My friend Raj popped an intriguing question: “A famous Indian guru is in town—fancy seeing him?” Little did I know, my casual ‘yes’ would unfurl a deeply transformative journey. Back in May 2016, then premier and current President Ranil Wickremesinghe had organised a public event for the Guru at Temple Trees. That was my first encounter with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a meeting that would profoundly shape my path ahead.
Sri Sri captivated the audience with his effortless charm and wisdom, leading us into a tranquil guided meditation that transported us all to a serene haven. I walked away feeling a deep resonance with the experience, propelling me to visit the Art of Living Foundation’s branch in Colombo. Instantly, I was hooked.
At the Foundation, friendly volunteer teachers introduced me to the Happiness Program, where I discovered the Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) breathing technique. This simple 20-minute daily routine revolutionised my life, boosting my energy, melting away stress, and infusing peace in me everyday. The practice became a cornerstone of my life, embraced fully since 2016. The Art of Living community in Sri Lanka welcomed me with open arms, creating a sense of deep connection and belonging.
If you ever get the chance to learn from the teachers at Art of Living, Sri Lanka – seize it. Their dedication to lifting the community is nothing short of inspiring. In 2018, I introduced my then-future husband, Layan, to the program. Initially sceptical, he reluctantly joined, but soon, the profound benefits of the breathing techniques won him over. Today, he might just be more devoted to the practice than I am.
We had the privilege to meet Sri Sri in Bangalore in 2019, expressing our gratitude for his life-changing insights. The Bangalore ashram proved to be a magical, soothing retreat, a place I recommend everyone to visit if possible. So, what has changed since embracing Sri Sri’s teachings? Life’s challenges still come and go, but now I possess inner stability and effective techniques to maintain peace and clarity amid life’s dramas. I’ve gained an incredible global community of friends. With Sri Sri planning visits to the Taj Samudra Hotel on May 19 for an evening of “Music, Meditation and Wisdom,” I urge everyone to experience the profound joy and uplift his presence offers.
Heartfelt thanks to all my teachers at the Art of Living in Sri Lanka and globally. May they continue to spread wisdom, friendship, and well-being far and wide. In Sri Sri’s words, “Trauma free memory, confusion free intellect, quiver free breath, disease free body, sorrow free soul and violence free society —let’s make it happen.”
The Art of Living Foundation is a global nonprofit that champions stress relief and societal well-being through its pioneering self-development programs. The transformative Sudarshan Kriya technique, a staple of the Happiness Program, is embraced by millions across 186 countries, enriching lives worldwide. Founder of Art of living Gurudev visits Sri Lanka from May 18-20, 2024 for various events.
The writer is a fashion designer, artist and yoga instructor.
