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13 October, 2010

Thousands of people, including over 1100 internationals, completed their Art of Silence program at the Art of Living International Centre on October 12. The Center is hosting participants from over 60 countries.

THOUSANDS OF people, including over 1100 internationals, completed their Art of Silence program at the Art of Living International Centre on October 12. The Center is hosting people from over 60 countries who have come all the way to share and experience the rich culture and festivity of India and be a part of the annual Navratri celebrations.

Tatyana Girasimova from Russia, Irkutsk said, " A total of 250 people from Russia have come and the number is increasing every year. After doing the Art of Breathing program (Part I program), Russians have experienced that there exists something, which is more lasting and deeper."

Janez Rojec from Slovenia said, “I came all the way from Slovenia because I feel at home here. Nowhere have we learnt at home or in school how to be at peace with ourself and with others. Here we learn and meet other people from all over the world, celebrating together and doing service.”

The nine-day Navratri Celebrations are marked by a series of homas, pujas, prayers and group meditations in the true spirit of Indian spirituality. Led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, more than 20,000 people from all over the world and India, will take part in special yagnas for peace, health, happiness and harmony of humanity.

Explaining the significance of the yagnas, Sri Sri said, “The yagnas are very significant as they create the unseen power which elevates and strengthens the consciousness. The energy created by the herbs used in the homas purifies the atmosphere, minds and hearts.”

The highlight of the celebrations will be a unique cultural evening on October 14 when Sri Sri, himself, will play the Veena and the Harp. The air will be filled with echoes of many other traditional instruments and sacred chantings.

Different homas will take place from October 13-16, 2010:

Oct 13- Maha Ganpathi Homa: Removes obstacles before initiating any new venture followed by the Navgraha Homa: Propitiate and nullify the negative impact of the nine planets.

Oct 14- Maha Sudarshana Homa: Removal of ignorance and the beginning of a new life enriched with knowledge. Rudra Homa: Considered to be a great purifier and remedy for all negative energy.

Oct 15 - Chandi Homa: Removes obstacles and brings peace, prosperity, success and strength to the entire mankind. 700 verses in praise of the Goddess Durga are chanted.

Oct 16 - Rishi Homa: To honour the seers and sages of the past, present and future.