SUDARSHAN KRIYA: GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS

SUDARSHAN KRIYA: GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS Some years ago, while I was posted at Gorakhpur, an Art of Living devotee happened to read my maiden book, ‘The Matter of the Mind’ wherein I narrated the efficacy of the Sudarshan Kriya technique and how it extricated me from the cesspool of alcoholism. It seemed aeons ago, when my mind was subsumed by tenebrosity and hurtling down the hubristic path on account of excessive drinking. My wife in sheer desperation enrolled me for the Part 1 course (now called the Happiness Programme). Today by the grace of the Master H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya I am sober. The devotee connected me to an estimable psychiatrist and soon along with two other faculty members, we began conducting courses for alcoholics and drug addicts at a rehab centre. They were around 40 and we were three. Some looked menacing, others disenchanted, a few enveloped by ennui. But in our arsenal was the potent cassette of Sudarshan Kriya and enveloped with the divine benediction of Gurudev. We began with gentle warm ups. This was followed by pranayams and finally Sudarshan Kriya. A few hardened addicts attempted to derail the Kriya. But the febrile minds gradually settled as the rhythms of ‘SOHAM’ resonated the dingy hall. Meaning of Sudarshan Kriya The unique breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya is the fulcrum of the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living. “Su” means proper, “Darshan” implies vision and “Kriya” is a purifying action. Through the actions of our breath, we appreciate a proper vision of who we really are. It is momentous to understand that nature runs on a rhythm. For instance the sun rises and sets at a particular time, similarly seasons arrive and exit at predetermined times. Humans feel hungry or sleepy at certain times. Our emotions, feelings, thoughts are all cast in the symphony of rhythm. We are unable to distinguish between cacophony and symphony in this frenetic pace of life which is cannonaded by innumerable thoughts, continuous action and noise. When sounds are harmonised by the syllable of SOHAM we can term it as magical music. Enlightenment is not accruing anything providential but harmonizing our whole being rhythmically. During the breathing process participants feel varied sensations, emotions, tingling sensations, laughter, weeping among others. But the objective is to keep breathing to the syllable of SOHAM in (chanted in Gurudev’s voice). Eventually all the accumulated stress is extricated and a person is thoroughly relaxed. One can experience this entire process only by undertaking the course. The breathing technique was cognated by H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar after being in silence for a period of 10 days on the banks of Bhadravati River at Shimoga, a small town in Karnataka. Cassandra’s of doubt and prophets of doom have questioned the salutatory benefit of the course and the breathing technique. Researchers at NIMHANS and AIIMS have zeroed on the impact of the breathing technique, which improves the heart rate, benefits cognition, improves breathing pattern, restores calmness in the mind and body, arrests Alzheimer’s affliction, works positively on the endocrine system, all of which increase energy (or prana) levels in the human body. . This technique has been used successfully used on victims of trauma, on terrorists and naxalites. This wonderful knowledge and wisdom has triggered humanness to blossom. Every cell and article of the body overflows with jollity and life is abundant with the glow of love and the body becomes the wick. Love and belongingness becomes a natural process of our inner being if practised unflinchingly and unfailingly. Several practitioners feel they can practice the breathing technique at home. But that is only walking half the path. It is indispensible and paramount that one must practice the technique daily and attend the follow up once a week, where a certified Art of Living teacher plays the chant of SOHAM in Guruji’s voice as it reinvigorates the body and mind. One should also be wary of imitations available on You Tube these days. The Sudarshan Kriya cassette or i-pod is given only to qualified Art of Living teachers. Breath is the very kernel of our very existence. Therefore it is essential to breath to the correct technique. A person will gain more spiritually and physically by traversing on this journey by taking part in the bouquet of courses offered by the foundation. The entire voyage is to spread waves of happiness across the universe. THE X-FACTOR TO ANYONE, WHO IS agitated, apprehensive or discomposed I would recommend reading the Bhagwad Gita over and over again. As they pore into this masterpiece surely and certainly, they will find answers to their innumerable queries. A peerless and invaluable conversation had taken place between Krishna and Arjuna aeons ago. The Song Celestial is a potent message as relevant today as it was prior to the battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Krishna deftly assuages the foggy and shadowy mind of his sakha Arjuna, so that the latter could discern between pusillanimity and alacrity and seize the opportunity to make his mind robust and brawny and thus fulfil his dharma, overcoming his personal feelings. Today the minds of youngsters are cannonaded with innumerable choices. Presented with too many choices on the platter, many find they are unable to make the correct decision; be it the choice of career or their soulmate. Further the mind is constantly fusilladed by social media that they become addicted to gizmos and unduly smitten by the razzmatazz. In the process rationality in their choices is the first casualty. This has become an endemic problem spanning across generations. Technology and alternatives have changed the paradigm and the ability to make rational decisions. The human mind is a victim of continuous bombardment and is never in the present moment to view things from the prism of objectivity. The febrile and wavering mind which is never in the present moment and perpetually swinging like a pendulum between the past and the present is struck by certain feelings and emotions; feelings of attachment, entanglements, lust and obsession, greed and jealousy, anger and arrogance. Apart from this the mind is gripped by the fear of the unknown. “What would happen to me? “I am not feeling well,” “How long will it take for me to recuperate,” “Will I perform well in the examinations,” “How will I fare in the interview” “Am I ready to make a pointed presentation which would impress the management and the customers,” “Am I looking presentable to impress the girl next door,” and so on… The list is endless. The mind is cannonaded by such thoughts. It does not provide the aperture to accept efficacious and positive thoughts. The contributory reasons for negative thoughts are our low prana, qui or energy levels and lack of self-confidence. It is like Lionel Messi, Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo in the cauldron, where rambunctious crowds are rooting for them, and they miss a spot kick much to the consternation of the maniacal crowds and his team mates. Why does the mind freeze? Individuals are unable to perform. This could be due to lack of self-belief, overconfidence or just being unable to cope with the enormous pressure. In various Art of Living programmes, participants bow down to the angels of East, South, West and North to overcome emotions like attachments, entanglements, lust, obsessions, greed, jealousy, anger and arrogance. In the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living, a precise and a spesh “Hum” technique is taught where in the individual releases fearful feelings and perturbation by literally screaming, “Hum”. This releases all pent up emotions. As per Gurudev, the Mother Goddess had slain the asuras (demons) by bellowing “Hum”. So when an individual’s mind is gripped by fear, it would be propitious to exercise the “Hum” technique rather than swallowing an anti-anxiety pill like Zapiz or Prozac. Sudarshan Kriya, the unique rhythmic breathing technique brings the mind to the present moment. This brings awareness and mindfulness in an individual. Now before practising Sudarshan Kriya, the seeker expresses gratitude to parents (our first teachers), ancestors (because of whom we are on this planet), to Mother Earth (which nourishes and sustains us), to the Sun God (which provides us light and energy) and finally to the Masters of the past, present and future who have imparted this repository of knowledge. Those who practice Sudarshan Kriya express their deep gratitude to H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who has gifted humanity with this unique breathing technique and the profound knowledge. Thus Guru is the X –factor, the embodiment of Supreme Knowledge which metamorphoses and transfigures the mind. The Guru Tattva encompasses the Shiva Tattva and Narayana Tattva. Aeons ago the Kaurava and Pandava armies braced themselves for the battle of Kurukshetra, to decide who would be the rightful heirs to the throne of Hastinapur. The conceited and hubristic Duryodhana egged on by his uncle Shakuni and brother Dushasana refused to enter into any treaty with their estranged cousins, the Pandavas. Thus battling it out to don the prized crown was the only method to settle the contentious issue. As the armies faced each other, before the conch was blown to signal the commencement of war, the ace archer, Arjuna quite inexplicably requested his charioteer, Lord Krishna, to take him closer to the enemy army so that he could have a close sight of his rivals. The opponents consisted of the venerable Bhishma, his Gurus Dronacharya and Kripacharya and a hundred cousins. Beholding the sight, Arjuna’s mind was stricken with grief, remorse and guilt and he lay down his fabled arms and was of the opinion that it would be iniquitous to gain the lost kingdom by slaying his kinsmen. So much so he opined that the act could be termed as sinful and impious. As if struck by a seizure, Arjuna was mentally distraught and willing to be annihilated rather than embark upon the voyage of bloodshed to avenge the ignominy of exile, the disrobing of Draupadi and the machinations of the evil Shakuni to usurp their kingdom. Such was the fragmented condition of Arjuna’s mind. Lord Krishna rebukes Arjuna for such a pusillanimous attitude and thoughts. There upon he exhorts Arjuna to raise the cudgels and embark upon the battle, as his mind ought to focus only on “doing the action, which was worthy of a Kshatriya” and not delve upon the purported consequences. A true Yogi is one who is blessed with a brawny and robust mind, focussed with steely determination to execute the task on hand fearless of the consequences. But herein lies the catch. A resolute and authentic Yogi is one who is the sovereign of his mind. He does not get ensnared by cravings, lustful thoughts, unwelcome desires, and fearful thoughts but conquers his mind, attitudes and attains three inestimable qualities that is equilibrium, equipoise and equanimity. Lord Krishna thereupon reveals the secrets of life and death. The soul is indestructible and incombustible. The physical form which animate bodies assume is verily ephemeral. It is the soul which transmigrates from an individual to another. The human mind which is so precious should discern and grasp this aspect. In fact Lord Krishna chastises valorous Arjuna for not adhering to the tenets of Karma Yoga instead succumbing to filial ties. He added that “there is no purpose in grieving for the dead and the gates of heaven would welcome you with open arms.” The Lord further mentioned that even if Arjuna did not vanquish his adversaries, defeat would be equally glorious as he would have performed a deed befitting a warrior. An intrepid mind, a warrior is one who takes up challenges and responsibilities and does not shirk from them. Taking up responsibility empowers an individual. This is true of anyone who is in pursuit of truth. It is a weak and meek mind whose thoughts get obfuscated by the clouds of doubt. Non–action is an act of cowardice too. Thus it is essential for humans to act. For this purpose it is essential that the human mind is trained to respond to various situations and not get stuck in the cesspool of inactivity. A sagacious person, a true Karma Yogi discovers Divine peace in actions performed and is not bothered with the fruits of the action. The mind of such a person is pristine and the Yogi dwells in the body as a pure as the mind. The Bhagwad Gita is the Song Celestial, running into 18 chapters; a memorable dialogue between Narayana and Nara (Arjuna). The Lord revealed his splendorous, luminous and radiant form to Arjuna which encompassed the entire creation and destruction of the Universe. It is believed that Oppenheimer, the noted German physicist had similar visions when the first trial atomic test had taken place in the USA. More importantly, the sheer ferocity of the Vishwaroop Darshan of the Lord dispelled all doubts in the mind of Arjuna who was a transformed personality. His mind was at peace and all the cobwebs and demonic thoughts were torpedoed. He blew his conch “Devadutta” and strung the fabled “Gandiva” which sent shivers down the spine of his adversaries. The mind of the bowman was truly awakened, aware and rejoiced with joy as he was prepared for the battle. It is noteworthy to point out that the intrepid combatant had won from both within and without. In our most impenetrable situations it is only pristine knowledge which provides succour. The hallmark of a true Karma Yogi is to steadfastly remain in the state of this knowledge. Only an authentic and genuine seeker, whose mind is hollow and empty bereft with all prejudices and preconceived notions is able to accept this knowledge and act upon it. Thus Guru is the X-factor who imparts knowledge to a genuine seeker at his feet. Jai Guru Dev! Victory to the Big Mind. “In the infinity of life where I am, All is perfect, whole, and complete. I believe in a power far greater than I am That flows through me every moment of every day. I open myself to the wisdom within, Knowing that there is only One Intelligence in this Universe. Out of this One Intelligence comes all the answers, All the solutions, all the healings, all the new creations. I trust this Power and Intelligence, Knowing that whatever I need to know is revealed to me In the right time, space and sequence. All is well in my world,” wrote Louise L Hay. Her book “You can Heal Your Life” has metamorphosed lives of millions of people across the globe. - LOUIS HAY

Maharashtra De-Addiction Program

Maharashtra De-Addiction Program DESPITE THE PERILS OF substance and alcohol abuse why do humans get addicted to these stimulants? The answer is always the same - a weak mind. The individual who is dependent on alcohol, drugs and other derivatives lives in a state of self-denial, dejection, self deprecation, feeling of absolute loss, loneliness and is looking for compassion, comfort and love. “Addiction is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. The two properties that characterize all addictive stimuli are that they are reinforcing (i.e., they increase the likelihood that a person will seek repeated exposure to them) and intrinsically rewarding (i.e., they are perceived as being inherently positive, desirable, and pleasurable).” - Wikipedia As per Hindu mythology, during the great churning process or Amrit Manthan, several jewels mushroomed (14 to be exact). Among them was Varuni – the Goddess of Wine. Further, consumption of cannabis was known in India since 2000 B.C. It is associated with Lord Shiva, the Adi Yogi. But he was a mendicant who had mastered all the senses and was the suzerain of his mind. But the hapless addicts and alcoholics are victims of this deadly pestilence, succumbing to its ill effects. It has been proven statistically that nearly 15% of individuals who consume alcohol develop a dependency and in the bargain become alcoholics. This is a major health problem, afflicting rich and poor alike. Further dependency on alcohol is associated with acute social stigma. There is nothing macho or brawny about it. This fatal attraction to alcohol deranges families and alcoholics get lost in the byzantine labyrinth of antipathetic thought process. Very often, they are discarded by loved ones and lead a life of ignominy. The major categories of drugs which swamp the minds of addicts include - alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, depressants like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine, marijuana as well as opioids like morphine, heroin and methadone. Primarily such kind of addictions arise on account of peer pressure, poverty, impulsivity, relationship problems, family problems, poor coping skills among others. Shri Venkatesh Manglaram, a senior faculty of the Art of Living has been an inspirational figure in weaning away addicts from this lethal pestilence through some landmark work and contribution. Venkateshji opines that most of the participants gravitated towards such drugs on the assumption it might provide some handy solutions and some relief which triggers the human mind into obfuscating immediate problems, without realizing the immense damage it can cause to the human system. Venkateshji put it succinctly, “When someone drinks alcohol or takes drugs and becomes dependent on it; their family suffers; the surrounding suffers and it overall affects the society. Since I am a part of the society I feel responsible for the same.” The triumvirate of Venkatesh Manglaram, Nitin Pradhan and Ganshyam Gohile have conducted 23 Prana courses together which has upended the pyramid of around 330 addicts in the arid region of Vidharbha in Maharashtra. The fulcrum of the Prana course is to stress on absolute detoxification; de addiction is carried out with a holistic approach. The course is a unique combination of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation and imparting the unique rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya. The course has had a stunning and astonishing strike rate, with as many as 80% participants eschewing dependency on alcohol and drugs. The mind of an alcoholic or a drug addict swings like a pendulum. On one hand is the immediate feeling of euphoria and at the other end is an extremely enfeebled mind which is not robust enough to eschew the dependency. Thus registration of individuals becomes a gargantuan task, the biggest stumbling block. Once they complete the course the results are there to see; radiant faces and minds suffused with jollity. One such participant was Shrirang Jagtap, a resident of Amravati who was trained to be a civil engineer. However he was tragically caught in the vortex of alcohol consumption. In sheer desperation, the gentleman attempted various de-addiction courses at several places and was admitted at different rehabilitation centers but ended up only drinking, with no aperture of hope in sight. Eventually, he attended a Prana course and it has been more than two and a half years now that he is sober and clean. Yet another participant was Amol, a bus conductor in Yavatmal. He began consuming alcohol on account of certain family problems but ended up losing his job due to excessive drinking. The course has benefitted him in such a remarkable manner that presently he has been sober, without touching a drop for more than a year and a half. The duration of the course is such that the participants and teachers strike a chord and are able to empathize with each other. The afflicted can reach out to the teachers whenever they are desirous of giving vent to their feelings. Upon completion of the course it is mandatory to conduct follow up sessions and Satsangs, so that the recovered souls do not hurtle once again towards alcoholism or drug addiction. The success rate of abstinence has been as high as 80%, no mean achievement! In order to construct a ‘NO ALCOHOL’ society, it is imperative that tools of education and large scale awareness about the perils of alcoholism and addiction should be imparted. Venkatesh and his team are working towards this lofty mission. Physical and Mental Rehabilation of Alcoholics This is a riposte to a show about the banning of alcohol in some states of the country.’ We The People’ a popular programme of NDTV anchored by Barkha Dutt deliberated the issue on the 17th of April 2016 . Without getting in to the merits of the issue a simple question arises in my mind – can we ban thoughts? The mind is cannonaded by approximately 50 to 60,000 thoughts in a day. And an alcoholic’s mind is extraordinarily sharp despite suffering from this medical malady. An alcoholic will employ all possible means at his disposal to acquire the prized possession. Like fish is to water an alcoholic is to liquor.The cause of alcoholism is the negative and destructive pattern of thinking and a deranged thought process. The problem can be addressed by getting an alcoholic admitted into a rehabilitation programme, joining the Alcoholics Anonymous, a self-help group, undertaking the Happiness Programme of The Art of Living( where the unique breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya is imparted) or undergoing the Vipassana breathing technique. These techniques can be of help only when the alcoholic acknowledges the problem , and does not live in the world of self-denial besides submits to a power which is much superior to him or her. Through the grave indulgence of Bacchus and reckless drinking , alcoholics wreck immense damage to all the organs of human body. This is no rocket science and is known to the afflicted. To begin with stomach, pancreas, liver, esophagus, the small and large intestine get adversely damaged.Once the gut is effected it has a debilitating impact on the circulatory and nervous systems. Alcoholics develop heart ailments, problems pertaining to blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis among others. One organ after the other starts collapsing and eventually an alcoholic becomes a vegetable. The alcoholic finally lands up in the ICU or is in the grave. The cause of alcoholism is the negative and destructive pattern of thinking. And in the amphitheater of mind nothing can be banned. This is an advisory for all alcoholics and recovering alcoholics( those who have turned sober through the gift of the Divine) regarding their eating and drinking patterns. Those who get admitted to a rehab or an Ayurvedic clinic fortuitously will be served a regulated diet for proper resuscitation. But there are a large unfortunate numbers who are caught in the vortex of drinking or continue to suffer from relapses. They should begin the day with several glasses of warm lime water laced with honey and not with a cup of coffee / tea. It goes without saying , SAY a firm NO to drink. Lime water with honey assists in detoxifying the system . Eating of fresh fruits for breakfast and not leftovers of the night helps in digestion. It is guaranteed that most alcoholics suffer from an irritable bowel syndrome and associated disorders. The fruit should be partaken as an entire meal and should not merely be a supplement. Tamasik and Rajasic intake of food invariably trigger the desire to consume alcohol. However consumption of Sattvik food will certainly enable to rectify the imbalances present in the body and diminish the craving for alcohol. There is a tremendous weakening of the immune system of the body of an alcoholic as precious minerals and vitamins get drained out. The resistance levels need to be enhanced through proper intake of nutritious food. The propensity of an alcoholic falling prey to opportunistic ailments is extortionate. This medical problem can be addressed only by a qualified medical practitioner. And what about the mental problem? Louise L Hay , in ‘ You Can Heal Your Life’ has identified the probable cause of alcoholism as negative thought processes such as – ‘ What’s the use ?’ Feeling of futility ,guilt, inadequacy and Self Rejection. And according to her the renewed thought pattern should be – I live in now. Each moment is new. I choose to see my self-worth.I love and approve of myself.

The Alcoholics Anonymous Path

The Alcoholics Anonymous Path ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, a self help group established in 1932, have upended the pyramid of the lives of millions of addicts. They commence every single meeting by faithfully and unflinchingly reciting the Serenity Prayer; this is the starting point of their 12 step recovery programme. The critical element in the recovery of any alcoholic lies in admitting to the fact that he or she needs help. The alcoholic has to emerge from the world of self denial, the belief that everything is hunky dory and he/ she is not affected by the perils of alcoholism. There are several triggers which engineer addiction. However one can safely conclude that it is the recalcitrant mind and low prana levels which are the endemic to the craving, the compulsion and eventual enslavement to the Bacchus. In the swathes of the ether maniac’s cobweb filled mind the power of discrimination and discernment seem lost in the darkness of an endless tunnel. The Serenity Prayer provides immense succour to make a paradigm shift and a 360 degree change in an addict’s life; leading up to a complete turnaround and eventually to eschew dependency on alcohol. The first and the only step they have to initiate are to singularly submit to a superior power and admit their powerlessness over the Bacchus. Once this first step is taken the process of recovery begins. The Art of Living Way I TOO WAS AN ALCOHOLIC for several years. The disease impacted me immensely. It was only my wife and parents who stood by me, offering support in my most trying moments. My wife enrolled me for the Part 1course of the Art of Living while I was posted at Jaipur. Winter had set in Jaipur and the weather was chilly. Any stock individual would have preferred the warm climes of a quilt. Yet my wife faithfully dropped me and picked me from the centre for seven days where I had undertaken the course. Like a zombie I used to attend the course. I was in a state of haze every morning after endless drinking the previous night, sparring with my wife and petrified children. It was nothing but Divine grace that I could undertake the course and indeed I am most grateful to my feisty wife who ungrudgingly escorted me for the course. There I learnt the unique rhythmic breathing technique of “Sudarshan Kriya”, cognated by the spiritual master H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Today, by the grace of the Master and through the breathing technique I am sober for over a decade. As a faculty of the Art of Living I have been able to conduct courses for alcoholics and drug addicts. In the final analysis when a person hits rock bottom, it is the grace of almighty God which can extricate him from the cesspool of addiction. There are millions of alcoholics suffering from this pestilence who cannot remain without the spirit. By participating in various programmes of the Art of Living, I am sober today. There are several unfortunate ones who are struggling to rediscover their way from this lethal ailment. They need to upend the pyramid, detoxify their minds and bodies and once again discover love in their lives. It is paramount that they discard the feelings and emotions of futility, guilt, inadequacy and self rejection. They have to strengthen their minds and make it robust to eschew dependency on alcohol. Do they have it in them to stay half an hour without alcohol? How many people are appreciative, or even cognizant of the fact that the Art of Living is helping around 200 students who could not clear their SSLC examinations in Karnataka and were consequently placed in the supplementary category? These young minds are being imparted training to cope with stress and the harrying feeling of appearing for the examination. Coercion is being combated through various relaxation and meditation techniques. Such craftsmanship and techniques are encompassed in the Pragna programme of the Art of Living and is providing succour to students. Various Art of Living programmes address different sections of society to provide alternative and holistic therapies to ameliorate the physical and mental conditions of overwrought people. The vast gamut includes children, through what is now popularly known as the Intuition Programme and youth through Art Excel and Yes Plus courses. A person could be a stock individual, a home maker, a seeker or even an addict, through variegated Art of Living programmes help is always at hand. Meanwhile the year was 2017, the month, early November. The place was Gorakhpur. A devotee of the Art of Living happened to read my maiden effort “The Matter of the Mind” and passed on the copy to a psychiatrist. The doctor read the book and was taken aback at my recovery from alcoholism and the fact that I was sober for over ten years after undertaking the Art of Living courses. He quickly connected me with a rehab centre to provide alternative therapy in addition to allopathic treatment. This was a wonderful gesture on part of the psychiatrist. Soon I found myself at the rehabilitation centre along with two other teachers of Art of Living to ameliorate the pitiable state of the inmates. I could easily establish a connection with those in the centre as I too had once been a victim of this lethal disease. Alcoholism is essentially running away from the self. A person living in constant fear; unable to express or appreciate authentic love. Such an individual is unable to discover his/ her inner potential and really carouse in life. Gorakhpur is situated in a region steeped in vibrant history. The place is esteemed for the Gorakhnath Temple, of the Nath monastic tradition. It is also the birthplace of the mystic seer Paramahamsa Yogananda who had cognated Kriya Yoga. Strains of Buddhism can also be felt in the air at Gorakhpur. Several historical Buddhist sites are to be found in the vicinity of Gorakhpur. Not far away is Sarnath (the twin city of ancient Benares), where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon to humanity upon attaining enlightenment. Lumbini (in present day Nepal), Shravasti and Kushinagar are other places in the vicinity of Gorakhpur. Gorakhpur is also intertwined with modern Indian history, literature and philosophical schools. Eminent writers and poets like Firaq Gorakhpuri and Shrilal Shukla hail from this town, known for its widespread railway establishment which once was the headquarters of the North Eastern and North Eastern Frontier Railway. Chauri Chaura of the famous Chauri Chaura killings is also located in Gorakhpur district. Not far away is the world’s largest opium factory at Ghazipur; opium being the raw material for pharmaceutical products. It is believed that monkeys of this town are in a state of euphoria after partaking opium! Given this background of a rich historical, cultural and religious tradition, I could not but wonder at the high rate of addiction in the region. The strapping youngsters, quite like the monkeys of Ghazipur did not possess a resolute and determined mind and easily succumbed to alcohol and drugs. How does one conduct the course for hardened alcoholics and drug addicts, who are in a perpetual state of self denial? They looked at us in the most disgusted manner possible, with disbelief writ large on their faces. The three of us received sneering looks from the inmates. Some refused to do the course, others boycotted the course midway. We nevertheless persisted and as the course proceeded, several participants triggered into hysterical bouts of laughter. This was their attempt to distract us and derail the course. But we remained resolute and hardy in our effort and continued with the programme. Bowing down to the photograph of Pujya Gurudev, we sought his Divine benediction and played the cassette of “Sudarshan Kriya.” As the syntax of “ SOHAM” gathered momentum and the rhythm of the breathing technique permeated each cell of their body and soul, and soon the hysterical laughter gave way to tears of gratitude and silence prevailed. Cacophony gave way to symphony. Following this course we had regular courses of Art of Living for the addicts and follow up sessions. The breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya and the knowledge points of Gurudev began to unfold, with a salutary impact on the minds of the addicts. They were slowly revealing the determination to metamorphose and transfigure their lives and eschew dependency on the substance. My heart bled for them as I too was one of them. The Guru Dakshina that we asked of them was to seek pardon from those that they had hurt and secondly to regularly practice the technique of Sudarshan Kriya. What really touched the core of my heart and being was when an addict broke down and said, “Sir. aap humko chod kar jaoge toh nahin?”(Sir, you will not forsake us.) Another person remarked, “Sir, aap roz aoge na?”(Sir, will you come and meet us every day?). I recalled the gloomy but riveting movie, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, how the inmates lodged in a mental asylum for treatment of insanity had reached a state where they were determined to break the bondage and run away. Similarly these youth and middle aged persons with families and children back home yearned for love and affection and pined to be with their loved ones and were determined to break the four walls of the rehab centre. Normally the mind of an alcoholic borders on futility, guilt, a gargantuan burden of inadequacy, self-rejection, self-depravation and self-dejection. After the initial treatment at the rehabilitation centre and subsequent exposure to the unique rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya they began to believe in the Power of Now, the efficacy of ‘Living in the Present Moment”. Every day was a new day, a harbinger of hope and the addicts realised their self-worth and the “Power of Love and Acceptance” and began giving themselves positive strokes. The concepts of the Power of Now or the Present Moment have been postulated by several masters of the past both in the oriental and occidental world. In India, Maharishi Patanjali, Gautama Buddha, the Advaita saint Adi Shankara have written and spoken about it extensively. In present times the quintessential rhythmic breathing technique of Sudarshan Kriya transmogrifies the human mind to the present. Authors like Eckhart Tolle, Robin Sharma, Deepak Chopra and Louise Hay too have emphasised on reengineering and polymorph sing the human mind to remain in the present moment to combat various challenging situations in life. The rehab centre was opened by a doughty lady whose husband too was once an alcoholic. As a goodwill gesture the couple inaugurated the centre and have made it their mission to provide shelter and comfort to those suffering from alcoholism. To this day they remain connected with me through WhatsApp and express their gratitude to H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation for providing immense assistance in the recovery of those afflicted from this lethal disease to combat it. The inmates could remain half an hour without alcohol, can you? This is the question that resonates in my mind, the question I pose to any addict. This is possible only through surrender to the higher power / the supreme intelligence of the Universe.

Transformation of an insensitive addict

Transformation of an insensitive addict Raja began his day with Bacchus and ended it with Bacchus. During the day too he consumed Bacchus. One particular night in a sozzled state, he went to a parish in the neighborhood and broke down. The priest consoled him and narrated his own story. Apparently the savant of God was once addicted to morphine and snake bites. Raja’s body chilled and he remained transfixed, gazing at the cross and hoping for redemption . But this insensitive person , hosting an insensitive mind over a period of time had become an insensitive addict. Next morning once again in a state of stupor, he landed at the doorstep of Satya Sai Baba’s temple. The priest was performing Puja and was taken aback at the entry of this unwelcome visitor and admonished him for the aberration. He asked him to pray to Baba for grace and a speedy recovery. The insensitive mind again acted as a barrier for blessings to flow. Raja’s behavior did not transfigure and he continued with the consumption of alcohol. It had taken a severe toll of his system. He suffered from a bout of jaundice. On recuperation, he continued with the habit. His drinking had become quotidian n and there seem to be no light at the end of the tunnel. He had become alcohol dependent and there seemed no respite from the malady. Alcoholism is a defining moment in the life of an addict . It is a debilitating ailment which needs to be appreciated by the family and society and every addict needs treatment to combat this illness. The healing apart from being mere physical necessarily needs to be spiritual and metaphysical. There were fights, repeated squabbles and altercations within the family. His children were petrified and in a s constant state of anxiety and tension , while encountering their father. The mother ceaselessly and incessantly cursed the day she was married to the ungrateful and insensitive person. Raja began selling the silverware of the family and even dipping into his provident fund, to procure the daily quota of alcohol . The couple had minimal interaction. Sex with Raja was a tormenting affair and torturous to her body and soul. Her mind was scarred by endless abuse by her stone-hearted obdurate and inconsiderate husband. However, she bore the brunt with remarkable fortitude . Her life appeared dark and gloomy. But , she prayed for the recovery of her husband to Lord Hanuman and recited Hanuman Chalisa unfailingly apart from fervently praying to the Vishistadvaita mystic Sri Raghavendra Swami of Mantralayam . This was on the valuable advice and guidance offered by Raja’s grandmother. Prayer provided her with some mental comfort and succor and she had a space to declutter an overloaded mind which was teeming with negative thoughts and was brimful of a gloomy disposition. Who is an addict? A person who is addicted to any particular substance, say an illegal drug or alcohol ! What is addiction? A physical or psychological need of a habit forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction , the body adapts to the substance being used and over a period of time requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses, without which the addict has withdrawal symptoms “Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic , be alcohol or morphine or idealism” wrote Carl Jung. An addict lives in a constant state of denial and becomes highly ego-centric and self centred individual. They can be termed as chronic self centredness or selfishness. Their monkey minds only crave for that additional stuff! Such individuals are obsessed with only their own selves and that is the centerpiece of their nightmarish and macabre existence. How does one bring about a 360 degree change in their lifestyles? They need to seek professional help under the aegis of a psychiatrist or get admitted to a rehab to rejig their lives. It is binding on the addict to surrender to a Divine Power and surrender without any strings attached and can seek the help of professional bodies like Alcoholic Anonymous. It is imperative on the part of the family and friends( if they still care) to make the addicts realise that their self centred behavior is hurtling them down the precipice of hubris. Practice of Yoga and Pranayama too have a salutary effect on the mind and bodies of the addict. Further the addict can undertake a course in the ancient Buddhist technique of Vipassana or join the Happiness Programme of the Art of Living. Most importantly , the addict should not live like a recluse and remain cloistered in the dark confines of their unlighted and unilluminated minds. He should be made to think about the problems faced by the society and emerge as a welfare oriented citizen. The idea and spirit of performing service / Seva to the society would channelize energies towards a positive direction. The problems encountered by the addict should appear smaller than those of the society. The addict should begin sharing his joys like toys and not merely sorrows . It is law of nature that what gets shared enlarges and magnifies . Incase joy and moments of happiness are shared , such thoughts get magnified. Such acts have a salutary effect on the mind and the addict begins to feel happy and make an attempt to get out of the hole. Then the million dollar realization dawns that there is life beyond the watering hole. The addict needs to live in the present moment and lift his level of Prana / Chi. Breathing technique like Sudarshan Kriya , has a palliative effect and bring about the awareness in the individual to start living in the present moment and he makes amends with himself, the family and society. Raja , is sober today and recovered with the abundance of love and blessings he received from several masters and by undertaking the Art of Living course. There are several people like Raja who are in dire straits who require immediate attention. They need to traverse the path from the present insensitive state to becoming sensitive to the needs of their selves, family and society. As the talismanic Barrak Obama says,” Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we have been waiting for the change we seek.” Overcome Addictions Through Sudarshan Kriya Harilal Gandhi was addicted to alcohol. He tried in vain to give up drinking but could never kick the habit and eventually succumbed to the lethal disease called alcoholism . He became quotidian smoker. Gandhiji’s son was also said to have committed adultery and for a brief while converted to Islam and was known as Abdullah Gandhi , much to the chagrin of his illustrious parents. ” I had very little opportunity to be very close to him,but the little time I spent with him convinced me that he was not a bad man. I regard him to be the most intelligent of the four sons of Bapuji. He was very humorous,very generous and very hospitable ; yet he was given to drinking . Why?Who is to be blamed?” writes Saraswati K Gandhi ( Harilal’s daughter-in -law). Perhaps it was the troubled relationship with the Mahatma that derailed Harilal’s life, the pent up anger and frustration in his mind. Tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol lead to severe physical and psychological disorders . It has a deleterious and debilitating effect on the human body. Any individual can be addicted to sex, substance, food (bulimia), cinema, television or even social media. Such addictions weaken our resolve and diminish our aura. It depletes our physical and mental energy. Talking of smoking , our parliamentarians came up with outlandish theories stating that there is inadequate Indian evidence to correlate tobacco and cancer . WHO estimates that tobacco caused 6.4 million deaths in 2014 and 100 million deaths over the course of the 20th century. Similarly , the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes tobacco as “the single most important preventable risk to human health in developed countries and important cause of premature death worldwide.” Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks,strokes,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) including emphysema and chronic-bronchitis and cancer(particularly lung cancer , cancers of larynx and mouth, and pancreatic cancer).Cigarettes sold in underdeveloped countries tend to have higher tar content , and are less likely to be filtered ,potentially increasing vulnerability to tobacco smoking related diseases in these regions. Given this grim scenario how does one quit smoking and or those addicted to Bacchus, give up drinking? With my wretched experience, with unrelented smoking and drinking , I would recommend the courses of Art Of Living as a palliative for these addictions. We need to breathe properly to overcome these vices. The pivot of the Art Of Living Courses is the unique breathing technique called the Sudarshan Kriya. Sudarshan Kriya harmonises the rhythms of the body and emotions and puts them back in tune with the rhythms of nature. Being in sync , we feel positive about ourselves ,love flows naturally in all relationships( say what was lacking between MK Gandhi and Harilal Gandhi). Sudarshan Kriya technique enables us to skilfully use the breath to change the way we feel , and start having a say over our emotions . It reinforces the default rhythm within an individual and negative emotions of discomfort , discontent , unhappiness get purged. Regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya , pranayama , yoga and meditation brings about a 360 degree change in the personality of an addict or a person who is only looking back in anger . A renowned cardiologist from Hyderabad Dr Ramachandra of Sri Sri Holistic Hospitals recommends Sudarshan Kriya to all his patients for a quick rehab . Further he opines this breathing technique is almost like hyperventilation and relaxes an individual tremendously . Regular practice of this breathing technique infuses energy, optimism and puts a person in an auto mode (default mode of nature). We are cannonaded with almost 50000 thousand thoughts a day . Most of them are negative in nature . Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says breath is like a string and your mind is like a kite . Proper breathing ensures you float and not crash land in the journey of our lives. So let us breathe our problems away. The Serenity Prayer The abridged version of the Serenity Prayer which has been adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous is as follows: God grant me The Serenity to Accept the things I cannot change Courage to change The things I can AND Wisdom to know The Difference

An addict should never leave hope

An addict should never leave hope For years addicts believed in a punishing the nature , Universe , humanity, their near and dear ones for the mounting miseries in life And continue to in an unabated manner blaming the Divine for all the accumulated misfortunes They incessantly keep drinking in a quotidian manner The tunnel appears plunged in darkness and there seems to be no bright spot in life Finally they have are left with no option. It is then the Universe intervenes and a realization dawns which compels the addict to surrender to the Divine will and starngely enough as if through providence lays down their misguided “weapons” and armory of self defense And then begins the process of resuscitating their lives, minds, bodies and souls by picking up certain “tools” which nature offers in myriad forms such as the Vipassana technique, the Art of Living Programme or adopting the Alcoholic Anonymous programme Once the addict enrolls for these programmes then life does not remain an affray as these are verily Divine benedictions And which addict would wrestle in receiving gifts Nevertheless if the addict does indeed spars with life on different occasions It is because the human mind keeps hanging on to the patterns and impressions of the past and some fixated ideas which the it has not been able to dissolve Consequently there is little progress made in the recovery of an alcoholic It is imperative that the addict realises that human life is a seraphic bestowal which should not be squandered And once again resolutely tread the path chosen The upshot would indeed be a positive outcome An addict should never leave hope As Thy will be done

Addictions - How to overcome them?

Addictions - How to overcome them? “ We are addicted to our thoughts . We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking, “ writes Santosh Kalwar. Addiction is actually a physical or a psychological need for a habit forming substance, could be drugs, alcohol, food, sex , even shopping or even excessive physical exercise. No wonder the term gym rat has been added to our usage. In all these cases the initial engagement is pleasurable , but a stage develops when ingestion of the substance say alcohol becomes compulsive in nature and it interferes in normal routine working. Anais Nin ( an artiste) says, “ This day is my kief , hashish and opium pipe. This is my day and my vice.” Gail Carniger yet another artiste , exults that,” I suspect it may be like the difference between a drinker and an alcoholic; the one merely reads books , the other needs books to make it through the day.” Addiction is an unpleasant physical activity , yet the human body and mind demand another dose be it alcohol or drugs every a few hours. The addict throws up and consumes yet again . It is nothing but mental bulimia. The afflicted person refuses to acknowledge the state and lives in a state of denial and not to accepting it as a malady or a disorder . Addictions can strike anyone and is not class specific. Alcoholism or drug addiction is not a malady of the rich and it easily encompasses the hoi-polloi. But I focus on celebrities and wonder as to how noted writers , artistes , musicians , celebrities fall for various addictions despite being aware of the perils associated with the addiction. To begin with it impairs their performance , quality of life and contribution to the art world and society . In a drunken or stoned state addicts abuse their bodies and those of others . Pavement dwellers get maimed for life or worse, killed due to reckless driving by such celebrities ( it could be a commoner too) in that state of high. Such stars may resort to crime or harbour criminals or ultras. Subsequently they plead innocence before the judiciary and walk free from imprisonment . It could be because of lack of evidence, compromised investigation, exchange of money at high places or simply owing to their celebratory status. These are gifted individuals and nature has endowed them with exceptional skills , which need to be explored but addiction distracts them from honing their talent. Even the society enjoys such actions with pure voyeuristic pleasure and provides the television viewer with some cheap entertainment. The biggest promoters of this voyeurism are our 24*7 TV channels for whom only TRPs matters. After years of travails , tribulations , physical and mental suffering an addict becomes aware of the problem. The intellect awakens only through an inexplicable experiential phenomenon. It is when we realise our bodies and minds are sacred that the addict can take the first step. This can happen only through grace of the Divine or a Guru. “ Take the first step in faith . You don’t have to see the whole staircase , just take the first step ‘’ said Martin Luther King Junior. The addict needs to take one day at a time . One should not plan for unrealistic long term goals . What ever be the provocation , the afflicted should remain positive , engage in hobbies , divert the mind , keep harmonious company and engage in physical activity. Look for an environmental change . For instance do not take the same road back home from office ,just drive past a bar or a wine shop or that group of associates who can pull the wrong trigger. There are several anonymous groups like AA, Smokers Anonymous, Sex Anonymous etc who help to wean away the addict from their programmes. Addicts are medically treated in rehabs to detoxify the system . Psychiatrists are providing special service to treat such patients. But in countries like India , the patient lives in a state of denial and does not seek medical attention. There is both lack of awareness and secondly one feels that he would be ostracised thus does not approach a doctor for help. Besides these self –help groups , families , friends have a pivotal role to play and convince the addict to seek medical help at the earliest .This has to be done with love , care and compassion and not with a whip. It would be indeed beneficial to take up Art Of Living Courses , which has now offers a special programme to overcome addictions and detoxification. Breathing techniques like Sudarshan Kriya,meditation techniques, practice of Yoga and Pranayama( alternate nostril breathing) infuse fresh energy or prana into the mind and body of an individual to remain calm and detoxify the self. As Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says ,” When you consider life to be sacred , Nature waits on you.” And when nature waits on you miracles happen.

*Happy Senior Citizens Week!*

*Happy Senior Citizens Week!* What should you reduce? 1. Salt 2. Sugar 3. White flour 4. Dairy products 5. Processed foods 6. Arguments 7. Unnecessary disputes What should you eat? 1. Vegetables 2. Lentils 3. Peanuts/Legumes 4. Dry fruits 5. Cold-pressed oils (olive, coconut) 6. Fruits 7. Anything bitter from nature 8. Swallow your sorrows and move forward Try to forget these things: 1. Your age 2. Your past 3. Your complaints 4. The hurts caused by relatives and friends. Take special care of these: 1. Your family 2. Your friends 3. Your positive thoughts 4. A clean and happy home 5. Saving enough resources for possible tough times ahead Adopt these habits: 1. Always keep smiling 2. Exercise regularly 3. Maintain your weight 4. Even if your tongue is not sweet, learn to speak sweetly 5. Develop the habit of listening to others Six lifestyle habits to follow: 1. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty — drink water regularly 2. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted — rest on time 3. Don’t wait until you fall sick — get regular check-ups 4. Don’t wait for miracles 5. Believe in yourself 6. Always stay positive and think of a bright future 7. Don’t sit in one place for too long Do you have friends aged 53 to 90? Then make sure to send them this message! “Happy Senior Citizens Week! Wishing every Senior Citizen in this group a healthy and joyful life!”