, Bangalore, India, February 2006.
- International Women’s Conference, Bangalore, India, June 2005.
- “The Science of Breath”, Conference on Phychoneuroimmunology, Florence, Italy, May 2005.
- Northeast Youth Conference, India, October 2004.
- “Toward a National Dialogue on Integrity Issues: Roles of the Public, Private and NGO Sectors in Promoting a National Integrity Agenda”, World Bank and the Turkish Ethical Values Foundation, Turkey, March 2004.
- Interfaith Conference for World Religious Leaders, Seville, Spain, December 2003.
- 5th World Congress on Environmental Management, Himachal Pradesh, India, June 2003 .
- “Different Cultures, Common Values”, 11th International Anti-Corruption Conference - Seoul, South Korea, May 2003.
- “Human Values, Science and Sustainable Development”, Rice University, Houston, Texas, May 2003.
- “Uplifting Spirit through Education”, University of California, Berkeley, May 2003.
- The World Conference on Spiritual Regeneration and Human Values – Bangalore, India, January 2003.
- World Youth Peace Summit, Bangalore, India 2003.
- “Living Human Values: A Call to Action”, Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 2000.
- “Living Human Values”, National Press Club, Washington DC, May 1999.
- “Sudarshan Kriya Yoga: An Innovative Non-Pharmacological Approach in the Treatment of Depression”, National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, MD. May 1999.
- International Conference for Human Values- IAHV, May 1998.
- Corporate Culture and Spirituality, Bangalore, India, (Annual).
- “Science, Meditation and Creativity”, NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center Washington DC, April 2003.
- “Symposium Towards Peace, Progress and Salvation”, Jammat-E-Islami Hind, Bangalore, India, March 2003.
- “Dawn of the New ICE Age – Philosophic Consideration on Convergence”, Inter Pacific Bar Association, India, February 2003.
- “Prayer and Meditation for Peace”, World Conference on Religion for Peace - Washington DC, U.S.A, January 2003.
- “Science and the Spiritual Quest”, Bangalore, India, January 2003.
- Madrid Convention on Aging, Madrid, Spain, December 2002.
- World Ayurveda Congress, Kochi, India, November 2002.
- “Social Partnerships Make Business Sense”, Confederation of Indian Industry, Mumbai, India, November 2002.
- “Contributions of the Holy Vedas and the Holy Quran to Science”, Bangalore, India, August 2002.
- “Technology and Tradition”, Confederation of Indian Industries, Hyderabad, India, August 2002.
- First Dalit Conference, Bangalore, India, August 2002.
- “World Peace Through Prayer and Meditation”, Venice, Italy, May 2002.
- “The Science of Breath”, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, March 2002.
- 11th International Forum on Technology Management, India, November 2001.
- “Volunteering for Humanism in the New Millennium”, VIII IAVE Asia-Pacific Conference, New Delhi, India, November 2001.
- “Sacredness Transcends Time and Space”, Opening Ceremony of the Museum of World Religions, Taipei, Taiwan, November 2001.
- “Living Human Values: A Call to Action”, Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 2000.
- “Shaping Globalization”, State of the World Forum, September 2000.
- “Human Values and Human Rights in the 21st Century”, National Press Club, Washington DC, May 1999.
- “Breaking the Cycle of Violence and Abuse” ,World Trade Center, Baltimore, Maryland, June 1998.
- Interfaith Conference, Paris, France, April 1998.
- Inter Religious Conference, Parliament of Croatia, January 1998.
- “The World’s Great Religions and Their Transformation in the 21st Century”, University of California, January 1998.
- International Conference of Religions, Kyoto, Japan 1996.
- International Congress of Catholic Priests, September 1996.
- Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Conference, Washington DC & Los Angeles, July 1996.
- United Nations 50th Anniversary Celebrations, New York City, 1995.
Selection of Litterature
- Wisdom for the New Millennium: Practical knowledge on how to increase human values in children and society, defeat depression, anxiety, and negative emotions, develop harmonious relationships, and live a happier, richer life.
- Celebrating Love: Short discourses on dealing with violence, fear, anger, dispassion, service, spirituality, and God.
- Celebrating Silence: Short discourses on dealing with situations and challenges on the spiritual path.
- An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker: Ancient Wisdom made applicable to modern life, Vol 1-7.
- Hinduism and Christianity: Provides a basis for understanding the common threads among these religions.
- Hinduism and Islam: Provides a basis for understanding and harmony among these religions.
- Narada Bhakti Sutra: Commentary on Narada’s 28 Bhakti Sutras, a classic Vedic scripture.
- One God, One Truth, One World: The Common ground of all religions and the Eighteen Laws of Spiritual Life.
- Prayer - Call of the Soul: Spirituality and Science
- The Source of Life: Revealing discussion of the Yamas (social ethics) and Niyamas (personal ethics); the first two steps/limbs of Yoga, plus the mystery of science and spirituality beyond life and death.
- Time: A deep investigation into the nature of space and time from both an ancient vedic and modern scientific understanding.
Selection of Audio / Video discourses
- Ashtavakra Gita (33 lessons): Documents the unveiling of the highest vedic knowledge from many thousands of years ago. Sri Sri reveals deeper levels of spiritual knowledge and how we can apply this to our own lives.
- Bhakti Sutras (28 audio volumes + 11 video volumes): Translating and explaining the original Vedic text of the Narada Bhakti Sutras.
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (10 Volumes): Translates and interprets this ancient Vedic text.
- Santa Monica Series:
- The Ancient New Age
- The Cosmic Connection
- The Ultimate Relationship
- Jesus, Embodiment of Love
- Buddha, Manifestation of Silence
- Krishna, Absolute Joy
- Overcoming Obstacles on the Path
- Ayurveda and the Breath
- Karma and Reincarnation
- The Secret of Relationships
- The Four Pillars of Knowledge: The four tools that can help make spiritual knowledge a living reality: discrimination, dispassion, wealth, and the desire for enlightenment.
- The Yogasara Upanishad I-IV: Makes comprehensible to the seeker this ancient Vedic scripture which reveals the essence of Yoga.
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