Negotiating for peace in Sri Lanka, transforming at-risk youth in Kashmir, taming the fire of hatred in the Balkans: These are some of the areas where His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and his volunteers are actively building bridges between conflicting groups. Through the Art of Living programs and personal interventions, many groups and individuals have turned to non-violent means for resolving conflicts. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has brought peace to people who have never experienced it in their lives by shifting the focus from simply establishing an outer atmosphere of peace to creating inner peace. Following the Gandhian principles of non-violence, The Art of Living Foundation works on developing practical and long-lasting solutions to achieve peace.
Afghanistan: Breathing New Life into Afghanistan
More than two decades of war and strife has almost completely destroyed Afghanistan. Art of Living programs are being conducted in the country on a regular basis. The participants are taught effective and powerful breathing techniques and sound meditations, which have a profound effect on reducing trauma levels and stress caused by scenes of war.
Kosovo: Cooperation with the Ministry of Health
The Art of Living Program in Kosovo has been so helpful to Kosovars- where 80% of the general population suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and where there is a high rate of depression and suicide- that the Kosovo Ministry of Health has given a contract to the Art of Living to continue with the work. More than 100 nurses, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, psycho-social advisors and social workers employed in mental health centers in Kosovo have participated in Art of Living Workshops. Based on their positive experiences, the Ministry of Health wants all the health care workers to be given the workshops so they may also deal with their own stress.
Iraq: Relieving Stress in Times of War
At a time when most other NGOs are evacuating their volunteers from Iraq in the wake of heightened unrest, kidnappings, and violence, the Art of Living Foundation is determined to stay. Art of Living volunteers have set up trauma relief camps in various parts of Iraq, especially in Baghdad. The foundation has provided medicines, food, clothes, breathing and meditation exercises for the mind and soul. For the first time, people who had not been able to sleep for days together because of constant bombing and killings were able to sleep thanks to the techniques. Many people felt relief from depression, anxiety, blood pressure, migraine and other psychosomatic disorders. The combined approach to the well being of body and mind has given spectacular results.
Israel: Transcending Walls
In yet another example of unrelenting commitment to build bridges between estranged communities and help people overcome trauma of conflict, Art of Living Programs have commenced in places along the wall that separates between Israel and the Palestinians territories.
The first course was held in June 2004 in the big neighborhood of Mevaseret Zion, located on the border of Jerusalem. Since then, regular courses are being organized in different parts around the wall. People in these areas live under constant fear of becoming victims of missile attacks and are finding the stress elimination techniques taught by Art of Living very effective in combating stress.
Pakistan: Historic Visit
His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was the first spiritual master from India to visit Pakistan on a goodwill mission of unity in diversity and to promote the globalization of wisdom. During his visit, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar held meetings with political and business leaders, religious heads and social activists in Karachi and Islamabad. He said that his interaction with people of Pakistan had been one of heart-to-heart and not intellectual. He emphasized the need to "build mutual trust for lasting peace." His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has extended an invitation for them to visit India in near future.
India: Combating Terrorism
Inspired by His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's message of peace and compassion, hundreds of militants have laid down their arms and pledged to reintegrate into the mainstream of society through service in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
In Hyderabad, India, the police commissioner's task force has conducted a pilot self-development program. The result is a complete transformation and people are now engaged in organizing health camps and tree plantation camps. In Bihar, a group of several terrorists from two rival groups have undergone Art of Living Programs. They have given up the path of violence and have been instrumental in the transformation of several of their group members. They are now engaged in service in their villages.
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