A Sunday with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Some Sundays pass quietly. This one stayed with me.

In the morning, I had the privilege of meeting the revered spiritual teacher Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during his visit to Indianapolis. We talked about the role the Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC) can play in fostering harmony across our communities and helping keep our cities safe. It wasn't a long conversation, but it was a meaningful one, and I came away encouraged about the work ahead.

That evening, I went back to hear him speak on the sixth sense and the search for the inner self. CIC's Executive Director, Board Chairman, and Development Director joined me.

Beginning in silence

Gurudev opened with a 30-minute guided meditation. Before a single idea was offered, the room had a chance to settle, turn inward, and simply be still. It set the tone for everything that followed. A few of the ideas he shared that evening have stayed with me since.

Acquire knowledge, spread love

Gurudev spoke about the importance of continually acquiring knowledge and wisdom, and of widening our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. But knowledge, in his telling, isn't meant to be hoarded. It goes hand in hand with spreading love and compassion to the people around us.

Respect and care in relationships

On relationships, his advice was simple and practical: respect the ego of men, and honor the emotions of women. He cautioned against stepping on a man's sense of self, and urged us never to dismiss or trample on a woman's feelings. When we recognize and value each other in these ways, he said, we build empathy, equality, and mutual respect, and our relationships become more balanced.

Love can't survive on demands

Gurudev also observed that excessive demands slowly erode love. In their place, he encouraged understanding, a willingness to compromise, and a measure of selflessness. These are what nurture love and keep it alive in our everyday interactions.

Passion, dispassion, and compassion

He closed the talk with three words worth carrying through life. Passion: bring real energy and enthusiasm to life and to the work we take on. Dispassion: hold that passion lightly, without clinging too tightly to outcomes. And compassion: extend care and kindness to every being.

I've thought about that trio many times since. It's a good balance to aim for, especially for those of us engaged in service.

With gratitude

It was a day of reflection, empathy, and love, and I'm grateful for it. A heartfelt thank you to the Indianapolis volunteers of The Art of Living for bringing Gurudev to our city, and a special thank you to Jayesh bhai.