Republic Summit 2023: Transformations, Spirituality & India's Impact

 

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar discusses transformations, mental well-being, spirituality, and India's global impact at the Republic Summit 2023.

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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Arnab Goswami at the Republic Summit 2023.

Transformations for Individuals, Society, and the Country

Gurudev emphasized the importance of change and transformation for individuals, society, and the country. He believed that change should lead to improvement, happiness, and reduced suffering, with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual comfort being the baseline for transformation. He further stressed that sustainable progress rooted in culture is necessary for a country to become a guiding light spiritually.

Addressing Mental Well-being

Gurudev underscored the growing rates of suicide, domestic violence, and stress in today’s world. He stressed the importance of mental well-being and wellness, even in the face of economic growth. He urged think tanks to infiltrate every section of society, actively working to address these issues.

Ukraine Crisis Response

Gurudev shared his experiences during the Ukraine crisis, where the Art of Living helped rescue 6,000 people, including 1,200 students. He expressed gratitude to the volunteers and teachers who worked tirelessly in Ukraine, showcasing their dedication and sense of humor even in the darkest hour.

Spirituality in Conflict Zones

Gurudev explained that spirituality is not just about thinking, but is ingrained in our DNA. Compassion, service, and belongingness are all part of spirituality. He shared his work in conflict zones, such as the resolution of the conflict between the FARC and the Colombian government, emphasizing that knowledge and philosophy are more needed in conflict situations.

India’s Impact on the World

Gurudev discussed India’s impact on the world through its philosophy and humanitarian work. He emphasized that India has much to offer in terms of its philosophy, culture, and diverse language, and the world is recognizing the impact of India’s humanitarian work and spiritual needs.

Transformation and Values

The interview also focused on the importance of transformation and values. Gurudev emphasized the significance of values, such as clarity in mind, purity in heart, and sincerity in action, in enhancing one’s enthusiasm, creativity, and integrity. He stated that these values are what make authentic spirituality. He emphasized that the enemy of these values is stress and lack of opportunity or understanding. He suggested that education should include humanism and value life more than its accessories to create a better society.

Polarization and India’s Role

The interview also addressed the issue of polarization in society and the world. Gurudev mentioned that the world is very polarized, and India can serve as a bridge to close the gap. He emphasized that the values of inclusiveness, understanding, patience, perseverance, and integrity can unite people, whether it’s political polarization in America or societal divisions or between nations.

Rapid Fire Questions

The Concept of Karma

When asked about measuring karma, Gurudev explained that karma is action, impression, and impact. It refers to the actions we take, the impressions we carry that drive us to act in certain ways, and the impact of our actions as the fruit of those actions.

The Importance of Peace

Gurudev emphasized the significance of peace, stating that it is a prerequisite for progress in society. He cited examples of regions in India that have remained backward due to disturbances, while those that are peaceful have seen progress. Peace, he said, is essential for prosperity and growth.

Intensity and Divine Wisdom

Regarding his own life, Gurudev said he lives every moment intensely. When asked about his vision for India’s future, he expressed optimism, stating that India is a young and vibrant society with a bright future ahead. He believes that the country’s youth, when given opportunities and skill development, will drive India’s progress.

Advice for India’s Politicians

While reluctant to give unsolicited advice, Gurudev emphasized the importance of India’s politicians focusing on people’s needs and dedicating themselves to uplifting the nation. He also highlighted the need for politicians to be flexible and responsive to the concerns of their constituents.

The Art of Living and India’s Soft Power

In conclusion, Arnab expressed gratitude for Gurudev’s presence and his contributions to the world through the Art of Living. He praised him as a true ambassador of India’s soft power and wished him success for the upcoming World Culture Festival in Washington DC.

Addressed business leaders & the media fraternity & interacted with Arnab Goswami as part of the @republic Summit in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/0DAlbbhDDp

— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) April 26, 2023

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