My experience with the Art of Living has been truly transformative. I attended the Happiness Program in October 2025, and the breathing techniques I learnt there brought about a remarkable change in my overall well-being and in the way I approached everyday life. I could genuinely feel a positive difference in my energy, outlook and day-to-day experiences.
But beyond the programme itself, my recent visit to the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru was an experience I will always cherish.
Having the opportunity to have Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji’s darshan for three continuous days, attend the satsangs and simply be present in that serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere was something very special. Meeting Gurudev personally was a deeply moving and almost mystical experience for me. There is an indescribable aura, warmth and sense of peace around him that, I believe, one has to experience personally to understand.
The ashram itself is magnificent—not merely because of its vastness or beauty, but because of the extraordinary combination of spirituality, service and cultural preservation that one witnesses there.
One of the most memorable aspects of the ashram is its sacred spaces. The magnificent Shiva Temple, in particular, left a deep impression on me. As Gurudev explains, the temple represents the presence of the 33 crore divine manifestations. The Vishnu Murti, the Saptamatrikas Temple, and the other spiritual spaces across the ashram each have their own distinctive significance and create an atmosphere of profound spiritual energy.
A visit to the Goshala was another beautiful experience. Seeing indigenous varieties of cows from different parts of India and witnessing the care and affection with which they are looked after was deeply heartwarming. It was also a reminder of the reverence that Indian traditions have historically accorded to nature, animals, and all forms of life.
The ashram is equally remarkable for the scale of service undertaken there. From free schools for children who may otherwise be unable to afford education, to the Gurukulam that seeks to preserve and promote traditional Indian learning and Vedic culture, along with hospitals, social initiatives and numerous other service activities, the breadth of work is truly inspiring.
One of the things that amazed me most was learning that thousands of people are served food every day without having to pay a single rupee. The sheer scale of this service, carried out with such humility, dedication and discipline, is remarkable.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Karthik, Krishna, and Mr Anant,who personally took great care of us throughout our visit, and especially to Mr Gagan Saraf, the wonderful volunteer who stayed with us throughout all three days. He patiently showed us different parts of the ashram and ensured that we were comfortable and well taken care of at every stage.
The dedication, patience, and warmth of the volunteers added immensely to our experience. Their service, often carried out quietly and without expectation, is itself an inspiring lesson.
During our visit, it was also interesting to see prominent personalities coming to meet Gurudev. Watching this made me reflect on how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity to meet him and spend three precious days in such a spiritually enriching environment.
For me, the Art of Living International Center is much more than an ashram. It is an experience—a unique blend of peace, spirituality, service, culture and rejuvenation.
You do not necessarily have to travel to another country or spend a fortune on an expensive holiday to disconnect from the pressures of everyday life and recharge yourself. Sometimes, all you need is three or four days in a peaceful and spiritually uplifting environment. You return feeling refreshed, lighter, calmer and renewed.
I would certainly love to return.
My visit to the ashram was not merely a trip; it was a complete experience of bliss. From the satsangs and sacred temples to the Goshala, the service activities, the peaceful surroundings and, most importantly, the opportunity to be in the presence of Gurudev, every moment was special.
Meeting Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji will remain one of the most mystical, meaningful and memorable experiences of my life.
And my Sudharshana kriya instructor Ms.Surya for making this happen.
