Have you ever wondered what makes a baby or a fresh flower or the sun rise or even indeed the colors of the fall beautiful? Global humanitarian and spiritual leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who founded the International Association For Human Values, unveils the secrets to their effulgence in this simple commentary on Beauty And Innocence that kindles these qualities on our consciousness as we become aware and internalize this big truth–

“In the ocean many waves arise. Not all of them reach the shore. Some are pulled back by the receding wave.

Huge waves of beauty can arise only in innocence.

Have you observed this? When the waves of beauty arise they arise with innocence. If they do not arise with innocence the beauty doesn’t stay for long. The moment there is deceit or possessiveness, distortion happens. Purity of beauty is in innocence.

When you look at the moon, or a colorful scene, or a waterfall, you say, “Oh, so beautiful!” Here there is a different sense of beauty. But if you look at something smaller, something you think you can possess, something you can take control of, a friend or a painting, or something else, material or perspn, your mind says, “I want to have it.” In that beauty, there is feverishness; then the innocence dies and beauty doesn’t stay for very long. There a wave of beauty arises but it dies like a ripple.

When you appreciate beauty, you are energetic, full of enthusiasm; you don’t feel tired. Someone who is tired, sleepy or dull cannot appreciate something, no matter how beautiful it may be. It is this combination of energy, calmness; peace and innocence that makes the wave of beauty arise.

Why do children look so beautiful? From any country, anywhere on the planet, they look fresh as flowers. It is because their minds are clear like crystals; there is innocence in them. And everyone appreciates the smile that comes from that innocence. There is beauty in it.

How can you become innocent?

 When an innocent one makes a comment or criticism, it comes just from the throat; it doesn’t come from any deeper than there. That is the beauty of innocence. And how can you become innocent? You can become innocent only when you go inwards. But you cannot speak in terms of beauty, in terms of higher values to one who is very stressed and tensed. For them, the first thing you have to speak about is peace, calm, quiet, relaxation and going inside.

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Beauty is  innocence, total energy and vitality. If that pure energy, the consciousness in you can blossom spontaneously; then you can say that innocence has dawned.

The entire creation is innocence. Unless you realize this and become innocent like that, you cannot be one with that kingdom. Your own judgment creates a barrier and separates you from the creation.

About The Author

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an international humanitarian leader and a spiritual master who is the global rallying voice of this generation’s collective call for peace.

Named one of the “Seven Most Powerful People in India,” by Forbes, his world-renowned meditation techniques helped end the 60-year conflict in Colombia. He has been credited with bringing opposing parties together to facilitate meditation and peace talks in Iraq, Cote d’Ivoire and India.

Founder of the Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values, Gurudev is leading the way toward peace and tolerance through meditation and humanitarian efforts. Over 35 years, his programs and initiatives have touched the lives of over 370 million people in over 150 countries.

‘Sudarshan Kriya,’ the meditation technique introduced by Gurudev is backed by research and implemented in schools, corporations, prisons, refugee camps and retreat centers around the world. As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri has rekindled traditions of yoga and meditation that have helped millions of people achieve personal and social transformation by relieving stress and discovering inner peace in daily life.

If you want to live and experience what peace is, even if for a few minutes in your day, here is a short guided meditation led by Gurudev, for just the right start of your day or may be the mid-day boost of Prana (life force) that you need for your day.