In a lively interaction with workers at Sharjah Expo Centre, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of The Art of Living, shared simple practical keys to happiness and peace.
Last Thursday, the packed Fujairah Football Stadium lit up in colours of culture and spirituality as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led thousands of Emiratis through a powerful meditation at Illuminate Peace event organised by the government of Fujairah to celebrate the country's spirit of peace and harmony on International Day of Tolerance. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was on a four-day visit to UAE on a special invite by the ruler of Fujairah.
The Crown prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, who was present during the Illuminate Peace Event, called Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the 'Master of Love'.
Sheikh Hamad said that the UAE has encouraged peaceful coexistence and unity between various cultures while affirming its commitment to tolerance, as well as its efforts to strengthen international unity. He commended Sri Sri's humanitarian initiatives and contribution in upholding human values.
Earlier that day, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living delegation was accorded a warm reception at the royal palace in Al Rumailah by Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah and the members of the Royal family, the Emirates and the Indian diaspora including MA Yusuff Ali, BR Shetty, Jawahar Gangaramani, and Ajay Khimji.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, also called on Sri Sri to discuss the geopolitical situation prevailing in the region.
"We want to bring happiness in the whole Arab world," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said while addressing the gathering, "The Art of Living is doing its bit to bring solace to the people of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan."
Sri Sri also spoke about the values and need for diversity in a rapidly shrinking global village. He also shared why few minutes of meditation every day and knowledge about the breath is an unavoidable tool to fight aggression and depression in the modern society. Meditation was followed by a cultural program with traditional Arabic music recital, a Yoga dance and an Indian classical dance.
Between 16 and 17 November, as part of 'Unveiling Infinity' program, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led over 6,000 participants through a unique two-day masterclass in ancient meditation techniques, yoga, simple exercises and practical wisdom that hitherto lay buried in esoteric texts.
