Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Advocates for Peace and Happiness in Society
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlights the possibility of peace between India and Pakistan if terrorism is eliminated. He underlines the need for a unified global vision to resolve conflicts and critiques the World Happiness Report rankings while emphasizing India’s human values. He advocates for inner peace, meditation, and community in fostering true happiness, especially for American youth facing rising challenges.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a revered humanitarian and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, expressed a hopeful vision for peace between India and Pakistan, contingent upon the cessation of terrorism by the latter. He stated, “I envision peace for every country. India and Pakistan should become good friends and become peaceful, provided Pakistan shuns terrorism.” This remark was made during a press conference on March 20, 2025, at the Art of Living Center in Washington, D.C.
In discussing global conflicts, including those involving Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East, Gurudev emphasized the need for leaders to embrace a broad vision. He remarked, “We are not in isolation now. The world is connected. We are one human family. So that global vision of every leader should be to bridge gaps.” His longstanding aspiration for a nonviolent society has been inspired by those who worked alongside Mahatma Gandhi.
Gurudev commented on the World Happiness Report, attributing Finland’s high ranking to security and reduced anxiety among its citizens. He expressed surprise at Bhutan’s exclusion from the rankings and critiqued India’s position at 118, suggesting it could rank much higher due to its inherent human values: “I have traveled all over the world, and I see in India, the human values are much higher.”
He advocated for a more comprehensive happiness survey in India that includes rural areas. Gurudev noted that stress is a key contributor to unhappiness, stating that inner peace is crucial for happiness. He noted, “Inner peace is essential for someone to be happy. A stressed person can never be happy.”
On March 20, Gurudev participated in a panel during the World Happiness Summit in Washington, D.C., challenging India’s happiness ranking and its correlation with welfare. He expressed that societal well-being encompasses much more than fulfilling basic needs. “A government’s agenda should not only be to provide shelter and food to people but to ensure that they are happy,” he asserted.
Expressing concern for American youth, Gurudev highlighted issues of rising aggression and violence, particularly in urban areas. He proposed the introduction of wellness programs to help young individuals manage their emotions effectively. He stated, “Neither at school nor at home do we learn any technique that can help us self-actualize.”
In a dialogue with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, Gurudev underscored various themes regarding well-being, meditation, and the pursuit of truth. He conveyed that boredom signals a deeper need for spiritual exploration. “Boredom is the sign from the universe that it is time for you to go deeper into transcend,” he explained. He also proclaimed that love is an intrinsic aspect of human nature, asserting that, “Love is my nature. When I am still, I can be found, and the Divine can seek me.”
In summary, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offers an insightful perspective on the potential for peace between India and Pakistan, contingent upon the cessation of terrorism. He emphasizes the importance of a broader vision for resolving global conflicts and critiques societal measures of happiness. By fostering inner peace and compassion, he believes individuals can cultivate joy and community spirit, thereby enhancing overall well-being. His reflections during various discussions reinforce the essential role of meditation and truth-seeking in personal development and societal harmony.
Original Source: newsindiatimes.com
