Gurudev at The Kimmel Center, Philadelphia in 2022
Philadelphia, PA – July 6, 2023 – Amid the growing crisis of gun violence in the country, a collective voice for peace and community healing is rising. The Art of Living Philadelphia, in collaboration with regional chapters, is organizing a community event focused on meditation and peace. The event, titled "Journey Within," will take place on Saturday, July 8.
At the forefront of this event will be global peace ambassador and spiritual teacher, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Gurudev is presently on a tour across the United States, addressing the escalating violence and societal division. Last May, his "I Stand for Peace" event at the Kimmel Center drew thousands of Philadelphians toward his message of peace. Gurudev emphasized, "The voice of peace, the voice of truth should be heard loud and clear.”
Johann Berlin, a Philadelphia-based entrepreneur, philanthropy executive, and volunteer leader with the Art of Living, shared, “We’ve become numb to the mass shootings and struggles people are facing. Gurudev’s vision inspires hope.”
The "Journey Within" event is a prelude to the grand World Culture Festival, a massive gathering celebrating our shared humanity and striving for healing, scheduled for September 29 - October 1 on the Washington DC Mall. Aditi Bawa, a Drexel graduate, and policy think tank worker, highlights the significance of such initiatives. She says, “The World Culture Festival invites everyday people to come together, to be the peace we want to see.”
The Art of Living Foundation, a global volunteer network founded by Gurudev, is committed to increasing peace and reducing suffering across all sectors of society. Angela Hanna, a school guidance counselor and volunteer youth teacher with the Art of Living, shares, “They need tools. They need to feel more connected to themselves, to each other, and to their community. They need to feel more grounded. They need to feel loved. That’s why I stand for peace.”
Event Details:
- "Journey Within" will be held on July 8, from 5-7pm, at the Loews Hotel Regency Ballroom. Tickets are available at: https://event.us.artofliving.org/journeywithin-pa/
- The World Culture Festival will take place from September 29 - October 1, 2023, on the Mall in Washington DC. More information is available at: https://wcf.artofliving.org/
About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gurudev is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy. He has helped millions of people worldwide find peace and resilience in the face of adversity, learning not only how to excel in their own lives, but also how to become powerful agents for social change.
Gurudev has created trauma-relief and meditation programs for at-risk youth, war veterans, prisoners, and survivors of disaster. He has also created numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness, and well-being for individuals.
Standing for the Gandhian principles of non-violence, Gurudev has mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited for playing a central role in ending the violent 52-year conflict between FARC and the Colombian government. He has received 39 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-four universities have awarded him with honorary doctorates for his peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts.
For further details and media inquiries, please contact:
Johann Berlin,
Community Volunteer
Johann.berlin@artofliving.org
