Ravi Shankaralso called Sri Sri (Hindu honorary title), is a world-renowned spiritual and humanitarian leader, whose impact has transcended borders and cultures. His teachings are focused on promoting a stress-free society through programs that promote well-being.
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In addition to promoting inner peace, the gurudev (teacher) has played a crucial role in conflict resolution, mediating in regions affected by violence, such as Kashmir, Iraq and Syria. In USA has led initiatives that address social problems such as youth violence; in India contributed to the resolution of the historic Ayodhya conflict.
In Colombia played an important role during the negotiation process with the FARCpromoting a dialogue based on non-violence, and in 2015 he met with the FARC peace delegation in Havana (Cuba). In this interview with EL TIEMPO, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar talks about meditation as a tool to calm the mind, transform physical and emotional health and face stress in everyday life; It also highlights the positivity and compassion that exists in the world, even though it seems increasingly darker.
I begin with a question that I consider deeply relevant in Western culture: what is the difference between spirituality and religion?
Spirituality has to do with our inner experiences and the values we cultivate as individuals. On the other hand, religion is usually associated with the traditions and beliefs that we inherit at birth. We are born into a family that teaches us a particular faith, a holy book we follow, rituals we practice, and the way we worship. That is what we know as religion.
Spirituality transcends religious differences. It is the universal experience of peace, love, compassion, integrity and honesty. These values do not belong exclusively to a religion, but are inherent to humanity.
And spirituality?
Spirituality transcends religious differences. It is the universal experience of peace, love, compassion, integrity and honesty. These values do not belong exclusively to a religion, but are inherent to humanity. I define spirituality as that deep connection with these internal qualities that unite us as human beings. We are all made of two essential components: matter and spirit. Our physical body is made up of elements such as carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and amino acids. But what about our spirit? Our spirit is made up of energy, enthusiasm, joy, love, compassion and integrity. These emotions and internal states, along with stillness, are the essence of spirituality. In this sense, Spirituality acts as a bridge that unites people of all religions and faiths. It does not impose rules on how to believe or pray, but instead invites us to explore our deepest humanity.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, spiritual leader and humanitarian Photo:The Art of Living Foundation
What about those who consider themselves atheists or agnostics? There are those who say that they are neither spiritual nor religious, that they do not believe in anything. So can these people meditate too?
Of course. Meditation does not require specific beliefs. It is a practice accessible to everyoneregardless of your spiritual or religious perspective. We could compare it to a ‘reset’ button for the mind. Meditating is beneficial for both the mind and the body. Think about it: an atheist also sleeps, seeks rest, wants to be happy and maintain his energy. An atheist also aspires to be compassionate. No human being would say, “I don’t want to feel human emotions” or “I don’t want to be positive.” Positivity is a universal need and meditation helps us cultivate it, elevates our energy, refines our intellect, enhances our intuition and improves both our physical and mental health. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy these benefits?
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And those who say they don’t have time to meditate? Many use phrases like “I could never calm my mind” or “I have too much to do, I work, I take care of my family, I can barely do everything.”
The truth is, no matter how busy you are, you always make time to brush your teeth, right? You worry about your dental hygiene because you know it is essential for your health. In the same way, Meditation is mental hygiene. Just as you don’t leave the house without showering, you shouldn’t ignore taking care of your mind either.
Meditation improves our energy, clarity and focus. Even our quality of work depends on it. When we are exhausted, we become less productive, more reactive, and less effective in our decisions. Meditation provides the deep rest we need, even in less time than prolonged sleep.
Meditation improves our energy, clarity and focus. Even our quality of work depends on it. When we are exhausted, we become less productive, more reactive, and less effective in our decisions. Meditation provides the deep rest we need
How much time do we really need to meditate? Some wonder if four minutes would be enough, especially when they have a busy schedule.
I honestly believe that four minutes is not enough to achieve a meaningful state of calm. We live so fast that it takes at least 10 to 15 minutes for our mind and body to truly relax.. Let’s look at it like a nap: you don’t get a restful rest in five minutes. Likewise, effective meditation requires time for inner restlessness to dissipate. Ideally, spending 20 minutes daily meditation can transform your well-being.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has reached nearly 500 million people in 180 countries with his teachings. Photo:The Art of Living Foundation
Is it really possible to live without stress, or is it just a utopia?
The answer depends on each individual and their priorities. If you lead a quiet life, without great ambitions or responsibilities, dedicated to gardening or listening to music all day, you probably live without stress. But that is not the reality for the majority. We all face multiple responsibilities, deadlines and expectations. Stress arises when our tasks exceed our available energy or time. The key is not to eliminate all tasks, but to learn to manage. Meditation helps us recharge our energy and face challenges with greater clarity and calm.
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Nowadays, when we turn on the television, read the news or browse social networks, it seems that the world is at its worst. Is that true?
There is no denying that the world has a dark side. We have witnessed wars, violence and conflicts that fill us with sadness. However, there is also light. In recent years we have seen an increase in environmental awareness, compassion and altruism among new generations. More than 2 billion people practice meditation and look for ways to care for the planet, animals and others. Although negativity tends to capture our attention, the positive side is growing, and that is a reason for hope.
If you could give people three tips for living better, what would they be?
Of course, meditate. But if you want me to give three pieces of advice, the first would be that see life from a broader perspective. Take some time to value your life, see how you can observe it from a bigger perspective; reflect and realize that you have faced many challenges and you have overcome them all, so any future challenges you will also face bravely, you can overcome future challenges.
The second is have greater acceptance in life and improve quality of life. This is very important, our quality of life can improve if we are less stressed and feel a greater sense of belonging with the people around us.
The third is to know that There is a lot of love on the planet, there is a lot more positivity in the world. Sure, there are negatives, but look at how you can increase positivity in yourself and others in life.
Take some time to value your life, see how you can observe it from a bigger perspective; reflect and realize that you have faced many challenges and you have overcome them all, so any future challenges you will also face bravely, you can overcome future challenges.
Do you believe that, in essence, every person is good?
Yes, absolutely. Nobody is born bad. We all come into the world full of enthusiasm and pure potential.. It is the environment and circumstances that shape our behavior. Behind every culprit there is a victim who needs to heal. When we treat that internal wound, the culprit disappears. Therefore, love and compassion have the power to transform.
A life dedicated to spirituality
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Photo:The Art of Living Foundation
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is founder of organizations such as The Art of Living – which has a headquarters in Colombia – and the International Association of Human Values, which have reached approximately 500 million people in 180 countries.
Shankar was born in 1956, in southern India, and according to his official biography, from the age of 4 he already showed a natural inclination towards meditation.
In 1973 he graduated with degrees in Vedic literature and physics, and combined ancient knowledge with modern approaches, creating practical tools with which he seeks to transform lives.
In addition to promoting well-being and building peace in the world, it also has a great commitment to the environment and its organizations have led reforestation projects, planting more than 81 million trees in 36 countries. Likewise, it has implemented free education initiatives for more than 100,000 disadvantaged children and rehabilitation programs for 800,000 prisoners around the world.
URSULA LEVY
Special for EL TIEMPO
