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Gurudev: On the Plateau of the Peak: The Life of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
It was an era when the wisdom of yoga had been buried under years of ritual practices, when religion outweighed human values, when games were becoming wars and wars were being played like games. It was at such a time that, in a quaint village in south India, a young boy was found in deep meditation. He would say, ‘I have family everywhere. People are waiting for me.’ Nobody believed him then. Time revealed the destiny of the millions who came to him to discover themselves. Over the years, his sublime presence and pragmatic teachings would foster the values of joy, peace and love across the world. His transformative art of breathing, the Sudarshan Kriya, became a household practice, an alternative way of life that inspired people to seek self-realization. He became the guru who made the ethereal tangible, who brought about a profound shift in every sphere of human endeavour—from art to architecture, health care to rehabilitation, inner peace to outer dynamism. From a carefree child to a teenager often found in the company of saints, from a young meditation teacher to a revered spiritual Master, this book is an intimate and affectionate account of the life of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar by his sister Bhanumathi Narasimhan, who witnessed his mystical life unfold up-close. On the Plateau of the Peak is an attempt to fit the ocean in a teacup, offering readers a sip of infinity.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
120 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Bhanumathi Narasimhan
11 books36 followersBhanumathi Narasimhan is the younger sister of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Innocently at first, and with joyful awareness later, she has followed her brother, her Master throughout her life. She shares his vision to put a smile on every face on the planet.
Gurudev says,“ Meditation is smiling at yourself.” Bhanumathi is a meditation teacher. Her workshops have brought an experience of deep inner peace to thousands worldwide. The outer expression of this peace is Service to humanity.
Bhanumathi leads the women welfare and child-care initiatives of the Art of Living. From a small free school with 30 children of construction workers, the gift-a-smile project now supports 435 schools with over 58000 underprivileged children.
Trained in her younger days as a Carnatic singer, people across the world wake up to her melodious voice in which she has rendered sacred chants and soulful bhajans through several albums.
She has previously authored two books, Tejasvini and Lalitha that expound the spiritual significance and mystical meaning behind popular Hindu scriptures and practices.
As the chairperson of the International Women’s Conference (IWC), her vision is to make a global connection of responsible women to catalyze positive transformation in society. Over 5000 women from 80 nationalities have participated in these conferences so far.
When asked about how she balances so many roles, she says, “My mother continues to be a great source of inspiration to me. She taught me by her example how to take responsibility for one’s own life. My grandmother taught me to see the smoother and happier side of life. My aunt taught me the value of independence. My husband taught me the value of freedom, my children and grandchildren, the value of innocence, my father, friendliness and my brother, love and compassion towards the whole of humanity. My guru has taught me to combine all these values appropriately and move on joyfully in the journey called life. When you have the right guidance, your life is an ocean of contentment.”
She holds a Masters Degree in Sanskrit Literature from Bangalore University and lives in Bangalore, India.
Gurudev says,“ Meditation is smiling at yourself.” Bhanumathi is a meditation teacher. Her workshops have brought an experience of deep inner peace to thousands worldwide. The outer expression of this peace is Service to humanity.
Bhanumathi leads the women welfare and child-care initiatives of the Art of Living. From a small free school with 30 children of construction workers, the gift-a-smile project now supports 435 schools with over 58000 underprivileged children.
Trained in her younger days as a Carnatic singer, people across the world wake up to her melodious voice in which she has rendered sacred chants and soulful bhajans through several albums.
She has previously authored two books, Tejasvini and Lalitha that expound the spiritual significance and mystical meaning behind popular Hindu scriptures and practices.
As the chairperson of the International Women’s Conference (IWC), her vision is to make a global connection of responsible women to catalyze positive transformation in society. Over 5000 women from 80 nationalities have participated in these conferences so far.
When asked about how she balances so many roles, she says, “My mother continues to be a great source of inspiration to me. She taught me by her example how to take responsibility for one’s own life. My grandmother taught me to see the smoother and happier side of life. My aunt taught me the value of independence. My husband taught me the value of freedom, my children and grandchildren, the value of innocence, my father, friendliness and my brother, love and compassion towards the whole of humanity. My guru has taught me to combine all these values appropriately and move on joyfully in the journey called life. When you have the right guidance, your life is an ocean of contentment.”
She holds a Masters Degree in Sanskrit Literature from Bangalore University and lives in Bangalore, India.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 3, 2021
This book gives you the intimate life of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It is a good read with its share of ups and downs. Read this book to know about this amazing Guru.
October 16, 2018
I was introduced to the Art of Living almost 18 years ago when my first dot-com venture was on the verge of going bust. My friend said, “Alok, I can’t help your business, but I can suggest a remedy for your stress. Do the Happiness Program (then called the Basic Course or Part 1) of the Art of Living”.
Two decades later, isn't it wondrous to note that my first venture not only survived but thrived, and my wife and I became the Art of Living teachers, helping others to relieve their stress!
I read “Gurudev - On the Plateau of the Peak” by Bhanu Maa (that’s how we address Guruji’s sister, the author), slowly, over many months soon after its release. Often, I would forget where I had stopped reading and would invariably reread many chapters. Each great book has its destiny and comes with pre-ordained Karmic energy. For me, that energy was to be absorbed slowly and patiently, just like meditation.
While reading the book, there was one constant thought that kept recurring in my mind. It sounds odd, so read it a couple of times to understand what was going on in my mind:
I kept thinking, “I don’t know - that I don’t know”.
Simply explained, the book opened so many vistas, avenues, and ideas in my mind which I never knew existed. I finally realised that this book IS a meditation, and meditation always reveals to you things that you don't know.
Within the beautifully written chapters, so fragrantly interwoven with stories (like pressed flowers within the pages of a book), readers get a glimpse of who our Guru (and Guru for million others) is.
So who is He? He is an iceberg whose tip this book reveals!
If you haven’t been an Art of Living student or a spiritual practitioner, read this book with the curious eyes and mind of a child. Be open to concepts, facts and stories that you may never have encountered before. They are all true. If you have had some prior spiritual experience (even a 5-minute meditation somewhere), read this book with the intent to take your sadhana & practice deeper and farther. Of course, if you are an Art of Living family member, read this book with the deepest gratitude - for receiving knowledge very few can ever hope to gain even across many lifetimes.
Each person is unique in the world. Bhanu maa writes “Our consciousness loves newness” For each reader, this magical book will reveal a different story.
I would strongly recommend this book for many reasons. My top pointers:
- This book serves as a fantastic guide to reveal what one can achieve with a single thought and purity of intention. Be guided by this book.
- Bhanu Maa’s relationship with her brother and her parallel relationship with him as her Guru teach amazing lessons of how important role models and mentors are in life.
- Guruji’s attention to detail and his ability to be macro and micro at the same time serves as an invaluable lesson to those managing people, teams and projects. This book is a template on how to do significant things - almost impossible stuff, while always smiling.
- I like the way elements of science and metaphysics have been included to explain inexplicable things.
- There is deep wisdom in this book! In a chapter describing how a large meditation hall in the Art of Living Ashram had an uncanny similarity to some structures within the ruins of Machu Pichu in Peru (without prior referencing), Bhanu Maa recalls Sri Sri’s teaching - “Knowledge is structured in our consciousness”. In other words, we 'all' know everything and people can dream up identical creations without ever knowing each other!
- The benefits of Yoga, meditation, serving people and just being consistent with a good habit come shining through in this book.
A must read. And then re-read as often as you can.
Two decades later, isn't it wondrous to note that my first venture not only survived but thrived, and my wife and I became the Art of Living teachers, helping others to relieve their stress!
I read “Gurudev - On the Plateau of the Peak” by Bhanu Maa (that’s how we address Guruji’s sister, the author), slowly, over many months soon after its release. Often, I would forget where I had stopped reading and would invariably reread many chapters. Each great book has its destiny and comes with pre-ordained Karmic energy. For me, that energy was to be absorbed slowly and patiently, just like meditation.
While reading the book, there was one constant thought that kept recurring in my mind. It sounds odd, so read it a couple of times to understand what was going on in my mind:
I kept thinking, “I don’t know - that I don’t know”.
Simply explained, the book opened so many vistas, avenues, and ideas in my mind which I never knew existed. I finally realised that this book IS a meditation, and meditation always reveals to you things that you don't know.
Within the beautifully written chapters, so fragrantly interwoven with stories (like pressed flowers within the pages of a book), readers get a glimpse of who our Guru (and Guru for million others) is.
So who is He? He is an iceberg whose tip this book reveals!
If you haven’t been an Art of Living student or a spiritual practitioner, read this book with the curious eyes and mind of a child. Be open to concepts, facts and stories that you may never have encountered before. They are all true. If you have had some prior spiritual experience (even a 5-minute meditation somewhere), read this book with the intent to take your sadhana & practice deeper and farther. Of course, if you are an Art of Living family member, read this book with the deepest gratitude - for receiving knowledge very few can ever hope to gain even across many lifetimes.
Each person is unique in the world. Bhanu maa writes “Our consciousness loves newness” For each reader, this magical book will reveal a different story.
I would strongly recommend this book for many reasons. My top pointers:
- This book serves as a fantastic guide to reveal what one can achieve with a single thought and purity of intention. Be guided by this book.
- Bhanu Maa’s relationship with her brother and her parallel relationship with him as her Guru teach amazing lessons of how important role models and mentors are in life.
- Guruji’s attention to detail and his ability to be macro and micro at the same time serves as an invaluable lesson to those managing people, teams and projects. This book is a template on how to do significant things - almost impossible stuff, while always smiling.
- I like the way elements of science and metaphysics have been included to explain inexplicable things.
- There is deep wisdom in this book! In a chapter describing how a large meditation hall in the Art of Living Ashram had an uncanny similarity to some structures within the ruins of Machu Pichu in Peru (without prior referencing), Bhanu Maa recalls Sri Sri’s teaching - “Knowledge is structured in our consciousness”. In other words, we 'all' know everything and people can dream up identical creations without ever knowing each other!
- The benefits of Yoga, meditation, serving people and just being consistent with a good habit come shining through in this book.
A must read. And then re-read as often as you can.
February 27, 2018
A child, a brother, a charioteer, a warrior, a disciple, a guru, a cowherd, a messenger and The beloved of Gopis… Throughout His life, Krishna enacted so many roles, with eternal bliss!
There have been a very few who have rejoiced His company as bala Krishna as well as an eternally blissful Enlightened Master!
Imagine a book written with the innocent love of Gopis, the sincerity of a good friend Sudama and the infallible belief of a great disciple Arjuna!
This book is just that. It narrates the beautiful stories of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar by a sister who is twinkly-eyed filled with innocent grandeur for her brother and a disciple who is sincerely seeking wisdom! With its simplicity and authenticity of narration, it warms your heart, almost unaware. While reading it, I was almost certain I got transported to another world. When was the last time you read anything that could do that?
There have been a very few who have rejoiced His company as bala Krishna as well as an eternally blissful Enlightened Master!
Imagine a book written with the innocent love of Gopis, the sincerity of a good friend Sudama and the infallible belief of a great disciple Arjuna!
This book is just that. It narrates the beautiful stories of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar by a sister who is twinkly-eyed filled with innocent grandeur for her brother and a disciple who is sincerely seeking wisdom! With its simplicity and authenticity of narration, it warms your heart, almost unaware. While reading it, I was almost certain I got transported to another world. When was the last time you read anything that could do that?
March 20, 2021
This was a well-written account of the life of Ravi Shankar.
Since there is little biographical literature about him I'm glad that his sister completed a biography.
She chronicles his life and makes him out to be a miracle-working god-figure.
I think her account was weak for its lack of broad focus on his work and organizations, Bhanumathi focuses rather on minute instances and actions. While this gives an intimate look at his life it forgets the big picture.
She hints at and briefly mentions the Art Of Living but never delves deeply into it.
I suppose she makes clear that Shankar is the "Guru" by and through which all spiritual attainment will be found.
She relays multiple miracles he is supposed to have performed such as: Levitation, multiplying food, healing people, clairvoyance etc.
She says in more than one way that he is supposed to be God, on par with Shiva, Rama or Krishna.
Since there is little biographical literature about him I'm glad that his sister completed a biography.
She chronicles his life and makes him out to be a miracle-working god-figure.
I think her account was weak for its lack of broad focus on his work and organizations, Bhanumathi focuses rather on minute instances and actions. While this gives an intimate look at his life it forgets the big picture.
She hints at and briefly mentions the Art Of Living but never delves deeply into it.
I suppose she makes clear that Shankar is the "Guru" by and through which all spiritual attainment will be found.
She relays multiple miracles he is supposed to have performed such as: Levitation, multiplying food, healing people, clairvoyance etc.
She says in more than one way that he is supposed to be God, on par with Shiva, Rama or Krishna.
March 6, 2018
I was waiting for a book through which I could experience Guruji (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) when he was a child and the journey for him to become a master for millions of people all around the world. What better can it be to experience him through the eyes of her sister (Bhanu didi) itself? I would say that this is an attempt to show us a glimpse of his mystical life through beautiful stories of Guruji as witnessed by her sister who later became his devotee. You would even wonder how such a wonderful person can even exist. I would highly recommend every devotee to read this book.
June 22, 2019
Good book on Sri Sri
The book is costly considering the content and size. The beginning chapters are interesting, but in the middle it turns out to be boring to read. Overall it is a one time read book.
The book is costly considering the content and size. The beginning chapters are interesting, but in the middle it turns out to be boring to read. Overall it is a one time read book.
February 7, 2022
Must read . Dot ❤️
February 7, 2018
This book was a magical ride. Written in such simple yet elegant style, it captures your hearts and makes you wonder at the amazing knowledge Guruji imparts and the millions of people whose lives he has changed. This will not be a one-time read for me but a book which I'll keep revisiting for sure. Thank you Bhanu ma for such a wonderful book filled with amazing experiences with Gurudev which I'll treasure my whole life ❤
November 29, 2018
The biography is a blessing because it opens up a whole new dimension in the readers life. It maps the terrain in a very simple yet profound manner on which GURUDEV has left a trail.
The description "On the plateau of the Peak" is enough to read the biography as he has pioneered such extensively in every field that has won Millions of hearts across the globe.
A Must Read Recommendation. The Preface itself was so profound that it gave me Goosebumps.
The description "On the plateau of the Peak" is enough to read the biography as he has pioneered such extensively in every field that has won Millions of hearts across the globe.
A Must Read Recommendation. The Preface itself was so profound that it gave me Goosebumps.
February 9, 2019
A good book, written by Sister cum desiple. That's why there is no critics in this book. I was amazed after reading his childhood stories which filled with innocence and maturity. Also, surprising to see how he understands the human mind and natural laws and use the knowledge to create stree free and violence free society.
June 16, 2018
Great anecdotes and stories from the life of GuruDev
A book to fan the flames of your devotion and feel more connected to the master. The book covers several stories from GuruJi's life and are very interesting to read. Jai GuruDev!
A book to fan the flames of your devotion and feel more connected to the master. The book covers several stories from GuruJi's life and are very interesting to read. Jai GuruDev!
February 23, 2018
A must for any devotee
April 9, 2018
A beautiful insight on Guruji’s childhood and how he has changed millions of lives. Loved it.
June 30, 2018
An experience of infinity
Beautiful writing. One of those books you want to read from cover to cover. So grateful to be on this path.
Beautiful writing. One of those books you want to read from cover to cover. So grateful to be on this path.
November 18, 2019
Awesome...!!!
Lots of knowledge and while reading it I was visualizing my childhood time and events. Interesting stories... Thanks to Bhanu didi for sharing it with us.
Lots of knowledge and while reading it I was visualizing my childhood time and events. Interesting stories... Thanks to Bhanu didi for sharing it with us.
December 21, 2018
Inspiring. Moved to tears at certain parts from the simple wisdom Gurudev bestows.
December 26, 2018
You can't read this with doubts in your heart. Read it with a plain and open mind. Often, we are so up close with divinity that we think it's ordinary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2020
such a beautiful book!
January 2, 2019
My first book of 2019 and the first review of 2019. I have read half the book in hindi which was not very exciting and the reason i say that is because hindi used is very complex. The english version is far better. The book talks about swami jis childhood and how he eventually became a guruji. The book did not capture much of my attention because it mostly talks about the feats of the art of living. Talks about various travels guruji undertook and the challenges the whole crew encountered. It talks about the divinity of guruji at some places. All in all i would say if you want to know about guruji then you can pick this book as one time read but mind you you wouldn't find much.
March 23, 2019
I loved this book, but I am biased. I’ve met both bhanuma and guruji on multiple occasions. Both are very special people. I’ve heard art of living members tell some pretty unbelievable stories of their interactions with guruji, and it’s interesting to get his sister’s perspective as she grew up with a front row seat. This is a great book for anyone who believes ~in something more~, but I can imagine it will come off as pretty silly to nonbelievers.
January 23, 2020
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May 28, 2019
Gurudev: On the Plateau of the Peak: The Life of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar by Bhanumathi Narasimhan.. A bio of the remarkable guru by his own sister, unknown events and incidents in the Gurudev life brought to life by this narrative. A great read...
February 14, 2019
Being an Art of living student, reading this book is a blessing for me.
July 27, 2019
Great book to read : worth it
It gives great insights into life of Gurudev
Worth reading it. There are so many incidents shared in the book worth reading
It gives great insights into life of Gurudev
Worth reading it. There are so many incidents shared in the book worth reading
September 6, 2019
Now I know about my guru and why he is liked by millions and what made him guru
Only love can bring happiness around the world
Only love can bring happiness around the world
May 14, 2020
Amazing book. Highly recommend!
August 4, 2020
Thanks BHANU Didi
Devotees would love to read it.Thanks BHANU Didi.
Devotees would love to read it.Thanks BHANU Didi.
Devotees would love to read it.Thanks BHANU Didi.
Devotees would love to read it.Thanks BHANU Didi.
Devotees would love to read it.Thanks BHANU Didi.
Devotees would love to read it.Thanks BHANU Didi.
February 4, 2020
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January 7, 2021Some interesting quips and anecdotes through the book keep you engaged. But as the author defines the difference between student vis-à-vis disciple vis-à-vis devotee in one of the chapters, I am a mere student and not in a position currently to grasp the charm of the book written for disciples and devotees. The book though motivated me to know more about the spiritual leader and his teachings, will definitely try to explore them more.
October 7, 2022
Few parts on mental health by the author are marvellous
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews