Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to visit Portland [Video]

International spiritual leader and Art of Living founder Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will visit Portland for the first time Saturday for an event at Merrill Auditorium, his only planned public appearance in the United States this year.

Shankar, who began the Art of Living Foundation in 1981 as an educational and humanitarian movement, is known for developing and teaching holistic health practices, including meditation and breathing, in the name of creating a more peaceful society. The nonprofit has centers in 180 countries and a Maine chapter with 150 members.

“We’re very excited that he’s coming,” said Stephanie Rand of Falmouth, a spokesperson for the Maine chapter, which offers programming for stress management and trauma relief, including in partnership with institutions like the University of New England College of Osteopathy, the Maine Correctional Center and the Center for Grieving Children.

“I think it’s a unique opportunity for people to experience …