Point of Peace Summit - Stavanger, Norway

Produced by Art of Living Productions

More about the Art of Living: www.artofliving.org
More about Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: www.srisri.org
More films: www.artoflivingtv.eu

In this short piece Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sits as part of a panel discussing how peace can be achieved in the midst of conflict, and the importance of mediation playing a role in catalyzing the creation of peace. He starts off by explaining how conflict is first and foremost on an individual, internal level, which in turn becomes collective-and he sites some examples of conflict in India. He pinpoints conflict to one aspect, that being an issue of identity crisis. Because people associate themselves primarily as their identity-religion, nationality, etc-over and above being human beings, this, he argues, is the reason why we see so much conflict today. He goes on to stress the importance of educating children in understanding first their real identity of being human-over and above the labels that are place on them, i.e. nationality and religion. He also briefly talks about the conditions of stress and depression-and their high occurrence in Europe, and how peace is an attitude; but his main point is the need for mediators in situations of conflict, as a way of bringing hope.

Sri Sri founded The Art of Living as an international, non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization in 1982. Its educational and self-development programs offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being through powerful breathing techniques such as Sudarshan Kriya and Yoga. Appealing not only to a specific population, these practices have proven effective globally at all levels of society.

What is Yoga?
The secret to health and happiness lies deep within every human. Yoga is the science of discovering one's own self - the very source of pure consciousness, peace and bliss. Everyone knows that we don't feel good and we get stressed when there is disharmony in our lives, when our bodies are tired and our busy minds constantly chatter and judge. Through the discipline of Yoga we become more aware of ourselves by doing simple postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation to rejuvenate the body and quite the mind. It is in this manner that we cultivate harmony in ourselves.

What is Meditation
Settling the surface mind is meditation. Living in the present is meditation. Relaxing deeply is meditation. When you are really happy, reposing in love, you are meditating. Meditation is that space when the thoughts have subsided, and the mind is in complete rest.

What is Sudarshan Kriya
Sudarshan Kriya incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath which harmonize the body, mind and emotions. This unique breathing technique eliminates stress, fatigue and negative emotions such as anger, frustration and depression, leaving you calm yet energized, focused & yet relaxed. Millions around the world have done this unique practice and have reported better quality of life.