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History About Yoga 

A Brief History Of Yoga: From Ancient Hindu Scriptures To The Modern, Westernized Practice

Yoga: the trendy practice that your hippie, hipster, or fitness friends rave about. Garbed in yoga pants and carrying colorful mats bought off Amazon, the modern-day “yogi” attends one-hour classes that focus on physical stretching, movement, and detoxing from their busy modern lives. We hear a lot about the benefits of yoga, from its ability to decrease stress, chronic pain, as well as the risk for chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
What we don’t hear about as often, however, is the history of yoga. Most people are aware of its Indian spiritual and religious roots, but those tend to get washed out by the manufactured, commodified versions of yoga we see today. Perhaps that’s because research on yoga’s origins is hard to find, and its history is a complicated, lengthy narrative. In fact, yoga is incredibly complex — even the word "yoga" has taken on hundreds of different meanings and practices throughout the years. What you and I might assume is “yoga” is probably not even closely related to what yoga was thousands of years ago.
“Nearly all of our popular assumptions about yoga theory date from the past 150 years, and very few modern-day practices date from before the 12th century,” David Gordon White, a professor of religious studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, writes in his paper, Yoga, Brief History of an Idea. “This is not the first time that people have ‘reinvented’ yoga in their own image.”
We can try to delineate the history of yoga — at least a brief one. But a practice so rich in religious, spiritual, and physical meaning would take years or even a lifetime to fully understand, grasp, and manifest.

ANCIENT

3300-1500 BCE. Historians aren’t entirely sure when the notion or practice of yoga first appeared, and it’s often left to debate. The term “yoga,” however, is found in ancient India’s earliest known scripts — the Vedas. They date from the Vedic period, which began in 1500 BCE. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, the Vedas are the oldest writings of Hinduism and Sanskrit literature.
White notes in his paper that the term “yoga” in the Vedas actually refers to a yoke, as in the yoke over animals — and at times a chariot in the midst of battle. Interestingly, in some of these very early writings, yoga was used to describe a warrior dying and transcending into heaven, being carried by his chariot to reach the gods and higher powers of being.
During the Vedic period, Vedic priests who were ascetic — severely self-disciplined and avoidant of any forms of indulgence — conducted sacrifices, or yajna, in poses that some researchers believe are precursors to the yoga poses, or asanas, we experience now.
3rd century, BCE. In the 3rd century BCE, references to the term “yoga” became more common in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist writings. In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the notion of yoga as a spiritual or meditative practice as we know now was referred to as Yogachara (Yogācāra). Yogachara involved eight steps of meditation that was known as “calmness” or “insight.”
5th century, AD. For a while, yoga was a loose notion, its meaning difficult to pin down. It was more of a notion of meditation and a religious practice than it was exercise as we know today. But around the 5th century, it became more of an established core idea among Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. First and foremost, these ancient versions of yoga were mostly spiritual practices, revolving around several core values.
The first value involved analyzing one’s own perception and cognitive state, understanding the root of suffering and using meditation to solve it. The mind was to “transcend” bodily pain or suffering in order to reach a higher level of being. The second aimed to uplift or broaden consciousness, and the third involved using yoga as a path to transcendence. The fourth was using yoga to enter other bodies and act supernaturally — perhaps the strangest and most mystical one.
This is also where the difference between “yogi practice” and “yoga practice” is differentiated. Yoga practice, as described by White, “essentially denotes a program of mind-training and meditation issuing in the realization of enlightenment, liberation, or isolation from the world of suffering existence,” at least in ancient terms. Yogi practice, meanwhile, lies more in the supernatural — i.e., when yogis are able to enter other bodies to expand their consciousness.

MEDIEVAL

500-1500 AD. During the medieval era, different schools of yoga emerged. Bhakti yoga is a spiritual pathway within Hinduism that appeared during this time, a type of yoga that focused on living through love and devotion toward God.
Tantra was also a genre that arrived around the 5th century, exhibited in medieval Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu traditions. White notes that the Tantras, the medieval scriptures that discussed a new yoga ideology, outlined new goals for those practicing yoga: “No longer is the practitioner’s ultimate goal liberation from suffering existence, but rather self-deification: one becomes the deity that has ben one’s object of meditation.”
Interestingly, Westerners today have often associated “tantra” with a sexual form of yoga, but it turns out they weren’t too far off. Some Tantric beliefs involved yogis having sexual relations with low-caste women whom they believed were yoginis, or women who embodied Tantric goddesses. Having sex with them could lead these yogis to a transcendent level of consciousness. Today, gurus who go about doing such things in their yoga or bikram classes aren’t exactly known for their moral or spiritual prowess.
Hatha yoga appeared in Buddhist texts around the 8th century, and it emerged from tantra. It’s known as the common “psychophysical yoga,” a combination of bodily postures, breathing, and meditation — possibly the closest to what we today associate with yoga. The postures in hatha yoga are called asanas. We know some of them now in their English terms — such as cat pose, camel pose, child’s pose, and warrior I pose.
Shiva Bangalore Statue of Shiva in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, performing yogic meditation in the Padmasana posture, or the lotus position. CC BY-SA 2.0

MODERN

1890s. So when did yoga became the regiment of health freaks? For thousands of years, the term “yoga” encompassed many things, most of them religious and/or spiritual. But in the mid-19th century, yoga came to the attention of Westerners, who at the time seemed intrigued by Indian culture. We can perhaps attribute yoga’s popularity in the West to Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk who toured Europe and the U.S. in the 1890s to spread knowledge about Hinduism among intellectuals.
Vivekananda was responsible for bringing the Yoga Sutras more into the light, as well. These were writings of Patanjali, comprised sometime around 400 AD to describe what he believed were the main yoga traditions of his time. The Yoga Sutras focused mainly on removing all excess thought from the mind and focusing on a singular thing; but they were later incorporated more heavily than any other ancient yoga writings in modern, “corporate” yoga.
Patanjali Statue Patanjali: At times referred to as the "father of yoga," Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras. CC BY-SA 3.0
20th century. Hatha yoga as a practice (what we’re most familiar with now) didn’t become a commonplace exercise in the U.S. until the 1930s and 40s, and finally reached a peak in the 60s, when Hindu spirituality became far more popular among young Americans. Numerous Indian teachers of yoga taught classes in the U.S., and in the 1980s it became even more popular due to the first health benefits being reported. This was the first time that yoga was seen as a practice with purely physical benefits, something that can improve your heart health and fitness, rather than bring you to a place of transcendence.
21st century. The popularity of yoga in the U.S. has increased throughout the decades, rising from 4 million in 2001 to 20 million in 2011. Since then, plenty of scientific studies have found that yoga comes with a flurry of health benefits: It reduces high blood pressure, depression, chronic pain, and anxiety. It also improves cardiac function, muscle strength, and circulation.
Today, at least in the Western world, yoga is seen as another exercise class to take at the gym, something that will make your muscles sore for days afterward or at least de-stress you. But perhaps knowing at least a little bit about yoga’s ancient spiritual origins — something that has outlasted thousands of years — will help you glean something even more from it.
Yoga Yoga is now an international trend, seen as both a ways to reach spiritual enlightenment and a form of exercise. Reuters
December 2014. The United Nations General Assembly marked June 21 International Yoga Day, an annual celebration to incorporate yoga and meditation more into humanity all over the world. As the Dalai Lama notes: “If every 8-year-old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.”

Yoga’s history has many places of obscurity and uncertainty due to its oral transmission of sacred texts and the secretive nature of its teachings. The early writings on yoga were transcribed on fragile palm leaves that were easily damaged, destroyed or lost. The development of yoga can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago, but some researchers think that yoga may be up to 10,000 years old old. Yoga’s long rich history can be divided into four main periods of innovation, practice and development.
Pre-Classical Yoga
The beginnings of Yoga were developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word yoga was first mentioned in the oldest sacred texts, the Rig Veda. The Vedas were a collection of texts containing songs, mantras and rituals to be used by Brahmans, the Vedic priests. Yoga was slowly refined and developed by the Brahmans and Rishis (mystic seers) who documented their practices and beliefs in the Upanishads, a huge work containing over 200 scriptures. The most renowned of the Yogic scriptures is the Bhagavad-Gîtâ, composed around 500 B.C.E. The Upanishads took the idea of ritual sacrifice from the Vedas and internalized it, teaching the sacrifice of the ego through self-knowledge, action (karma yoga) and wisdom (jnana yoga).
Classical Yoga
In the pre-classical stage, yoga was a mishmash of various ideas, beliefs and techniques that often conflicted and contradicted each other. The Classical period is defined by Patanjali’s Yoga-Sûtras, the first systematic presentation of yoga. Written some time in the second century, this text describes the path of Raja Yoga, often called "classical yoga". Patanjali organized the practice of yoga into an "eight limbed path" containing the steps and stages towards obtaining Samadhi or enlightenment. Patanjali is often considered the father of yoga and his Yoga-Sûtras still strongly influence most styles of modern yoga.
Post-Classical Yoga
A few centuries after Patanjali, yoga masters created a system of practices designed to rejuvenate the body and prolong life. They rejected the teachings of the ancient Vedas and embraced the physical body as the means to achieve enlightenment. They developed Tantra Yoga, with radical techniques to cleanse the body and mind to break the knots that bind us to our physical existence. This exploration of these physical-spiritual connections and body centered practices led to the creation of what we primarily think of yoga in the West: Hatha Yoga.
Modern Period
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, yoga masters began to travel to the West, attracting attention and followers. This began at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, when Swami Vivekananda wowed the attendees with his lectures on yoga and the universality of the world’s religions. In the 1920s and 30s, Hatha Yoga was strongly promoted in India with the work of T. Krishnamacharya, Swami Sivananda and other yogis practicing Hatha Yoga. Krishnamacharya opened the first Hatha Yoga school in Mysore in 1924 and in 1936 Sivananda founded the Divine Life Society on the banks of the holy Ganges River. Krishnamacharya produced three students that would continue his legacy and increase the popularity of Hatha Yoga: B.K.S. Iyengar, T.K.V. Desikachar and Pattabhi Jois. Sivananda was a prolific author, writing over 200 books on yoga, and established nine ashrams and numerous yoga centers located around the world.
The importation of yoga to the West still continued at a trickle until Indra Devi opened her yoga studio in Hollywood in 1947. Since then, many more western and Indian teachers have become pioneers, popularizing hatha yoga and gaining millions of followers. Hatha Yoga now has many different schools or styles, all emphasizing the many different aspects of the practice.
 
 



 

The Yoga In our LIfe

Derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, Yoga means union of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Yoga is a 5000 year old Indian body of knowledge. Though many think of yoga only as a physical exercise where people twist, turn, stretch, and breathe in the most complex ways, these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.
The science of Yoga imbibe itself the complete essence of the Way of Life, including - Gyan Yoga or philosophy, Bhakti Yoga or path of devotional bliss, Karma Yoga or path of blissful action, and Raja Yoga or path of mind control. Raja Yoga is further divided into eight parts. At the heart of the Raja Yoga system, balancing and unifying these various approaches, is the practice of Yoga Asana.

Art of Living Yoga

The Art of Living Yoga is a holistic way of life that integrates all elements of ancient knowledge of Yoga, to make a prayerful discipline uniting the body, mind and soul. Along with the series of simple, yet effective yoga postures and breathing techniques, a greater emphasis is placed on the inner experience of meditation, for the well-being of mind and other hidden elements of human existence. We believe when one is in harmony within, the journey through life becomes calmer, happier and more fulfilled.
In The Art of Living Yoga programs, the wisdom and techniques of yoga are taught in a pure, joyful and thorough manner. The programs restore balance by helping to strengthen our body, calm our mind, regain our focus and improve self- confidence. It is a complete package for beginners as well as regular practitioners and has something for everyone - of all age groups.
Regular practice of The Art of Living Yoga has brought remarkable lifestyle changes in the practitioners. They have experienced relief from chronic illnesses and have observed behavioural changes. Participants have reported a healthy, happier living with reduced anxiety, increased tolerance and mindfulness.
The Art of Living Yoga is the secret to better health and greater sense of happiness.

Yoga for All

One of the beauties of the physical practice of yoga is that the poses support and sustain you no matter how old or young, or fit or frail, you come to your mat. As you age, your understanding of asana becomes more sophisticated. You move from working on the external alignment and mechanics of the pose to refining the inner actions to finally just being in the asana.
Yoga has never been alien to us. We have been doing it since we were a baby! Whether it is the Cat Stretch that strengthens the spine or the Wind-Relieving pose that boosts digestion, you will always find infants doing some form of yoga throughout the day. Yoga can be many things to many people. We are determined to help you discover your “Yoga Way of Life!”

Ayurveda: The Science of Life

Ayurveda is the world’s most sophisticated and powerful mind-body health systems. More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life!  It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vibrant and healthy while realizing their full human potential. It uses the inherent principles of nature, to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual's body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature. Practicing Ayurveda also improves your yoga practice, a perfect win-win situation! This section brings you a wide range of Ayurvedic tips and suggestions for a healthier lifestyle.

Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) & Meditation (Dhyaan)

Pranayama is the extension and control of one’s breath. Practicing proper techniques of breathing can help bring more oxygen to the blood and brain, eventually helping control prana or the vital life energy. Pranayama also goes hand in hand with various yoga asanas. The union of these two yogic principles is considered as the highest form of purification and self-discipline, covering both mind and body. Pranayama techniques also prepare us for a deeper experience of meditation. Know more about various pranayama techniques in these sections.

Patanjali Yoga Sutras

This section lays an exclusive commentary by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on the ancient scripture, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, which will enlighten you on the knowledge of yoga, its origin and purpose. The goal of this rendition of the Yoga Sutras is to make the principles and practices of the Yoga Sutras more understandable and accessible. The descriptions of each sutra offered by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar attempts to focus on the practical suggestions of what can be done to experience the ultimate benefits of a yogic lifestyle.
Feeling held back due to a physical ailment? Are emotions taking a toll on your personal and work life? Fill in the form below to learn more about how yoga can aide you in overcoming issues naturally with minimum lifestyle changes.

With its worldwide network of volunteers, the Art of Living Foundation is often able to respond swiftly to disasters anywhere in the world, providing physical and mental relief as well as material aid. Through this network, The Art of Living Foundation has established itself as one of the vital providers of disaster rehabilitation programmes the world over.
The Art of Living Foundation,along with its sister organisations, The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI),has taken upon itself the responsibility of rehabilitating societies affected by violence and other natural disasters.
From extensive relief and rehabilitation work in the tsunami-affected areas to earthquake relief in Gujarat, volunteers from The Art of Living Foundation have gone beyond their own safety concerns to attend to the mental, emotional and material needs of victims of these disasters.

Immediate Material Aid And Service

The Art of Living provides emergency services and material aid in the aftermath of disasters. These include food, clothes, medicine and shelter. Doctors, counsellors and other physical and mental health experts form an integral part of such immediate relief efforts.

Near-Term Trauma Relief

For survivors ofdisasters, who have experienced severe physical and emotional trauma, material help alone is not sufficient. Alleviating the trauma and helping people to reclaim their lives is essential. A study on The Art of Living Trauma Relief Programs which were delivered to large groups of South-East Asian tsunami survivors showed significant relief from post-traumatic stress disorder in only four days.

Long-Term Rehabilitation

True relief can only happen when disaster survivors are completely rehabilitated - physically and emotionally, on both a personal and societal level. People also need to have a sustainable means of earning their livelihood. To achieve this, our volunteers work in villages and with local communities, building homes, sanitation systems, roads, schools, vocational training centers and other necessary infrastructure.











Run better with yoga

"No pain, no gain!"
Seven –time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger said this phrase sometime during his career which went on to become the workout attitude defining statement of our times. It is crisp and apt, just the way a phrase should be. But is pain really that essential? What if one could work out a plan to minimize the pain and maximize the benefits of their workout? Does it sound too good to be true?
Surprisingly, it isn't. When most of us think of achieving a well-toned body, the first thing that comes to our mind is running. It is one of the most commonly practiced and inexpensive ways to get rid of those extra pounds. It also increases the stamina – a perfect win-win situation.
But tread with caution. Running is synonymous with injuries in the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle and foot regions. While most instructors recommend a bit of stretching before the sprint, just stretching is simply not good enough. As a runner one must learn to practice a couple of yoga postures through programs like the Art of Living Yoga course to understand what postures can really help you push your limits. A couple of minutes spent reposing in these ancient yogic postures can help you go that extra mile when you hit the treadmill.
This custom-tailored yoga for runners will prepare your body for sprint with 10 simple postures :
Badhakonasana is a good stretch for inner thighs, groin, hamstrings and knees. It also improves flexibility in the hip and groin region.
Ardha Matsyendrasana improves the elasticity of the spine and makes it suppler.
Hastapadasana helps stretch all the muscles of the back of the body, tone the abdominal organs and also helps make the spine supple.
Prasarita Padahastasana stretches the hamstrings, legs and feet. It also lengthens the spine and strengthens the abdomen.
Trikonasana strengthens the legs, knees, ankles, arms, and chest. It also stretches and opens the hips, groins, hamstrings,calves, shoulders, chest, and spine. It is also known to increase the mental and physical equilibrium.
Vrikshasana makes the legs strong, improves balance and opens the hips. It also rejuvenates the body and helps bring balance and equilibrium to the mind of the runner.
Veerabhadrasana helps tone the arms, lower back and legs. It also increases the stamina and brings balance in the body.
Konasana helps stretch the sides of the body and the spine. It also tones the arms, legs and abdominal organs.
Poorvottanasana stretches the hips and legs; strengthens the wrists, arms, shoulders, back and spine.
Utkatasana exercises the spine, hips and chest muscles. It also tones the thigh, ankle, leg and knee muscles.
Running is a very healthy workout that keeps you physically fit and boosts your stamina. If you love running, you may also join local running groups in your area and eventually even participate in marathons. Clubbing your passion for running with yoga will help enhance your capability to enjoy running.





Help your child to develop a healthy respect for themselves and others. The simple breathing techniques taught in the program, which include Sudarshan Kriya, give your child the tools to overcome negative emotions such as fear, nervousness, anxiety, frustration, jealousy, etc. easily.
The entire program is playful, effortless, engaging and fun, and all exercises and processes are designed specifically for this age group.
Children learn simple tenets for daily life, which brings up friendliness, forgiveness and respect. Whether you are an educator or a parent, the ART Excel program is the best way to introduce your children to spirituality, nurture human values, inculcate self-discipline, and develop their personality to be healthy and well-rounded.



6 Tips To Go Deeper Into Meditation

You may have been practicing meditation regularly but have you noticed that at times when you sit to meditate, your mind seems to take a holiday to a world of thoughts? Learning how to meditate is the first step but do you want to move up the ladder and learn more ways of getting a deeper experience? Following a few tips can help you in this direction.

Bring A Smile To Another Face


How do you feel when you help someone? Happy, satisfied? Do you also feel a burst of positive energy, like something expanding in you? Do you know why? This is because when you do service and bring a smile to someone’s face, good vibrations and blessings come to you.
Service also brings merit and it is this merit that allows you to have a deeper experience in meditation.

Experience The Sound Of Silence!

Imagine yourself standing on a terrace early morning, looking up the grand red sky, completely mesmerized by the beauty of the rising sun. Do you feel deep silence and oneness with the beauty - the beauty that takes you beyond words? Your mind is so calm and settled. Have you ever wondered why?
In silence, there are fewer thoughts and your mind settles down.
Most of the time when we chatter, our mind also keeps chattering. Our senses are busy collecting information and bombarding us with so many thoughts and impressions.
Silence complements meditation. When you are silent, your mind slows down and you slip into meditation more easily.
An easy way to experience silence and meditation together is the Art of Living Part-2 program that happens every weekend at the International Center of the Art of Living in Bangalore.
 

Pamper Your Body With Some Yoga Twists

Have you observed that some days you feel very restless during your meditation and are unable to go deeper?
This is because long working hours bring stiffness to the body and aches due to this stiffness make you restless. Doing some yoga asanas frees you from this stiffness and releases restlessness. With this, your mind settles down and allows you to have a deeper experience in meditation.

 

Keep A Watch Over Your Food

Think about the days you have meditated after having oily, fried, non-vegetarian food, and the days you meditated after having light and healthy food. Do you feel a difference in your meditation? This is because your food has a direct impact on the state of your mind.
As a meditator, an ideal diet should include grains, green vegetables, fresh fruits, salads, soups, etc. – essentially foods that are light and easy to digest and high in ‘prana’.

Sing To Yourself

Have you noticed how different types of music trigger different emotions in you?
We are made up of 90% or more space, so sound has a very profound effect on us. Singing in satsangs purifies emotions and you feel a sense of expansion in you. The ‘little mind’ that chatters incessantly is silenced and when you meditate, you have a deeper experience.

 Book Your Daily Meditation Time

Keeping a discipline and honoring the practice are keys to having a deeper experience in meditation. So book your meditation time everyday and experience the magic of going deeper.


Personality Development

Have you observed when a child enters a room everyone in the room just gets attracted by the child's mere presence? The child doesn't have to make any effort. It all happens naturally. We communicate more by our presence than by our words. But, as we grow up, somehow we miss taking care of this sublime aspect of our lives. Our presence weakens as innumerable impressions of our past experiences accumulate and clog our mind.
How do we restore that child-like freshness, friendliness and naturalness in our lives? This is possible through simple yet powerful breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya. The techniques help cleanse different layers of our existence, right from our body to the subtle layers of our self from stress and past experiences restoring our charm and presence. 

How Soon Do You Want Success?

Everyone wants to be successful in life. But, is success just having a big bank balance and a luxurious living? One may have a big bank balance; but, if the body gets sick, one cannot enjoy what one has. Many times, people spend half their health to gain wealth and spend half their wealth to gain back the health. Is this really success?
Imagine a state when your problems stop being problems, you get the strength to willingly face them with a smile and turn them into opportunities. Don't you think this is a sign of a successful person? This is what the Art of Living techniques can get you to.
The earlier you explore yourself with yoga, pranayam and meditation, the faster you get to accelerate success in all aspects of your life.

Get An Unshakable Personality From Within

Knowledge & self-help books are easily available everywhere — but what books cannot transmit is the personal charisma, the presence, the friendly and warm atmosphere a person carries along with him/her. The ancient practices of pranayam and meditation taught in the Art of Living programs enhance this charisma by uplifting the spirit, intuition, creativity, enthusiasm, intelligence and strengthens your personality.


Spiritual Experience

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  • Find out the purpose of your life
  • Discover the mystical secrets of life and creation
  • Experience freedom and explore the innermost depth of your being
  • Take gentle guided steps on the path to enlightenment
  • Experience the absolute truth, highest knowledge and unparalleled bliss in the presence of the Master.
The experiences on the spiritual path are definite yet inexpressible.

Step by Step on a Mystical Journey

Heal and Harmonise Your Body, Mind and Spirit

The first step is to learn the Sudarshan Kriya , a powerful breathing technique that purifies and harmonises our body, mind and spirit. It allows us to release accumulated stresses naturally and effectively.

Rest in Your Infinite Nature

The practice of silence – of consciously withdrawing our energy and attention from outer distractions – has been used in different traditions throughout time as a pathway to physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. By participating in various program processes specifically designed to take us beyond our usually active minds, we experience an extraordinary sense of peace and renewed vitality that we carry home with us and into daily lives.

Explore the Depths of Your Being

To experience the depth in meditation, it is vital to receive a mantra from a qualified teacher. In Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, one is taught to use a simple sound mentally which allows the mind to settle down and go within. When the mind and nervous system are allowed to repose for a few moments in the profound silence, the blocks that clog the system and our progress gradually dissolve. Regular practice of the technique can totally transform the quality of one's life, by culturing the system to maintain the peace, energy and expanded awareness throughout the day.

Attain the Power to Bless and Heal

The Blessing Program brings the qualities of abundance, contentment, and fulfillment to the forefront of our experience. Fulfillment is a beautiful quality of consciousness. It gives one the ability to bless and be an instrument of healing.
Being able to bless is a complete expression of a caring and sharing attitude, of being available to serve and bring peace and harmony to those who seek your help. The blessings that you offer can change a person's life. Many people have reported miraculous experiences.

Blossom in Gratitude

The most pure and refined expression of a blossomed consciousness on the path is gratitude. The Guru Pooja is expressing our gratitude towards the holy tradition of the masters who have preserved this precious wisdom over the years.
When a drop feels connected to the ocean, it feels the strength of the ocean. In the same way, when we feel connected to the tradition of masters, it is a source of infinite strength.

Secrets to Happy Family & Relationships

 

Don’t Just Wait for Festiva​ls, Celebrate Every Moment with Your Family

You can only share what you have. 
If you want your family to be happy and harmonious, you need to be happy and at peace first.
Learn the secret to be THAT source of happiness through special, powerful breathing techniques and practical wisdom at the Art of Living programs.

Let Go of Your Emotions, Not Your Love

When faced with storms of emotions, we end up uttering words or taking actions that we regret later. This is because, neither at school nor at home have we been taught how to handle anger, sorrow or any negative emotion.
This is where the knowledge of the breath taught in The Art of Living Happiness Program plays a vital role. For every rhythm in the mind, there is a corresponding rhythm in the breath. So, when you cannot handle your mind directly, you can handle the mind through the breath.
When we understand the power of the breath, we can have a say over our thoughts and our feelings, we can then let go of anger and negative moods at our will.
Practicing the Sudarshan Kriya taught in The Art of Living Happiness Program regularly help you let go of negative emotions naturally. In fact, the frequency of anger and stress reduces tremendously. Your ability to accept situations increases. Instead of reacting impulsively, you get the ability to respond to situations and take a rational action.
For love to stay fresh life-long, you need to go beyond the initial attraction and the ever changing emotions. No matter whatever emotions come and go, get the ability to relish your life with your loved one.

Bridge Communication Gaps

“I really did not mean to say that, why don’t you understand?”
Stress creates a definite gap between your thoughts, words and actions.
Only when the mind is free from stress, you have the clarity of perception, your words become clearer and the actions are gentle.

Express the Inexpressible Better

Just like a seed does not germinate if you scatter it on the surface or if you bury it too deep - it needs to be sown a little beneath the soil so that it can sprout and become a plant.
In the same way, expression of love needs moderation and meditation makes this happen effortlessly.
The techniques taught in The Art of Living Happiness Program help you relax and de-stress, become more aware and sensitive towards others in the family, thereby making it easier for you to express yourself better and the other person gets exactly what you want them to understand.


Art of Meditation Program (Sahaj Samadhi Meditation)

Effortless path to true relaxation through Sahaj Samadhi Meditation
Everyone has experienced a meditative state in moments of deep joy, or when completely engrossed in an activity, when just for a moment the mind becomes so light and at ease. While we have such moments, we are unable to repeat them at will. The Sahaj Samadhi program teaches you how. This meditation technique almost instantly alleviates the practitioner from stress-related problems, deeply relaxes the mind and rejuvenates the system.
'Sahaj' is a Sanskrit word that means natural or effortless. 'Samadhi' is a deep, blissful, meditative state. 'Sahaj Samadhi Meditation' is a natural, effortless system of meditation.
Regular practise of the technique can totally transform the quality of one's life, by culturing the system to maintain the peace, energy and expanded awareness throughout the day. These meditation techniques combined with yogic practises can ensure good health and a calm mind.
  • Meditation allows the conscious mind to settle deeply in the Self, giving it rest
  • When the mind settles down, it lets go of all tension, making one healthy and focused

How does Sahaj Samadhi Meditation work?

The participant is taught to use a simple sound mentally which allows the mind to settle down and go within. When the mind and nervous system are allowed to repose a few moments in the profound silence, the blocks that clog the system and our progress gradually dissolve.

How does reposing in the self help in day-to-day life?

When a river is calm, its reflection is clearer. When the mind is calm, there is greater clarity in the field of expression. Our powers of observation, perception and expression improve. As a result we are able to communicate effectively and clearly.

Why do I need a mantra?

In Sanskrit, a mantra is described as, "Manana trayate iti mantra.". Iti Mantra is that which saves you from repetitiveness. A repetitive thought is a worry. Mantras help to free you from worries.



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