Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visits Ukraine for the first time
3 May
Gurudev visits Orthodox shrines in Kiev
Gurudev visited Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra and St. Vladimir's Cathedral. In the Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra, Gurudev was warmly welcomed by Abbot Hilarion. He showed the various shrines and shared the history going back one thousand years . Abbot took with special interest Guruji’s invitation to come to India, as he studied a variety of philosophical schools of the world. Gurudev and Abbot Hilarion talked on the best Russian-language edition of Indian philosophy and religion - "Indian philosophy", written by the President of India Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
The first official person who met Gurudev in Kiev was the deputy of the Verkhovnaya Rada of Ukraine Ivan Zyatc, he welcomed the international guests in Ukraine. During the meeting, deputy noted that human values, which are being revived by Gurudev are very important both for Ukraine and for the whole world.
In the Vladimir Cathedral, Gurudev met Boris the Abbe - rector of the Cathedral. Abbe heads the main church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kiev’s Patriarchate. Abbe Boris met Gurudev with the words: "It is a great honor to welcome the representative of such ancient culture as India. Not only for Ukraine but for all states of the former Soviet Union, Indian culture is particularly valuable. Back in 60s, 70s every educated person knew and appreciated the culture of India with its dance and music, thanks to an amazing masterpiece of Indian cinema. Ukrainian and Indian culture remarkably similar in spirit. You, as a representative of an ancient culture, of course, have something to share with us". In parting, Abbe Boris warmly embraced and presented Gurudev with a rare icon and said: "This meeting will remain forever in my heart. I wish you success in whatever you do. You do goodness to people - this is especially important for the modern world."
4 May
Tree planting, Spiritual values in politics and Charge yourself with action
Gurudev together with volunteers in the Kiev botanical garden, planted the "Pink Magnolia" tree - a symbol of purity, nobility and perseverance. A total of 20 trees were planted. Gurudev, then interacted with journalists and answered several important questions concerning the ecology of Ukraine and the world: "There are 3 important things we should do: stop pollution of air, of water and of earth. We should switch to organic farming and plant more trees."
In the Chamber of Commerce of Ukraine Gurudev lead a seminar "Yoga for Health and Happiness." Gurudev taught more than 800 people the basics of yoga, unique breathing techniques, as well as how the sounds and songs affect on our mind and intellect.
Gurudev participated in a round table discussion on "Spiritual values in politics, business and charity" with progressive Ukrainian politicians, businessmen, sportsmen and artists. Immediately after the round table discussion he joined a press conference.
In the evening more than 1 500 people gathered for an open conversation with Gurudev entitled “Charge yourself with action”. All present had the opportunity to ask Gurudev questions and learn the secrets of happy living. Gurudev conducted a meditation and the 1500 people in the Chamber of Commerce of Ukraine in the very center of Kiev was in absolute silence.
