A Note to the Intellectuals

Yes you've got it right. I dedicate this post to all the intellectuals out there, ready to swank their opinions, getting into arguments at the drop of a hat!

Intellect, in itself, is not a bad thing. It help us understand things and use our talents BUT it's a danger mark when used to form dogmatic opinions and stick to judgments. I personally know people who have a tendency of finding negativities in things and people.

This post is in the context of how they perceive Art of Living and its activities, in particular.

But let me clarify - I have no issues with that. My idea is just to let them know my side of the story, may be their perception changes ;) I'd written a post on it earlier too, which you can find here

Que : Why are the courses so expensive? If they are meant for social welfare, they should be priced minimally

My Take : Well dear, you are absolutely right.They ARE meant for social welfare. The AOL Life Skills courses  are already priced minimally, just have a close look.

With all due respect, if you search for any of the Personality Development Workshops, take Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) for instance, check out the price and make a Comparative Analysis for yourself. In most of the workshops, you get a set of material as take away, which one hardly refers to. Further more, life skills are something which can only get better each day so one tends to repeat the courses.

NOW, look at the situation - are AOL courses expensive? You get the best gift to take home - Sudarshan Kriya which you can practice by yourself and can repeat the course free of cost!

Please understand - our human mind is such that we tend to associate NGOs with something FREE or CHARITABLE.

But I ask you a question -When we go to buy clothes or eat at a good location, do you ever question " Why do they charge so much?"

The clothes that we buy, the food that we eat, the places that we visit - all give joy and relaxation which is very much welcomed but one has to accept that they are short lived:) So it isn't a BIG deal to spend some money to get happiness which is eternal:)

Que : Art of Living is too much into publicity.

My Take: We don't market, we just promote :)

Take an example - If you like something, don't you tell others about it and recommend it? Like a particular Movie, novel or any eating joint?

Similar is the case. The so-called publicity is the experiences that we share, the joy that we came in contact with. And when a person says "Thanks" with a smile after doing the course, the pleasure is beyond words :)

Nobody promotes without money. But still if people share it voluntarily, there's got to be something.Its simply word of mouth that AOL has become so known:)

Que : Yes, the course is good but people seem to be going mad and ga ga over "Guruji". He's good but he isn't GOD!

My Take : Well, for many, he is the manifestation of God :).  In the ancient scriptures and traditions, GURU has been mentioned as an embodiment. Some feel the connection, some respect him, some do nothing. All is ok:)

You've got to read His Biography. I think its a personal choice as to who you respect, love or treat as God. Some see God in their parents, some in idols and some in a Guru.

The reason why such a question arises is because the EGO obstructs surrendering to a human. It thinks how can one be so weak and melt in front of someone. We prefer sticking to our identities in the name of self reliance and confidence.

BUT , think about it, don't you ever feel a force thats guiding you? Giving courage and helping out.THAT force is the Guru Grace.

You've got to see the magic! How light and joyful you feel. An unconditional faith comes that you are taken care of.

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It really feels good to showcase your take, in written 'coz in front of intellects, you hardly get a chance to speak, only have the choice of listening.:)

Keep Smiling:)