Art of Living Programs that Changed My Life

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          Art of Living International Center, Bangalore
 

I did my first Art of Living program in 2008 and it was the beginning of a journey of inner transformation. There was an (unintended) gap between 2011 - 2014 when I didn't participate in any programs. I came back to active participation in 2015 and there is no looking back since then.

The only reason I keep continuing on the journey is because of the value I get. I have experienced the caterpillar become a butterfly not once but many times. I have felt the power of the path and Guru support me through very difficult circumstances not once but many times.

The reason I love Art of Living is because it delivers.

I make it a point to share my experience and story with others so that they can make use of it.

For a long time I wondered: "Why are others not making use of the wonderful programs that are available. Isn't it a no-brainer to do these? "

The conclusions I have to come to is:

  • Some people genuinely don't want to solve problems and make progress. It's comfortable to let status quo prevail and complain about circumstances.
  • Karma wouldn't let them. Most of the programs are deeply spiritual in nature and are potent to counter karma. To escape the karmic effects needs grace or divine intervention.
  • To persist through needs a different level of pro-activeness, commitment and grit and not everyone has it or is willing to invest it for inner growth.
  • They may not be aware of the programs and the possibilities within.

I have learned through hard experiences that I can't do anything about the first 3. But the last one is where I can do something. I'm writing this article to share the programs I have participated in the last decade or so and the difference each program made. I hope it's of help to others who needed to know this.

Note that this is not the exhaustive list of programs offered as there are more. I'm sharing what I have experienced myself and taken value from.

Happiness program / Online meditation & breath workshop

This is the flagship program of Art of Living and teaches the powerful rhythmic breathing technique aka Sudarshan Kriya (SKY). The program also covers timeless practical wisdom and some powerful processes. It runs over 3 to 4 days with 2-3 hours per day.

With SKY 🚀🚀 there will not be a dull moment in your life.

Advanced meditation program / Silence program

As the name suggests this program puts you in silence and takes you through very powerful and deep meditations called hollow & empty meditations. It's deep detoxification. Ancient wisdom and mudras are also included. This is one of my favorite and I have lost count of how many times I have done this retreat. This is a full day program that runs over 3-4 days and there are longer versions also.

Sahaj samadhi program

This one is based on a very ancient technique which has been successively handed down over generations by spiritual masters to their disciples. It involves initiation into a unique mantra(sound) and a technique to get into the state of meditation using it. The technique is very potent and with practice one can get into deep meditations effortlessly (sahaj). It's taught over 3 days with 2 hour session per day.

Sanyam 1 & 2

This is the highest of the highest technique from the Patanjali yoga sutras. I had the deepest and most fulfilling meditations after getting initiated into Sanyam by Gurudev. These are full day intensive programs that run over 4-5 days.

Sri Sri yoga 1

Learn asanas in a way that allows you to go deeper in the practice and enjoy it more. Simple but solid. I started enjoying my body after doing this program. Runs over 4 days with couple of hours per day.

Spine care program

This is the program which brought me back to Art of Living after a gap of couple of years. Helped get relief from back pain issues arising out of a sedentary work style and posture correction.

Gurupuja program

A spiritual treat for devotees as it initiates one into the ancient technique of invoking the presence of spiritual masters and making symbolic offerings to express gratitude. Gurupuja transformed my spiritual life dramatically and I can't express in words how grateful I'm for it. It's my direct access to the tradition of spiritual masters and their boundless grace.

Blessings program

A unique program that prepares you to become a channel through which blessings of the Divine can flow to others.  Makes you ready to bless.

DSN program

The other programs take you inwards. This one is totally opposite. It takes you out into the world. It offers world class training to bring out your leadership qualities and dynamism. You break the barriers that were holding you back and unleash your power. It's a full day super intensive program that runs over 4 days.

Volunteer training program

It helped me channelize my desire to serve others by providing a structure and method for it. Helps you to be an effective communicator and make service and volunteering a way of life.

Teacher training program

It's a profound privilege to be an Art of Living teacher. The 15 days mega intensive program trains you on the various aspects of conducting the Happiness program. You come out of the program completely transformed. Nothing comes close to the deep fulfillment and joy of teaching Sudarshan Kriya to others.

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