BENGALURU: “Bharat is a Sanatan and eternal nation built not through empires or military power, but through the wisdom and spiritual experiences of sages,” said RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Arun Kumar ji while addressing a grand spiritual gathering organised on the occasion of the 70th birth year of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the completion of 45 years of the Art of Living.
Arun Kumar said that it is his good fortune to participate in such a “divine and grand atmosphere.” He described the occasion as a confluence of three important milestones: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s completion of 70 years of life, the 45-year journey of Art of Living, and preparations for the next five years leading to the organisation’s 50th anniversary and Sri Sri’s 75th year.
He said that the programme is not merely an occasion of celebration, but also an opportunity “to revisit the journey of 45 years of Art of Living and resolve for the next five years.” Reflecting on the organisation’s future, he said that everyone associated with the movement must think about where this journey should reach by the time these milestones are completed.
Sharing his personal experiences, Arun Kumar recalled his days as an RSS pracharak in Haryana. He narrated how a swayamsevak once sought temporary relief from Sangh work because his family was undergoing severe stress and depression. Later, he witnessed a remarkable transformation in the family after the swayamsevak’s wife attended a Sudarshan Kriya programme conducted by Art of Living. He said this was his first introduction to the organisation and to the concept of Sudarshan Kriya.
He further recalled his first direct meeting with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 2008 during the Amarnath land agitation in J&K. He said Sri Sri had visited Jammu to bless and support the movement. Recalling their interaction, Arun Kumar said that when doubts were raised regarding the success of the agitation, Sri Sri remarked, “The movement is certainly going to succeed. Let us see who receives the fortune of becoming an instrument in its success.” Arun Kumar said those words strengthened their resolve and confidence during the movement.
Describing the relationship between Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Art of Living, Arun Kumar said, “Sri Sri and Art of Living are not two separate entities; they are one.” Comparing the journey to the transformation of a seed into a tree, he said that under divine planning, a seed manifested in the form of Sri Sri, which gradually inspired millions across the world to become part of this journey. He noted that the organisation had now reached more than 182 countries and touched over a billion people.
Arun Kumar also elaborated on Bharat’s civilisational ethos and the role of the Rishi tradition in shaping the nation. He emphasised that India’s nationhood emerged before the State itself.
He explained that the Rishis realised through experience that all creation is interconnected and that the same divine essence exists in every being. Referring to modern environmental concerns, he remarked that protecting forests and wildlife is essential because all forms of life are interconnected. He stated that the Rishis had already recognised this truth thousands of years ago.
Speaking on the purpose of life, Arun Kumar said that life is not meant merely for enjoyment and consumption, because indulgence only creates more desires. Instead, he said, the real goal of life is for the “many to merge back into the One” from which all creation emerged.
He further said that different paths and forms of worship may exist, but the destination remains one. Quoting the principle “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti,” he said that truth is one though expressed in many forms. “All paths are true paths,” he remarked, adding that conflict among people arises only when this truth is forgotten.
Explaining the essence of Dharma, Arun Kumar highlighted four foundational principles, truth, compassion, purity, and tapasya. He said that recognising the divine in all beings naturally leads to compassion and disciplined living.
He noted that India’s sages carried this vision not only across Bharat but to the entire world through the ideals of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam.” He said India never attempted to spread its message through force, but through example and inspiration.
According to Arun Kumar, this civilisational journey was obstructed during the thousand years of foreign invasions and colonial rule. However, after Independence in 1947, Bharat once again received the opportunity to reconnect with its original civilisational mission.
He said that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and millions inspired by him are continuing the interrupted Rishi tradition by carrying India’s spiritual wisdom to the world. Referring to Art of Living’s social initiatives, including free schools and skill centres, he said that the transformation initiated through practices like Sudarshan Kriya ultimately leads to large-scale service and social upliftment.
Concluding his address, Arun Kumar prayed for the success of all seekers and workers engaged in carrying forward Bharat’s spiritual and cultural tradition and offered his respectful salutations to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living movement.
