The universal qualities of love, compassion, selfless service and the determination to make the world a better place conquer boundaries of the mind. The warm reception given to Art of Living (AOL) representatives in Cameroon and Ivory Coast bear testimony to this.  But the indisputable evidence comes from the unprecedented experiences of the AOL programs that are slowly transforming the spirit of life. 

From suffering two to three bouts of malaria per month to being malaria-free. From requiring alcohol to shut out memories of conflict to sleeping peacefully. From two warring tribes poised to kill to embracing each other in brotherhood.

AOL programs have been conducted in Cameroon and Ivory Coast since 1999. Disrupted by civil war, the work resumed in 2002. Last year saw the first ever Youth Leadership Training Program being imparted to 25 locals in Saa, Cameroon. Seven course participants represented Cameroon in Silver Jubilee Celebrations held in February 2006. The youth underwent the first phase of teacher's training and also learnt organic farming and biogas production at the International Headquarters, Bangalore. In June, the Mayor of Saa gifted a hectare of land to AOL which will be used to promote organic farming. On land where chemicals have rendered the land infertile and biogas is unaffordable, natural methods of production have come as a boon. Locals from neighboring villages have requested training in the same.

Reiterating the benefits of the program, two tribes in the Ivory Coast say they have discovered brotherhood again. The Deula and Gu鲩 are two warring tribes in Deukou鮠Differences over land and economic issues have caused such disharmony that one cannot walk in the village of the other without being attacked. But miraculously 15 youth from each warring faction came together for a YLTP. The eight days spent in the course changed them. "We lived together and discovered our ways were so similar. There is no fear. We're brothers," said Adama, a member of the Deula tribe. As a peace initiative, the members of a tribe are handing over a village which they had forcibly taken over. What's heart rendering is that they are rebuilding all the homes and readying the area before inviting the others in.

Remarking on the success of the program, both tribes remarked that AOL was playing the role of a peace keeping organization. Besides inter-community harmony, the youth were also inspired to take responsibility for their villages and are engaged in cleanliness campaigns and repairing roads.

So pleased were the locals with the results, that another course was arranged in Bouak which is known to be the headquarters of the rebels. People who looted others, who were traumatized themselves say they found peace and committed themselves towards building a harmonious community.

How can a course that teaches stress-elimination technique achieve so much? The techniques taught at the YLTP program empowers the self.  With the ability to cut the clutter in the mind, there is a strong focus on personal and communal improvement. It inculcates a sense of responsibility and leadership.

Recognizing the AOL projects, the Minister of Reconciliation in Ivory Coast personally lends support to the work. At a meeting between the administration and 60 non-governmental organizations, everyone wanted to forge an association with AOL. On September 6, the Cameroon government gave official recognition to AOL. The AOL team, comprising Deepali Patel from India, Philippe Torrella and volunteers like Jacques from Ivory Coast have been invited to work in tandem with the government authorities.

Finally it's the experiences which make one realize that love is supreme. "How can someone sitting in India care so much for us and send somebody to help us?" asked a local called Jean?Claude incredulously, referring to His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. And perhaps this experience of feeling loved is showing us how similar we all really are. "We think of you as an African," they told Deepali.