Date:20/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/20/stories/2007122053890400.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

‘Kerala should be known after Guru too’

Special Correspondent

Ravishankar inaugurates valedictory of Sivagiri pilgrimage platinum jubilee fete

Warm welcome: Art of Living movement founder Sri Sri Ravishankar arriving in Sivagiri to inaugurate the valedictory function of the platinum jubilee celebrations of Sivagiri pilgrimage on Wednesday.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, should also be known as the land of Sree Narayana Guru, Art of Living movement founder Sri Sri Ravishankar has said.

He was inaugurating the valedictory function of the platinum jubilee celebrations of Sivagiri pilgrimage organised by the Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust (SNDST) at Varkala on Wednesday.

Real ‘sanyasi’

He said the real ‘sanyasi’ is the one who brings pilgrim centres like Kailas and Manasarovar to the doorsteps of the common man and there were many such sanyasis in the country.

The world was yearning for the spiritual wisdom of India, he said. The real ‘sanyasi’ is the one who can wipe the tears of those who suffer.

He should elevate the humble and bring down the arrogant. Leading an ascetic’s life involves sacrifice and everyone should imbibe the element of sacrifice to help his fellow beings, he added. SNDST president Swami Prakasananda presided.

Swami Sachidananda welcomed the gathering.