View source for Biography:Ravi Shankar (spiritual leader)

{{Short description|Indian spiritual leader}}
{{other people|Ravi Shankar}}
{{EngvarB |date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix   = Sri Sri
| name               = Ravi Shankar
| image              = Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - new.jpg
| alt                = 
| caption            = Ravi Shankar in 2005
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1956|5|13}}
| birth_place        = Papanasam, Madras State (now Tamil Nadu), {{wipe|India}}
| birth_name         = Ravi Shankar<!--
|founder        = Art of Living Foundation, International Association for Human Values,<ref>{{cite web| title=Sri Sri Ravishankar: Founder |url=http://www.iahv.org/in-en/about-us/sri-sri-ravi-shankar/|website=International Association for Human Values |access-date=27 September 2015}}</ref> World Forum for Ethics in Business<ref>{{cite web |title=Founders |url=http://wfeb.org/about-us/founders/ |website=World Forum for Ethics in Business |access-date=27 September 2015}}</ref>
|guru          = [[Biography:Maharishi Mahesh Yogi|Maharishi Mahesh Yogi]]<ref name="ToI-Yogi-cremated">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maharishi-Mahesh-Yogi-cremated-in-Allahabad/articleshow/2774934.cms |title=Maharishi Mahesh Yogi cremated in Allahabad |first=Rajiv |last=Mani |date=12 February 2008
|newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mahesh-yogi-cremated-with-state-honours/article1-275051.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917091844/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mahesh-yogi-cremated-with-state-honours/article1-275051.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 September 2014 |title=Mahesh Yogi cremated with state honours |date=11 February 2008 |first=Sharat |last=Pradhan |newspaper=Hindustan Times}}</ref>-->
| nationality        = Indian
| honors             = Padma Vibhushan
| works              = ''Celebrating Silence'', ''An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker'', ''God Loves Fun'', "Astavakra Gita(Commentary)", "Commentary on Narada Bhakti Sutra"
| signature          = 
| website            = https://www.srisriravishankar.org/
}}
[[File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Vibhushan Award to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on March 28, 2016.jpg|261px|thumb|The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Vibhushan Award to Ravi Shankar, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on 28 March 2016.]]

'''Ravi Shankar''' (born 13 May 1956) is an Indian yoga guru,<ref name="Suar 2015">{{cite web |last1=Suar |first1=Swati Snigdha |title=Meet India's 10 most renowned yoga gurus |url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/pix-meet-indias-10-most-renowned-yoga-gurus/20150618.htm |publisher=Rediff.com |date=18 June 2015}}</ref> a spiritual leader. He is frequently referred to as "[[Religion:Sri|Sri Sri]]" (honorific), Guru ji, or Gurudev.<ref name="Salkin">{{cite journal |url=http://www.yogajournal.com/article/lifestyle/emperor-of-air/ |title=Emperor of Air |last=Salkin |first=Allen |date=28 August 2007 |journal=Yoga Journal |access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>  From around the mid 1970s, he worked as an apprentice under [[Biography:Maharishi Mahesh Yogi|Mahesh Yogi]], the founder of [[Unsolved:Transcendental Meditation|Transcendental Meditation]]. In 1981, he split from the Transcendental Meditation (TM) and founded the Art of Living Foundation.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Jacobs|first=Stephen|title=The Art of Living Foundation|publisher=Ashgate|year=2015|isbn=9781472412683|location=USA|pages=68}}</ref>

==Life==
Ravi Shankar was born in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu, to Vishalakshi and R.S.Venkat Ratnam. He is the brother of Bhanumathi Narasimhan.<ref name="Madhukar 2018">{{cite news|title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I can't afford to be apolitical|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/sunday-read/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-apolitical-interview-bangalore-mirror-bhanumathi-narasimhan-aolf-art-of-living/articleshow/35268558.cms |last=Madhukar |first=Jayanthi |work=IndiaTimes |access-date=26 September 2018|date=17 May 2004}}</ref> He was named "[[Religion:Surya|Ravi]]" (a common Indian name which means "sun") because his birth was on a Sunday, and "Shankar" after the eighth-century Hindu saint, [[Biography:Adi Shankara|Adi Shankara]], whose birthday was the same day as Ravi Shankar.<ref name=nytimesbliss>{{cite news |title=Seeking Bliss Among the Honks and Hisses |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/seeking-bliss-among-the-honks-and-hisses/ |first=Corey |last=Kilgannon |date=11 April 2011 |newspaper={{wipe|The New York Times}} |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref> Ravi Shankar's first teacher was Sudhakar Chaturvedi, an Indian Vedic Scholar and a close associate of [[Biography:Mahatma Gandhi|Mahatma Gandhi]].<ref name=journalofdharma>{{cite journal |url=https://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/halshs-00430542/PDF/AVDEEFF_Alexis_-_2004_-_Sri_Sri_Ravi_Shankar_and_the_Art_of_Spreading_awareness_over_the_World.pdf |first=Alexis |last=Avdeeff |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Spreading Awareness over the World |journal=Journal of Dharma |date=2004 |volume=XXIX |number=3 |pages=321–335 |ISSN=0253-7222 |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pandit gifted wheelchair on birthday |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Pandit-gifted-wheelchair-on-birthday/articleshow/7705520.cms?referral=PM |date=15 March 2011 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref> He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the St. Joseph's College of Bangalore University.<ref>{{cite news |title=Scan of Degree Certificate |url=http://bawandinesh.name/look-what-we-found/ |website=Bawandinesh.name |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629085320/http://bawandinesh.name/look-what-we-found |archive-date=29 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sjc.ac.in/sjcalumni/distinguishedalumni.html |title=Distinguished Alumni |website=St Joseph's College}}</ref> After graduation, Shankar travelled with his second teacher, [[Biography:Maharishi Mahesh Yogi|Maharishi Mahesh Yogi]],<ref name="ToI-Yogi-cremated">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maharishi-Mahesh-Yogi-cremated-in-Allahabad/articleshow/2774934.cms |title=Maharishi Mahesh Yogi cremated in Allahabad |first=Rajiv |last=Mani |date=12 February 2008 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref> giving talks and arranging conferences on Vedic science, and setting up [[Unsolved:Transcendental Meditation|Transcendental Meditation]] and [[Chemistry:Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health|Ayurveda]] centres.{{sfnp|Gautier|2008|p=36}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Stumbling into Infinity: An Ordinary Man in the Sphere of Enlightenment |first=Michael |last=Fischman |publisher=Morgan James Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-60037-648-1 }}</ref>

In the 1980s, Shankar initiated a series of practical and experiential courses in spirituality around the globe. He says that his rhythmic breathing practice, Sudarshan Kriya, came to him in 1982, "like a poem, an inspiration," after a ten-day period of silence on the banks of the Bhadra River in Shimoga, in the state of Karnataka, adding, "I learned it and started teaching it".<ref name=RD>{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.rd-india.com/newsite/other/facetoface_feb07.asp |title=Face to Face: Stress Free with Sri Sri |last=Mahadevan |first=Ashok |date=February 2007 |magazine=Reader's Digest |access-date=5 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929012144/http://www.rd-india.com/newsite/other/facetoface_feb07.asp |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref>

In 1983, Shankar held the first Art of Living course in {{wipe|Switzerland}}. In 1986, he travelled to Apple Valley, California in the US to conduct the first course to be held in [[Earth:North America|North America]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Art of living founder Ravi Shankar - First Indian to receive the Crans Montana Forum Award |url=http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/art-of-living-founder-ravi-shankar-first-indian-to-receive-the-crans-montana-forum-award-1309324614-1 |first=Srimoyee |last=Pandit |website=Jagran Josh |date=29 June 2011}}</ref>

==Philosophy and teachings==

===Spirituality===
Shankar believes spirituality is that which enhances human values such as love, compassion and enthusiasm. It is not limited to any one religion or culture. Hence it is open to all people. He feels the spiritual bond we share as part of the human family is more prominent than nationality, gender, religion, profession, or other identities that separate us.<ref>{{cite book |last=Shankar |first=Sri Sri Ravi |title=Bang on the Door |location=Santa Barbara, CA |publisher=Art of Living Foundation |year=1995 |isbn=1-885289-31-6}}</ref>

According to him, science and spirituality are linked and compatible, both springing from the urge to know. The question, "Who am I?" leads to spirituality; the question, "What is this?" leads to science. Emphasizing that joy is only available in the present moment, his stated vision is to create a world free of stress and violence. His programs are said to offer practical tools to help accomplish this. He sees breath as the link between body and mind, and a tool to relax the mind, emphasising the importance of both meditation/spiritual practice and service to others. In his view, "Truth is spherical rather than linear; so it has to be contradictory."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/04/AR2007070401609.html |title=Take a Deep Breath |last=Copeland |first=Libby |date=5 July 2007 |newspaper={{wipe|The Washington Post}} |access-date=7 September 2011}}</ref>

==Peace and humanitarian work==

===Pakistan===
He visited Pakistan in 2004 on a goodwill mission<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/788657.cms |title=There's dignity of religion in Pakistan |date=23 July 2004 |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=13 May 2018}}</ref> and again in 2012 when he inaugurated Art of Living centers in [[Place:Islamabad|Islamabad]] and [[Place:Karachi|Karachi]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tells Lahore about his 'Art of Living' |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/349068/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-tells-lahore-about-his-art-of-living/ |first=Aroosa |last=Shaukat |date=12 March 2012 |newspaper=The Express Tribune |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref> The Islamabad centre was burned down by armed men in March 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsweekpakistan.com/art-of-living-center-torched-in-islamabad/ |title=Art of Living Center Torched in Islamabad |date=10 March 2014 |website=Newsweek Pakistan |access-date=25 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Did Pakistan TV Debate Prompt Burning of Yoga Center? |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/did-pakistan-tv-debate-prompt-burning-yoga-center-n49036 |date=10 March 2014 |website=NBC News |access-date=25 June 2014}}</ref>

===Iraq===
During his visits to Iraq, at the invitation of Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki, in 2007<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/art-of-living-guru-in-iraq-to-talk-peace/41193-3.html?xml |title=Art of Living guru in Iraq to talk peace |date=24 May 2007 |website=IBNlive.com |access-date=7 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155651/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/art-of-living-guru-in-iraq-to-talk-peace/41193-3.html?xml |archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> and again in 2008,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visits Iraq |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/dec/22sri-ravi-shankar-visits-iraq.htm |date=22 December 2008 |website=Rediff.com |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref> he met with political and religious leaders to promote global peace. In November 2014, Ravi Shankar visited the relief camps in [[Place:Erbil|Erbil]], Iraq. He also hosted a conference to address the dire condition of [[Unsolved:Yazidis|Yazidis]] and other non-Muslims in the region.<ref name=huff-erbil-conf>{{cite web |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Spiritual Leader and Activist, Travels To Iraq To Promote Yazidi Rights |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/19/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-iraq_n_6178316.html |first=Antonia |last=Blumberg |date=19 November 2014 |website=Huffington Post |access-date=20 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Indian spiritual leader steps up relief work for refugees in northern Iraq |url=http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1643903/indian-spiritual-leaders-ngo-steps-relief-work-refugees-northern-iraq |date=19 November 2014 |newspaper=South China Morning Post |access-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>

===Colombia and FARC===
Ravi Shankar played a major role in the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the guerrilla movement FARC during his visit to Cuba in June 2015. FARC leaders agreed to follow the [[Philosophy:Gandhism|Gandhian principle of non-violence]] to attain their political objectives and social justice.<ref>{{cite web |title=Words from the Peace Delegation of the FARC-EP to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar |url=http://farc-epeace.org/index.php/communiques/communiques-peace-delegation/item/774-words-from-the-peace-delegation-of-the-farc-ep-to-sri-sri-ravi-shankar.html |website=Official website of the Peace Delegation of the FARC-EP (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army) |access-date=22 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722150121/http://farc-epeace.org/index.php/communiques/communiques-peace-delegation/item/774-words-from-the-peace-delegation-of-the-farc-ep-to-sri-sri-ravi-shankar.html |archive-date=22 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar helps to bring peace to Colombia |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sri-Sri-Ravi-Shankar-helps-to-bring-peace-to-Colombia/articleshow/48022149.cms |date=10 July 2015 |newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=22 July 2015}}</ref> For his efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Colombian conflict, he was awarded Colombia's highest civilian award.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conferred with Colombia's highest civilian award |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-conferred-with-colombias-highest-civilian-award/articleshow/47820700.cms?from=mdr|date=25 June 2015|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=6 June 2020}}</ref>

===Venezuela===
In 2019, Ravi Shankar met with Venezuelan leaders from both sides to encourage dialogue, end the political conflict and restore peace and stability in the country.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Venezuela for peace talks |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/international/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-in-venezuela-for-peace-talks-755563.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Venezuela receives visit from humanitarian leader and peace ambassador Sri Sri Ravi Shankar |url=http://mppre.gob.ve/en/2019/07/08/venezuela-humanitarian-leader-peace-ambassador-sri-sri-ravi-shankar/ |website=Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores |publisher=Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores |access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=President Maduro meets with Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Miraflores |url=http://mppre.gob.ve/en/2019/07/08/president-maduro-ambassador-peace-gurudev-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-miraflores/ |website=Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores |publisher=Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Exteriores |access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref>

===Kashmir, India===
The South Asian Forum for Peace was launched in November 2016 at a conference titled "Kashmir Back to Paradise" in Jammu. According to Ravi Shankar, 90% of people in [[Place:Kashmir|Kashmir]] want peace but are neglected. He added, "The solution to the Kashmir problem can only come from the Kashmiris". This forum is intended to bring together eight South Asian countries to cooperate in areas such as entrepreneurship, skill development, cultural exchange, educational partnerships and women's empowerment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Solution to Kashmir problem can only come from Kashmiris: Sri Sri |url=http://m.greaterkashmir.com/news/jammu/solution-to-kashmir-problem-can-only-come-from-kashmiris-sri-sri/234395.html |first=Yogesh |last=Sagotra |date=24 November 2016 |newspaper=Greater Kashmir |access-date=22 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir: 90 per cent of people want peace |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/kashmir-90-per-cent-of-people-want-peace-says-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-4392410/ |date=24 November 2016 |newspaper=The Indian Express |access-date=22 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmiri separatists, militants are 'cash cows' |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/241116/kashmiri-separatists-militants-are-cash-cows-says-sri-sri-ravi-shankar.html |access-date=22 February 2017 |first=Yusuf |last=Jameel |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |date=24 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AOL to launch regional peace platform for South Asia |url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/8107837_AOL-to-launch-regional-peace-platform-for-South-Asia.html |access-date=22 February 2017 |website=Press Trust of India |date=22 November 2016}}</ref>

===Northeast India===
68 militants from 11 militant outfits surrendered to the government in Manipur on the eve of India's 71st Independence Day in August 2017. The Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, lauded Ravi Shankar for his efforts in making this happen and "bringing peace in troubled areas". Ravi Shankar's organization has been working in Manipur for the last 15 years.<ref name="statesman">{{cite news |title=CM Biren lauds Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for peace efforts in Manipur |url=http://www.thestatesman.com/cities/cm-biren-lauds-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-peace-efforts-manipur-1502438102.html |date=15 August 2017 |newspaper=The Statesman |access-date=11 September 2017}}</ref><ref name="india today">{{cite news |title=Manipur: 68 members of 6 terror cadres, including 4 women cadres, surrender before CM Biren Singh |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/manipur-terrorist-cadres-surrender-n-biren-singh/1/1025807.html |date=14 August 2017 |magazine=India Today |access-date=11 September 2017}}</ref>

In September 2017, at the "Strength in Diversity - North East Indigenous People's Conference", Ravi Shankar claimed that another 500 militants were waiting to "lay down weapons and join the peace process". The conference was attended by representatives from 67 rebel outfits from the Northeast. Expressing his willingness to facilitate the peaceful transition of any rebel group wanting to join the mainstream, Ravi Shankar claimed that his organization has been working for this for the last 10–12 years and "will continue to work until the last gun is laid down".<ref name="nie">{{cite news |title=North East militants waiting to make peace |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/sep/08/north-east-militants-waiting-to-make-peace-1653912.html |first=Prasanta |last=Mazumdar |date=8 September 2017 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |access-date=11 September 2017}}</ref> Former ULFA General Secretary, Anup Chetia, who was also the convenor of the conference, appreciated Ravi Shankar's interest and efforts for peace in the region.<ref name="NorthEast India24">{{cite web |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar expressed willingness to rehabilitate militants back into Mainstream |url=http://www.northeastindia24.com/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-expressed-willingness-to-rehabilitate-militants-back-into-mainstream/ |access-date=11 September 2017 |website=NorthEast India24 |date=7 September 2017}}</ref><ref name="Arunachal24.in">{{cite news |title=We Will Not Stop till the Last Gun is Laid Down: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar |url=http://arunachal24.in/we-will-not-stop-till-the-last-gun-is-laid-down-sri-sri-ravi-shankar/ |access-date=11 September 2017 |website=Arunachal24 |date=7 September 2017}}</ref>

===Ayodhya Ram Temple Dispute, India===
Ravi Shankar's efforts at mediation in the Ayodhya dispute in 2017 received a mixed response from both Hindu and Muslim leaders. Based on Supreme Court of India's suggestion for an out-of-court settlement,<ref>{{cite news |title=SC calls for out-of-court settlement in Ayodhya case |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ayodhya-row-supreme-court-suggests-out-of-court-settlement/article17551285.ece |access-date=9 April 2018 |newspaper=The Hindu|date=21 March 2017}}</ref> he proposed a mutual compromise where both communities "gift" neighbouring pieces of land to each other. This proposal was met with a lot of skepticism and resistance.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shia Waqf Board chief meets Sri Sri, favours Ram Temple at disputed site |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/shia-waqf-board-chief-meets-sri-sri-favours-ram-temple-at-disputed-site/story-K8Bsa4mChdgPxDZhCpZ2hL.html |access-date=5 March 2018 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=31 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=In a bid to solve Ayodhya issue, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar meets Nirmohi Akhara and Muslim law board members |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-bid-to-solve-ayodhya-issue-sri-sri-ravishankar-meets-nirmohi-akhara-and-muslim-law-board-members/story-3UUrLCkuSfSlVqD2CHW8iI.html |access-date=5 March 2018 |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=27 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar meets expelled AIMPLB member Nadvi |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-meets-expelled-aimplb-member-nadvi/551713.html |access-date=5 March 2018 |newspaper=The Tribune |date=1 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Solution to Ayodhya dispute not possible in Supreme Court: Sri Sri Ravishankar |url=http://zeenews.india.com/india/solution-to-ayodhya-dispute-not-possible-in-supreme-court-sri-sri-ravishankar-2085347.html |access-date=5 March 2018 |website=Zee News |date=28 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ayodhya dispute: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar gives fresh mediation push, meets UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/feb/28/ayodhya-dispute-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-gives-fresh-mediation-push-meets-up-cm-yogi-adityanath-in-gor-1779847.html |access-date=5 March 2018 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |date=28 February 2018}}</ref>

In March 2019, he was appointed by the Supreme Court of India to a 3-member mediation committee tasked with finding a resolution for the case in 8 weeks.<ref name="theweek" group="Ayodhya">{{cite web |title=Ayodhya dispute: Supreme Court appoints 3-member mediation team |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/03/08/ayodhya-dispute-supreme-court-mediation.html |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="TOI" group="Ayodhya">{{cite web |title=Ayodhya land dispute case: SC-named panel to complete mediation in 8 weeks |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-refers-ayodhya-land-dispute-case-for-mediation/articleshow/68314177.cms |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="BS" group="Ayodhya">{{cite web |title=Ayodhya land dispute: SC-appointed mediation panel holds first sitting in Faizabad |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/ayodhya-land-dispute-sc-appointed-mediation-panel-holds-first-sitting-in-faizabad-119031400690_1.html |website=Business Standard |access-date=24 April 2019}}</ref>

===Interfaith Dialogue===
Ravi Shankar is involved in interfaith dialogue and currently sits on the Board of World Religious Leaders for the Elijah Interfaith Institute.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leaders of Religions of India |url=http://www.elijah-interfaith.org/index.php?id=731 |website=Elijah Interfaith Institute |access-date=30 April 2013}}</ref> Through interfaith summits in 2008 and 2010, he has been engaging faith-based leaders for collective action against HIV.<ref>{{cite news |title=Spiritual healing for HIV-infected in Bangalore |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/1444431/report-spiritual-healing-for-hiv-infected-in-bangalore |access-date=30 July 2013 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |date=28 September 2010}}</ref> In July 2013 at a meeting in UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva, issues including HIV prevention, gender based violence, stigma and discrimination were discussed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Science, spirituality and health in the AIDS response |url=http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2013/july/20130703srisrishankar/ |website=UNAIDS |access-date=30 July 2013}}</ref>

===Prison Program===
In 1992, he started a prison programme<ref>{{cite news |title=South African prisoners embrace yoga |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7777912.stm |website=BBC News |date=24 December 2008 |first=Andrew |last=Walker}}</ref> to rehabilitate prison inmates and help them reintegrate into society.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pravin Mahajan 'n D's brother sing together |url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=85731 |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=30 April 2007}}</ref>

==Awards and recognition==
*Padma Vibhushan, India's Second Highest Civilian Award, January 2016<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/padma-awards-announced/article8151257.ece |title=Padma Vibhushan for Rajinikanth, Dhirubhai Ambani, Jagmohan |access-date=28 February 2016 |newspaper=The Hindu|date=26 January 2016}}</ref>
*Dr Nagendra Singh International Peace Award, India, November 2016<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravishankar gets international peace prize |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sri-Sri-Ravishankar-gets-international-peace-prize/articleshow/55529251.cms |access-date=10 December 2016 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=20 November 2016}}</ref>
*Peru's Highest Award, "Medalla de la Integración en el Grado de Gran Oficial" (Grand Officer)<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conferred with Peru's highest award 'Grand Officer' |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-conferred-with-peru-s-highest-award-grand-officer-2100609 |access-date=22 July 2015 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |date=1 July 2015}}</ref>
*Colombia's highest civilian award, "Orden de la Democracia Simón Bolívar"<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Sri Sri Conferred With Colombia's Highest Civilian Award |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/sri-sri-conferred-with-colombias-highest-civilian-award/903924 |access-date=22 July 2015 |magazine=Outlook |date=25 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Spiritual Leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Conferred With Colombia's Highest Civilian Award |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/spiritual-leader-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-conferred-with-colombias-highest-civilian-award-775342 |access-date=22 July 2015 |agency=Press Trust of India |website=NDTV |date=25 June 2015}}</ref>
*Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Prize<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Speak at Morehouse's Martin Luther King International Chapel |url=http://www.atlantadailyworld.com/201304024956/Praise/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-to-speak-at-morehouse-s-martin-luther-king-international-chapel |access-date=4 April 2013 |newspaper=Atlanta Daily World |date=2 April 2013}}</ref>
*Highest civilian award "National Order of Mérito de Comuneros", Paraguay, 13 September 2012<ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com">{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar gets Paraguay's highest civilian award |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-09-15/news/33863046_1_federico-franco-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-paraguayan-senate |access-date=22 March 2013 |newspaper=The Economic Times |date=15 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lanacion.com.py/articulo/89279-condecoraran-al-dr-sri-sri-ravi-shankar.html |title=Condecorarán al Dr. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar |date=7 September 2012 |newspaper=La Nación |language=es |access-date=22 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325085420/http://www.lanacion.com.py/articulo/89279-condecoraran-al-dr-sri-sri-ravi-shankar.html |archive-date=25 March 2013}}</ref>
*Illustrious citizen by the Paraguayan Municipality, 12 September 2012<ref name="lite.epaper.timesofindia.com">{{cite news |title=Sri Sri gets Paraguays Highest Civilian Award |url=http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=5&sectid=edid=&edlabel=ETD&mydateHid=15-09-2012&pubname=Economic+Times+-+Delhi&edname=&articleid=Ar00501&publabel=ET |access-date=22 March 2013 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=15 September 2012}}</ref>
*Illustrious guest of the city of Asunción, Paraguay, 12 September 2012<ref name="lite.epaper.timesofindia.com"/>
*Tiradentes Medal, the highest honour from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, 3 September 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alerjln1.alerj.rj.gov.br/scpro1115.nsf/10d6d451b00fd42b832566ec0018d836/94736f5cf68f67fc832579c80070979c?OpenDocument |title=Concede Medalha Tiradentes e Respectivo Diploma ao Ilustre Sri Sri Ravi Shankar |website=Assembleia Legislativa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro |language=es |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=26 May 2014}}</ref>
*The Sivananda World Peace award, Sivananda Foundation, South Africa, 26 August 2012<ref>{{cite web |title=Sivananda Peace Pillar presented to Ravi Shankar |url=http://sivanandapeacepillars.com/blog/2012/10/08/sivananda-peace-pillar-presented-to-ravi-shankar/ |website=Sivananda Peace Pillars.com |access-date=22 March 2013}}</ref>
*Crans Montana Forum Award, Brussels, 24 June 2011<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmf.ch/awards/LISTE-PRIX-58.pdf |title=Prix De La Fondation |website=Crans Montana Forum |access-date=14 May 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113152331/http://www.cmf.ch/awards/LISTE-PRIX-58.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ravi Shankar 1st Indian to get Crans Montana award |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ravi-shankar-1st-indian-to-get-crans-montana-award/809703 |access-date=22 March 2013 |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=28 June 2011}}</ref>
*Culture in Balance Award, World Culture Forum, Dresden Germany, 10 October 2009<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conferred award by German organisation |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/29982/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-conferred.html |newspaper=Deccan Herald |date=11 October 2009}}</ref>
*Phoenix Award, Atlanta, USA, 2008<ref name="dnaindia.com">{{cite news |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar honoured by three US cities |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mobile/report.php?n=1202527 |newspaper=Daily News and Analysis |date=1 November 2008}}</ref>
*Honorary Citizenship and Goodwill Ambassador, Houston, USA, 2008<ref name="dnaindia.com"/>
*Proclamation of Commendation, New Jersey, USA 2008<ref>{{cite news |title=Sri Sri teaches Art of Living to New Jersey |url=http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/jul/07sld04.htm |website=Rediff.com |date=7 July 2008}}</ref>
*Sant Shri Dnyaneshwara World Peace Prize, Pune, India, 11 January 2007<ref>{{cite news |title=Give me your worries |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-01-11/pune/27876788_1_sri-sri-ravi-shankar-organic-farming-art-of-living-founder |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331080811/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-01-11/pune/27876788_1_sri-sri-ravi-shankar-organic-farming-art-of-living-founder |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 March 2013 |access-date=28 March 2013 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=11 January 2007}}</ref>
*Order of the Pole Star, Mongolia, 2006<ref>{{cite web |title=Mongolia's top civilian honour for Sri Sri Ravishankar |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/aug/24sri.htm |website=Rediff.com |date=24 August 2006}}</ref>
*Bharat Shiromani Award, New Delhi, India, 2005<ref>{{cite news |title=Of oneness, spirituality and unity |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-04-21/india/27848023_1_spirituality-time-and-space-pranab-mukherjee |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629121454/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-04-21/india/27848023_1_spirituality-time-and-space-pranab-mukherjee |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2013 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=21 April 2005}}</ref>
* Honorary Doctorates from – Universidad Autónoma de Asunción of Paraguay,<ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com"/> Buenos Aires University, Argentina; Siglo XXI University Campus, Cordoba, Argentina; Nyenrode Business University, Netherlands;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyenrode.nl/News/Pages/Sri-Sri-Ravi-Shankar-receives-Honorary-Doctorate-from-Nyenrode-Business-Universiteit-.aspx |title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar receives Honorary Doctorate from Nyenrode Business Universiteit |date=4 June 2012 |website=Nyenrode Business Universiteit |access-date=14 May 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607215524/http://www.nyenrode.nl/News/Pages/Sri-Sri-Ravi-Shankar-receives-Honorary-Doctorate-from-Nyenrode-Business-Universiteit-.aspx |archive-date=7 June 2012}}</ref> Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur;<ref name="Gyan Vihar convocation">{{cite web |title=Gyan Vihar convocation |url=http://gyanvihar.org/pg11.aspx |website=Gyan Vihar University |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319001518/http://gyanvihar.org/pg11.aspx |archive-date=19 March 2013}}</ref> Kuvempu University, India.

In 2009, Shankar was named by ''{{wipe|Forbes}}'' magazine as the fifth most powerful leader in India.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/2009/11/09/gandhi-singh-tata-leadership-power-09-india_slide_6.html |title=Editor's Picks: The Seven Most Powerful People in India – No. 5: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar |date=9 November 2009 |magazine=Forbes |access-date=21 March 2013}}</ref>

==Criticism==
In 2012, Ravi Shankar, while attending a function in Jaipur, claimed that some Indian government schools are breeding grounds for Naxalism, a movement of militant communist groups in India declared to be terrorist organisations. "All government schools and colleges should be privatised. The government should not run any school. It's often found that children from government schools get into Naxalism and violence. Children from private schools don't get into this," he was quoted as saying by media reports. Later, Shankar issued a clarification that he didn't mean that all government schools breed Naxalism. More clarification followed on his Twitter account: "I specifically referred to sick government schools in Naxal affected areas. Many who have turned to Naxalism have come from these schools. I did not say all Govt schools (where lakhs study) breed Naxalism. Great talents have emerged from these schools & I would never generalize."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Protest-against-Sri-Sri-Ravi-Shankar-for-his-remarks-on-government-schools/articleshow/12362498.cms |title=Protest against Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his remarks on government schools |newspaper=The Times of India|date=22 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/didnt-say-all-govt-schools-breed-naxalism-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-472654 | title=Didn't say all govt schools breed Naxalism: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar |date=21 March 2012 |website=NDTV}}</ref> In March 2018, he faced criticism from political leaders for his commentary, where he said, India will turn into Syria if the Ram temple issue is not resolved soon.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ayodhya-babri-dispute-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-likens-india-to-syria-gets-slammed-top-10-highlights-118030600962_1.html|title=Sri Sri Ravi Shankar likens India to Syria, gets trolled: Top 10 highlights|last=Team|first=BS Web|date=2018-03-06|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-09-29}}</ref>

==Books==

* ''An Intimate Note to the Sincere Seeker''; Vol. 1: {{ISBN|1-885289-29-4}}, Vol. 2: {{ISBN|1-885289-30-8}}, Vol. 3: {{ISBN|1-885289-33-2}}, Vol. 4: {{ISBN|1-885289-36-7}}, Vol. 5: {{ISBN|1-885289-38-3}}, Vol. 6: {{ISBN|1-885289-40-5}}, Vol. 7: {{ISBN|1-885289-41-3}}
* ''Buddha: manifestation of silence'', {{ISBN|81-89291-91-2}}
* 1999 – ''Be A Witness: The Wisdom of the Upanishads'', 106 pp.&nbsp;{{ISBN|81-7621-063-3}}
* 2000 – ''God Loves Fun'', 138 pp.&nbsp;{{ISBN|1-885289-05-7}}
* 2001 – ''Celebrating Silence: Excerpts from Five Years of Weekly Knowledge 1995–2000'', 206 pp.&nbsp;{{ISBN|1-885289-39-1}}
* ''Celebrating Love'' {{ISBN|1-885289-42-1}}
* 2005 – ''Narada Bhakti Sutra'', 129 pp.&nbsp;{{ISBN|81-7811-029-6}}
*''Hinduism & Islam, the common thread'', 34 pp, 2002
* ''Secrets of Relationships'', Arktos, 2014
* ''Patanjali Yoga Sutras'', Arktos, 2014
* ''Ashtavakra Gita'', 2010, {{ISBN|9380592833}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Ashtavakra Gita |date=2010 |publisher=Sri Sri Publications Trust |location=Bangalore |isbn=9380592833}}</ref>
* ''Management Mantras'', Arktos, 2014
* ''Know Your Child: The Art of Raising Children'', Arktos, 2014

==See also==
* List of peace activists

==Notes==

=== References ===
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

=== Citations ===
{{reflist|group=Ayodhya}}

==References==
*{{cite book |last=Gautier |first=François |title=The Guru of Joy: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & the art of living |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xGQqAAAAYAAJ |edition=Revised & updated |location=New York |publisher=Hay House |date=2008 |isbn=978-8-19056-559-2}} (First edition: India, Books Today, 2002. {{ISBN|81-87478-42-X}})
* {{cite book |first=Michael |last=Fischman |title=Stumbling into Infinity: An Ordinary Man in the Sphere of Enlightenment |publisher=Morgan James Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-60037-648-1}}
* {{cite book |first=Frederique |last=Lebelley |title=Walking the Path : Narrative of an experience with H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar |location=Bangalore |publisher=Sri Sri Publications Trust |date=March 2010 |isbn=978-9-07784-076-4}}

==External links==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Shankar, Ravi}}
[[Category:Spiritual teachers]]
[[Category:Nondualism]]

{{Sourceattribution|Ravi Shankar (spiritual leader)|1}}