Meeting Mikey

Michael Fischman, the President of Art of Living Foundation USA, has written a book titled 'Stumbling Into Infinity' where he shares his life story and various experiences with spirituality, meditation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation. The book is wonderfully written, very sincere and honest, yet heart-warming and uplifting. Mikey, as he is affectionately called, is an excellent story teller and he writes with candor and good humor.

I first met Mikey in September 2004. I had registered for my first Art of Silence Course and he was conducting it. I had heard that he was a senior instructor and a long-time practitioner of meditation. Also he had had the good fortune of meeting Sri Sri and spending much time with him in the early days of the Art of Living Foundation. Last but not the least, I had heard that he had a fantastic sense of humor.

I enjoyed the course thoroughly and Mikey had much to do with it, I suppose. I went on to sign up for an Art of Meditation Course right afterward. He initiated me into the Sahaj Samadhi meditation technique, so simple and effortless and yet so powerful. I loved the way he incorporated science into his explanation of meditation and the various levels of consciousness. Mikey's love for meditation came through his teaching clearly and it inspired me to meditate regularly. I ended up sitting in on more Meditation courses with him, and loved all of them. He demystified meditation and drove home the fact, in his charming and humorous way, that meditation was the simplest and paradoxically, the most meaningful action one could ever do.

There are so many beautiful programs offered by the Art of Living Foundation. But I have to admit that the Art of Meditation Course is one of the programs I really adore. To this day, it amazes me how a skill as precious as meditation is taught in a matter of hours. Learning to meditate is a blessing and I count myself incredibly lucky to have received it. To Mikey, I owe this immense enthusiasm and love for meditation.

One course after another, and soon after I found myself on a Teachers Training Course - Phase 1. Mikey was our friend, philosopher and guide for those two weeks. Patiently he led us through the days, sharing his knowledge and experiences, helping us get over our supposed boundaries and pain points, rejoicing in our laughter and happiness. Over the years, Mikey has trained hundreds of teachers in the Art of Living Foundation.

As I read the book, I was touched by how honest Mikey was about his struggles and challenges on the spiritual path. He has laid bare his personality with all its idiosyncrasies and inconsistencies. It is this achingly transparent narrative that draws readers into Mikey's life and world with all its mishaps and happy adventures. Absolutely recommended reading! 

Watch an introductory video to the book here.


Order a copy of 'Stumbling Into Infinity.'