Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Global humanitarian leader to give a rare public address in New Zealand

World-renowned advocate for a violence-free society to visit Auckland on 24 October 2024
Founder of Art of Living - meditation, breathwork and yoga courses

Responsible for positively impacting millions of people’s lives around the globe Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Gurudev) makes a rare visit to Aotearoa, New Zealand for a public ticketed event on 24 October at Auckland’s Aotea Centre.

Only for one night can audiences hear Gurudev share his insights, wisdom, and experiences from his lifelong journey of serving the global community.

Gurudev has spoken extensively, at the United Nations, the European Parliament, the World Economic Forum, and American universities – Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Georgetown, and the University of Southern California. He has received thirty-eight governmental awards, including the highest civilian honours in Colombia, Mongolia, Paraguay, and India. Twenty-one universities have awarded him honorary doctorates for his humanitarian and conflict resolution initiatives.

With his unique ability to distill life’s most complex issues into simple, everyday truths, Gurudev’s words create a deep sense of peace and resonance that transcends the intellect, bringing a smile to your face and serenity to your soul.

Gurudev founded the Art of Living in 1981 and his programmes are now taught in 180 countries. He describes it as more of a principle, a philosophy of living life to its fullest. It is more a movement than an organisation. “Its core value is to find peace within oneself and to unite people in our society – of different cultures, traditions, religions, nationalities; and thus reminding us all that we have one goal to uplift human life everywhere” says Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

The programmes include breathwork and meditation practices and they have helped many in New Zealand during times of trauma and stress like the Christchurch earthquakes.

he Art of Living runs a course called the Happiness Programme a.k.a The Art of Breath. People experience a range of significant benefits from clarity and stillness in the mind and body to reduced stress, greater energy and increased satisfaction with life. It helps people live their lives to the fullest, increases lifespan and age well by staying well – and is proven to reduce cortisol levels.

Gurudev's programme has had 70+ independent studies on four continents and published in peer-reviewed journals. The studies have demonstrated a comprehensive range of benefits from practising Sudarshan Kriya and accompanying breathing techniques, collectively referred to as SKY.

Best-selling author of Breath, Science journalist James Nestor attributes learning the SKY technique as the impetus for writing the book that covers the new science of breath, and how so many of us have lost the ability to breathe properly.

“His timeless message of inspiration and peace continues to touch the lives of countless people around the globe. We are so fortunate to have Gurudev coming to New Zealand at a time when many are experiencing severe stress and anxiety from the complex challenges of modern life, the impacts of, global climate issues, recession, cost of living crises and navigating a post-COVID world, so his visit couldn’t be more timely. We invite the public to hear his message” says Andrew Melville, Art of Living, National Teacher Coordinator.

Gurudev follows in the footsteps of leaders like Gandhi, painting a global humanitarian vision of peace and unity. Messages like this from global leaders visiting Aotearoa, New Zealand are few and far between so don’t miss this opportunity to meet Gurudev firsthand. The experience will leave participants feeling inspired, uplifted and potentially forever changed.

An evening with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
7.30pm 24 October 2024
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, 50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010