Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar advocates for peace between India and Pakistan, contingent upon Pakistan ending terrorism. He stresses the need for global leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve conflicts. Mentioning the importance of inner peace and happiness, he emphasizes meditation as a tool for well-being, particularly among youth, during discussions commemorating World Happiness Day.
Renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, expressed optimism regarding peace between India and Pakistan. He emphasized that this peace is contingent upon Pakistan ceasing its terrorism, stating, “You cannot encourage terrorism on one hand and try to be peaceful on the other hand.” His remarks were made during a press conference in Washington D.C. on March 20, 2025.
Gurudev urged world leaders to adopt a more comprehensive vision for the future, particularly in navigating global conflicts such as those involving Russia and Ukraine. He underscored the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes, asserting, “We are one human family” and that leaders must work to bridge divisions.
Drawing inspiration from those who worked with Mahatma Gandhi, Gurudev shared his lifelong aspiration for a nonviolent society. He noted, “I have never seen Mahatma Gandhi,” but his teachings have greatly influenced his philosophy and advocacy for peace.
Addressing the World Happiness Report, Gurudev attributed Finland’s happiness ranking to the country’s security and low future-related anxieties. He expressed concern over the exclusion of Bhutan from the index, as well as India’s low ranking at 118, suggesting it should rank significantly higher. He remarked, “In India, the human values are much higher,” despite challenges like poverty, which do not inherently lead to unhappiness.
He called for a more comprehensive happiness survey throughout India, particularly in rural regions. Gurudev pointed out that stress is a primary contributor to unhappiness and emphasized the role of meditation in fostering inner peace, asserting, “Inner peace is essential for someone to be happy.”
The Art of Living Foundation seeks to alleviate stress through its programs, which enhance communication, expression, and perception. On March 20, during World Happiness Day, Gurudev participated in a panel discussion where he challenged India’s happiness index ranking. He stated, “A government’s agenda should not only be to provide shelter and food…but to ensure that they are happy.”
Furthermore, he expressed concern over rising aggression among American youth, particularly in cities like Chicago. He advocated for wellness programs aimed at helping young people manage their emotions and highlighted the introduction of SKY meditation programs in 145 U.S. universities.
In a discussion titled “Unlocking Happiness” with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, Gurudev conveyed profound insights on various topics, including the essence of meditation, the purpose of suffering, and the nature of love. He stated, “Suffering teaches compassion” and “Love is my nature. When I am still, I can be found.” This dialogue highlighted essential truths about seeking deeper connections and understanding in a complex world.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s insights on peace, happiness, and human values resonate strongly in today’s world. He advocates for the cessation of terrorism as a prerequisite for India-Pakistan friendship. His emphasis on dialogue to resolve conflicts reflects a broader vision for global unity. By promoting meditation and emotional wellness among youth, Gurudev aims to foster resilience and improve overall happiness. His observations challenge perceptions of happiness and underscore the significance of inner peace and compassion in a troubled world.
Original Source: newsindiatimes.com
