"Make the whole life a game. There is no purpose, there is no aim, nothing. Just take it lightly, easily. Play the game. That is worship, that is celebration."
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Art of Living
"Make the whole life a game. There is no purpose, there is no aim, nothing. Just take it lightly, easily. Play the game. That is worship, that is celebration."
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Biography
Sri Sri Biography
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message of compassion, commitment to society, and a cosmic understanding of life, has resounded in the lives of millions worldwide. Through the regeneration of human values, he seeks global peace and development by bringing about sustained individual commitment to joyful living, selfless service and self-awareness.
His commitment to humanity is evident in his extensive travel to 175 cities in 2004, inspiring youth to work together towards a better society.
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, and later received an Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India.
In 1982, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of Living Foundation, which is now the world’s largest volunteer NGO, active in over 140 countries. In 1997, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), which to date has development projects in 25,300 villages, bringing self-reliance to millions of people. Through the IAHV, large volunteer relief efforts have been delivered across the globe including in Afghanistan, in Bosnia, in India after the earthquake in Gujarat, in New York for those who were affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and in Asia in the aftermath of the recent tsunami disaster. IAHV volunteers continue to provide trauma relief and stress management in Iraq.
Sri Sri travels to more than 35 countries every year, to reinforce 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. Those who have listened to him acknowledge the universal inclusiveness of his appeal.
Sri Sri is the recipient of numerous honors including the "Dara Shikoh - National Award for Harmony 2005" by the Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India, “2005 Global Humanitarian Award” by the state of Illinois, “Guru Mahatmya” award by Government of Maharashtra, India (September 1997), the title of “Yoga Shiromani (Supreme Jewel of Yoga)” by President of India (1986), Phoenix Award awarded by the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. (April 2002), the Title of the Illustrious Visitor, Argentina (2004), and many more.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message of compassion, commitment to society, and a cosmic understanding of life, has resounded in the lives of millions worldwide. Through the regeneration of human values, he seeks global peace and development by bringing about sustained individual commitment to joyful living, selfless service and self-awareness.
His commitment to humanity is evident in his extensive travel to 175 cities in 2004, inspiring youth to work together towards a better society.
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, and later received an Honorary Doctorate from Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India.
In 1982, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the Art of Living Foundation, which is now the world’s largest volunteer NGO, active in over 140 countries. In 1997, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), which to date has development projects in 25,300 villages, bringing self-reliance to millions of people. Through the IAHV, large volunteer relief efforts have been delivered across the globe including in Afghanistan, in Bosnia, in India after the earthquake in Gujarat, in New York for those who were affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and in Asia in the aftermath of the recent tsunami disaster. IAHV volunteers continue to provide trauma relief and stress management in Iraq.
Sri Sri travels to more than 35 countries every year, to reinforce 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. Those who have listened to him acknowledge the universal inclusiveness of his appeal.
Sri Sri is the recipient of numerous honors including the "Dara Shikoh - National Award for Harmony 2005" by the Inter Faith Harmony Foundation of India, “2005 Global Humanitarian Award” by the state of Illinois, “Guru Mahatmya” award by Government of Maharashtra, India (September 1997), the title of “Yoga Shiromani (Supreme Jewel of Yoga)” by President of India (1986), Phoenix Award awarded by the Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. (April 2002), the Title of the Illustrious Visitor, Argentina (2004), and many more.
What is Spirituality
What is Spirituality
Spirituality is a harmonious blend of outer silence and inner celebration and also inner silence and outer celebration. When attention is given to the spiritual aspect of one’s life, it brings responsibility, a sense of belongingness, and compassion and caring for the whole of humanity. Spirit upholds and sustains life. It makes you strong and solid. It breaks down the narrow boundaries of cast, creed, religion and nationality and gives you an awareness, this uplifting of consciousness, that wars can be eliminated and human rights restored in the world today.
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar
Spirituality is a harmonious blend of outer silence and inner celebration and also inner silence and outer celebration. When attention is given to the spiritual aspect of one’s life, it brings responsibility, a sense of belongingness, and compassion and caring for the whole of humanity. Spirit upholds and sustains life. It makes you strong and solid. It breaks down the narrow boundaries of cast, creed, religion and nationality and gives you an awareness, this uplifting of consciousness, that wars can be eliminated and human rights restored in the world today.
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar
Spirituality and Religions
Spirituality and Religions
I see a crisis facing the world today. It is fundamentally one of identification. People identify themselves with limited characteristics such as gender, race, religion and nationality, forgetting their basic identity as part of the universal spirit.
These limited identifications lead to conflict. There are wars happening throughout the world today in the name of religion.
Every individual is much more than the sum of these limited identifications. The highest identification we can make is that we are part of Divinity, and second to that, we are human beings and members of the human family. In divine creation, the whole of the human race is united.
Along with this proper identification of ourselves, the right vision of who we really are, we need to return to the values that are the essence of all major traditions. These shared values need to be reintroduced in society today.
In returning to the values, we will see that much of the misery that has come into the world in the name of religion can be avoided. This identification of values does not require guilt and fear to be introduced. You will find guilt and fear used for control in the history of all the religious systems in the world, but such discipline is not needed today. At this time we need only to cultivate love and understanding.
The timeless values are:
- a deep caring for all life.
- a responsible attitude toward the planet
- nonviolence
- compassion and love
- friendliness and cooperation
- generosity and sharing
- integrity, honesty and sincerity
- moderation in one’s activity
- service
- commitment and responsibility
- peace, contentment, enthusiasm
These values are the very foundation of social order, justice and progress. Human values are social and ethical norms common to all cultures and societies, as well as religions. They represent a melding of social progress and spirituality
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar
I see a crisis facing the world today. It is fundamentally one of identification. People identify themselves with limited characteristics such as gender, race, religion and nationality, forgetting their basic identity as part of the universal spirit.
These limited identifications lead to conflict. There are wars happening throughout the world today in the name of religion.
Every individual is much more than the sum of these limited identifications. The highest identification we can make is that we are part of Divinity, and second to that, we are human beings and members of the human family. In divine creation, the whole of the human race is united.
Along with this proper identification of ourselves, the right vision of who we really are, we need to return to the values that are the essence of all major traditions. These shared values need to be reintroduced in society today.
In returning to the values, we will see that much of the misery that has come into the world in the name of religion can be avoided. This identification of values does not require guilt and fear to be introduced. You will find guilt and fear used for control in the history of all the religious systems in the world, but such discipline is not needed today. At this time we need only to cultivate love and understanding.
The timeless values are:
- a deep caring for all life.
- a responsible attitude toward the planet
- nonviolence
- compassion and love
- friendliness and cooperation
- generosity and sharing
- integrity, honesty and sincerity
- moderation in one’s activity
- service
- commitment and responsibility
- peace, contentment, enthusiasm
These values are the very foundation of social order, justice and progress. Human values are social and ethical norms common to all cultures and societies, as well as religions. They represent a melding of social progress and spirituality
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar
Spirituality and Science
Spirituality and Science
Science is the question ‘How’, ‘What’, ‘Why ‘? This is what science is, spirituality is wonder, just wow ! Every scientific discovery leads to the realm of spirituality, as you all know there has never been a distinction between Spirituality and Science they are such compatible partners or I would even say, two sides of the same coin. Fulfillment in life can only come through “Gyana and Vigyana” “Science and Spirituality” two ways of looking at the same thing in existence. Spirituality elevates matter to the level of life, level of divinity, creates a sense of honour.
You know we honour everything that is sacred and when we think the whole world is sacred, that is when our spiritual quest begins. In this country and around the whole world, ancient people always regarded the entire nature as sacred. Let us see what is the mechanism of Sacredness - when we think something is sacred there is a certain consciousness, awareness that comes. I can take this as a paper but if think this is the Bible of the Gita, or the Quran how would I take the same book? With attention... so a hundred percent sacredness brings a shift in our consciousness. We are all made up of spirit and matter. To understand from one level, body is amino acids, proteins and minerals but the spirit is made up of what? So our ancient saints, scientist said spirit is made up of beauty, love, joy, enthusiasm, comfort this is what our spirit is made up of.
Spirituality is all that enhances love in us, brings peace, makes us feel wow, makes us feel wonder, makes us feel truth, makes us feel wisdom. When the world is called Maya we need to understand Maya. You know the word maya means that, which can be measured “Meyate Aniyaiti Maya”. All that can be measured is called maya and that which cannot be measured is called “Maheswara” ... and what is Maheswara - the divine, divinity, consciousness, truth, beauty and love that cannot be measured. We are combination of both, every child is born as a spiritual being and every child’s mind is also a scientist because by the age of three or four years he/she starts asking, pouring questions to you. Children ask so many questions to you, questions indicate the scientific temperament, and the eyes of the child that reflect the love indicates the spiritual being. For a child even objects come alive - animals are not just another creature, they are alive they have the emotions. Even the sun and the moon they all smile at the child. In the comic book children think the moon is laughing, sun is laughing.
You know the entire creation is one organism - there is life in every particle of this universe “Eko devas sarv bhutantaratama”. Divinity, one consciousness permeates the entire creation. God is present in every single atom of this planet and universe. Spirituality is important in life to make you a child again, see values, relate to people on that level. Compassion, love, sense of belongingness with everyone to shed barriers and boundaries that we have built and, again see that comfort comes from both science and spirituality.
Science brings us material also physical comfort and also spirituality brings comfort to our souls. It makes us feel light, feel natural. I am reminded of one of the ancient sayings that says “padarth, gyanaat, moksha” ... even if you understand one particle in the creation thoroughly you will be liberated, you don’t even need to believe in God’s existence. If you want to start from a particle, understanding that single particle you will arrive at a point - where you recognise the enormously beautiful power on this planet, in which all beings are, all life is, and of which we are all a part.
When you are able to break all the barriers, inhibitions, feel freedom within you then we have come close to our spirits and I think we need to look into some simple tips on how can we do this really.
The first law of spiritual awakening or quest in us is to stop blaming ourselves, when we blame ourselves, we cannot go near ourselves, we try to keep away from ourself. isn’t it? If you blame somebody, would you like to be with them? No. when you blame someone it doesn’t take a long time to blame yourself. Vice versa when you blame yourself, you start blaming others, stop blaming yourself and others and see things from scientific angle. The phenomenon that happens. Suppose your husband or wife is upset have scientific temperament, some chemical reaction is going in their brains, you know your friend is upset, you say oh!! There is some chemical reaction is happening.
In Bhagawad gita it is said “Guna guneshu varnante iti matwa nas jyte ite”, whenever you see something that something not very nice is happening to you or someone is misbehaving in an unpleasant manner - know that there is some quality in them that is making them behave that way. A scientific angle will help your mind, save your mind from lot of emotional and mental traumas. Spirituality provides that inner relief, security within you, friendliness.
You know there is one thing called linear thinking. That is to think everything begins somewhere and ends somewhere. Most of our thoughts and philosophies in the world have been going on in a linear fashion - but, there is another fashion to it, the spherical thinking. When the ancient Rishis were asked how this universe was formed, they said “first tell me which is the beginning point of a ball” what came first egg or the chicken, tree or seed. So the spherical thinking is - every point is the beginning and every point is the end or, there is no beginning and no end. All that cannot be measured, has no beginning and no end - that is what spirituality is, spirit is and the spirit loves diversity
A scientific spirituality and a spiritual scientist is the need of the day today in organisations. I mean, I am happy to see number of organizations joining together, and an effort is being made to bring comfort from both the science and the spirit to all of us.
Science is the question ‘How’, ‘What’, ‘Why ‘? This is what science is, spirituality is wonder, just wow ! Every scientific discovery leads to the realm of spirituality, as you all know there has never been a distinction between Spirituality and Science they are such compatible partners or I would even say, two sides of the same coin. Fulfillment in life can only come through “Gyana and Vigyana” “Science and Spirituality” two ways of looking at the same thing in existence. Spirituality elevates matter to the level of life, level of divinity, creates a sense of honour.
You know we honour everything that is sacred and when we think the whole world is sacred, that is when our spiritual quest begins. In this country and around the whole world, ancient people always regarded the entire nature as sacred. Let us see what is the mechanism of Sacredness - when we think something is sacred there is a certain consciousness, awareness that comes. I can take this as a paper but if think this is the Bible of the Gita, or the Quran how would I take the same book? With attention... so a hundred percent sacredness brings a shift in our consciousness. We are all made up of spirit and matter. To understand from one level, body is amino acids, proteins and minerals but the spirit is made up of what? So our ancient saints, scientist said spirit is made up of beauty, love, joy, enthusiasm, comfort this is what our spirit is made up of.
Spirituality is all that enhances love in us, brings peace, makes us feel wow, makes us feel wonder, makes us feel truth, makes us feel wisdom. When the world is called Maya we need to understand Maya. You know the word maya means that, which can be measured “Meyate Aniyaiti Maya”. All that can be measured is called maya and that which cannot be measured is called “Maheswara” ... and what is Maheswara - the divine, divinity, consciousness, truth, beauty and love that cannot be measured. We are combination of both, every child is born as a spiritual being and every child’s mind is also a scientist because by the age of three or four years he/she starts asking, pouring questions to you. Children ask so many questions to you, questions indicate the scientific temperament, and the eyes of the child that reflect the love indicates the spiritual being. For a child even objects come alive - animals are not just another creature, they are alive they have the emotions. Even the sun and the moon they all smile at the child. In the comic book children think the moon is laughing, sun is laughing.
You know the entire creation is one organism - there is life in every particle of this universe “Eko devas sarv bhutantaratama”. Divinity, one consciousness permeates the entire creation. God is present in every single atom of this planet and universe. Spirituality is important in life to make you a child again, see values, relate to people on that level. Compassion, love, sense of belongingness with everyone to shed barriers and boundaries that we have built and, again see that comfort comes from both science and spirituality.
Science brings us material also physical comfort and also spirituality brings comfort to our souls. It makes us feel light, feel natural. I am reminded of one of the ancient sayings that says “padarth, gyanaat, moksha” ... even if you understand one particle in the creation thoroughly you will be liberated, you don’t even need to believe in God’s existence. If you want to start from a particle, understanding that single particle you will arrive at a point - where you recognise the enormously beautiful power on this planet, in which all beings are, all life is, and of which we are all a part.
When you are able to break all the barriers, inhibitions, feel freedom within you then we have come close to our spirits and I think we need to look into some simple tips on how can we do this really.
The first law of spiritual awakening or quest in us is to stop blaming ourselves, when we blame ourselves, we cannot go near ourselves, we try to keep away from ourself. isn’t it? If you blame somebody, would you like to be with them? No. when you blame someone it doesn’t take a long time to blame yourself. Vice versa when you blame yourself, you start blaming others, stop blaming yourself and others and see things from scientific angle. The phenomenon that happens. Suppose your husband or wife is upset have scientific temperament, some chemical reaction is going in their brains, you know your friend is upset, you say oh!! There is some chemical reaction is happening.
In Bhagawad gita it is said “Guna guneshu varnante iti matwa nas jyte ite”, whenever you see something that something not very nice is happening to you or someone is misbehaving in an unpleasant manner - know that there is some quality in them that is making them behave that way. A scientific angle will help your mind, save your mind from lot of emotional and mental traumas. Spirituality provides that inner relief, security within you, friendliness.
You know there is one thing called linear thinking. That is to think everything begins somewhere and ends somewhere. Most of our thoughts and philosophies in the world have been going on in a linear fashion - but, there is another fashion to it, the spherical thinking. When the ancient Rishis were asked how this universe was formed, they said “first tell me which is the beginning point of a ball” what came first egg or the chicken, tree or seed. So the spherical thinking is - every point is the beginning and every point is the end or, there is no beginning and no end. All that cannot be measured, has no beginning and no end - that is what spirituality is, spirit is and the spirit loves diversity
A scientific spirituality and a spiritual scientist is the need of the day today in organisations. I mean, I am happy to see number of organizations joining together, and an effort is being made to bring comfort from both the science and the spirit to all of us.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Miracles of Breath
Miracles of Breath
Breathing is the first act of our lives. Within the breath is the secret of life. Breath is linked to the vital life energy in us, or prana. We gain prana through air, fresh food and rest – and also through meditation. A lack of prana results in lethargy, dullness and poor enthusiasm. When our bodies are lively with prana, we feel alert ,energetic and full of good humor. Prana is the very basis of health and well being for both body and mind.
Prana is more abundant in fresh air than in stale air. (compare how you feel after an hour in stuffy, room versus an hour walking in a forest or near the ocean surf..) Yet whatever the air quality we live in our health can be dramatically enhanced with pranayama - deep breathing practices that open the lungs and maximize the absorption of prana.. The words prana + ayama mean to live from the dimension of prana - to live fullness of life. Pranayama techniques recharge the cells, keeping us young and vital with resilient health and brilliant clarity of mind.
Art of Living Workshop
"A few times of the healing breath fully relaxes you. Your life becomes more total. All the faces of your personality come together to make you one whole person. Do the healing breath and meditate. these practices completely transforms you and kindle the love deep inside."
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Breathing is the first act of our lives. Within the breath is the secret of life. Breath is linked to the vital life energy in us, or prana. We gain prana through air, fresh food and rest – and also through meditation. A lack of prana results in lethargy, dullness and poor enthusiasm. When our bodies are lively with prana, we feel alert ,energetic and full of good humor. Prana is the very basis of health and well being for both body and mind.
Prana is more abundant in fresh air than in stale air. (compare how you feel after an hour in stuffy, room versus an hour walking in a forest or near the ocean surf..) Yet whatever the air quality we live in our health can be dramatically enhanced with pranayama - deep breathing practices that open the lungs and maximize the absorption of prana.. The words prana + ayama mean to live from the dimension of prana - to live fullness of life. Pranayama techniques recharge the cells, keeping us young and vital with resilient health and brilliant clarity of mind.
Art of Living Workshop
"A few times of the healing breath fully relaxes you. Your life becomes more total. All the faces of your personality come together to make you one whole person. Do the healing breath and meditate. these practices completely transforms you and kindle the love deep inside."
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sudarshan kriya
Sudarshan Kriya
A crest jewel in the Art of Living is the healing breath known as Sudarshan Kriya.
This unique breathing practice is a potent energizer. Every cell becomes fully oxygenated and flooded with new life. Negative emotions that have been stored as toxins in the body are easily uprooted and flushed out. Tension, frustrations and anger get released. Anxiety, depression and lethargy are washed away. Both the mind and the body feel a welcome relief. After the practice, one is left calm and centered with a clearer vision of the world and of oneself. A sense of joy in the moment prevails where once again we can smile from our hearts. And when we feel good about ourselves, love flows naturally in all our relationships with others.
How can a breathing practice be so beneficial? How does it work?
More than a mere breathing exercise, the rhythms of breath during Sudarshan Kriya technique carry deep significance. Rhythms abound everywhere in nature: day follows night, tides rise and fall, seasons come and go, countless biological rhythms exist in the body. There are also rhythms of mind and emotions. When these rhythms are in sync, we feel a sense of harmony and well being. When stress throws us off balance, chaotic rhythms are created within us. Then we feel a sense of discomfort and discontent. The mind wavers vacillating between worries about the future and regrets of the pasts. We find that we do not fully enjoy our lives in the present moment, here and now.
A solution can be found with the breath-link between mind and body. Like other rhythms throughout nature, our .breath also moves in specific patterns at particular times. Have you ever observed your breath when you felt anxious? Or angry or relaxed… content... happy?
Every emotion is instantly reflected in the rhythm of the breath.
When we reintroduce natural rhythms into our breath, our body, mind and emotions can be brought from a condition of chaos to a state of balance. This is the practice of Sudarshan Kriya.
The effect is immediate and tangible. The internal discard from past sorrows and disappointments is retuned into a soothing symphony of peace and serenity. Even the most intense or debilitating emotions subside after ten minutes of practice. One is left free to enjoy life – alert to the present moment and centered in the silence of one’s Being.
Sudarshan kriya is a completely natural process that was cognized by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during divine meditation on March 4 and 5, 1982. From these auspicious dates we mark the beginning of the Master’s gift of the Art of Living to people throughout the world.
Sudarshan kriya is a powerful tool for daily living. It is simple to learn and easy to practice. It is a technique of direct experience that you can receive during the Art of Living Workshop. Afterwards, daily practice at home ensures that you enjoy maximum benefits.
"A few times of the healing breath fully relaxes you. Your life becomes more total. All the faces of your personality come together to make you one whole person. Do the healing breath and meditate. these practices completely transforms you and kindle the love deep inside."
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
A crest jewel in the Art of Living is the healing breath known as Sudarshan Kriya.
This unique breathing practice is a potent energizer. Every cell becomes fully oxygenated and flooded with new life. Negative emotions that have been stored as toxins in the body are easily uprooted and flushed out. Tension, frustrations and anger get released. Anxiety, depression and lethargy are washed away. Both the mind and the body feel a welcome relief. After the practice, one is left calm and centered with a clearer vision of the world and of oneself. A sense of joy in the moment prevails where once again we can smile from our hearts. And when we feel good about ourselves, love flows naturally in all our relationships with others.
How can a breathing practice be so beneficial? How does it work?
More than a mere breathing exercise, the rhythms of breath during Sudarshan Kriya technique carry deep significance. Rhythms abound everywhere in nature: day follows night, tides rise and fall, seasons come and go, countless biological rhythms exist in the body. There are also rhythms of mind and emotions. When these rhythms are in sync, we feel a sense of harmony and well being. When stress throws us off balance, chaotic rhythms are created within us. Then we feel a sense of discomfort and discontent. The mind wavers vacillating between worries about the future and regrets of the pasts. We find that we do not fully enjoy our lives in the present moment, here and now.
A solution can be found with the breath-link between mind and body. Like other rhythms throughout nature, our .breath also moves in specific patterns at particular times. Have you ever observed your breath when you felt anxious? Or angry or relaxed… content... happy?
Every emotion is instantly reflected in the rhythm of the breath.
When we reintroduce natural rhythms into our breath, our body, mind and emotions can be brought from a condition of chaos to a state of balance. This is the practice of Sudarshan Kriya.
The effect is immediate and tangible. The internal discard from past sorrows and disappointments is retuned into a soothing symphony of peace and serenity. Even the most intense or debilitating emotions subside after ten minutes of practice. One is left free to enjoy life – alert to the present moment and centered in the silence of one’s Being.
Sudarshan kriya is a completely natural process that was cognized by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during divine meditation on March 4 and 5, 1982. From these auspicious dates we mark the beginning of the Master’s gift of the Art of Living to people throughout the world.
Sudarshan kriya is a powerful tool for daily living. It is simple to learn and easy to practice. It is a technique of direct experience that you can receive during the Art of Living Workshop. Afterwards, daily practice at home ensures that you enjoy maximum benefits.
"A few times of the healing breath fully relaxes you. Your life becomes more total. All the faces of your personality come together to make you one whole person. Do the healing breath and meditate. these practices completely transforms you and kindle the love deep inside."
- His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Yoga
Yoga
Yoga means union. The practice of Yoga asanas allows the mind, body and breath to merge in the present moment, drawing us back to a feeling of one unified, seamless whole. Yoga asanas are a celebration of feeling at home and relaxed in our own body. We learn to appreciate our body as beautiful gift to us from the Divine.
Each morning gets off to the right when you stretch with simple postures called yoga asanas.
More than mere physical exercises, asanas have a profound benefit for the mind, emotions, body and our total sense of well-being.
Asanas are a gift of wisdom from ancient Masters who observed the natural postures of children at play. By twisting and turning in various ways that feel good, a child honours the body’s desire to become flexible, toned and healthy.
So much tension accumulates in the body. When the body is stressed or unfit, the mind is also affected, causing laziness and lethargy. On the other hand, a fit body is the basis for a sound mind, allowing us to experience the world through a more joyful and refined instrument.
Through yoga asanas we develop a keen attention to the sensation within the body- the debris of tension, pains, stiffness, and our unconscious “holding on”. Through slow meditative stretching combined with co-ordinated breathing, yoga postures facilitate the release of these long accumulated tensions and strains.
With asana practice, we gained increased flexibility and maximum range of movement. The muscles become relaxed and toned. The spine, joints and ligaments are gently massaged, making the body supple. Each posture also and stimulates specify internal organs, improving the blood circulation, strengthening the digestion and aiding the body in the cleansing of toxins.
Asanas leave us enlivened, refreshed, and comfortable with our body, with a compassionate awareness of our body’s needs and messages.
Basic asanas are leaned on Art of living Basic and Advance Courses and often cover a variety of new postures each morning. Through gentle guidance you are taught how to correctly perform each asana-how to stretch the body in beneficial ways without strain. Asanas are always performed in a non-competitive environment with the emphasis on nurturing your inner experience, as opposed to goal – oriented postures.
Once learned, yoga asanas may be enjoyed at home as part of your daily routine.
Yoga at work
One of the most wonderful aspects of yoga is that it can be practiced anywhere – whether in a studio, a gym, on the beach, on a mountain top, or even in our office or workplace.
Many people develop poor posture when sitting at a desk all day, resulting in neck and back pain. Further, with insufficient or no exercise, circulation slows down and very little blood flows through to the muscles. With oxygen flow inhibited, the muscles begin to contract to conserve oxygen. Tension builds in the neck, the shoulders and the back.
There are some simple and gentle yoga stretches and techniques that may be performed even when sitting at a desk or computer. Stretching oxygenates the blood, improves blood flow to the muscles and relieves tension. It also increases blood flow to the brain, which improves concentration and clarity of thought. It helps to alleviate the number one work – related problem, stress.
These stretches may be done periodically throughout the day, and may be complemented with a quick brisk walk around the office. Those who sit at a computer all day may use these techniques to relieve the resultant cramps and aches of the chest, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers.
Taking just a few minutes a day can make us more productive and benefit our overall physical and mental health.
Wrist and elbow Rotation
Sit with your back straight in your chair and rotate both wrists, slowly, ten times in the clockwise and ten times in the anti-clockwise direction. Rotate your arm at the elbow, ten times in each direction. This exercise may be repeated two or three times in a day.
Relaxing the Neck and Shoulders
Start by lowering your head forward towards your chest. Close your eyes and hold this position for a few moments, while concentrating on relaxing the muscles in the back of your neck. After a few moments, slowly roll your head from side to side. Be careful to go only to the sided and not roll your head to the back, as you want to relax your muscles, not overextend your neck.
Next, concentrate on your shoulders. Let your head relax in an upright but natural position. Begin by rolling your shoulders forward. Hold this position, allowing time for the muscles along the upper part of your back to relax. Then slowly roll your shoulders forward and back, up and down, increasing circulation to the neck and upper back area.
Relaxing your Chest
Clasp your hands in front of you, palms facing outwards. Round the back and stretch forward, allowing the upper and mid back to stretch. Again, hold for a few moments. You may close your eyes if you wish and breath slowly and deeply. Then, keeping your hands clasped, stretch your arms up over head and gently stretch back, opening the chest. Again, breathe deeply and just take a moment to relax.
Seated Katti Chakrasana
Keeping your back straight, lift both arms in front, palms still facing each other, slowly twist your body at the waist, first to the right, and then to the left.
Ankle rotation
Rotate your ankles, one at a time, ten times in the clockwise and ten times in anti clockwise direction.
Pushing the wall
Stand with your legs two to three feet apart, with the right foot facing out and the left leg turned inward slightly. Lift arms to shoulder level, lean towards the right at the waist, and with the base of your right palm, push an imaginary wall. Push as hard as you can, do not exert. Feel the stretch along your right arm, and hold this position for a few moments. Smile, relax and enjoy the stretch. Repeat on the other side, with the left foot facing out and the right leg turned inward slightly.
Culture, Interfaith Music and Timeless Wisdom
Culture
His Holiness established the Heritage and Sanskrit schools to emphasize promotion of traditional Indian heritage, which is fast dying out in today’s world. The students are provided training and education about India’s rich culture including the ancient Vedas and scriptures. The Heritage school includes free dormitories, an extensive library of Vedic sciences, treatises and commentaries is available in Sanskrit, English and other regional languages to promote study and research. Graduates of the Heritage school are well versed in the ancient Indian scriptures, and also in the modern sciences.
This unique approach is inspired by His Holiness’ vision of modern science blending with ancient knowledge. For more information please visit: www.artofliving.org/bangalore/
Interfaith Music
Music is a universal language that everyone can enjoy, regardless of race, religion, or creed. Music is a fundamental language for all human beings. Sri Sri has created an environment in which people from all nationalities and faiths feel at home and are encouraged to express their culture freely
Sri Sri visits over 35 nations each year, and in every country local musicians and artists welcome him with their traditional music and celebration. Music inspired by Sri Sri often cuts across religious boundaries and brings people together. Examples of such universal music are found at bookstore.artofliving.org
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says “Religion is like the banana peel and Spirituality is like the banana. We are holding on to the peel and have thrown the Banana.” Spirituality – the basis of all religions – is what can provide the solution to the problems facing mankind today. What is needed today is a better appreciation of this unifying outlook which comes out of a thorough understanding of one’s own self, coupled with a healthy respect for all of humanity.
The first step towards promoting peace is to appreciate the spiritual depth of each religion. Each religion has a unique, and sometimes complementary way of dealing with life’s situations. The variety of outlook and differences in perspective should serve as a means of emphasizing the diversity in nature. Each time and space has had its share of the spiritual knowledge which every prophet or founder of a religion has professed. However, each religion does stand testimony to the existence of the One Absolute Reality
Timeless Wisdom
Every major tradition has made a unique contribution towards human evolution. It is not wise to see one tradition as better than another. The wisdom in all the religions of the world belongs to everyone. They all advocate the basic human values of truth, peace, and service.
When attention is given to the spiritual aspect of one’s life, it brings responsibility, a sense of belongingness, and compassion. It breaks down boundaries of caste, creed, religion and nationality. This is the only way that wars can be eliminated and human rights restored today.
His Holiness established the Heritage and Sanskrit schools to emphasize promotion of traditional Indian heritage, which is fast dying out in today’s world. The students are provided training and education about India’s rich culture including the ancient Vedas and scriptures. The Heritage school includes free dormitories, an extensive library of Vedic sciences, treatises and commentaries is available in Sanskrit, English and other regional languages to promote study and research. Graduates of the Heritage school are well versed in the ancient Indian scriptures, and also in the modern sciences.
This unique approach is inspired by His Holiness’ vision of modern science blending with ancient knowledge. For more information please visit: www.artofliving.org/bangalore/
Interfaith Music
Music is a universal language that everyone can enjoy, regardless of race, religion, or creed. Music is a fundamental language for all human beings. Sri Sri has created an environment in which people from all nationalities and faiths feel at home and are encouraged to express their culture freely
Sri Sri visits over 35 nations each year, and in every country local musicians and artists welcome him with their traditional music and celebration. Music inspired by Sri Sri often cuts across religious boundaries and brings people together. Examples of such universal music are found at bookstore.artofliving.org
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says “Religion is like the banana peel and Spirituality is like the banana. We are holding on to the peel and have thrown the Banana.” Spirituality – the basis of all religions – is what can provide the solution to the problems facing mankind today. What is needed today is a better appreciation of this unifying outlook which comes out of a thorough understanding of one’s own self, coupled with a healthy respect for all of humanity.
The first step towards promoting peace is to appreciate the spiritual depth of each religion. Each religion has a unique, and sometimes complementary way of dealing with life’s situations. The variety of outlook and differences in perspective should serve as a means of emphasizing the diversity in nature. Each time and space has had its share of the spiritual knowledge which every prophet or founder of a religion has professed. However, each religion does stand testimony to the existence of the One Absolute Reality
Timeless Wisdom
Every major tradition has made a unique contribution towards human evolution. It is not wise to see one tradition as better than another. The wisdom in all the religions of the world belongs to everyone. They all advocate the basic human values of truth, peace, and service.
When attention is given to the spiritual aspect of one’s life, it brings responsibility, a sense of belongingness, and compassion. It breaks down boundaries of caste, creed, religion and nationality. This is the only way that wars can be eliminated and human rights restored today.
Building dynamic leaders for tomorrow
Building dynamic leaders for tomorrow
Youth today face a number of important choices at home, at school, and socially as they navigate a rapidly changing world.
With so many influences giving direction to young people, cultivating the qualities of inner strength and compassion will be essential for tomorrow's leaders. We provide tools to nurture the growth of these qualities, so that our society will have powerful leaders dedicated to building a brighter future. The Art of Living Foundation empowers young people to move from being influenced by their environment, to having an influence on their environment. We work to ensure that tomorrow's voices for peace and unity are stronger than those of violence and self-centeredness.
We have programs for youth of all ages that are fun and challenging, with a special emphasis on nurturing human values common to all cultures, religions and traditions such as; non-violence, compassion, caring for the planet, enthusiasm for life and an attitude of service toward others.
Youth today face a number of important choices at home, at school, and socially as they navigate a rapidly changing world.
With so many influences giving direction to young people, cultivating the qualities of inner strength and compassion will be essential for tomorrow's leaders. We provide tools to nurture the growth of these qualities, so that our society will have powerful leaders dedicated to building a brighter future. The Art of Living Foundation empowers young people to move from being influenced by their environment, to having an influence on their environment. We work to ensure that tomorrow's voices for peace and unity are stronger than those of violence and self-centeredness.
We have programs for youth of all ages that are fun and challenging, with a special emphasis on nurturing human values common to all cultures, religions and traditions such as; non-violence, compassion, caring for the planet, enthusiasm for life and an attitude of service toward others.
Youth Training Program (YTP)
YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM
The Youth Training Program (YTP) in India focuses on the education of the rural youth and encourages them to work for the betterment of their community. Arranging medical camps, distributing clothes to the poor, creating sanitation facilities and setting up local cooperative groups.
Working on the principles of love and essential human connectedness as delineated by their founder member, Sri Sri Ravishankar, the Art of Living tries to follow a holistic way of living coupled with humanitarian values. It teaches a wide variety of courses including a meditation course called sahaja samadhi, a natural and effortless meditative technique. It admits that all its self-development courses and programs are a form of yoga, which is nothing but a "union with the Self." The sudarshan kriya and other related techniques, propounded by the Foundation, are all based on the ancient yogic science of breathing, which explores the connection between mind, body, the emotions and rhythms of breath. Over a million people in more than 100 countries have taken Art of Living courses.
The Foundation has Vyakti Vikas Kendras all over India, to teach people how to revive love among themselves, improve their interpersonal interactions and to reach out to the world in a positive manner. Corporate courses are offered to executives and all, to enhance their efficiency and team spirit.
When Sri Sri Ravishankar addressed the August 2000 UN Millennium World Peace Committee of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, his speech was widely received as a path breaking one. The Art of Living, as the instrument of Guruji's ideals, promotes the idea of preventive diplomacy in the case of conflict situations in the global arena. An idea that was proposed to the UN in its 1995 World Social Summit.
Above all, the Foundation endeavors to drive home Sri Sri Ravishankar's message that—even though practices remain different, all great religious traditions share the same common goals and values, and mankind would do well to cut across these barriers and anomalies to connect with each other through love.
The Youth Training Program (YTP) in India focuses on the education of the rural youth and encourages them to work for the betterment of their community. Arranging medical camps, distributing clothes to the poor, creating sanitation facilities and setting up local cooperative groups.
Working on the principles of love and essential human connectedness as delineated by their founder member, Sri Sri Ravishankar, the Art of Living tries to follow a holistic way of living coupled with humanitarian values. It teaches a wide variety of courses including a meditation course called sahaja samadhi, a natural and effortless meditative technique. It admits that all its self-development courses and programs are a form of yoga, which is nothing but a "union with the Self." The sudarshan kriya and other related techniques, propounded by the Foundation, are all based on the ancient yogic science of breathing, which explores the connection between mind, body, the emotions and rhythms of breath. Over a million people in more than 100 countries have taken Art of Living courses.
The Foundation has Vyakti Vikas Kendras all over India, to teach people how to revive love among themselves, improve their interpersonal interactions and to reach out to the world in a positive manner. Corporate courses are offered to executives and all, to enhance their efficiency and team spirit.
When Sri Sri Ravishankar addressed the August 2000 UN Millennium World Peace Committee of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, his speech was widely received as a path breaking one. The Art of Living, as the instrument of Guruji's ideals, promotes the idea of preventive diplomacy in the case of conflict situations in the global arena. An idea that was proposed to the UN in its 1995 World Social Summit.
Above all, the Foundation endeavors to drive home Sri Sri Ravishankar's message that—even though practices remain different, all great religious traditions share the same common goals and values, and mankind would do well to cut across these barriers and anomalies to connect with each other through love.
International Association for Human Values
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HUMAN VALUES
The International Association for Human Values is another nonprofit outfit of the Foundation, which works for cultivating and supporting basic human values in societies all over the world. The association boasts of a network of well-trained and motivated personnel to carry out its activities.
The International Association for Human Values is another nonprofit outfit of the Foundation, which works for cultivating and supporting basic human values in societies all over the world. The association boasts of a network of well-trained and motivated personnel to carry out its activities.
Prison Smart
PRISON SMART
Prison SMART is another laudable program providing training on stress management and rehabilitation for juvenile and adult prisoners, prisoners on parole and probation, victims of crime, at-risk youths, and even the law enforcement officers and probation staff. The Prison SMART Foundation Inc. that carries out these services was established in 1992. This unique foundation is the first of its kind in the USA and now has gained national recognition to offer services in the prisons and juvenile halls across the country. The foundation provides vision, resources and a committed corps of talented volunteers.
Prison SMART is another laudable program providing training on stress management and rehabilitation for juvenile and adult prisoners, prisoners on parole and probation, victims of crime, at-risk youths, and even the law enforcement officers and probation staff. The Prison SMART Foundation Inc. that carries out these services was established in 1992. This unique foundation is the first of its kind in the USA and now has gained national recognition to offer services in the prisons and juvenile halls across the country. The foundation provides vision, resources and a committed corps of talented volunteers.
Art Excel
Art Excel
The Art Excel program is perhaps the most popular program, which offers courses for all round development of children and youth (8 to 21 years old). Through simple play-way techniques and awareness games the participants learn how to develop their personal potential and manage stress in their life. This highly admired program is currently offered in major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta, and in countries like Canada and the USA. The Art of Living program is working closely with UNICEF to make this program available to the world community at large
The Art Excel program is perhaps the most popular program, which offers courses for all round development of children and youth (8 to 21 years old). Through simple play-way techniques and awareness games the participants learn how to develop their personal potential and manage stress in their life. This highly admired program is currently offered in major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta, and in countries like Canada and the USA. The Art of Living program is working closely with UNICEF to make this program available to the world community at large
The 5th Program
THE 5H PROGRAM
One of its many commendable programs is the 5H Program, which focuses on—Home, Health, Hygiene, Harmony in Diversity and Human Values. It aims at bringing about a social transformation so that the complete potential of each individual is expressed. Sri Sri Ravishankar is the inspiration behind the program
One of its many commendable programs is the 5H Program, which focuses on—Home, Health, Hygiene, Harmony in Diversity and Human Values. It aims at bringing about a social transformation so that the complete potential of each individual is expressed. Sri Sri Ravishankar is the inspiration behind the program
Dollar-A-Day Program
DOLLAR-A-DAY PROGRAM
From 1985, the Art of Living started supporting the Dollar-a-Day service program, for rural children of India, which provides them with the basic amenities of life and much more. This innovative activity is pursued under Care for Children program where children learn, other than the traditional courses, the fine art of living, the skill of making friends, handling negative emotions and value of service to the fellow beings. The children are taught to take the studies as an enjoyable challenge, pick up the habit of hygienic living and most importantly, develop the skill of community living, a sense of belonging to each one of it.
From 1985, the Art of Living started supporting the Dollar-a-Day service program, for rural children of India, which provides them with the basic amenities of life and much more. This innovative activity is pursued under Care for Children program where children learn, other than the traditional courses, the fine art of living, the skill of making friends, handling negative emotions and value of service to the fellow beings. The children are taught to take the studies as an enjoyable challenge, pick up the habit of hygienic living and most importantly, develop the skill of community living, a sense of belonging to each one of it.
Professional Affiliations
Professional Affiliations
The Art of Living Foundation is an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations participating in a variety of committees and activities relating to health, education, sustainable development and conflict resolution.
The Foundation has accredited representatives at the United Nations in New York, Geneva and Vienna and also works in formal consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO): "Development of a Global Health Policy for the 21st Century" .
The Art of Living Foundation is an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations participating in a variety of committees and activities relating to health, education, sustainable development and conflict resolution.
The Foundation has accredited representatives at the United Nations in New York, Geneva and Vienna and also works in formal consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO): "Development of a Global Health Policy for the 21st Century" .
Membership Of Art of living foundation
Memberships
- CONGO (Conference of NGO's in Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations), Geneva and New York
- U.N. Mental Health Committee and U.N. Committee on Aging, New York
- International Union for Health Promotion and Education, Paris
- NGO Forum for Health, Geneva
- National Association of Women's Organizations, Uganda link
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