Sudarshan kriya meditation technique features a unique and powerful breathing technique, the Sudarshan Kriya ®, which is traditionally understood to use specific rhythms of the breath to eliminate stress, support the various organs and systems within the body, transform overpowering emotions and restore peace of mind.
Sudarshan Kriya is a combination of two words, Sudarshan means right vision; kriya means purifying action. The Art of Living Courses designed by H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ( Creator of Sudarshan Kriya) takes us beyond our thoughts and emotions, and allows us totally experience our feelings. Sudarshan Kriya practioners report that they feel renewed physically, mentally, emotionally, and elevated spiritually
Critics of Sudarshan Kriya say breathing has been at the core of most Indian meditation practices, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has just repackaged and commercialized Sudarshan Kriya. But the Art of Living organizers say this is too simplistic a view. The sudarshan kriya meditation technique is far beyond just breathing exercises, in fact Sudarshan Kriya is divided into two parts: while the first part of Sudarshan Kriya is devoted only to Sudarshan Kriya, the second part of learning Sudarshan Kriya (organisers call it the advanced course) requires a week-long residence at a retreat or an Art of Living ashram. The Sudarshan Kriya course combines four aspects: silence, meditation, celebration and service. The Art of Living course contends that while silence takes you deeper into yourself, meditation builds energy, celebration maintains it and service channels this energy to productive use.
