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My decision to participate in this self-awareness journey was as a result of two
factors. At the physical level my body was completely run down and tired. Second,
there was mental fatigue, irritability and unaccountable depression that I faced,
which would erratically and suddenly descend on me; leaving me completely helpless
and exhausted. My concern was that this mental condition was happening too frequently
and at regular intervals. This was the catalyst, which emerged as a very strong
reason for my need to do the beginner's course.
I happened to meet a friend's colleague who had recently attended the course at
one of the venues outside Bangalore. I suppose he was able to transfer his positive
experience on to some of us. Another important feeling that I got after meeting
this person was that not only did he appear very cheerful and happy, it also seemed
that he was able to use what he had learnt in the course, in day-to-day circumstances,
in the real world.
So I set off for the Bangalore International Centre of the Art of Living Foundation's
Ashram - Sri Sri Ravishankar's mystical and spiritual 'Shangri-La'. The drive from
Bangalore city was quite uneventful. Swiftly we were transported to the outskirts
of the main city and headed towards the hamlet of Kanakapura approximately 21 kilometres
from Bangalore.
The course was to be over a weekend and it was the beginner's basic course. Broadly
speaking the course has a sound fundamental structure. As I went through this course,
I was soon able to perceive and arrange these structures to fit my experiences.
The basic course began with a step towards self-enquiry. "Who am I," was the object
for consideration. It was like an opening of the doors to my sensibility of who
I was, where I was, whence I came from and towards which direction I was proceeding.
I was able to recognise clearly that one of the reasons for my uncertain depression
was my mindless meandering.
The crowning glory of the workshop for me, however, was the Sudarshan Kriya. Contrary
to what others say it is not an exercise simulating hyperventilation. While hyperventilating
we will feel constricted, light-headed and often dizzy. In the practice of the Sudarshan
Kriya quite the opposite happens. I experienced a powerful surge of energy, yet
at the same time a feeling of deep relaxation. The first time I did the Sudarshan
Kriya, I felt a tremendous sense of peace and love spread out all around me, emanating
from deep within me. It was as if I was expanding into a state of pure joy, happiness
and love.
However, the Art of Living program is not just the Sudarshan Kriya. It is because
of the integration of a holistic and structured approach that the workshop has sustained
me long after I took the course. There is a continuing sense of inner harmony and
a settled sense of being. Others in the course with me have also had similar experiences.
Some went through a process of de-ageing, as they described it. They felt younger
in body and soul. Another simply put it as feeling good about herself after the
workshop.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar has holistically incorporated the practice of the healing
breath with other spiritual practices of meditation and yogic exercises or asanas.
He also gives importance to community activities of joy and togetherness in the
form of song and dance to the accompaniment of play, laughter and celebration of
life. And lest we forget the purpose of our life on this earth, he has reinforced
in the workshop the essential practices of service and healing.
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