His Holiness Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, recognized internationally for his philanthropic work and spiritual teachings, will be making two appearances in Colorado this month. He will hold his first session on April 20 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, followed by an April 21 session at Naropa University’s Nalanda Event Center. A spiritual leader and social activist, Shankar established the Art of Living Foundation in 1981 to share his teachings, which focus on the importance of individual development and tranquility in creating a peaceful society.
Since 1996, the foundation has worked with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations as a consulting agency. The foundation estimates that its humanitarian projects and educational courses have affected 25 million people worldwide. In the United States, the foundation’s programs focus on helping youth in inner cities stay clear of violence, drugs and alcohol. Internationally, Shankar is working in Kashmir and Sri Lanka to promote peaceful dialogue between opposing parties, and volunteers from the Art of Living Foundation are working with survivors of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti to provide immediate and long-term rehabilitation.
According to Johann Berlin, an entrepreneur who volunteers with the foundation, volunteers were already in the country working to plant trees and help Haitians empower themselves when the disaster struck. The foundation says its members have a presence in roughly 150 countries. A recognized figure in human development and social transformation, Shankar travels to more than 40 countries each year, sharing his message that all the major spiritual traditions share common goals and values. Shankar’s scheduled Colorado presentations will focus on the importance of personal peace in achieving world peace and will include meditation, music, a video about the foundation’s work in Haiti and a talk by Shankar.
His history of philanthropic work and spiritual leadership, Berlin says, are reason enough to hear Shankar speak. “We listen to people who don’t do anything for anyone else,” Berlin says. “He’s a world-renowned humanitarian. He’s qualified to be listened to.” For more information about Shankar’s Colorado visit, call 720-984-1108, or go to www.artofliving.org