Bangalore: Part 4-- Art of Living Ashram (AKA the "Disneyworld" of Gurus--Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's abode)

Yes indeedy, if Iskon was the DisneyLAND of spirituality, The Art of Living Center and Ashram is the DisneyWORLD... it is opulent as all get out, sprawling over a massive acreage of land out in the countryside, and must be worth billions. (This assessment is based on my knowledge of the land prices in India. Because of having such a huge population, land costs are among the highest in the world, out-of-reach to all but the most wealthy Indians. This Guru clearly is amongst the wealthiest of the wealthy!!!)   

The disappointing part for me was that I had actually liked and respected Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the "Art of Living" institute. He is the guru behind this this massive, Disneyworld-like creation. I had seen him twice in California, both times at least 20 years ago. The programs I went to with him present were simple, modest and enjoyable. They were in rented halls.  He gave talks-- pertinent, uplifting and interesting-- and the kirtan (spiritual chanting of sacred names) was amazing. Though not an active follower of his whereabouts or anything else regarding his path, I had always been a respectful admirer and fan. 

Sadly, NOT after this experience, which was absolutely appalling! After walking around the extensive grounds with a dropped jaw, I settled in to watch a music and dance performance that took place in a large outdoor area, with the giant, lotus-shaped meditation center as the backdrop. The concert was WAY too loud; I was only able to see musicians and performers on the large screens (the place was pretty packed and I was somewhat towards the back); a drone buzzing overhead distracted me;  many of the people around me were chatting with each other or on cell phones. This latter fact was especially galling: after all, the performers were talented, interesting and impressive.

Still... I kept waiting for a kirtan to happen... it never did. I waited for Sri Sri to speak... HE never did. At least, not a word to an expectant audience...he was apparently only there as a spectator himself. And...he was a tiny dot on the screen, seated back away from the performances happening on the stage.  

So... I got out of it what I could, but left deeply disappointed. I really don't understand this about India and gurus: I think there is much validity in their teachings, but why the show, the opulence, the incredible waste of money that could be so much better spent on badly needed causes? (Feeding people, feeding starving animals, FIXING all the feral animals wandering the streeets everywhere... and on and on... ) I have yet to encounter anyone who can explain it to me. 

And then...behavior of the people, another enigma: why show up at a concert, only to be rude to both fellow spectators and performers alike??? Why can't these people shut up, get off their cell phones, appreciate what is happening right before them? After experiences like this, I become deeply disillusioned about India... especially in these "modern" times. I wish I could transport myself back in time, 100 years or so, when spirituality in India was REAL, and a primary focus in this culture. When people were humble yet deeply reverent and devotional. I know this era existed...it is what has attracted so many westerners to this ancient land, after all. But... it seems that so much of that has been lost...undoubtedly because of technology and exposure to the western world, which virtually every Indian wants to be part of (much to their detriment, no doubt!)

So it goes. But, for the visual enjoyment, at least, I present my photos of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's "Disneyworld" below:

This is the icon of the Art of Living Center: The lotus-shaped meditation monstrosity. It is truly an interesting building, to be sure... and pretty in its own right. But once again, I much prefer the ancient temples!

Definitely an eye-catching sight as the sun set behind it... 

 

I got there early to ensure myself of a seat in this outdoor area. By the time the concert began around 8 p.m., it was completely filled up with people. 

Even more impressive when the lights came on... 

A golden "Nandi", the bull-god one frequently sees guarding temple entrances.

Inside the massive lotus building...this was one of many halls on one of the many floors of the structure. 

Covering a vast expanse near the entrance, there was a huge, park-like area, with these fountains in the middle, constantly changing colors. 

A bunch of gazebos dotted the park area... a real waste of electricity, me thinks! Again, money could be better spent on much more important projects... 

DOESN'T it just remind you of Disneyworld?!?!

Even the roadway leading to the exit was lined with these strings of lights... the electric "parade" for cars and pedestrians!!