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70,000 people to gather in Germany to mark 30 years of Art of Living

Last updated on: June 30, 2011 13:52 IST
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressing a huge gathering

The Art of Living (external link) is all set to host The World Culture Festival on July 2 and 3 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin to celebrate its 30 years of service.

The central theme of The World Culture Festival is celebrating diversity and enriching life. More than 70,000 people from 151 countries are expected to come together for a unique weekend.

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'A milestone has been achieved'

Last updated on: June 30, 2011 13:52 IST
A grand celebration at the Olympiastadion in Berlin

"30 years of Art of Living -- a milestone has been achieved," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, spiritual guru and founder of the Art of Living foundation, said recently.

"We are inspired to continue with even more enthusiasm and greater speed to realise the dream, where life becomes a celebration and the world will become one family. Millions of volunteers have worked with so much love and enthusiasm and will continue inspiring millions more people, in all the areas that we have not yet reached, and dry the tears that are still being shed. The World Culture Festival is a celebration of achievements and a vision to do even more good," Sri Sri said.

'2,000 guitarists, 30 pianists, 3,000 singers to perform together'

Last updated on: June 30, 2011 13:52 IST

Highlights of The World Culture Festival include the Grand Guitar Ensemble for Peace with 2,000 guitarists, 30 pianists, and a choir performance with 3,000 singers.

Other highlights include an artistic yoga performance and a meditation for peace with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

'Thousands of yoga enthusiasts to come together'

Last updated on: June 30, 2011 13:52 IST
Some of the areas of the Olympiastadion stadium will be converted into the largest Yoga Park in Europe

The Art of Living was founded by Sri Sri 30 years ago with a vision to create a stress-free and non-violent world. The organisation serves people through projects that empower the individual, provide freedom from trauma and stress in crisis areas, and rehabilitates victims of violence and prison inmates.

It teaches yoga and meditation, emphasising on using the breath to relax and manage stress.

Some of the areas of the Olympiastadion stadium will be converted into the largest Yoga Park in Europe. Yoga enthusiasts from around the world can learn common yoga asanas and discover the right yoga school for themselves.

'It will be a memorable moment'

Last updated on: June 30, 2011 13:52 IST
70,000 people expected to attend the celebrations

In addition, a Yoga Museum about the historical development of Indo-philosophical doctrine shows from antiquity to the 21st Century. Various exhibitions will concentrate on the positive effects of yoga for health and peace in the world. "Inner peace is the basis for a peaceful society," says Ruud Lubbers, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

"Yoga is a powerful way to relax and a solution for stress, because only those who are in peace with themselves can also project it outward to their environment."

70,000 people are expected to meditate for peace in the presence of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Alberto Simone from Italy shares, "Being able to meditate for peace in the universe and launching a universal Om sound in unison with tens of thousands of others, will be powerful and memorable."