One world family

NIMA MENON on an Art of Living experience at Arosa, Switzerland

We all belong to this world and are creations of the one Almighty. Yet, we are different in our own ways, live in different countries, speak different languages, have different likes and dislikes and lead our lives in our own unique way. Even so, we are connected by an invisible string that makes us beings and members of the ‘One World Family’. It was not until recently that I truly understood the meaning of the term and got to live it and experience it. I had the privilege of attending an international spiritual course in Arosa, Switzerland as part of the Art of Living Foundation. When the opportunity came up it coincided perfectly with our 25th wedding anniversary, and it turned out to be the best holiday-cum-anniversary celebration I have ever had.

Staying at the foot of the Swiss Alps (it was as though I could reach out and touch them) and waking up to the sight of snowcapped mountains with your husband of 25 years was an absolutely awesome experience. But even more invigorating was the 2 hours of yoga and meditation that we did as a group with people from over 15 countries. It filled the body, heart and entire being with joy, to the point of intoxication.

When like-minded people get together, country, language and religion are not cumbersome obstacles. You speak in the universal language of love and understanding and develop a strange camaraderie that cannot be explained. You look out for and look after the comfort of strangers who become acquaintances, and then friends and confidantes in a matter of days. That is the power of spirituality, the power of being part of the ‘One World Family’. One couldn’t have asked for a better venue than Arosa to meet and greet friends from around the world who were there to enjoy and experience the bliss of Art of Living. There were over 500 people, from Finland, Germany, Italy, France, India, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Belgium, Hungary, Jordan, Turkey, Croatia, Poland, New Zealand, Fiji and countries in the Middle East. They were all there to listen to HH Sri Sri Ravishankar’s discourse on the sixth chapter of the Bhagavat Gita. There were translators in Russian, German, Lithuanian, Arabic, French and Italian. The interest and attention of people from outside India in the country’s rich culture and teachings of the great epics was an eye-opening experience. We rarely acknowledge the spiritual wealth to which we are born; it takes others to expose us to these wonders. The whole experience was enlivening and exhilarating. The discourse was followed by question-answer sessions, nature walks and ‘satsangs’ There was an ayurvedic doctor on site and options for ayurvedic treatment if required. The whole package