In 1980, we organized a conference on Ayurveda for the first time in New Delhi. All senior knowing of Ayurveda and top doctors of AIIMS were called. Something interesting happened there. I asked all the doctors what is the food value of turmeric. One of the allopathic doctors said that it is just pigmentation, and it has no nutritious value. While Ayurvedic doctor said that it is anti-oxidant, and it arrests aging. After ten years, in 1990, Allopathic doctors come up with a search saying the same that turmeric is an antioxidant, and it helps to arrest the ageing of the cells. So, the knowledge which our people know thousands of years ago, the Ayurveda, which is a complete medicine system, took so much time to get accepted.
Also Neem, and other sacred herbs like Amla and Lemon carry so much value, and they all are anti-oxidants. You know, what is the value of kadhipata which is put in chiwra, which we put in every fried thing? It reduces bad cholesterol. If somebody is having problem related to cholesterol, just serve him/her kadipata chutney in copper utensil, and it will be cured. Some allopathic medicines taken to cure it, adversely effects liver and kidney. So, these are so wonderful things our country had.
In 1980, we lifted up the Panchakarma and several Ayurvedic expert doctors joined us, and traveled with us. They can tell, with only pulse diagnosis, if anybody is suffering from any problem, or may suffer in the near future. There have been so many examples where major illnesses have been cured.
I remember one incident when the person was astonished after listening to his medical history, without having been shared it with the doctor, from the doctor after pulse diagnosis. In such a way there are not only one or two, but thousand of incidents. We need to do proper documentation of data, and proper research work. We need to have scientific mind and research oriented attitude. These we should learn from the west.
Q: I am a student and I am so much impressed with the education system here. Could you please tell me some of the values that I can take back along with me?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Respect the teachers. There is so much respect for the teachers in the Indian education system. That respect is missing in the western schools and colleges. Also respecting the elders is one of the beautiful cultural identities here.
So, we create a new wave where we take the best of the east and the west, and have a wonderful global family. Take best available in both the worlds, and create a beautiful society.
Q: Guruji, I am in a job where nothing gets done without bribing government officials. Give your guidance, now I am very much confused. How can I be a go-getter without giving bribe?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: You have to look into the eyes of those people who want bribe and tell them that, “look I am on the spiritual path, I am not going to bribe. If you want me to come fifty times, I will come, but I will not give any bribe.” Your voice style should be very firm and gentle, with much sweetness and firmness. Several times we speak the truth, but express with anger.
Speaking truth, but with anger in the background, or truth with hatred does not bring success. Speak firmly with sweetness. Just do it once or twice, and see what happens.
Q: Guruji, spiritually is religious conversion. Sometimes my mind says that religious conversion is because at least people are getting food, education, and healthcare. What do you say?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: No, you can have health-care, education, food everything without conversion too. Religion you are in is over you. You know, if someone likes a particular religion out of full interest, that is a different issue but alluring them with food, medical and all education should not be done.
Q: I have left my habit of drinking and smoking after the course. But my parents are still stuck up in these. What can I do?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: If your mother or father had not done the course, and is drinking alcohol, then certainly you are not having a cordial relationship. Allure them by any means, and get them into the course, then see they will also leave any addictive habit. Today, the problem is that so many homes have become slave of alcohol. It is a matter of sadness.
There are so many children who ask how their parents can leave these bad habits. You have to do work for this. You have to apply some tactic. It is not only that only parents improve the children, sometimes children also improve their parents. How many of children are there whose parents have changed? Very good!
“That which you cannot express is Love.
That which you cannot reject/renounce is Beauty.
That which you cannot avoid is the Truth.”
That which you cannot reject/renounce is Beauty.
That which you cannot avoid is the Truth.”
~ Sri Sri Ravishankar
© The Art of Living Foundation
