As the fourth phase of the twenty-six-year-long civil war in Sri Lanka was about to begin, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, visited the island nation with a singular aim: to bring peace to its citizens while trying to mediate between Prabhakaran, leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the government. The Tiger’s Pause chronicles Gurudev’s time in a highly strung country and also offers an exclusive look into the final chapters of Sri Lanka’s deadly conflict.
Swami Virupaksha, who spent nine years in the country expounding the Art of Living courses and organizing Gurudev’s visits, expertly charts the enormous hope of the Tamil and Sinhalese people against overwhelming misery. In prose that is both concise and empathetic, Swami Virupaksha gives readers a sweeping view of Gurudev’s endeavours towards a ceasefire agreement, and the ups and downs of a country’s quest for peace.
The Tiger’s Pause is the narrative of the Sri Lankan people, and gives us a sense of what it takes to understand and address a shared trauma.
About the Author:
Swami Virupaksha, a transformative practice specialist, has dedicated his life to supporting and promoting the vision and mission of world-renowned spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Besides Europe and India, Swami Virupaksha served in Sri Lanka for nine years as a key member of Gurudev’s conflict-resolution team during and after the country’s war-torn days.
Over the past twenty-two years, Swami Virupaksha has worked on delivering humanitarian initiatives that served all sections of society. In training lawmakers, heads of state, the clergy, a national cricket team, war refugees, educationists, college students, prison inmates and corporates, he has brought people together in the spirit of voluntary service.
Born Vidyut Udiaver, Swami Virupaksha is an alumnus of Don Bosco School and Loyola College, Chennai. He holds a degree in economics and business management. He has experience in brand management, having worked in leading international marketing and advertising firms, including Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) and L’Oréal.
He is an aficionado of art, music, languages and world culture, and his love for French, creativity and moments of deep silence make him feel at home wherever he goes.
Currently based in Bangalore, he is also an advanced meditation teacher with the Art of Living global movement.
