Art of Living
Wow. Where to begin?
Okay, the course.
I took part in the Art of Living Basic Course here at the main ashram outside of Bangalore. It's a 3 day residential experience, but is usually offered over a longer period of time in shorter increments at most Art of Living centres around the world.
On Day One we introduced ourselves by taking each participant's hands in ours, looking directly into one another's eyes and saying our names followed by:
"I belong to you."
It was ... incredible. The effect is completely disarming. Everyone was laughing and laughing. Most of the course participants were Indians from Bangalore and they really got a kick out of our teachers witty ways.
I was amazed at how little they know about their yogic heritage.
Most of what we learnt was old hat to me -- pranayama techniques (yogic breathing exercises) including Ujayi, Full yogic and Bastrika, with little flourishes involving arm movements thrown in for good measure. For almost everyone in attendance it was their first time controlling the breath.
This in itself is very powerful and soothing. So if you've never had exposure to yogic breathing, go for it!
We also had good chats about the Mind and its penchant for grasping onto the negative aspects of the past and future, meanwhile Life is happening NOW. To quote the teacher: 'Drop your botherations, immediately you're happy.'
Too simple?
Try it ;)
The undeniable highlight of the day and course as a whole was the Sudarshan Kriya. Kriyas are cleansing techniques and this one is done with the breath to a rhythm of So-Hum chanting. It is, to put it bluntly, better than sex. The orgasm has long been sought out for its ability to suspend time and free us from all anguish. Well, a little Sudarshan goes a long way. It quite simply puts you in touch with your Bliss.
Satsang in the evening was wonderful. Sri Sri is totally accessible. Unlike any of the other living gurus I've seen, there is no rigmarole. All are welcome and there's no security! You can take photos! You can record his words! You can ask him questions directly! All of this is incredibly wonderful.
Some words of wisdom from the guru:
'When you expect things to be perfect you get stiff and agitated.'
'When someone or something is bothering you, realise: There is no Other here. Let it be.'
'Come what may, nothing can take my smile, because Peace is my Nature.'
Good stuff.
Accompanied by the most spirited singing and dancing.
Day Two:
Early start, yoga at dawn. Their approach to asana is so refreshing -- light hearted and not at all caught up in form. Just enough to get the blood flowing and keep the body flexible. Then one of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's beautiful meditation's. Mmm mmm mmm. A great way to start the day.
On day two we got a bit more into the philosophy that comprises this Art of Living. They turned the whole yogic non-attachment thing on its head by talking a lot about taking responsibility.
We need to stop asking 'Why why why' and start asking 'What can I do about it?'
The highlight of the day -- Guru-ji came and sat with us, he took our questions, he shared his glowing presence.
A few soundbytes from that wondrous encounter:
'Life is enthusiasm.'
'Who is in charge of your life? YOU. So make it happen. Now.'
'Accept people as they are, for your own Peace of Mind.'
'You ARE love.'
He left twirling his roses, his unforgettable smile radiating through us all.
Day Three involved practicing our techniques and discussion. Unfortunately I spent the day in an awful hospital in Bangalore.
This journey hasn't been easy, but thank goodness I can be here.
Art of Living in not cheap, but you can rest assured that your money goes to good causes. I pay Rs900 a night to stay here, all of which goes to a school fund. The room is good, Magda and I had it to ourselves for 4 nights and are now sharing with two Russian women. There are a lot of Russians here. Included in this price are the most delicious meals. Mmmm, best chai and roti ever, plus other scrumptious Indian veg food. If you're not doing a course then there aren't too many things you can attend. But you're free to wander the lovely grounds and meditate in the temples. The highlight of every day is Satsang. A joyful noise to be sure and the opportunity to learn from Sri Sri.
So what are you waiting for?
Okay, the course.
I took part in the Art of Living Basic Course here at the main ashram outside of Bangalore. It's a 3 day residential experience, but is usually offered over a longer period of time in shorter increments at most Art of Living centres around the world.
On Day One we introduced ourselves by taking each participant's hands in ours, looking directly into one another's eyes and saying our names followed by:
"I belong to you."
It was ... incredible. The effect is completely disarming. Everyone was laughing and laughing. Most of the course participants were Indians from Bangalore and they really got a kick out of our teachers witty ways.
I was amazed at how little they know about their yogic heritage.
Most of what we learnt was old hat to me -- pranayama techniques (yogic breathing exercises) including Ujayi, Full yogic and Bastrika, with little flourishes involving arm movements thrown in for good measure. For almost everyone in attendance it was their first time controlling the breath.
This in itself is very powerful and soothing. So if you've never had exposure to yogic breathing, go for it!
We also had good chats about the Mind and its penchant for grasping onto the negative aspects of the past and future, meanwhile Life is happening NOW. To quote the teacher: 'Drop your botherations, immediately you're happy.'
Too simple?
Try it ;)
The undeniable highlight of the day and course as a whole was the Sudarshan Kriya. Kriyas are cleansing techniques and this one is done with the breath to a rhythm of So-Hum chanting. It is, to put it bluntly, better than sex. The orgasm has long been sought out for its ability to suspend time and free us from all anguish. Well, a little Sudarshan goes a long way. It quite simply puts you in touch with your Bliss.
Satsang in the evening was wonderful. Sri Sri is totally accessible. Unlike any of the other living gurus I've seen, there is no rigmarole. All are welcome and there's no security! You can take photos! You can record his words! You can ask him questions directly! All of this is incredibly wonderful.
Some words of wisdom from the guru:
'When you expect things to be perfect you get stiff and agitated.'
'When someone or something is bothering you, realise: There is no Other here. Let it be.'
'Come what may, nothing can take my smile, because Peace is my Nature.'
Good stuff.
Accompanied by the most spirited singing and dancing.
Day Two:
Early start, yoga at dawn. Their approach to asana is so refreshing -- light hearted and not at all caught up in form. Just enough to get the blood flowing and keep the body flexible. Then one of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's beautiful meditation's. Mmm mmm mmm. A great way to start the day.
On day two we got a bit more into the philosophy that comprises this Art of Living. They turned the whole yogic non-attachment thing on its head by talking a lot about taking responsibility.
We need to stop asking 'Why why why' and start asking 'What can I do about it?'
The highlight of the day -- Guru-ji came and sat with us, he took our questions, he shared his glowing presence.
A few soundbytes from that wondrous encounter:
'Life is enthusiasm.'
'Who is in charge of your life? YOU. So make it happen. Now.'
'Accept people as they are, for your own Peace of Mind.'
'You ARE love.'
He left twirling his roses, his unforgettable smile radiating through us all.
Day Three involved practicing our techniques and discussion. Unfortunately I spent the day in an awful hospital in Bangalore.
This journey hasn't been easy, but thank goodness I can be here.
Art of Living in not cheap, but you can rest assured that your money goes to good causes. I pay Rs900 a night to stay here, all of which goes to a school fund. The room is good, Magda and I had it to ourselves for 4 nights and are now sharing with two Russian women. There are a lot of Russians here. Included in this price are the most delicious meals. Mmmm, best chai and roti ever, plus other scrumptious Indian veg food. If you're not doing a course then there aren't too many things you can attend. But you're free to wander the lovely grounds and meditate in the temples. The highlight of every day is Satsang. A joyful noise to be sure and the opportunity to learn from Sri Sri.
So what are you waiting for?
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