“When just 1% of the population of the world meditates, it elevates the entire collective consciousness,” says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation. “In the same way, when enough people say ‘I stand up for peace’ — when they unite to project that energy and vision, it will happen.”
Gurudev is using his global platform to respond to the horrendous violence at the Uvalde, TX Robb Elementary School with worldwide ‘I Stand for Peace’ rallies. The gatherings are attracting thousands in locations around the globe who are appalled by the brutality they see around them and are uniting to find a better path forward.
The “I Stand for Peace” Movement
Gurudev is on a mission to let the voice of peace be heard in every part of the world. “Peace is the baseline for our existence,” he explains on his website. “Our intention is the basis of all action, and if we put our attention and the collective intention towards standing for peace, then peace will prevail!”
In the midst of wars, acts of unspeakable violence, and turmoil, Gurudev launched the ‘I Stand for Peace’ campaign from the headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva. He was met by enthusiastic and hopeful crowds in Germany, Poland, and Switzerland. Currently, he is taking his message of peace to over 30 cities in the United States. At the end of the summer, he will move into South America and Africa in search of others who share the vision.
For four decades, this world-renowned spiritual instructor, global humanitarian, and meditation master has traveled internationally to advocate for peace, working with individuals, communities, and entire nations. His message has brought him an audience with the Pope, the Dalai Lama, and dozens of world leaders.
Gurudev’s growing movement spans five continents
People are taking a stand for peace worldwide. Gurudev says the first step is to join in this pledge: “I’m in favor of peace. I believe there’s strength in peace and that peace can make a difference in the world.”
To date, over 1 million people have taken the pledge to stand for peace. Thousands are signing up to show their physical support at rallies throughout the summer. Upcoming gatherings can be found in the following cities:
- Los Angeles, CA/ May 27-June 1 and June 10-12
- SFBA, CA / June 9
- Seattle, WA / June 18
- Raleigh, NC / July 7
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / July 15 -18
- Sao Pablo, Brazil / July 15 -18
- Santiago, Chile / July 22-26
- Ghana, Africa / August 16
- Nigeria, Africa / August 18
- Uganda, Africa / August 23
- Tanzania, Africa / August 25
According to Gurudev’s teaching, to create peace between communities, nations, and people, individuals must first look within. He shows them how meditation is an inward journey enabling them to find true peace inside themselves. “It is in discovering inner peace that we find our life is better and our communication improves,” he explains. “When our communication becomes better, the conflicts around us decrease. Once you find that inner peace, you can share it with your surroundings, your family, your friends, and your society. Peaceful people make peaceful nations.”
Gurudev firmly believes this collective stand for peace has the power to benefit every individual on the planet along with society as a whole. “Let us come together to spread the message of global peace,” he urges. “Conflicts and wars not only destroy our environment but also harm the physical and mental health of the individual. World peace is impossible without individual peace. We must achieve inner peace if we hope to achieve outer peace.”
The Art of Living Foundation is pointing millions of people in 152 countries toward a more mindful and peaceful existence. For information on registering for upcoming rallies this summer, taking the ‘I Stand for Peace’ pledge, or discovering more about the path to inner peace, readers can visit the Art of Living Foundation’s website.
