A speaker at the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit, a regular speaker at the annual World Economic Forum, and founder of numerous international service programs, Sri Sri is perhaps best known as the founder of the worldwide humanitarian and education organization, the Art of Living Foundation. The Art of Living Foundation, a NGO recognized by the United Nations, has chapters in over 140 countries around the world. Its broadly-stated mission is to "make life a celebration," and representatives say this is done through helping people of all walks of life rediscover the simplicity and joy of life by teaching them stress-relieving breathing techniques and reminding them of some universal truths.

Hailing from the Vedic tradition, Sri Sri's vision crosses all religious, ethnic, and economic boundaries. He says that he isn't interested in advocating a particular religion but in bringing society's attention back to human values. It is the lack of proper spiritual education which is the cause for the fanaticism in the world, he says. "The spirit loves diversity. The time has come to love each other's religions as one's own."

He has collaborated with other world leaders in the promotion of human values (His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a founding member of Sri Sri's International Association for Human Values, along with several former heads of state). In attendance at a recent event Sri Sri hosted at the international Art of Living Headquarters in Bangalore, India, were the First Ladies of Poland and Botswana and the Deputy Prime Minister of India.

Along with joy and celebration, social responsibility is a big part of Sri Sri's message, and is recognized as essential for those committed to their own happiness and to the happiness of others. "Service is the expression of love," says Sri Sri. "Ask yourself, ‘How can I be useful to those around me and to the whole world?' Then your heart starts to blossom and a completely new level of life begins."
Sri Sri's Art of Living programs have been enjoyed by over two million people around the world, including thousands of Californians. His upcoming talk offers a chance for Bay Area residents to experience the insight and company of this unique global figure. "People are always surprised at how transforming these evenings can be," says local volunteer Johanna Chu. "His talks always refresh my outlook and inspire me. It's a celebration of life."

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His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will speak at the San Jose Convention Center on May 11 at 5:30pm. For tickets and information, please call (888) 909-7359 or visit www.artoflivingSFBA.org.




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