In one of my older articles ‘A gig and Meditation’, I wrote about my early association with the ‘Art of Living’ foundation.  Little did I know then, I would be writing an article detailing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji’s visit to my country.

For long, the Art of Living (AOL) followers in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) have had a collective and united Sankalpa (wish) that our Gurudev should visit the gifted land of the UAE. The faith we put in our wish had eventually borne the fruit and, Gurudev visited the country in the month of November, 2018.

In case, if you do not know who Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar ji is, then, let me first give you a brief introduction about Him, although, what I write here is too less a description about His grace.

Gurudev is a renowned spiritual leader and a humanitarian, well known globally for His works in creating a stress-free world and spreading the wisdom of one-ness, love and joy; thereby, defining the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family’.

This was His first visit to the U.A.E, and Gurudev was here to impart this very knowledge and brought with Him an ancient, yet, a very special ideology called the ‘Unveiling Infinity’.

Rewinding four months from today, I was at the AOL Sharjah Center for a Teachers and Volunteers’ meeting. It’s always an honorable experience to be a part of such an event. I’am not a teacher, but, a volunteer, and probably they invited me because I might be doing a good job (Not being proud, as it dampens the spirit of being a volunteer, and also because, volunteers do not expect anything from the service that he is offering).

It was there when the Center co-ordinator dropped the big news that Gurudev would visit the country. The announcement followed with a frenzy, rupture of joy among the attendees. The icing on the cake was when he announced that Gurudev would probably visit Sharjah, en route to Dubai, based on the schedule.

To celebrate the occasion of His arrival, everyone at the Center, took a united Sankalpa to perform Guru Pooja at 108 Homes across Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. As per the Hindu tradition, the number ‘108’ refers to the number of beads (including the main bead) that ornate the Japa-mala or the prayer rosary.

I nominated our home to be one such blessed place, to perform the Guru Pooja. It was performed by an AOL Teacher, and the occasion was decorated with friends and devotees alike, attending the function.

And blessed we all were, that, in due course, it was confirmed that Gurudev would, of course, come to Sharjah. It was not just a brief visit, but, He would be at the magnificent Sharjah Expo Center to conduct an event with the laborers’ community.

This was a massive opportunity for us to conduct the event and to serve our Master, and the Center was determined to make the event a memorable one. In fact, there was an out-pour of tremendous enthusiasm at the Center, and a collective mentality that we were all prepared to make it one of the best, or, probably ‘The Best’.

To attain His grace, I and my wife nominated as volunteers for the Sharjah event. Although, we were a part of the volunteer’s team (of Sharjah AOL Center), we knew this one was special. How often does one get a chance to serve the Guru, and that, in a different country? We were both excited and nervous, also, we fancied a thought to get His glimpse from the closest proximity.

And the biggest moment finally arrived. Gurudev flew to the U.A.E and was a royal guest of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the ruler of Fujairah. Also notably, Gurudev’s visit coincided with the UNESCO’s ‘International Day of Tolerance’.

Gurudev conducted a meditation discourse at the Fujairah Football Stadium. Many thronged the stadium and witnessed a special day in their lives with the Guru.

The next day, Gurudev visited a labor camp on the route to Sharjah, to address and to bless them.

The next stop would be at the Sharjah Expo Center. As expected, we were all excited. Fortunately, I was asked to look after the laborers in the main hall, where Gurudev would be conducting the session. Since, it was an event only for the laborer’s community, a huge labor class crowd had arrived, guided by their leaders. It was a wonderful sight to see people from different nationals, just to get a glimpse of the Guru and to enjoy His company.

Gurudev addressed the group and reminded them that they are an inspiration in building the nation. He also guided them through a wonderful meditation session. The crowd was greatly pleased and felt relieved from their otherwise, hectic hardships. It was a heartfelt moment for me as I could see tears of joy amidst a blessed and energetic environment.

By now, I had forgot my wish to see Gurudev from close proximity, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a senior teacher asked me to form a human chain to protect Gurudev upon His return. Was it mere fortune or was I born lucky. I never knew. But at that moment, I did not even know whether I had to laugh or cry. I ran across the corridor and grabbed the next person’s hand to form the chain, fearing that I would be sent back to manage the Hall again.

As Gurudev walked-by, I saw waves of people falling over us from behind, becoming delirious, just to see and touch the Guru. It was a special moment to be the Guru’s guard. What more? I had my glimpse from what could be defined as the closest possible quarter.

The next stop was at the Dubai World Trade Center, and for that very special event called the ‘Unveiling Infinity’.

You might wonder what Unveiling Infinity is and what makes it so special?

The Unveiling Infinity is a very special ideology, which promises to re-discover our own (lost) awareness. It is an astounding approach to reach the highest form of our awareness and possibly, beyond that.

This ancient Tantra, defines 112 powerful meditative techniques, designed to help mankind to easily achieve the highest stage of their awareness. The vastness of our conscious mind is infinite. Unveiling Infinity is the key to unlock its mystery.

And the best part was, Gurudev Himself was here to guide us in this two-day session, to explain its divinity and importantly, present the secret of connecting us with our own divine self.

And guess, what it offers? If practiced diligently, one could achieve:

• Increased Happiness
• Enhanced Focus and Awareness
• Develop a Positive approach
• Greater Control on Oneself
• Develop Sharp Intellect
• Increased Equanimity
• Increased Dynamism
• Ability to be Resilient
• and many more…

Gurudev’s presence is like an Oasis of Hope in a confused, fast-moving world. Were we not lucky to be in His presence and to seek this powerful knowledge?

Also, the fact that Gurudev is possibly the only teacher on this planet, who could impart this knowledge, is an effervescent thought, which I would like to cherish.

The next day, Gurudev visited Abu Dhabi for a session, after which He flew to India. It was, of course, a special visit that we all enjoyed.

Be Blessed and Stay Blessed!

Jai Gurudev!