The Guru of Joy: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living

A vibrant and exhilarating narrative that portrays the life and times (and achievements) of a man who is recognized as the messenger of peace and the embodiment of love. This is the definitive biography of one of the most magnetic and unconventional gurus in the world today – a man who has an ever‐growingfollowing (which runs into millions) across the globe. From Bengaluru to Bosnia and from Tamil Nadu to Trinidad, his very presence, his grace and his technique have touched and transformed numerous lives. A tireless travellerand a constant seeker of knowledge, he has addressed the United Nations, the World Economic Forum and bright young minds at Harvard University. In a world torn apart by strife and hostility, he has carried the eternalmessage of love and compassion and has sought to revive basic humanvalues. Wherever he goes, people from all walks of life - housewives, students, working people and celebrities – seek his blessings and advice. Amazingly, he makes each one of them feel special and cherished. Each gesture of hisexudes love, innocence and joy. At the same time, he comes up with practical solutions for all the problems plaguing us today: Terrorism, war, political dysfunction, personal conflicts and psychological complications. Who is this playfully profound, child‐like, ever‐smiling guru, with atwinkle in his eyes, whose avowed mission is to ‘put a smile on the face ofevery person he meets’? He is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art ofLiving Foundation, the world’s second largest NGO with centres in over 151 countries. This timely and insightful volume, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation, presents a fascinating look into Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s childhood, adolescence, formative years and his subsequent growth that catapulted him onto the international stage. The authordescribes in graphic detail how he set up his foundation, how he developed, after meditating deeply, the Sudarshan Kriya (a transformative process that has miraculous healing powers) and how he strives ceaselessly to spread hissimple but remarkable philosophy: Celebrate Life!