Silver Jubilee Chronicles - a large file worth the download delay

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hastouched.News Of The WeekSri Sri will visit New York on Dec. 24th, New Jersey

on Dec. 25th andMontreal Dec. 25th -Dec. 28thFor more information contact: New

York : 212-414-8222 / info (AT) artoflivingny (DOT) orgNew Jersey : 732-738-4457 /

info (AT) artoflivingnj (DOT) orgMontreal: 819-532-3328 /

artdevivre (AT) artofliving (DOT) orgDo You Know?The Art Of Living Foundation has

trained 1.6 million people in OrganicFarming across 4,465 villages in India.The

Art Of Living Foundation has reached people in 142 countries around theworld in

25 years. This is much faster than any other organization.Even if you live for

five minutes in this planet, even if you live for fivedays, five months, five

years - a few moments of that Love makes the lifeworthwhile. A few moments of

that Love

brings joy, not only to you but tothe entire creation around you * From Bhakti

Sutras Travel Tip:bulbThe AdventureThe U.S. Silver Jubilee coordinators have

taken every possible considerationto insure your wellbeing on the journey. In

the next two week our volunteerswill contact you via email and phone calls to

reconfirm your air travel, SJpackages, etc. If you have any questions, please

call 212-414-8222 or email:info (AT) artoflivingsilverjubilee (DOT) orgThe Bangalore

Palace and FortOne World FamilyThe whole world belongs to you. But man

identifies himself with hisprofession, religion, culture, nationality,

language, region or sex and,maybe, as a human being. People today are stuck in

religious practices,symbols & customs, and have forgotten the spiritual core

human values ofcompassion, friendliness, co-operation, peace of mind, joy and a

smile

thatis not fragile! In a society plagued with domestic and communal violence, we

need toglobalize wisdom. Though we have advanced technologically, we have

caredvery little for the emotional and spiritual needs of people. A sense

ofbelongingness with the whole world - rising above the narrow considerationsof

colour, culture or background, is the need of the hour. We are not livingin

isolated compartments - the world has become one family. As a majorinitiative

towards globalizing wisdom and fostering human values, we arehosting a

three-day International Conference on Human Values - from the 17th -19 th of

February, 2006. This conference is a wonderful occasion for allleaders of

society who are concerned about terrorism and fundamentalism. We need to look

back and learn from the mistakes of the past; we need tounderstand what is

lacking in society and how we can nurture the humanvalues without which this

earth cannot be

sustained.Knowledge and spiritual awareness should go hand in hand with social

andpolitical systems. I think religious leaders, political leaders,

businessestablishments and social workers should get together and spread the

messageof unity. All religions and traditions have a common value system.

Theseshared values have to reach every corner of the world. Even if one pocket

ofthe world remains ignorant of these values, the world will not be a

safeplace. I often say religion is the banana skin and spirituality is

thebanana.The misery in the world is because we throw away the banana and

areholding on to the skin.I hope this conference will reinforce the vision of a

one world family.Travel Tip:bulbExperience IndiaIndia has a well established

infrastructure for western travellers. You needjust a little extra patience and

consideration to have a

wonderfulexperience. The transport and the range of hotels in some ways eclipse

thoseyou will find at home (except in speed and luxury) and you will

comfortablyget by with English in any established tourist town or city.Glass

House, Lal BaghGlass House, Lal BaghSri Sri Ravi Shankar to aid Iraq

rebuildingAmong the many faces to be seen in Baghdad soon as the

internationalcommunity joins in the rebuilding of the war-ravaged country, one

that issure to stand out is that of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the spiritual master

whowears a cherubic smile and a flowing beard.The founder of the Art of Living

Foundation, an international non-profiteducational and humanitarian

organisation, has decided to go to Iraq to helprebuild the country. "It is

critical that the world community collaborate onthe rebuilding of Iraq. This

must be a worldwide effort to help the Iraqipeople restore their country," Ravi

Shankar said

on Wednesday. Ravi Shankarhas come to the US after a visit to Lebanon where he

met with religiousleaders and social activists to discuss the issue of

rebuilding Iraq. "SriSri Ravi Shankar is hoping to gather leaders of his

stature from the majorfaiths in Iraq once it becomes a little more calmer and

safer in Iraq," hisaides said.Geneva-based International Association for Human

Values, founded by RaviShankar, will commit volunteers to help restock and

rebuild the much-neededfacilities such as hospitals and schools as well as

create trauma centres inIraq. The IAHV, which is also a United Nations

accredited non-governmentalorganisation, is calling on volunteers from all

ethnic, cultural and faithtraditions to join them in delivering aid to the

Iraqi people.The firstgroup of volunteers to be drawn predominantly from the

association'sMid-East offices will work to provide resources to institutions

madedestitute by the war and

subsequent looting. The initial step will be toassess needs and to see how the

skills of the volunteers can be bestapplied. Basically what Sri Sri Ravi

Shankar is saying is that this(rebuilding) is not a job of one or two

organisations or governments. Hesays that all the major religions of the world

have resources and theyshould utilise these resources to help Iraq. That is

what is needed now,"one aide said. "He wants people from other faiths to come

together and say 'yes' to helpingthe hapless people of Iraq."The humanitarian

crisis in Iraq, according toIAHV that has a consultative status with the

Economic and Social Council ofthe UN, may very well be one of the most serious

in recent years and becauseof this it is calling volunteers from around the

world to form amultinational coalition of rebuilders. The provision of aid

through amultinational and multifaith coalition will demonstrate that this is

anopportunity to bring

greater unity and cooperation to the world," Sri SriRavi Shankar saidTravel

Tip:bulbYour well being is our highest priorityThe Bangalore ashram has a large

team of doctors both ayurvedic andallopathic who are available 24 hours for your

care. Pharmacies areavailable in every town and village in India. If you need to

see a doctorfor a specific condition, ask your SJ team leader. We will designate

a teamof health care providers who will travel to India with the U.S.

contingentand be available to offer meaningful health care tips like "take

twoaspirins and I'll . . . . . ". Remember,.. laughter is the best medicine.

Vidhan SaudhaDestination India:BangaloreCapital of the Southern state of

Karnataka, Bangalore today is Asia'sfastest growing cosmopolitan city. It is

home to some of the most high techindustries in India. The I.T industry views

Bangalore as the

'byte-basket'of India. Bangalore is also home to some of India's premier

scientificestablishments. Blessed with a salubrious climate, gardens & parks,

naturallakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants

andpubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities, Bangalore is

theideal gateway to India and beyond. Bangalore offers something

foreveryone-music and dance concerts (Western and Indian), dramas,

exhibitions,carnivals, conferences and more. Legend goes that King Veeraballa

ofVijayanagara once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon

alone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman.When he asked forfood,

she gave him baked beans ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka).The King foundthis humble

meal taste better than the richest fare.To commemorate thisincident, he called

the place "Benda Kalu Ooru"(place of baked beans).Bangalore today is getting

popular though for a different variety

ofBeans-JavaBeans.The Bangalore Palace and Fort :The Bangalore Fort was built by

Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan.Within its walls is the well preserved

16th century Ganapathi Temple. TheBangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king

in 1887 on the 400 acre space.Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was

built in the Tudor style,complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows,

battlements and turretsresembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam,

this summer palacehas been constructed largely of wood and is famous forits

carving andpaintings.Lal BaghHyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden

and his son addedhorticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants

from severalcountries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which

includerare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs.

TheGlass House, modelled along London's Crystal Palace, is the center

ofattraction in this 2400 acre park. Bi-annual flower shows

attractingparticipants from all over India is held in the Glass House. In July,

2003it was decded that the Department of Horticulture and Bangalore

DevelopmentAuthority (BDA) would jointly take up the development of Lal Bagh

BotanicalGardens.Shopping Tip:Bringing home the elusive holy grail, a

BargainPut on your best poker face and remember this mantra "what's your

bestprice" Bargaining can be a fun, difficult, humorous game for

manyWesterners, start practicing. The "art of the deal" is expected in

Indianmarkets and the original price is almost never the price you are expected

topay. Ask your local host what's a "good price" to pay for items before

youstart negotiations. Getting started,. Keep a good sense of humor and

arespectful tone when dealing with salespeople, remember the mantra and

havefun. Aaaahhhh !!! A Bargain !!!

Bangalore Silk Vidhana Soudha This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that

dominates the northernboundary of the Cubbon park, is the home of the State

Legislature and theSecretariat. The massive sandalwood door of the Cabinet room

is aspectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha isbedecked

in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sightworthviewing. The

building is open for visitors only after 3 PM. The Bull TempleThis temple,

built by Kempe Gowda, houses the magnificent stone statue ofthe sacred bull,

Nandi. It stands over 15 feet tall and is over 20 feet long. In Nov/Dec every

year, when the groundnuts have been harvested, agroundnut fair is held near the

temple. The first groundnuts are offered bythe farmers to the sacred bull.St.

Mary's ChurchEstablished by a French missionary Abbe Dubois in 1811, St.Mary's

church isthe only church in Karnataka state to be

elevated to the status of a minorBasilica. Every September, The Virgin Mary's

festival is celebrated with aprocession that attracts people of all faiths.

Ulsoor lakeA picturesque lake with several tree-shaded islands in it, is an

idealpicnic spot. You can go boating or go for a swim in the nearby swimming

poolthat is part of the recreational complex near the lake. You can also go

tothe nearby Gurdhwar, the largest Sikh shrine in Bangalore. Mysore PalaceA

silhouette of the Mysore Palace illuminated with ninety seven thousandbulbs

shimmering against an inky black night is one of the most enduringimages of the

city. A priceless national treasure and the pride of akingdom, the Mysore Palace

is the seat of the famed Wodeyar Maharajas ofMysore. An eclectic synthesis of

architectural styles the palace is one ofIndia's most dramatic national

monuments. Today it is a museum housingtreasures from across the world

reflecting the rich

and colorful history ofthe erstwhile princely state of Mysore.Mysore

PalaceMysore PalaceTravel Tip:bulbDon't leave home without itIf you have an

unlocked gsm cell phone, It's possible to buy a local simcard/cell no. for

about US $10-15. You will have unlimited incoming callsand a limited amount of

outgoing minutes. You can easily buy more outgoingminutes.Staying in

touchInternet cafes and affordable public telephone services are easily

availableand accessible in most places in India.Bull TempleBull TempleThe

making of Vishalakshi MantapEarly in the morning on 13th September 1999, around

100 devotees gathered ontop of a hillock in the ashram, where Guruji was

performing a puja. He waslaying the foundation stone for the new Meditation

hall. The people aroundhad no idea as to what it would look like, while the

Master had

alreadyenvisioned the monumental structure that would be called the

"VishalakshiMantap" - dedicated to "Amma" - Guruji's mother.Conceived and

designed by none other that H.H. Sri Sri Ravishankar himself,this beautifully

crafted piece of architecture tells a great story of threeyears of hard work

and dedication. The five storied structure resembling ablossoming lotus is an

example of intricate craftsmanship, stunningillumination and elegant decor.

Fifty five agencies with seven thousand people and hundreds of sevaks

wereinvolved in the making of this edifice under the constant supervision

ofGuruji. It was a great experience for all involved to work so closely withthe

Master and learn a great deal about working to perfection.As you enter the

Mantap, the grand door with "Ashtalakshmi" engraved on itwelcomes you. As you

move in, on the ceiling, there are eight "Ashtalakshmi"statuettes carved along

with one "Ganesha" statuette. For

the seating thereis a mezzanine floor too, from where you can see the center

stage withGuruji's seat. The next three floors are big halls for various

courses. Thestructure is crowned with a glass dome and a "Kalash" - 15feet 3

inches inheight - the biggest in Asia.If one has seen the Mantap in its full

splendor, one cannot deny that it isan architectural wonder of the world.

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