Art of Living Silver Jubilee

The Begining

2006-06-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

I heard waves of 'OM' filled up the entire space. Two million people were chanting 'OM' at a time. This was in an Air Field near Banglore in the month of February, 2006 and the occasion was the Silver Jubilee Celebration on Art of Living Foundation. Two million people chanting 'OM' and meditating at the same time is a world record and I was a part of it.

I did not even allow to enter the thought of attending the Silver Jubilee celebration in India when I first heard about it. Given the situation I was in, I thought it was impossible for me to attend it. But when I decided to attend, all problems vanished miraculously. People came from all over the world. For most of them this was the first visit to the subcontinent, they were not used to the hot climate, the food, and the environment. But it didn't matter to them, they were very happy - grateful to be there. Everyone had a story like me how all problems vanished miraculously when they decided to attend the Silver Jubilee celebration. They were here for one reason - they wanted to be part of this once in a life time event and be with Sri Sri.

The three day Silver Jubilee celebration was magnanimus and very innovative. 3800 musicians were on the podium along with Kings, Members of Parliament, Presidents, Military officers, x-chiefs, religious, spiritual, political and other leaders from various parts of the world. But for most Sri Sri was the sole object of attraction. Every speaker echoed the same thought - the work that Sri Sri's Art of Living Foundation is doing is the need of time. People in today's society are stressed, and there is a greater need to teach them techniques to relive the stress. The results of the 25 years of Art of Living's work is a glimpse of the Divine Society that would come in reality when people are relived of their stress.

Healthy body, Stressfree mind and a smile on each face is the moto of Art of Living Fondation. Millions had already got a taste of it and this is just the begining.

Getting that Jubilee smile...

2006-04-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Sanjay shares his experience of faith, celebration...and magical dentistry :-)

Sharing of experience, smallest may not be, but it gives a joy from inside, gratitude towards HIM. In our first advance course in the month of August 05 at Bangalore Ashram we took SANKALP to attend Silver Jubilee Celebrations. We booked our tickets but accommodation was not confirmed. All lodges packed. We were in confusion where to stay &at last divine's grace happened. We 4 persons got 4 beds accommodation in one lodge which was opposite to bus stand, such that we can catch the bus easily to go to the venue. The lodge owner told us that it was the only one room available at the last moment, just to remind us we are being taken care of by HIM. I had problem of swelling in my left jaw gum & it pains like nothing. After some medicines it use to cure but after some days the same thing happens. Our journey to attend Silver Jubilee started on 17th Feb. In the night while journey in train the same problem arise. The gum was started swelling & giving pain. I started thinking in train how can I enjoy the celebrations with this pain. How I can take food. But the faith on HIM remind me,it will be cured . HE wants me to enjoy the celebration then HE will take care. The very next morning I found that the pain has vanished, the swelling gum became normal. And I smiled, aware that it is nobody but HE only worked. And from that day to till date the problem did not arrases at all. Surprise for me that without any medicines it cured forever. Know that not only the bigger but smallest problems in every area of our life is being taken care of. We run pillar to post to solve the problems anxiously giving no results. When you start losing patience with your unanswered prayers, HE sends us gentle reminders to be patient, to hold on, Keep Faith on HIM and to give miracles a chance to work. He reminds us we are being taken care of. , It was really a lifetime experience & we felt proud to be a part of such a huge spiritual gathering, tears rolled down at Jakkur because of gratitude, grace & miracles happens in daily life. It is the grace of HIM, life is going smoothly. JAI GURUDEV, O. V. SANJAY

Tanya's Terrific Tale!

2006-04-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

The awe and innocence in Tanya's story shine through...

My SJexperience is amazing!!! let me start frm d beginning… I'am one of most fortunate who got the opportunity todo advance course in Bangalore ashram IN THE PRESENCE OF BELOVED GURUJI. It was my wish to do advance course only with Guruji .It took me 6 years to fulfill my wish, in October I went to ashram for d first time during Navratri, & in very next month I was in ashram for advance course, nothing was planned, everything happened by His grace, today by His grace all my desires r fulfilled. I also did `Sahaj Samadhi' with Bhanudidi, which is a very simple & beautiful technique of meditation. my experience is simply divine ,I hav never experienced such a joy in my life, I feel contented, full of bliss…. In my home everyone has done AOL basic course since 1998 & mom & dad never lose the opportunity to attend the Satsang with Gurudev whenever HE is in mumbai or pune. They alwayz wanted to see the Ashram…but everytime it was postponed due to some reasons…but this time I decided to take them to Ashram in Feb for SJ celebrations & they were also willing to come for celebrations …& this much was sufficient … everything else happened by itself…… as Gurudev said .. " u just say u want to come & everything will b taken care of…'' my mom is having spondelisis due to which she has walking problem bcoz of imbalancing . at that time she was not able to walk even a few distance on her own.. so d main concern was how would she walk in the crowd of 20 million people….so we almost dropped the idea of going to SJ…. But one day one of our close friends from US California… who is now a AOL teacher…. rang up early in d morning & said u r coming for SJ…Gurudev has called us all.. i told him my mom's problem… but he said u don't have to worry about d crowd as he is arranging International Registration for us & u must come…on the same day one my cousin who is also AOL devotee dropped our home & handed us free SJ passes ….. it is was such an amazing experience..At last we went to bangalore .mom dad were mesmerized on seeing the ashram & atmosphere at jakkur.. as we had international passes with us we were very close to the main stage, at jakkur everybody was supposed to walk atleast 1km to reach the seating area near stage… busses were not allowed beyond a certain area, but we were lucky that security allowed us to take our Bus beyond restricted area…gurudev was taking care at every step…..due to only His Grace my mom was able to walk in such a huge crowd without any trouble & enjoy the whole program.. everything happened so smoothly right frm getting air tickets , accommodation at banglore at eleventh hour. On the last day after SJ during our stay at ashram, there was satsang in the evening. As usual gurudev called the birthday people on stage. i took my mom-dad to the stage as it was their marriage anniversary. Guruji blessed them & asked them to exchange the maalas…they were so happpppppy…gurudev has fulfilled all their wishes…coming for SJ, staying at ashram, blessings on anniversary…what else one needs…it was happpppppppppiest moment of my life….
Meeting the Master Is the experience of a lifetime. Events continue – always. Yet life changes – completely!
We all have our share of the mundane and the exciting, We all have our joys and sorrows; Sometimes we're struggling, at times winning. Some simply exist. Others are more fortunate… Being with the Master is the experience of a million lifetimes with luv & jai gurudev tanya

Dr. Saroj's enthusiasm would clear the London fog!

2006-04-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

The Ashtavakra Geeta reminds us that we are the true source of enthusiasm. Dr. Saron is a living example...

Here is my SJCs experience (Dr Saroj from London wrote): My Most Beautifully Honorific, Dearest, Preciousest Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam!
Jai Guru Dev. There is no doubt in anyone's mind by now that the Silver Jubilee Celebrations at Banglore as well as the entire Maha Shivaratri Celebrations at Delhi were the most Stupendous, Spectacular array of the talent Magnificence & the most Magnanimously, Enchanting Enigma Spiritually …!!! Without any exception, whether young or old, each & every one of us has come out as a tower of strength.
If you thought alright, this is it - Jubilee Wraps up! ..... but REALY???!!! Of course not!
It's the beginning of a New Era, the new way, the Art of Living Way!!! We all had the most memorable time & extremely precious experiences. For many who were yet more fortunate these Celebrations creamed up to a finish in Rishikesh. Needless to say that I was one of them! After the SJCs, including the morning Maha Rudra Puja at Jakkurr on the 20 February, in the evening I left the Ashram for Delhi. At the Airport it felt like 'The International AOLF & the Ashram in exodus'. So many many masses & masses of people very very joyfully greeting & cheering with :) :) :) :) :) & "Jai Guru Devs". The atmosphere here at the airport too was charged with the same Great Feeling & Abounding Joy !!
Just about the same time as our fight departure there were so many other flights too scheduled to leave for the same destination!! Amidst our exchange of greetings & SJCs tales with other fellow AOL family members we needed to be alert in order to avoid confusion. However, this spoke volumes about the efficiency & efforts put in by the airport authorities to transport us to our desired destinations happily. It was all amazing & unimaginable! Truly, what starts with chaos & has a happy ending is highly adulatory indeed!! This is the Spirit of India!!!
We boarded our plane. As our plane took off what an extraordinarily loud cheer with :) :) :) :) :) arose in the Aircraft!!! Everyone in one chorus!!!! "JAI GURU DEV!!!!" This sort of cheering upon take offs was most unusual & unheard of, at least till today!!! Even those who were in a semi-sleepy / tired state 'all' smiled happily. All, including those few perhaps, if at all there were any that were non-AOL members, realised at once that we were from the World AOL family & so on this plane to Delhi. After the routine flight safety announcements & once all passengers were well settled someone started singing! Obviously, "the soul reminiscing the ashram satsang time was hungry". It felt very beautiful to have the Ashram atmosphere on flight!! All Angels at play!!! What a Bhajan feast aboard a plane!!!! Most Unexpected & Unimagined of ! But there you go!! This can only happen in India alone & nowhere else! To our amazement we also found that the stewardesses too were happily smiling & singing along with us. I honestly felt GURU DEV's GRACE was TOTALLY LAVISHED upon us for us to have had such an amazingly enchantingly angelic Satsang on flight between B'lore to Delhi! Every ones heart was absolutely LIGHT!! (Thanks Guruji!) So we also sang: Pyara Pyar ka marg Hamara, Gyan Humara Laksya Hai Chalo Ek sath Chalenge Hum, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam .... ...
Ek hi Ishwar Ek hi Gyan Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ... Is Duniya Mein Pyar Phelayenge, Khushiyon ka Utsav Manaenge Ek hi Sath Milenge Hum, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam .... ... Is Pal Mein Hame Jeena Hai, Hasna Aur Muskurana Hai Sabko Gala Lagana Hai, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam .... ... True knowledge for everyone, It's such a beautiful feeling, Belonging to the whole wide world, We're the Art of Living ... Our path is Love, Our aim is Wisdom: And joy to all the Nations We've come together as one, As a One World Family ... Vasudhaiva Vasudhaiva Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam .... ... Ek hi Sath Milenge Hum, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam .... ... (It was the most unique, the most cherished, & the most amazingly beautiful an experience to have sung this song in the plane, immediately after the SJCs – Yes! on air, with air, into the atmosphere & leaving it there to reverberate for time immemorial: "Is Duniya Mein Pyar Phelayenge, Khushiyon ka Utsav Manaenge Ek hi Sath Milenge Hum, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ...." in the cosmos!!!!!) It was the most magnificent & the most unforgettable experience to feel such a powerfully high vibration on this plane journey. We knew all angels were with us!!! And the whole COSMOS!!! Alongside, there was an overwhelming feeling of oneness after the SJCs & this is what we were carrying back with us. It was Absobloominutely, Fabulously Fantastic (We were, amidst our Greatest Joys, yet very aware of other passengers' feelings, especially the ones who perhaps might not have done AOL)!!! And we kept this Satsang brief. But surprisingly enough more singing was called forth. So, of course, then we sang just a few more Bhajans & wrapped it up with Jai Jai Radha Raman Hari Bol ... Jai Jai Radha Raman Hari Bol ... !!! Hari Bol ... !!! (Do you think this was the E n d …!!!) Of Course, Not !!! This was not it. The GRACE had taken over. I don't know exactly who all were behind it but with the permission of the crew this team made an announcement that the Maha Kriya passes for Delhi were also available on board for those who had not purchased them yet. And that a further announcement was that the evening Maha Rudra Puja + Satsang were open to all public!!! I was filled with awe & staggering astonishment!! What is this!!?!! Am I on this planet? All this is happening mid-flight! I was mesmerised, (& wondered if others were feeling the same) amazed & yet very very happy at the same time! How awesomely awesome!!! I have no words to say anything after that .... Jai Guru Dev!!! .... however, here are some reflections following the Umongestest ('Umong Bhara' like at our Satsangs!!!! ) celebrations .... It was a direct experience of what ONE LIT SPARK - "GURUJI" has been able to do! Whether you know it or not but it's a fact: like me the whole creation has come to experience this Abounding Joy in one form or another. This is a Miracle! LIFE IS A MIRACLE!!! SJCs were also a MIRACLE on this planet!! This is all at a humanly level but at subtler levels its effect is going to be felt for life times!! This is how Consciousness IS!!! Until recent times: this was only a talk & a dream. But now we all have had a taste & of course, its influence & impact also upon us. For those of us who had been to SJCs, already know that those who cause problems or commit crime in the world are but a few as compared to the entire creation. As much as terror & fear from the undesirable forces affect all of us around the world we now know that the same is an illusion ... & TRUTH prevails. When Light comes darkness disappears, Sunaamies / Katarinaas may come & Ritas may go !!!! But TRUTH prevails!! It is the same – nature's law at work but in reverse!!! So let us take Heart & bring a Smile to people. "THE MASTER IS HERE!!!" ... just a few of us, a few thousands or a few millions of us, being really peaceful, loving and caring for the whole planet is the way forward for the transformation!!! When I was little I used to sing: There is never any trouble if you SMILE! Oh! there is never any trouble if you S M I L E ! If there is any trouble it will vanish like a bubble, If you only take a little trouble just to S M I L E ! SO REJOICE!!! SMILE IS THE BIGGEST TRANSFORMER!! THE ENERGY CONVERTOR!!!! REJOICE!!! THE NEW ERA IS HERE! REJOICE!!! THIS IS THE WAY!!!!!!! REJOICE!!! REJOICE!!! REJOICE!!! This is only a beginning. Please don't think that SJCs was the "ultimate" & snuggle back into your daily routine like the way you used to before. In fact, after the SJCs Life has changed! The way is AOL! LOVE LOVE LOVE. Saroj. x PS Just as I have typed out this unworldly experience for sharing it with You All, I have, all through out, been showered with blessings of a variety of the most beautiful, lovely, perfumed, sweet fragrances. HIS GLORY HAS NO BOUNDS!!!!! "Limitless, undying Love that shines around & around me, Like a million Suns. It calls me on & on across the Universe – Jai Guru Dev…. Om. .... Guruji has changed my world …. " Love you GURUJI. Thanks for everything ... Jai Guru Dev.

How Gurpreet Got His Groove Back...

2006-04-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

While many have described their Jubilee experiences for some it's been a catalyst to describe their Art of Living experience. Gurpreet has one such story. This is a story many would identify with, I suspect. It's about rediscovering our true nature, the joy, the innocence we all had at one point, isn't it :-)

Going to the Silver Jubilee Celebrations in Bangalore in Feburary has given me enough courage and confidence to put my experience on paper (email). Here goes........... Has been a wonderful journey for me in the Art of Living. Everyday seems joyous these days and the days when I used to feel low and down in the dumps are gone for good. When I joined professional college after my 12th std (A level) I was drained with all the effort it took staying up nights to study every other day. My family also shifted from the town where I grew up and moved to a bigger town and I being mostly of an introvert made few friends in two years which were mostly devoted to rigourous enginneering college preparatory study. Well, I got through the college I wanted but was really worn out. College (Undergraduate school) was nothing as I thought it would be ie fun and what followed was a gruelling routine of study and taking tests for a year. Two students also committed suicide on campus and I felt like doing the same mostly for the same reasons......too much academic pressure and too few outlets. Entering second years the rungs began to give away and I ended the first semester with barely passing grades in all subjects. From there it got progressively worse as the years went by and soon I had a bunch of backlog courses and was in very low spirit and did not have the will to read anything. My mind began to wander and give in to cheap pleasures unlike what it had been like before and I felt my degree floating away from me with no end in sight. There were weeks where I just attended two hours of classes out of eighteen. Stopped running or jogging which had been a passion before. In fact ceased all activity. Lost all sense of time and space. Would eat when I was hungry, sleep when I was sleepy. Would hardly interact with anyone. Took a semester break from school. My parents took me to a psychiatrist. He diagnosed a depression and gave me pills but I got no relief from the pills. At least I could make no difference in any way when I took the pills and when I did not. Relations with mostly everyone took a downturn. My very close cousins got married but my parents did not think I was fit enough to go to the wedding. In fact I got to know later. Art of Living was a movement in school right from my first year but I was not in any frame of mind to accept a guru or let anyonetell me what to do with my life. I was too fiercely independant to listen to someone tell me how to breathe but in my third year one of my friends gently told me about the course and I went. The course was great and I loved it and the sessions were very interactive and just what I had been looking for. But I never went for the follow up and did my practice only occasionally. Things came to a head at the end of my fifth year in school and I changed my hostel and to get over the loneliness started going to satsangs regularly ata friends house. The very first time I went there it was my birthday. I did not tell anyone about it and only my family back at home knew. After satsang, people with birthdays were called out in front and the whole hall burst into a lovely birthday song for the two of us (Sagar mein ek leher uthi.....). There was no turning back from then but I stilll did not go to follow ups mostly because of the lack of knowledge of when and where they occured.
Anyway I finally finished college and then spent a memorable four months at the Bangalore Ashram during which I did TTC1. Gurudevji was very warm and supportive and that I think was the basis of my recovery. I felt I belonged. I felt I meant something to him and other people.
Came home after in January and since then have attended several DSNs and advance courses and each time feel that it is a new feeling to be there. Last year I quit the academic position I had which was getting me nowhere and joined a private firm. Someone now tracks my every move and my words have meaning. I am able to add to the bottomline of a firm. The company pays me because I perform. It is a wonderful new and beautiful feeling from the feelings of uselessness and helplessness I used to have.
There are still many milestones to achieve before I can say that I belong to the mainstream but I truly believe I am on the right path. It is just because of the Art of Living Gurudev, people, satsangs, sadhana, service , silence and smiles was this possible. This is nothing short of a miracle for me. Jai Gurudev. Gurpreet.

A Daughter Comes Home

2006-04-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

Nimmi recounts another Jubilee miracle involving a very close member of her One World Family...

Vina learnt the Sudarshan Kriya in an AOL Basic Course in Boston, nearly four years ago. Was very moved by the experience, but seldom found time to keep up with the practice of it. I kept reminding her to do the home practice in vain. Anyway, she attended the three-day SJ celebrations in Bangalore this February. She was overwhelmed by the sea of humanity that surrounded her. As far as the eye can see, there were people. The stage was magnificent and Guruji, - divine! He conducted a guided meditaion which seemed like five minutes long, but when she looked at her watch she realised that an hour had gone by! She could scarce believe that she had been out of it ( or should I say, with it) for a whole hour! "It was so amazing! I now do the home kriya every day, mom!" In my mind the purpose of the SJ celebrations was realised in that instant! Love and Jai Guru Dev!(photo is from Shweta's album mentioned in an earlier post)

Something new, something old, all bright as gold

2006-04-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

Subhash sends us a number of links of Silver Jubilee Experiences. Some are already posted here, some are new...all are worth a look...enjoy.

http://www.sandeepsharma.com/aol25/ http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ciby_mathew/album?.dir=/8361&.src=ph&.tok=phdfRgEBr4J0NkAz http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=xa9aw29.2ye8arkp&x=0&y=3f4ap8 www.pbase.com/pkongara/sjc http://www.pbase.com/pkongara/bangalore_ashram http://www.z-boyz.org/faces.htmhttp://titiksha.net/aol_silverjubilee/

From the Foothills of the Himalayas

2006-04-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

Shweta from Nepal has beautiful photographs in her yahoo album - including one of satsang at the Ashram as you see here. You can see her complete album here.

Welcome to Another Blog

2006-04-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

Raj Waghray has a nice blog with a mix of topics, including the Jubilee. You have a good chance of seeing some 'live' updates about the activities at the Bangalore ashram.

Check it out on

http://niranjani.wordpress.com

Wave of Emotion

2006-03-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

C. N. Murty's experience from happy-to-sad-to-happy again...(photo from Rick's album)

Dear All, JAI GURUDEV ! On the 2nd of SJC i.e.,on 18.2.06 I was waiting for my wife and friends who were expecting from Bangalore city at VIP gate alonwith 2 female and one male volunteers and speaking over my mobile with my wife. Suddenly a car has passed us someone cried Guruji is there in the car and he has waved. The police inspector was surprised to hear this as Guruji is not supposed to pass through that gate for security reasons. I was cursing myself for not having seen HIM when he just passed before me. Since my wife said that it will take more than half-an-hour to reach the gate and it was very hot, I have told her to meet me at our seating place and left the gate and by mistake took a wrong route to go to the seating place. I was returning to take the right route and I was all alone on that path. Suddenly, Guruji's car was coming in front of me and I was thrilled to see HIM and waved at HIM and he waved back at me. See how HE fulfils your every wish. JAI GURUDEV !

Sleeping in Guruji's Meeting Room!

2006-03-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

Meenakshi writes about how the Art of Living chaos-to-bliss journey worked for her!

Her experience must be as beautiful as this picture. (You can find more of these at Matt's photo-album.)

Dear all: I was still deciding to go or not and suddenly things turned out very good and i planned to start for silver jubilee and one of the best things that i want to share was, i was gifted to stay in Guruji's meeting room for the first 3 days, which was really awesome. They day i reached India, i was wondering where to go, either my mother's house or Ashram, then the volunteers at the AOL booth, with so much of love and affection, welcomed us with Chandan on our forehead and said have a nice stay in the ashram. Then i started towards the ashram and happened to see Ravi pathak in the bus and we were exchanging Guruji stories Once we reached Ashram, Guruji, was soooooooooo kind enough to come to the booth and said, please arrange for beds in the meeting room. I was the first one to enter the meeting room and relax and then many of us got a divine accomodation in the meeting room,(Kashyap, next to Guruji's kuteer) So near to Vishalakshi Mantap.(amma'a mantap). My whole trip was a miracle starting from just booking the tickets to reaching and coming back. After the advanced course moved to my mother's house and happened to stay there for the silver jubilee was just half an hour from the silver jubilee site. Happened to watch ganapathi homa, rudra homa along with the magnificiant silver jubilee celebrations. Another miracle was my brother got to be a voluteer as a doctor volunteer from his medical college on the stage. That was awesome. I was able to go with many of my sisters, brothers and my mother who is 80 years old, some how managed to take my mother to the Silver jubilee celebration site and watch the celebrations. My journey back was full of wondeful scenaries in the AIR that i had not seen earlier, even though i have travalled more than dozen times to and from to India With love, Meenakshi Ramamoorthi

Did your meditations become deeper?

2006-03-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

Frank the extraordinary photographer has this query for other Jubilee participants:

Another thing about my experience, my meditations have been much different ever since I got back. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this same thing. I've done 8 advanced courses, DSN, sahaj, a couple of basic courses but nothing has had this same shift.

Wouldn't we all want to have meditation as deep as this?

Beautiful Close-Ups

2006-03-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

Frank has some of the most beautiful pictures of people at the Jubilee. Very pretty portraits...and very large photographs :-) His site takes a little time to load but it's worth the wait - especially when you see the photographs of Guruji :-)

Take a look.

Frank also a different take on the event:
The one theme I would have to say about my experience was that no matter how chaotic, I had complete faith that I was being taken care of. This was a different feeling for me. Also, at SJC itself, I wasn't caught up in the event itself, the granduer, the history in the making aspect, the kriya/mediation or any of that. I was, however, blown away at the immense love I experienced at the venue. Amazing.

The International Cultural Program

2006-03-26T15:08:00.000-08:00

Thousands of people who braved the afternoon sun on the 18th and 19th of Feb. at Jakkur saw some amazing artistic performances from all around India and the world. Prashant has captured some of these with his lens and made them available here.

Above you can see a glimpse of Maharashtra who had a memorable performance with a loud splash of orange attire and powerful percussion....and Argentina in their blues had the crowd asking for more...

Arun's Seva (service) brings Mewa (fruit)

2006-03-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

Arun tells us of those who were in active seva during those 3 days. Can you imagine cleaning for 2.5 million people?! Arun's blog can be found here.

My silver jubilee celebration started in the month of january itself soon after i bought my mahakriya pass. One of the senior AOL member named yagnya approached me to do some seva for Silver Jubilee i also accepted his offer and been with him for whole three days of celebration, we were into cleaning seva really it was a great experience learned lot about real seva by interacting with different people and volunteers ..we were only managed to hear some satsang songs through big screen and finally we did our mahakriya rest of the time fully engaged in seva only during seva my team leader given lot of encouragement saying we will have some special session with some senior AOL teacher ..but you won't beleive me we had a special session with guruji itself that too so close in bangalore airport ..we all volunteers from our team gathered in aiport during his delhi visit to mahasivarathri ..we all got good blessing from guruji ...it was really a wonderfull experience ....suddenly i remeber Guruji words, Seva karnay say hi meva miltha (sweet) hai :). we did good seva therefore the sweet result :) Celebrate life! Jai Gurudev! :)

An Insider's view of the Jubilee Stage

2006-03-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Rick has some rare close-up photographs of the stage performers and guests at his photo-site. See if you recognize anyone...

E.g. I suspect you recognize the first one :-) and if you were a TTC participant you would recognize the second one also!

Words, Photos and Now Motion Pictures!

2006-03-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Sandeep has shared his talent as a photographer and cameraman. There are some unique film clips here and some nice shots of the arrival scenes at Bangalore airport...

It was a lifetime experience to be part of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations and Shivaratri in Bangalore and Delhi.I would like to share some photos and amateur videos from the events. http://www.sandeepsharma.com/aol25/ Enjoy ! Jai Gurudev, Sandeep PS: The videos are from a digital camera and hence not of the quality. Some videos are quite big, so use your discretion in downloading them after looking at the size.

Worth Thousands of Words

2006-03-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco Bay Area web team has created a nice photo-essay site capturing the photo-albums of different volunteers at the Jubilee event...

You'll see beautiful photographs like the two shown here.

Little Rain Drops Reaching the Ocean

2006-03-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

As usual, Mani's post combines detail, heart, love and song in a way no one else can...

All the little rain drops ultimately reached the ocean and joined the waves of celebration. More than two millions congregatedfrom 146 Countries embracing 6 continents, converging to provide a revelation of what could be described as the One World Family. This confluence of humankind is an ancient Indian dream of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, Gurudev has accomplished it and it is our great fortune that we are part of the history.
The gigantic Jakkur Air field could take pride that it had carried the largest density of human population for three days. This biggest congregation was also the most peaceful one. There was enthusiasm with awareness what they call “Josh with Hosh”. People greeted each other “Jaigurudev” with a fervent smile on their face. Peace, harmony, sense of belonging were abound the whole venue. The colossal stage adorned in Hampi architecture with a capacity to accommodate 7,000 people was really fascinating. The colorful lights and decorations were very appealing. It was heaven on earth. Now coming to my personal experience it is the greatest blessing for me and my family. Right from the Journey to accommodation to local transportation and getting a vantage point to sit at the SJC Venue everything was just happening as if it was a dream. Thanks to Sri Mohan and his brother Sri Ramesh for providing comfortable accommodation and taking care of our transportation. On 17th February, we were at the S J C venue before noon and were fortunate to have a glimpse of the Pooja in the majestic presence of Gurudev. We moved around the venue looking at the neatly arranged stalls and were amazed by the growth of AOL, IAHV, 5 H Programs. Our Volunteers had effectively showcased the various service projects successfully handled by these organizations. The Photo collections and the wonderful way they have been put on view deserved everybody’s appreciation. There were stalls of Arts & Crafts, Jewelry, Holistic materials, Books, World Space Radio, Ayurveda etc, which were also very impressive. In the evening with the lighting of traditional lamp by the Governor of Karnataka Sri.T.N.Chathurvedi and Chief Minister Sri.H.D.Kumaraswamy in the Divine presence of Gurudev the celebrations began. Over a thousand saints from all spiritual traditions graced the inaugural day and blessed the gathering. Some of them like Swamiji Dayanada Saraswathi of Arsha Vidya Peetam, Coimbatore proclaimed Gurudev as the leader of Spiritual Saints. Sri Ramdev Maharaj praised Gurudev’s efforts in promoting Yoga and Meditation. Spirituality really unites people as we could see representatives from all the religious beliefs in the World sharing a common platform.
For the first time ever 3,800 musicians shared a common stage and presented a grand symphony. From veenas to nadaswarams, flutes and violins, saxophones, morsinghs and thavils, guitars, Tablas, Mirdangams, Keyboards etc. everything synchronized and blended to provide melody to our ears and grandeur to our eyes. Gurudev’s meditation at the end of the day was another great boon for us. On the second day, we went through the length and breadth of the SJC Venue met a lot of friends, visited the stalls and enjoyed the tasty food at the Food Courts. In the evening celebration during the bajan “ Hari Sundara Nanda Mukunda Hari Narayan Hari Om” our Pakistani Brothers danced on stage. It touched our hearts as two of the representatives from Pakistan said "We can feel oneness here. We have brought love from Pakistan". Cheers and thunderous clapping followed from the audience. The King of Ghana a personification of broadened vision and deep rooted in Tradition, spoke about poverty stricken tribal people across the World living with conflicts. Part 2 to follow tomorrow...

Majestic India - So Rich In Spirituality

2006-03-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

This was Johanna's first time in India but it appears she drank so deeply from her cup that she can be called 'desi' already. Some exotic symbols appeared amongst the text in her e-mail. We left it that way to reflect how exotic the experience was...:-)

I first stopped in Mumbai (previously named Bombay). First thing I noticed was just how foggy and hot the air was. I thought it was just the early fog rolling in, but realized it was more the pollution from the many auto rickshaws, cars, mobiles, buses crowding the streets of Juhu. Diane, Lee, Emma, andI were stuffed into this little van where they took us to our first hotel in India. We were so excited to be here in India!! We were shouting and exclaiming in true glee and excitement! Some things we noticed were groups of people were in a line sleeping outside. We saw many of these, as well as a cow roaming in the street, and some homeless women wearing brightly colored, worn saris. It was a wonderful sight to see. We cruised quickly to our hotel without traffic because it was 3 in the morning. It finally hit me that I am in the land that I have been longing to visit, the place full of deep spiritual roots, culture and history. Shopping in India is really fun. Getting from one place to another using an auto rickshaw is really inexpensive! It will cost 50 cents (20-25 rupees) for a rickshaw to take us to the markets. There were 2 or 3 rickshaws lined up to take us to our destination, and there was one young rickshaw driver that boomed loud bollywood music, and I thought ※it would be fun to ride w/ him§ and I heard Diane saying, ※I＊m not riding with this guy if my life depended on it!§. Well, we ended up taking this driver, and he was weaving in and out between rickshaws, and cars, and honking away to get through. Aanchal, Diane, and I were having such a BLAST! We first went to Santa Cruz and then Lincoln, both very popular areas to shop in Juhu, Mumbai. Aanchal and Minnie＊s good friend were our main guides and was able to help with communicating and making sure we weren＊t getting ripped off. Our food at the hotel was exceptionally good, and we didn＊t have any problem with eating fruit. I was quite paranoid about the food thing, but ironically never had any food problems throughout my entire trip there. I was enjoying all the wonderful dishes there! People are very friendly and always helpful. After Mumbai, we took a flight to our final destination: Bangalore Art of Living Ashram. We were greeted with Art of Living devotees marking us w/ kumkum, candy, flowers, and of course many Jai Guru Dev＊s. Riding the bus to the ashram, my whole being felt calm and quiet. A huge burden has been lifted, and I felt light and beautiful, knowing I was going to see Guruji soon We finally arrived at the ashram around 5 PM, and was taken to the grueling registration process. I caught a glimpse of Guruji when we were on our quest to find the restroom. It was a wonderful welcoming gesture for him to show us a little bit of HIM. Satsang happened soon, but we stayed back to make sure registration cleared through. They had satsang at the VM, and the bhajans heard from afar was electrifying, filled with Bhakti (devotion)! What a satsang it was!!! The energy of the ashram is something else. It is another dimension at the Ashram. The energy is so high, literally heaven on earth. There is a silent joy that permeates every crevice of the ashram. The air is sweet and full of life. Everything is brighter there, and there are just so many smiling faces everywhere. I heard from people who have been to the ashram in the past say it has never been this crowded before. Of course, in Art of Living, our trademark is some chaos, right??? Well, I have never before experience so much chaos! Although there was much chaos and stress, it is so impressive to see how they were able to manage feeding 5,000 plus people at the ashram, and house everybody in and out of the ashram as well. Everywhere you go there will be a long queue of people〞some happy, some complaining and miserable too! It was so beautiful to see people from all over the world. I have met so many people from Malaysia, Russia, Lithuania, Poland, Holland, France, Germany, China, Taiwan, Brasil, Mauritius, Africa, Mongolia, Slovania, the list goes on. It felt so nice to see everybody together, and it really felt like we were one big family. Then came the three day Silver Jubilee Celebrations. What a magnitude of people. It was a sea of people from all over the world. The air there was high in energy, and Guruji＊s presence was felt everywhere. There was no need to be close to him physically, as I felt himwith me many times. The satsang was amazing, and Guruji was beaming in full splendor. He looked so calm, royal, and beautiful. I have no idea how he is able to pull this whole thing off. The large number of dedicated volunteers have worked day and night, sometimes without food and rest, have put this whole event together. I＊m very grateful for all of them that has given their 100% to making us feel comfortable and at home to our first trip in India. My experience of the Maha Kriya on the last day of the Silver Jubilee was profound. Gratefulness welled up in me, and I＊m realizing that Guruji loves us SOOOOOOO much. This whole get together was such a powerful way to initiate awareness of Spirituality into more lives on this earth. I think we have moved to another level when it comes to spiritual awareness. I don＊t think the world will ever be the same after this event. I don＊t think I＊m able to grasp the whole thing into words, and I also am not going to try to explain into words. The effects are still lingering in me.. I was also blessed to go to Delhi for Mahashivaratri thanks to my extended family, Madhu, Suzanne and their family. They have taken very good care of me and we have shared great stories together. We went for live Maha Kriya with Guruji early in the morning, and later for Mahashivaratri celebrations. The bhajans were straight from God, and Rudra Puja also sent me to another plane as well＃No words just can＊t explain! Before the celebrations, Guruji suggested we all go visit the Aksham Temple (?) (newly built in 2000) near the Shivaratri venue. He said it is like a ※Disneyland§ J This temple was built for Swami Narayan, and supposedly when he was four years old, he went up to the Himalayan mountains and meditated for 10 or 11 years and then this temple was built for him in his honor. This temple was very divine and the energy there was also very high＃It was absolutely Amazing and no words can describe it＊s grandeur!!! I could have spent the whole day there. It was so easy to go into meditation in that temple, I couldn＊t tell if it was from Shivaratri, or the location, or both! Coming back home, I wish I could stay there for longer. India is filled with so much abundance＃In India, it＊s very easy to see the opposites〞the extremely poor people to the very wealthy. But you will see many worshipping gods, garlanding their cars with flowers and visiting local temples. There is not one day that I didn＊t see a Ganesh, a temple, an Om sign, or Divine statue or name. Everyday, I hear some chant from afar, early in the morning. I have always known that India was very sacred and special, but now I have experienced just a taste of it. The people are rich inside, the smiles and eyes are unforgettable. The colors, sounds, smells, tastes, and subtle feelings of India are unforgettable. I＊m very grateful for Guruji for giving me this opportunity to be there at this time＃I wish that we can make the whole world more like India in terms of spirituality and more.. Jai Guru Dev Love, Johanna

Promises to Keep

2006-03-23T17:54:00.000-08:00

Subhrendu gives us a enticing beginning and then teases us with promises of more to come :-)

First & foremost thing I remembered in SJC is a quote from our teachers in recent past.. that u wil need a binocular to see Guruji in cdoming days shortly .. He is growing in such a speed.. ( Though I am SURE everyone got a DARSHAN including myself, externaly or through inner eyes & people felt more connected with Guruji during SJC who could not go at the last momment).. And I could not beleive that it will be true so EARLY ..Because one really needed binoculars to see Him..I got a binocular at a time near a food stall.. Still could not visualise.. Such big was the venue .. ( And big in all dimentions!!!!!!!!!) I felt small , at the same time I have whole world as my family.. as close near & dear ones .. I felt fortunate .. at the same time proud too.. that I could be a part of the crowd.. It is very difficult to express the experience in one go.. So I wonder if I will require quite a few mails to say that .. as the memories are incraesing day by day ..

An Ocean in a Cup?

2006-03-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

Charu's experience is as profound as the quote in her signature...

When I first heard of the Silver Jubilee celebrations in Bangalore, I was not at all sure I would be able to attend because of family commitments etc. But then, Guruji was visiting Boston in May 2005. In a satsang in Julia and Jonathan's home, he asked all of us who were coming for SJM to raise our hands. I didn't want to raise my hand, since I wasn't sure if I would be able to go, but a force was pushing me to. So I just said, Guruji, I don't know how I will come, but I will come. And that was it!

So many obstacles came... but they all were vanquished, just because I knew the Master would take care of me come what may!

And I went with my family for the Silver Jubilee celebrations. When I saw Guruji on Feb 17th, there were tears of happiness and so much joy! And on Feb 19th, when we said 'Om' during the kriya, it was like the sound had gone in every direction, right till the heavens, and the only thought in my mind was "Guruji, let your mission be fulfilled". :) Now after coming back, I see the change in myself and in my family, and it is all due to His grace.

love and luck!

Charu ------------

Life is a mystery, love is a mystery, God is a mystery. You can live it so totally. You can never understand it. Your "understanding" means taking the ocean in a cup

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of the Art of Living Foundation.

Back to the Future

2006-03-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

Geeta's experiences are deep and touching...

About the SJ celebrations, I am still figuring out my experiences.I can say that the impact was huge and with each passing day, new things come to mind,things that I witnessed but did not strike me as important then. The first thing that touched me was the assembly of all the saints,rishis and sadhus-their presence all together on stage created a blissful upliftment. The childlike innocence on their faces, their simplicity was so touching. Gurudev has reached mainland China, Taiwan, Pakistan,Iraq and Iran. I was having conversation with a beautiful lady from Pakistan whose dream was to visit India one day and there she was at the Ashram in total bliss. Most of the time you could not understand the languages spoken,so many countries were represented and in such huge numbers.The Russian delegation had 1,500 participants. Among the crowds in India,you could see the riches of the rich and the poorest of the poor all in awe of the Master.Gurudev was just a speck on the huge stage,but when he was shown on the big screen there would be hush silence.This whole Art Of Living family had just gathered in gratitude for their Guru and their Guru alone.Nothing really mattered other than His Divine,His childlike and innocent Presence.At the end of day one,Feb 17th, as all the International delegates left in their respective buses,the whole airfield was almost empty. Gurudev went into samadhi and with him all those who were left behind. They all sat in meditation in front of the big screen, in front of the Master. Thoughts like Who is He? or What is He? kept coming to my mind. To the rich and the poor he is the same Guru- how does He manage this, I left the airfield in wonder. As each speaker came to the podium,whether saint or politician, each was in awe of the assembly of 1.8 million spiritually inclined human beings come to express their solidarity with the Master.Each speaker spoke of hope of Vasudeva Kutumbakam-one world family.It felt as if there is hope for the world,hope for peace and living together in harmony. The Meditation and the Kriya,you must have heard so much about it from everybody. There was striking shift in temperature as meditation and Kriya progressed.It felt like the angels and the gods had left their heavenly abode to witness this extraordinay event.The silence was profound, the silence of over a million people. Everything was chalked out for us. The chaos that goes with Art of Living, teaching us to drop expectations,the frustration, the anger all these emotions were experienced and yet in front of what we witnessed, so futile,so miniscule. The rishis described this as a Vishwa Kumbh Mela, where the whole world participated. Probably an event of this magnitude has never taken place in India in recent times, may never take place again or maybe it is the start of magnificent events to come in future.I dont' know. This journey has stirred up so many deep memories of past lives,that I always belonged to the downtrodden, I am needed there among the poor and the needy and it is time to act and take on more responsibility. Lots of love Jai Gurudev Geeta Garud Mineapolis USA

One from the heart

2006-03-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

You can feel Aban's heart in this sweet post...

The logistics were so mind boggling...that I used to be forever in wonder and feel a little anvious for the amount of work the younger people were doing...I wanted to be part of it some how. He granted that. Last few days I got caught up in national Housing...our desk was at reception, old ashram...the place I am nostalgic about. had loads of fun. Most of the people were not bothered if they got the accomodation or not. They were just too happy to be breathing the same air as our guruji ! Many odds and so called problems appeared as if it was nothing...what a space that was. Met many old timers after a gap of many years...truly it felt to be part of the one world family...guruji has been visioning about. The festive look in the ashram, the padyatras in and around bangalore were awesome !! people just came forward to be part of it....having done the course or not... Bhajans in satsanghs were electrifying....it felt like how you feel when spring is in the air...everything gearing up for the most important electrifying , mind boggling event of hundreds of thousands of years. Venue was....oh I lack the vocabulary to express it. It was an ocean of humanity...all smiles...all decked up..all excited...all together ...all colours...all sizes....and the stage ..as if it was somewhere in the sky hanging....anytime the angels will come and shower blessings...and they did. In abundance ! We were with our twins...very naughty..very spirited...very friendly...n we made loads of friends. They would disturb all around us but everybody was so kind and generous and full of fun...nobody really minded them. They enjoyed and made others around then enjoy too. And Guruji was the bestest of all. Just there for every body ! Smiles all the time and looking at humanity and already planning our further well being. I feel so blessed to have been there with my whole family of near and dear ones. Lov...jgd aban

Short and sweet

2006-03-23T17:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes people share with just a few words and that's enough. Anoop has one such post...

I was not sure that I have to go there but the call of unknown force made the programme & I could go to Banglore ,even if for one day, to do the Long Kriya with Guruji.It was an experience of have achieved something "Grand"

Anoop Jairath

Everything Official About it

2006-03-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of wonderful pictures - the one with thousands of arms raised in Bhastrika is amazing - and nice chatty reports including a behind the scenes action.

Where is all this? Where else? http://www.silverjubilee.org/

You must check out the slide show and read the reports. I like the last line in the Behind The Scenes section:

As Bawa, one of the co-ordinators, says, “We don’t just believe in miracles – we rely on them.”

Can you lose your wallet in India and get it back?

2006-03-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

This is a fascinating post from Manik from Fremont...read and find out the answer to the question raised in the title...

We arrived in Delhi on Feb 26 fresh from the blissful wonderment of the Silver Jubilee events with our hearts still glowing from the three magical days of such radiance in Bangalore! It was nice to see a big picture of our beloved Guruji at the airport welcoming us just as we had seen everywhere in airports, billboards, newspapers and televisions during our visit all over India. We checked in at our hotel in Noida and then proceeded to Akshar Dham which was the venue for the Shivratri festival. It was impressive to see the Akshar Dham temple itself which was so grand and awesome in appearance. But we didn't want to miss the Rudra Pooja and we wanted good seats for the Maha-satsang so we crossed over early to the other side of the complex where our satsang was taking place. It was nice to see all the shops and little stalls so colorfully decorated for the event. The enthusiasm of the volunteers was infectious and it was inspiring to see so many of them cheerfully braving the storms of wind that were periodically blowing sand on everyone. While Sufi and the kids were checking out the shops, I sneaked away to have some delicious samosas and masala milk - the best I have had in a long time! In the sea of people it was great to see the familiar faces of so many of our friends from the Bay Area. After the beautiful pooja, we were treated to a grand satsang the likes of which we have never seen before! One by one, the galaxy of the best singers from the Art of Living unleashed their tremendous talent and devotion on our joyful ears ...simply amazing!! Nitinji, Vikramji, Bhanu-didi etc. really are in a class of their own - we wished the satsang would have gone on all night! But alas around 10 pm Guruji got up, waved to the crowd and decided to leave. And soon after the satsang ended. As we were making our way out, there was a huge traffic jam of people at the exit of our enclosure. I held onto the hands of my children so as to not lose them in the crowd. However as we got out of the gate, I put my hand in the pocket of my kurta and found that my wallet was missing! We scrambled back in and looked all around the ground area close to the gate, but it was nowhere in sight. Our older son Darshan got very nervous. "Papa, do you have any money left?". "Technically no", I replied. "Do you have any credit cards left?". "I don't think so", I replied. "That's it", he told my younger son Amit " Tonite we will be sleeping in the streets of Delhi and we will have to beg for food". Hearing this, Amit started to cry. We abandoned the search and I put my arms around both of them and said "Relax, we are taken care of !" We felt sad that such a beautiful day was ending on an unpleasant note. We were walking out somewhat crestfallen. As we reached the roadside, someone shouted "Guruji, Guruji !!" and pointed to a white car that was driving by. We ran towards the car and by great fortune for the first and only time in our trip to India all the millions of people disappeared and we were face to face with dear Guruji. I placed my hand on the window of his car and lovingly He raised his hand and through the closed glass window reached out to my outstretched hand. The word went out within the Art of Living circles about our missing wallet and by the time we got back to the hotel, we received so many offers from our dear friends for money, credit cards, their cars, their homes whatever we wanted. We never felt so rich in all our lives! The next evening we were having dinner at dear Sanjana's house and her home phone rang. An unknown man asked for me. When I picked up the phone, he asked if I was Manik Advani. "Yes", I replied. "Are you missing anything?". I said "Yes, I lost my wallet yesterday at the festival." Then he said that he had found it at the Shivratri venue and that I could pick it up from him anytime I wanted. I asked him how he had located us and if he knew Sanjana. He said that he never knew Sanjana but in my wallet some phone numbers were listed on a piece of paper and he just randomly decided to call one of them. Actually, there were more than a hundred numbers listed on that paper including so many people that I intended to call for some office purposes who wouldn't have known what this guy was talking about had he called them! How he randomly picked Sanjana's number and then called her home at the exact moment that I was having dinner there?!! By the time we got our wallet back, we were already taken care of so wonderfully by all our friends. Getting it back only reinforced how well we were taken care of. The whole episode reminded us how the grace is always with us and how we are forever grateful and how we all can "Relax, we are taken care of !!" Love and Jai Gurudev!! Manik

Media spotlight on Meditation of Millions

2006-03-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

There was a lot of Indian and International media covering such a huge event.

Frank Schmidt from Art of Living Norway has designed a nice little site to capture all the media reports on the Jubilee event. There are a couple of Norwegian words but the rest of the page is in English.

A couple of nice photographs too.

Don’t know how to describe

2006-03-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

Guruji’s invitation to be there was enough. And then, the hearsay of the magnitude of the event and its significance only strengthened my resolve to be there - come what may!

Execution of the intention was the next step. And, as it were to be, it was not easy. Enough temptations and distractions came my way. First, a lucrative job offer with the condition that I join on Jan 28th 2006 and no later. There was no way I could take that job and then take a long leave immediately. The only option in front of me was to reject the offer. Few of my friends thought – ‘You got to be stupid!’ and so was I.

With my TTC1 happening before the silver jubilee, I was one of the very fortunate ones to be in the ashram in the days building up the silver jubilee.

Watching Bangalore and Ashram ready up for the event was mind boggling. Buildings sprouted, roads appeared and a whole new world was created in front of my eyes as if it was a fable being told in a dream.

The three days came, went and conquered me. It took me several days for the event to sink in to my psyche. It was only when I came home and sat back to recollect those moments, pause at the photos, the magnitude and magic of what just happened dawned on me.

Every bit of what happened there is a cherishable memory. Some just stand out in comparison to others –

Tops the list – Speech by Hassan, the Saudi boy…..remember every word of what he spoke and have narrated that speech to many friends of mine several times.

Watching Indian and Pakistani flags waving together and the people of these two countries dancing together, it was special.

I have tried earnestly using words to describe what I experiences. Yet, I feel inadequate and incomplete in expressing myself. Hope I could convey even 10% of what it felt J

Let the blessings of Gurudev reach every single soul on this planet!

Sagar!!!

The start of the journey

2006-03-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

It all started for us in March 2005. Casti and I were in Austin for a one-day course with Guruji. Guruji was saying "You should all come next year to India." I had heard a lot of talk about the Silver Jubilee before but that was the first time I had the smallest of thoughts, "It'd be nice to go to India for this event."

And even though we went through multiple iterations and combinations of our trip - I think our fate was sealed that day. In fact I wonder how many of those folks at the one-day course knowingly or unknowingly accepted the gentlest of invitations from Guruji.