Iraqis face a Catch-22 situation! In any long-drawn conflict, the victim tends to turn an oppressor and the oppressor becomes a victim. Spiritual understanding alone can break this vicious cycle," says Sri Sri Ravishankar.
"During my visit to Iraq, Iraqi leaders agreed that what is most needed in the world today is non-violence and reconciliation. This can only happen when the mind is relieved of stress and emotions are softened and refined. This state cannot be achieved by force or violence. Only through meditation and breathing techniques, we can attain this as it has been demonstrated around the world," he said.
"We have come here because we are really touched by the trauma relief and other initiatives undertaken by Art of Living in Iraq in the aftermath of the war," says Mustafa Abdul Ameer Jawad, another participant. "We are grateful to India and Sri Sri for giving this opportunity."
"The situation in Iraq is so bad that people do not know how to smile and here we see everybody is smiling. We had no hope and we could only pray for some power to come and take us out of the situation. We think the Art of Living is that power," adds Ramia. "We are grateful to Sri Sri. He stands for peace, which is very important for Iraq."
Image: Members of the Iraqi delegation at the Art of Living International Centre in Bangalore
Also read: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Kashmir
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