The Hindu : `Conversion against ethos of religion'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 21, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

`Conversion against ethos of religion'

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE Jan. 20. True spirituality transcends religion and the different faiths and, in fact, religious conversion is denigration of one religion in favour of another, Sri Ravishankar, founder of The Art of Living Foundation, said here today.

Addressing presspersons after the conclusion of the World Conference on Spiritual Regeneration and Human Values, the new-age guru who has impressed world leaders with his brand of spiritual revival said, "Conversion is against the ethos of any religion."

He said only inter-faith dialogue could end this strife, while the common man should seek answers to the spiritual dogmas that hindered his journey to the ultimate evolution.

The man, who became famous after he addressed delegates at the UN General Assembly a few years ago, is leaving tomorrow for Davos, where he will once again address world leaders at the World Economic Forum meet.

Sri Ravishankar fielded questions on the prospect of war between the U.S. and Iraq adroitly, saying, "War is the w(a)rst action of reason." He prescribed a dose of spiritualism for people engaged in the business of making war and political leaders who thought war was a solution, and not the problem.

The conference that ended on Sunday, where many heads of Government from Europe and political leaders from Botswana shared their experiences in spirituality, addressed everyone from the local villagers and political bigwigs to Bollywood celebrities.

The guru made special mention of the panchayat members from the surrounding villages in Kanakapura, where the Art of Living Foundation sprawls over an extensive campus.

Politicians had an opportunity to go back to their roots, connect with their karma and, according to Sri Ravishankar, this was the best way to increase human values, improve the quality of life, and reduce strife and conflict in the world.

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