“A disease-free body, quiver-free breath, stress-free mind, inhibition-free intellect, obsession-free memory, ego that includes all, and a soul which is free from sorrow is the birthright of every human being.”
From reciting the Bhagavad Gita at age four to founding one of the largest humanitarian and educational movements in the world, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has spent his life helping individuals find peace within themselves so they can create peace around them.
With a background in both modern physics and ancient philosophy, he developed the Sudarshan Kriya, a breath-based practice that has helped millions manage stress, anxiety, and trauma. Through the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values, his initiatives have supported healing and reconciliation in war-torn regions, prisons, and disaster zones. His efforts have been recognized with the Padma Vibhushan and honors from governments around the world.
In this conversation, Gurudev shares how personal discipline, compassion, and conscious leadership can create las
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You established the Art of Living Foundation in over 180 countries, impacting millions. As a child, you once said, “I have family everywhere.” Looking back now, how does that journey feel?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Everything seems to have happened on its own. I feel like life has been moving forward, guided by nature, and I’ve just been flowing along with it. It’s hard to believe it’s been 45 years. When I started, there was a lot of prejudice in the world. People would say, “Oh, meditation and yoga, that’s not for me,” or think it was only for someone who seemed a little strange or disconnected. That was the general narrative at the time. That’s why I didn’t even call it yoga or meditation in the beginning. I called it The Art of Living. Today, I’m glad to say that nearly one-third of the world’s population is practicing some form of meditation and yoga. That is a very big shift in global consciousness.
Every career has its turning points. Can you share a pivotal moment that significantly shaped your path to success? Which milestones do you consider most significant, and why?
Steph Adams: For me, it was the pandemic. It allowed me to slow down, reflect, and become more creative, leading to the production of six more books. Fashion & Style became a #1 best-seller in France and also a bestseller in the US. The following year, things really started to take off.
How did you get started writing books?
Steph Adams: I completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design and Marketing and then began working in the publishing industry for Vogue Australia, GQ, Vogue Living, and six other magazines. I started my own design studio on the side. After working on a coffee table book for Harper’s Bazaar, a client asked me to create a coffee table book for them about hotels. This is how it all started, and then more people came forward wanting coffee table books.
Science today seems to be validating what ancient practices have taught for centuries. What’s your take on this growing body of evidence?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: There is now so much scientific research on the benefits of meditation. It supports the immune system, boosts energy levels, and even influences our genetic makeup. The cynicism that once surrounded these practices has faded. They are curious, open, and genuinely interested in exploring these ancient methods.
“My vision is a violence-free, stress-free society, and to bring a smile on every face.”
In a world increasingly defined by stress, what do you believe is the key ingredient to developing a successful, balanced mindset?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Let’s understand what stress really is. Stress happens when you have too much to do, too little time, and not enough energy. To counter this, we need to focus on managing our energy. Time is constant. It is the same for the president of a country and for a blue-collar worker. What makes the difference is our internal energy level. When we raise our energy, we can do more, handle more, and avoid getting caught in the stress cycle. That’s exactly what we focus on in the Art of Living.
Many people struggle to prioritize their time and end up overwhelmed. How should one approach this challenge?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Sometimes, time itself decides your priorities. You may plan your day carefully, but if you suddenly break a limb, everything changes. Still, the most important factor is your energy. You can boost it by eating well, getting proper rest, and most importantly, meditating. Many people today don’t experience deep, restful sleep. That’s where meditation can really help. We have specific breathing techniques and short meditations within our sleep and anxiety protocols. These have helped millions regain quality sleep and mental clarity.
Can peace of mind and ambition exist together?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Yes, of course. But repetition over-ambition can lead to anxiety. Ambition is healthy as long as it doesn’t interfere with your sleep or make you feel restless or nervous. I often say, passion is like breathing in. But you must also learn to let go, just like breathing out. You need both to live fully.
Many people feel their ambition is shaped more by social expectations than personal desire. How can they return to what really matters?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It’s so important to stay centered. When people are disconnected from their inner values, external pressures begin to take over—whether those come from social media, cultural norms, or peer expectations. Staying centered allows us to hear our own inner voice more clearly and make choices that reflect our true needs.
You played a key role in helping end Colombia’s 52-year civil war and recently returned to speak before their parliament. With so much conflict in the world, how do you maintain inner calm and hope?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: It’s a big task. That’s why we need more volunteers and more people with a broad vision for life and humanity. When we put humanity first, above all other identities, we can begin to move toward a more peaceful world. Leaders need to see the world as one family. Wars are rarely driven by real threats. Most often, they are fueled by perceived threats. Fear comes from narrow thinking. When we expand our sense of identity, that fear naturally dissolves.
Mental health is a growing global concern, especially post-pandemic. What is your perspective on addressing it at both the personal and societal levels?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: First, we must stop denying our own mental health issues and work to remove the stigma surrounding them. Many people still feel shy or even ashamed to talk about it. This is especially true for men, who are often pressured not to show emotion. But bottling up fear, sadness, and anger creates inner turmoil. Through proper breathing techniques, one can release these emotions and build inner resilience. Then, mental health no longer feels like a burden. It becomes something we can understand and manage. Loneliness is another major concern. In some countries, nearly 45 percent of people report feeling lonely. This is not just a disconnect from others, but also a disconnect from oneself.
“Clarity in the mind, purity in the heart, and sincerity in action.”
Technology keeps us “connected,” but many people feel more isolated than ever. How can we rebuild a real connection?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Technology has made us hyper-connected, yet disconnected from nature and from ourselves. We’ve lost the sense of unity with trees, oceans, animals, and even with one another. There’s a deeper level of human connection that we’ve forgotten. The human mind is always seeking something new—new gadgets, new technology. But the heart longs for the familiar. It cherishes old friends and old memories. There is real value in that. It’s like going to a restaurant, reading the menu, admiring the pictures, but never eating. Just looking won’t satisfy you. You have to experience it. Connection works the same way.
You’ve spent time with world leaders, celebrities, and rural villagers. Across these experiences, what stays the same?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: To me, I only see human beings. I don’t think about whether someone is a celebrity or holds a position of power. Everyone is a beautiful soul who came to this planet with joy. Along the way, they may have gotten a little lost, but that original essence is still there.
You’ve inspired a movement that spans continents and cultures. What guiding principles shape your leadership?
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: I would say: clarity in the mind, purity in the heart, and sincerity in action. Don’t try to manage everything—let things unfold naturally. If you walk the talk and live what you teach, that becomes the most inspiring form of leadership. Honestly, I don’t know how it all happened. It’s something for researchers to study. It simply happened.
“Wars are rarely driven by real threats. Most often, they are fueled by perceived threats. Fear comes from narrow thinking.”
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar or his company, you can do it through his – Instagram
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
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Rockstar Profile
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: A Life of Purpose, Peace, and Global Impact
The Silent Revolutionary: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar stands among the most influential spiritual leaders of the 21st century. For over four decades, he has dedicated his life to fostering peace, reducing stress, and advancing human well-being through breath-based practices. His teachings have impacted over 800 million people worldwide. As the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, his work transcends religious, cultural, and political boundaries, positioning him as a vital voice in global conversations about mental health, leadership, and social harmony.
Gurudev is best known for creating Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful rhythmic breathing technique that emerged during a ten-day period of silence in 1982.
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Mission
Born in Tamil Nadu, India, in 1956, Ravi Shankar demonstrated an affinity for spiritual studies from a young age. Named after the sun (“Ravi”) and the Hindu philosopher Adi Shankara, he later became a disciple of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and played a key role in expanding Transcendental Meditation. In 1981, he founded the Art of Living Foundation, a movement that soon grew into one of the largest volunteer-driven organizations in the world.
Today, his initiatives span more than 180 countries, with measurable impact across diverse areas: over 700,000 students educated, 5.6 million people supported through trauma relief, 800,000 inmates reached through prison rehabilitation programs, and 7,400 extremists transformed. His vision is clear and uncompromising: a world free from stress and violence.
The Science of Breath and Resilience
Gurudev is best known for developing Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful rhythmic breathing technique that emerged during a ten-day period of silence in 1982. Since then, this practice has become the cornerstone of his teachings, empowering individuals to manage anxiety, improve their sleep, and develop emotional resilience.
More than 100 peer-reviewed studies confirm its benefits, including reductions in depression and PTSD, improvements in immune function and sleep quality, and enhanced emotional well-being. Prestigious institutions such as Yale, Stanford, and Ohio State University have studied the technique’s effects on addiction recovery, veterans’ mental health, and stress reduction in healthcare professionals.
From building grassroots movements to advising heads of state, Gurudev exemplifies a model of leadership grounded in compassion, clarity, and practical wisdom.
Global Peacebuilding and Cultural Leadership
Gurudev’s influence extends far beyond personal wellness. His mediation efforts have played a critical role in resolving some of the world’s most entrenched conflicts, including the 52-year civil war in Colombia between the FARC and the government. He has engaged in peace initiatives in Iraq, Venezuela, Kashmir, and Côte d’Ivoire, often working with leaders from opposing factions to promote reconciliation.
He has also been the driving force behind global events such as the World Culture Festival, a celebration of diversity and unity attended by millions, and World Meditation Day, which brings together participants worldwide to create a collective ripple of inner peace.
Healing Communities Through Service
Under his leadership, the Art of Living Foundation has launched transformative initiatives addressing education, health, and environmental sustainability. These include:
- Rejuvenating more than 70 rivers and tributaries in India, benefiting 20,000 villages.
- Providing free education to over 100,000 children in underserved communities, helping to break cycles of generational poverty.
- Training 111,000 women worldwide in vocational and leadership skills.
- Planting over 100 million trees in 36 countries as part of reforestation efforts.
- Offering relief and trauma care in the aftermath of natural disasters and humanitarian crises, from the Nepal earthquake to the Syrian conflict.
His programs for veterans and active military personnel have given thousands of tools to overcome PTSD and rebuild their lives. In prisons, his initiatives have transformed the mindsets of inmates, significantly reducing rates of violence and recidivism.
A Philosophy of Leadership for the 21st Century
At the heart of Gurudev’s philosophy is the conviction that leadership begins within. He emphasizes the importance of clarity of mind, purity of heart, and sincerity in action as essential qualities for those who wish to effect meaningful change. Rather than encouraging control and micromanagement, he advocates for cultivating inner alignment, allowing external circumstances to fall into place naturally.
This philosophy has resonated across sectors, inspiring educators, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, and heads of state to adopt more human-centered approaches to their work.
Legacy and Vision
With initiatives spanning continents and impacting millions, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has become more than a spiritual teacher. He is a global architect of peace and resilience, proving that transformation at scale begins with transformation at the individual level.
His books, including “Celebrating Silence” and “Notes for the Journey Within,” offer guidance for those seeking a deeper sense of purpose. Meanwhile, his foundation continues to expand its reach, building a network of programs designed to create harmony in a rapidly changing world.
As societies face rising stress, polarization, and burnout, his vision offers a practical and hopeful path forward: empowering individuals to cultivate inner peace as the foundation for lasting societal change.
