About us
The Founder - His Holiness SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
From an early age, it was apparent that Sri Sri Ravishankar was destined to lead a spiritual life - even as a very young child, he was often found absorbed in meditation. At the age of four, his parents were surprised to discover him spontaneously reciting the Bhagavad Gita. Later on, in school, he would tell his friends, “People are waiting for me all over the world. I am going to visit them one day…” By the age of seventeen he had completed his traditional education in both Vedic literature and modern science.
In 1982, Sri Sri began to teach the Sudarshan Kriya®, a powerful breathing technique which eliminates stress and brings one completely into the present moment. Today this program is taught in over 100 countries as part of the Art of Living Course. Millions of people around the world have experienced physical and emotional healing from these programs which eliminate stress and create a sense of belonging.
He is the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, a United Nations NGO, and is the inspiration behind numerous charitable organizations focused on service and the promotion of human values. As Sri Sri has said “Service is the expression of joy and love. Ask yourself ‘How can I be useful to those around me and to the whole world?’ Then your heart starts to blossom and a completely new level begins…”.
Sri Sri speaks in thirty to forty countries a year, reminding us that the great spiritual traditions have common goals and values. He encourages people from all religions and cultural traditions to come together and celebrate. His love, practical wisdom and wholehearted dedication to service inspire people everywhere. He has given a whole new dimension to spirituality, infusing it with a youthful sense of celebration and joy. Through him you can see the infinite. He is limitless compassion and grace. To know him is to be touched by his childlike simplicity and joy. In his presence one experiences a profound silence that is beyond words. Joy, love, playfulness, poetry, deep wisdom and a twinkle of mischief have all come together in the person of Sri Sri Ravishankar.
“The only true security that can be found in this world,” says Sri Sri Ravishankar, “is in the very process of giving love”.
For more information on the founder visit Sri Sri’s website
Sudarshan Kriya
Kriya
Developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Sudarshan Kriya® is the core component of the Art of Living Course. The Sudarshan Kriya infuses the body with energy and harmonizes the natural rhythms of the body, mind and emotions.
It uses specific rhythms of breath to re-establish balance in life as it simultaneously floods the cells of the body with oxygen and energy.
A powerful practice that combines ancient knowledge with the rhythms of the breath, it has a profound effect on the mind, body and spirit.
In order to understand the enormous health implications of the Sudarshan Kriya, one must understand the relationship between the breath, the mind, the emotions, and the body.
The Kriya links the breath to the mind-body system in a specific way, that rids the system of accumulated stress and toxins, releasing negative emotions and rejuvenating the body.
Over 2 Million people worldwide, have enjoyed the benefits of the Art of Living Course and the powerful Sudarshan Kriya technique.
Pranayama
In 1998 and 1999, Sudarshan Kriya gained even greater recognition when medical studies & research confirming its benefits were published.
These findings demonstrate that Sudarshan Kriya:
- Reduces levels of stress (reduces Cortisol, the “stress hormone”)
- Relieves depression and anxiety
- Restores normal sleep patterns
- Increases health, well-being and peace of mind - Kriya increases EEG alpha and prolactin, the “well-being” hormone
Course participants commonly report:
- Greater ease and joy in personal relationships
- Increased fulfillment in work
- Deeper sense of community and belonging to society
- Enriched spiritual life
