For many soldiers, the Art of Living meditation program has helped bridge the painful gap between combat life and civilian society.
New Delhi: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living foundation is playing a pivotal role in bringing some respite to the people of Ukraine who have been witnessing unimaginable trauma for over three years amid the devastating war with Russia. The organisation has stepped into the heart of this suffering — not with weapons, but with breath, healing, and hope.
For many soldiers, the Art of Living meditation program has helped bridge the painful gap between combat life and civilian society.
How Art of Living Helped the Soldiers in Ukraine
One commander shared, “I joined the army in 2022 when I woke up one morning to see missiles land in my home, where my children and loved ones reside. I did my first Art of Living program in winter. When you are an infantryman, it is hard to understand the idea of support because there you are surrounded by emptiness, pain, and the losses. It is like seeing your loved ones at home die one after the other. It is morally depressing. You start developing hatred for everyone around. A war changes you.”
However, after the program, he felt calmer and more connected to people around him. “Everything began to settle for me,” he said. “I started to feel peace again.” The impact has been so profound that Ukraine’s military leadership publicly recognized Gurudev’s work and honoured. The battalion commander stood before Gurudev to present an honorary award.
Speaking on behalf of his soldiers, he said: “Gurudev! We thank you for the knowledge and programs our men have received. When bombs fell, many of us rose to fight. But no one speaks of the other side of this coin — the vast emptiness of loss, anger, and hatred we live in 24 hours a day. After the courses by Art of Living, our lives began to change. Even those with major injuries now make plans for the future. There is life in their eyes again.”
8,000 People Participated in AOL Programs Across Ukraine
Since 2022, over 8,000 people — soldiers, displaced civilians, and children from occupied territories — have participated in Art of Living programs across Ukraine. Volunteers risk their lives to bring healing where it is needed most. “It is an honour and deep inspiration to support those who need it most right now,” said one instructor.
