In a first, China extends invite to spiritual guru

BEIJING: Godless China has invited Art of Living (AOL) founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, for a religious leaders' meeting and a satsang near Beijing later this month. This would be the spiritual leader's first China visit.

Sources said state-run China Overseas Friendship Association (COFA) is organising the event on October 24 and 25 and around 400 people from across the country are expected to attend the satsang. They said Beijing gave its go ahead for the event to promote bilateral ties with India and that the invitation is the first of its kind to any Indian religious figure.

"We expect senior businessmen, show business celebrities, medical, educational experts and even psychiatrists to attend the event," said Tang Qiyu, who would host the event at his ashram-like resort for yoga and meditation on the outskirts of the capital. Sources said Tang's efforts made the invitation for the spiritual leader possible.Read more