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Shankar teaches that spirituality is that which enhances human values like love, compassion and enthusiasm. It is not limited to any one religion or culture, but forms the heart of the world's religions. Hence, it is open to all people. Shankar emphasizes breath as the link between body and mind and, therefore, as a tool to relax the mind, emphasizing both meditation and service to others. According to him, science and spirituality are linked and consistent. Emphasizing that joy is only available in the present moment, his stated vision is to create a world free of stress and violence, and his programs are said to offer practical tools to help accomplish this. In his view, "Truth is spherical rather than linear; so it has to be contradictory." Founding The Art of Living and The IAHV Sri Sri entered a ten-day period of silence in Shimoga located in the Indian state of Karnataka. The Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful breathing technique, was born. With time, the Sudarshan Kriya became the center-piece of the Art of Living courses. Sri Sri founded The Art of Living as an international, non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. Appealing not only to a specific population, these practices have proven effective globally and at all levels of society. In 1997, he co-founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV) to coordinate sustainable development projects, nurture human values and coordinate conflict resolution in association with The Art of Living. In India, Africa and South America, the two sister organizations’ volunteers are spearheading sustainable growth in rural communities, and have already reached out to over 36,000 villages. Inspiring Service and Globalizing Wisdom A noted humanitarian leader, Sri Sri’s programs have provided assistance to people from a wide range of backgrounds – victims of natural disasters, survivors of terror attacks and war, children from marginalized populations and communities in conflict, among others. The strength of his message has inspired a wave of service based on spirituality through a huge body of volunteers, who are driving these projects forward in critical areas around the globe. As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri has rekindled the traditions of yoga and meditation and offered them in a form that is relevant to the 21st century. Beyond reviving ancient wisdom, Sri Sri has created new techniques for personal and social transformation. These include the Sudarshan Kriya which has helped millions of people to find relief from stress and discover inner reservoirs of energy and peace in daily life. In a mere 29 years, his programs have raised the quality of life for participants in 151 countries. A Figure of Peace As an ambassador of peace, Sri Sri plays a key role in conflict resolution and spreads his vision of non-violence at public forums and gatherings world-wide. Regarded as a neutral figure with a sole agenda of peace, he represents hope to people in conflict. He has received particular credit for bringing opposing parties to the negotiating table in Iraq, the Ivory Coast, Kashmir and Bihar. He was appointed the Chairman of Reception Committee for the 500th anniversary celebrations of the Coronation of Krishnadevaraya (by Government of Karnataka, India). Sri Sri is also a member of the Amarnath Shrine Board (appointed by Government of Jammu and Kashmir, India). Through his initiatives and addresses, Sri Sri has consistently emphasized the need for reinforcing human values and recognizing humanity as our highest identity. Fostering interfaith harmony and calling for multi-cultural education as the remedy for fanaticism are significant parts of his efforts to achieve sustainable peace on our planet. His work has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, going beyond the barriers of race, nationality and religion with the message of a "one-world family"; that inner and outer peace are possible; and that a stress-free, violence-free society can be created through service and the reawakening of human values. Sri Sri has reached out to an estimated 300 million people worldwide through personal interactions, public events, teachings, the Art of Living workshops and humanitarian initiatives. Not since Mahatma Gandhi has one person united people of different traditions and faiths into a spiritual communion across the length and breadth of India. Amidst various threats to India by the misguided Naxalite and Jehadi forces, there is one name that emerges as a universally accepted ambassador of peace. To the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Dalits, Sikhs and the minorities alike, Sri Sri is the only Hindu spiritual leader in whom people have reposed faith and confidence. Sri Sri travels to nearly 40 countries every year, exemplifying his call to globalise wisdom. His universal message is that love and wisdom can prevail over hatred and distress.
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