Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful tool for achieving balance and harmony in life

Question - Gurudev, How does Sudarshan Kriya (Breathing Technique) taught at Art of Living work?

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji-The breath connects the body and mind. For every emotion, there is a corresponding rhythm in the breath. Just as emotions affect our patterns of breathing, we can bring about changes in our mental and behavioral patterns by altering the rhythms of our breath. It flushes out anger, anxiety, and worries, leaving the mind completely relaxed and energized.

Your body and mind have particular rhythms. For instance, you experience hunger and the need to sleep at different times. There is a rhythm in nature. Similarly, there is a rhythm in the body and in the emotions (of the mind). If you observe your thoughts, you will see that your doubts and anxieties also have a rhythm. There is a particular time in the year when you experience the same emotions. Sudarshan Kriya™ restores the harmony between the body and mind. When these rhythms are in sync, we feel a sense of harmony and well-being. And when these rhythms are not in sync, we experience discomfort and discontent.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji explains that Sudarshan Kriya, a breathing technique taught at Art of Living, works by:

1. Connecting the body and mind through the breath

2. Recognizing that every emotion has a corresponding rhythm in the breath

3. Altering breathing patterns to change mental and behavioral patterns

4. Flushing out negative emotions like anger, anxiety, and worries

5. Leaving the mind relaxed and energized

He further explains that our body and mind have natural rhythms, just like nature, and that our emotions and thoughts also have rhythms. Sudarshan Kriya helps restore harmony between the body and mind by synchronizing these rhythms, leading to a sense of well-being and harmony.

By practicing Sudarshan Kriya, one can:

- Experience relaxation and reduced stress

- Improve mental clarity and focus

- Enhance emotional well-being and resilience

- Cultivate a sense of connection to oneself and nature

- Improve overall physical and mental health

Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful tool for achieving balance and harmony in life, and is often practiced in conjunction with Yoga and Meditation for enhanced benefits.