Gurudev’s Address at WCF 2023
It is such a beautiful occasion to celebrate our diversity. Our planet is so diverse, and yet there is underlying unity that is the human values. There is an old saying, an ancient saying, that intelligent people spend their time in coordination, cooperation and uplifting the human spirit. They spend their time in science, literature, humour, music and dance. As a child we first started singing right? only then we started speaking. So music is such a part of every culture. It’s part of our human spirit’s expression, and it is necessary that we celebrate this without a sense of competition, with a sense of cooperation, conviction.
As we see today, mental health is a big issue. Either there is aggression or violence on one side, depression and suicidal tendencies on the other. Celebration can help. We need 3 things – passion for a greater cause. We need dispassion, we can’t have good sleep. In America, there is a song- I am a dreamer. When it gets too much, we say let it be. Relax and get back to your true self.
I am there for you – that attitude we all have. No child is born as a bad guy. We need to realise that we are one world family. It is the loneliness, mental health challenges so prevalent. Don’t pass by any face that is unhappy. Say hello to them, a few words of wisdom can bring change. When the mind is serene, calm. then there is peace. One person unhappy can make the whole family unhappy. Let’s commit ourselves on this occasion – create more happiness, wipe tears. That’s humanness. We are made up of these values.
No celebration has depth without wisdom. We are all unique and we are all one. Happy to see you. Let me tell you once again – we all belong to one global family. Let’s celebrate our life. Life is too short to think about conflicts. When a baby starts asking questions, it’s a sign of intellect getting matured. When we grow older we ask – what is the purpose of my life? These questions – matured. Let’s reaffirm our faith in goodness of humanity.
Let’s dream for a better future for this and the coming generation!
– Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
