Art Of Living Foundation

Art of Living

I’ve recently done the Art of Living level one course, and I wrote the following blog post. After consulting with my teacher, who spoke to the web master of the official Art of Living site, they decided that I was revealing too much information of the technique. I disagree, but have decided to remove the references to the breathing technique.

If you want to find out the ins and outs of the this amazing technique, you’ll have to do a course.

The Art of Living Foundation is a non-profit, educational and charitable organisation that operates in more than 140 countries and is dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual.

Our self-development programmes offer techniques that eliminate stress, calm the mind, improve health, expand awareness, resolve conflict and encourage people from all backgrounds, religions and cultures to come together in celebration and service.

In Africa, the Foundation operates in Botswana, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Sudarshan Kriya – The Power of the Breath

The Sudarshan Kriya is at the foundation of the teachings and is apowerful rhythmic breathing technique. It facilitates physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being is an integral part of the Art of Living programs. It is today universally acclaimed for its effectiveness in eliminating stress, and bringing one completely into the present moment. As Shankar puts it, the Sudarshan Kriya came to him like an inspiration to bridge the gap between the worlds of inner silence, and outer expression of life.

So we signed a agreement that we wouldn’t teach the kriya, you’ve gotta be at a course to learn it, but I wanted to share that when I was doing Vipassana, which is a 10 day silent retreat, and having a yoga understanding, I kept hyperventilating to facilitate energy flow through my body.

Now Goenke is quite strict in the Vipassana course, you’re not suppose to do any other kind of meditation except the gentle breath and awareness on body sensation, but I’m a rebel and I always do contrary to what the teacher says *shhhhh*, don’t tell him that I’m telling you this

Its only two days ago, I realised that during my amazing Vipassana experience, I was doing my own version of the Sudarshan kriya. This kriya is a rhythmical breathing rhythm, which Sri Sri says is the rhythm of the soul. I had a similar experience in holotropic breathwork.

Anyway, back to plagiarising from the official sites:

The Founder of The Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian, proponent of non-violence and peace as well as a spiritual leader. He is committed to bringing a positive transformation in the world.

Sri Sri on the Sudarshan Kriya

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

“I was already teaching meditation, and yoga. But I felt there was something that was lacking. Though people do their spiritual practices, their life is in a sort of a compartment. They do their prayers, meditation, and spiritual practices but when they come out in life, they are very different people. So, I was thinking how can we bridge this gap – between inner silence, and outer expression of life. During a period of silence, the Sudarshan Kriya came like an inspiration. After I came out of the silence, I started teaching whatever I knew, and people had great experiences.”

I’ve always loved this man, from the time that my lover at the time, Tanja, and I listened to him speak in Randburg, he’s been an inspiration. And my beard is almost as long as his is too, haha. During these last two days, listening to his little boys voice guiding us in this technique,  I felt overwhelming sensations of love, laughter and mirth. He is one cute dude

Anyway, here’s more cribbing from the sites, man I’m bad

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired a global phenomenon of caring, sharing and service. His programmes and the service activities of the Art of Living have benefited over 20 million people across the globe.

Born in 1956 in Papanasam, India, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar studied with many renowned spiritual masters and became a scholar of Vedic literature. By the age of seventeen, he obtained an Advanced Degree in modern physics.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar travels to 35 countries every year to spread the message that all religions and the great spiritual traditions share common goals and values. His simple message of love, practical wisdom and service encourages harmony, and teaches everyone to follow their chosen religious or spiritual path while honoring the path of others.

Cool bro, isn’t he?

Anyway, check out when more upcoming courses are happening in South Africa at:

http://www.artofliving.org.za/courses/upcoming.asp

Or go find a centre in your country at:

http://www.artofliving.org/intl/Worldwide/tabid/143/Default.aspx

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