Yoga Unites the European Parliament with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Program

In an event notable for the diverse range of participants and sponsors it drew, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar united members of the European Parliament through “The Way of Yoga,” the title of his presentation.

Organized by the European Parliament’s Delegation to India and the nation’s Indian embassy, it was the first such event to receive endorsement from the seven major political parties represented in the Parliament. The event also served as curtain-raising for the first International Day of Yoga, as declared by the United Nations December 11, 2014, which has received an outpouring of support in the international community.

In his address for the Parliament, Sri Sri created a buzz with his interactive presentation, a guided meditation and for unfolding the ways that yoga can contribute to a healthier, safer and more caring society. “Prejudice based on religion, race, class, gender, education, financial status have clogged the mind of men and that’s how conflicts arise in society.Yoga helps us to reach out and resolve this conflict. So it spontaneously and naturally makes our mind free from prejudice.” The audience included a mix of members of the European Parliament, the world’s largest legislating body, EU officials and ambassadors from various countries.

Sri Sri was warmly welcomed by members of European Parliament and was lauded for his numerous humanitarian initiatives spanning the globe.

Jo Leinen, Member EU, Germany, said, “If I would have to decide, you would be a candidate for Nobel Peace Prize – this would be something you deserve.  You are the the one who wants to solve conflicts and bring harmony.”

The largest political group in the European Parliament, the European People’s Party, issued a statement saying, “Sri Sri’s presence in the European Parliament has been a true inspiration for European leaders to strongly engage in more inter-cultural dialogue that would lead towards non-violent societies.”

April 30 – May 9, Sri Sri will be in the US, leading various public programs in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina.