‘Meditation, & compassion are the best education for the soul’
Sofia (Bulgaria), April 25 (Saturday): When disembarking from the flight to Sofia on April 25, HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was asked: What made you commit your life to building a world without violence? He said: “I do this work because of my love for humanity.” On his first visit to the country, HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was asked his guidance on many critical issues facing the world, including the role of religion in conflicts, and the Easter violence in Bulgaria. Following is an excerpt from an interview for Channel 1, one of the most popular national television channels in Bulgaria.
Channel 1: What would you say to all those who suffer from depression in the world today?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Firstly, I would say that everything changes, and secondly that you need to see the hand of the Divine in everything that happens. Thirdly, look at the situation of those around you and you can certainly find someone who is in a far worse position than you. If you can help those who are worse off than you, your depression will be lifted. The fourth thing is to learn breathing exercises. This can ward off the depression before it even starts, just as vaccinations remove the danger of disease before they strike.
Channel 1: What do you think is the best education for the soul?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Meditation and compassion.
Channel 1: Can the soul travel in time and space?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: The soul can be compared to electro magnetic waves. The body is like the television itself and the soul is like the waves which are everywhere.
Channel 1: What do you say to those who are suffering from hardships?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Hardship makes you deep, and strong. Sadness, and joy are complementary. Happiness causes expansion but misery brings a depth. Both are necessary.
Channel 1: Why is there so much stress in the world today?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Because people have not learned yoga and meditation. It’s that simple.
Channel 1: Are bad thoughts harmful?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Only if you act on them. Bad thoughts, and good thoughts come and go. Don’t become attached to them. If you try, and resist bad thoughts they will persist. Just let them be
Channel 1: Are you afraid of darkness and evil?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: No, because I’m connected with the light.
Channel 1: What do you say to those who say true love doesn’t exist?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I’d say come to Art of Living and learn true love.
Channel 1: Are you a happy man?
HH Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: What do you think?
© The Art of Living Foundation