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The world is universally undergoing a period of fear tranquillity and tension. In addition, the upheavals of war and consequences of war are looming large in the minds of the people. The faith of people in religion and its rituals is unable to come to grip with the people for their mind, body and soul to be devoid of such unfortunate, incidents. In such a situation the 'Art of Living Healing Breath Workshop' has emerged as a Pole Star to the people of the world.

The art of Living Healing Breath Workshop is an experimental programme designed to develop the full potential of life without the distinction of race, religion or caste. The workshop has the distinction of offering stimulating powerful techniques, processes and knowledge resulting in the negation of stress and strains and leads to the expansion of awareness.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

The Healing Breath Workshop takes the person beyond one's thoughts and emotions, freeing one to tap the vast reservoir of energy and enthusiasm which lies hidden inside him, enabling one to live in the present moment of any exigencies.

India is a repository of spiritual wisdom in the world. Many are aware of this fact. Thus it is nothing but natural that the "Art of Living" concept has its birth in India. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Sri) is the father of this concept. He is recognized as a renowned spiritual master and world leader in human resource development. Sri Sri established the art of living in 1982 as an educational, charitable and humanitarian organization, which seeks to uplift humanity through the restoration of basic human values.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living has spread to 135 countries in the world, and is a U.N. affiliate and boasts a high powered celebrity devotee list.

Now going on from the founder to the working modalities of this technique, the Healing Breath Workshop is open to all people irrespective of age, young or old, and educational backgrounds. It enriches and enhances any self determined path or spiritual practice by allowing one to search and experience the inner-core of our being, which is always hidden in us, and which is infinite. This technique re-moulds a person and facilitates his well-being in a holistic manner in all four levels viz, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

That art of living course, incorporates modern techniques to help people to rediscover the silent inner core of theirs.

The Hatha Yoga where the meditation and breathing technique are taught.

The breathing techniques include pranayama - breath control. Bhastrika is a special breath/pranayama combination that invigorates and purifies the system.

They also teach a unique sequence of "Hatha Yoga" postures called "Padma Sadhna". Their meditation practice "Sahaj Samadhi" is simple and easy to follow.

The Art of Living basic course teaches techniques to eradicate stress and strain from the system paving way to cleanse the system and to rejuvenate and revitalise it. The basic course is spread over 22 hours, which could be over four evenings and a weekend with an introductory class on the first day.

The core of the Healing Breath Technique is known as "Sudarshan Kriya". This forms the base of Art of Living course.

This was a special breathing technique developed by him. Through the natural rhythms of the breath, stress, strains and toxins that are stored in one's body are released. Each cell is regenerated renewing one mentally, emotionally and physically.

Thus, it is a cleaning process in ourselves. In sleep, we may get rid of fatigue, but "Sudharsan Kriya" cleanses the system from inside. The breath has a great secret to offer. The result is that one feels light, energetic and joyful.

The advanced course is open to those who have already taken the basic course. This course intensifies the knowledge previously gained in the basic course. One of the important traditions it teaches is the tradition of silence. It not only rejuvenates the body, but also it provides deep relaxation, physically and mentally. "Sundarshan Kriya' and pranayam strengthens the body's immune system.

It is amazing to find that research studies carried out at a leading Medical College in Bangalore showed that the practice of "Sudarshan Kiriya' decreases the serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (harmful) and lipid peroxidation and increases the HDL cholesterol (good). practice of 'Sudarshan Kiriya' and Pranayam helps the tobacco consumers to quit this habit. Participants narrated the 'urge' to give up tobacco consuming habit.

There are corporate courses on offer too. This course offers, techniques to excel in the workplace. If each individual is balanced and in control of their emotions, their potential to contribute to the organization they belong is greatly enhanced.

There are specialized course to cater to the needs of the people with special requirements.

In any field, any concept cannot be handled by one person. He needs devoted, and disciplined disciples to carry the programme and message.

In this context, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is fortunate to have a sincere, faithful and true disciple, Ganesh Ji. Ganesh Ji belongs to Tamil Nadu and his fluency in English and in Tamil is marvellous. He spreads the message and conducts course on behalf of Sri Sri in many countries of the world where, 'Art of Living' is in practice.

He has visited Sri Lanka many times and conducted the basic course. He was responsible for opening many 'Art of Living' camps in Sri Lanka. He is a versatile speaker and has the capability to hold the audience's attention. Word flow fluently to describe the principles of 'Art of Living'.

He puts the basic principles of 'Art of Living in clear words to enable the audience to understand easily.

In fact, he is considered the principal disciple of Sri Sri and is the cornerstone of Art of Living' programmes, not only conducts classes, he inspires the followers that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is present among them.

He has the capacity to keep the audience spellbound in his claritive ways of lectures at the Introduction Classes. He is really an asset to His Holiness Sri Sri to convey latter's messages.

It is our conviction that he is the right person on the heels of His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to continue the spiritual task imposed on him.

It could be seen that both Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Ganesh Ji advocates the message of love and peace in the concept of Art of Living in these troubled times. That is why Sri Sri has been quoted as saying, 'The only true security that can be found in this world is in the process of giving love'.

Ganesh Ji will be in Colombo, from 24.08.2003 to 30.08.2003.

He will deliver an introductory talk on August 24 at 6.30 p.m. at Tamil Sangam, Rudra Mawatha, Wellawatte, Colombo 6.

- R.S.

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