Sri Sri Ravishankar was born in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu on May 13, 1956. It is said that he could recite the entire Bhagvad Gita at a tender age of 4 years. He was inclined towards studying the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. R.S.V. Ratnam, his father identified Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a worthy spiritual master for Ravishankar and entrusted him in his care.
According to Maharshi Mahesh Yogi’s instructions, Ravishankar first completed his education with a science degree after which he joined Maharishi’s followers. Ravishankar spent a lot of time organizing Yagnas and also at the Maharishi’s charity in Delhi, teaching Vedic Pundits. As part of his foreign travel, Ravishankar was taken to Switzerland by Maharishi where he spent seasons above Lake Lucerne.
It is said that Maharishi would always began a meeting only with Ravi’s presence. Accordingly a lot of people considered Ravi as Maharishi’s favorite. In the year, 1982, Ravishankar went into complete silence for ten days, after which he became an enlightened master. It was during this time that Sudarshan Kriya, a technique for breathing was perceived by Ravishankar.
Later on an organization called the AOL –Art of Living was set up by Ravishankar to spread the breathing technique Sudarshan Kriya as well as other related knowledge. The breathing technique is being taught to people across 140 nations. Advanced meditations like the Sahaj Samadhi Yoga and Hollow and Empty are also taught by instructed to create well being and inner wellness.
Spiritual topics in a wide range are covered by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar right from Christ to Krishna. Satsangs are also organized by him. He has followers from different religions though he comes from a Hindu family. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also the only non-Western member of the Council of the Divinity School in Yale University, United States. He is co-founder of an international nonprofit organization – IAHV – International Association of Human Values in special consultative status with the UNESC – United Nations Economic and Social Council.
