I never had passion to associate myself with any sort of religious or spiritual organization considering it as waste of time. However, about a year back during my south visit, I accidently happened to meet few friends of mine who were associated with Art of Living and were very impressed by Guruji and his organization. There, I felt a sense of genuinity in their ways and modes of imparting yoga and a spark evoked in me to get associated in their activities. Very soon, the opportunity knocked at my doorsteps during last Durga puja ceremony when a brief program followed by a short course was organized at my residential colony. I grabbed the opportunity with an objective to allocate some time for my personal self and took part in the program. I would like to share my experience with my friends also:
It offers a little bit of spiritualism combined with yoga practice and some meditation so as to enlighten our life with enthusiasm, bring peace of the mind and rejuvenate our soul. The systematic breathing technique pumps lot of oxygen in us thus revitalizing our energies. Its regular practice relives us from negativity around us, act as stress-buster and provides an inner peace. Our energy level increases, so also the confidence to face the daily challenges offered by life. However, as the persistence is key to sustainability therefore, in order to get longtime benefit, it is essential that this technique must be followed on regular basis. The follow-up session offers persistence and the activity may be continued on regular basis. I’m trying very hard to do so, let’s hope I’ll be able to sustain it.
In our life, every single day we come across someone or other to preach us.......... do like this… do like that … you should have done like this and so on. It is better deal to find one ultimate Guru who guides you to ultimate goal of life-Happiness.
In the words of Guruji” If you are unable to meditate, your mind is chattering too much and nothing works, just feel that you are a little stupid. Then you will be able to sink deep. Your intellect is a small portion of your total consciousness. If you are stuck in the intellect, you miss a lot. Happiness is when you transcend the intellect. Also, in awe or in feeling stupid, you transcend the intellect.”
One more thing that I would like to mention is that these sessions impart a sense of respect for fellow participants. Guruji says” Respect everybody as you respect me, but don't expect from everyone what you expect from me.” He further says”The world is full of differences and arguments are inevitable. With forbearance or patience and wisdom, skillfully make your way up. If you find fools around you, they are going to make you wiser. The number of fools around you indicates the strength of your centeredness. Don't try to get rid of them! If you are not centered you will have no patience to put up with them. When you are totally established, you find the fools come up with wisdom. They are your own reflection, there is no other. Fools offer you frustration and wisdom. Be choosy and make your life juicy.”
At the end of the course, during the thanksgiving session I paid my tributes to Guruji by rendering the following verses:
धन्य हैं गुरुजी आप.......
“आर्ट आफ लिविंग” ने जीने की कला है हमको सिखलायी ,
स्वंय से अपना परिचय हुआ, साथी में प्रभु छवि नजर आयी
भूत-भविष्य के चक्रव्युह से, इसने हमको आजाद किया,
“जीवन है इसी पल में “ इस बात को हमने याद किया
क्या.. कौन.. और कहाँ हैं हम ? जैसे प्रश्नो का समाधान दिया,
गुरुजी के मधुर वचनो ने, आनंदमय जीवन का विधान दिया
तेजस सुदर्शन क्रिया का, हमको विस्त्रित ज्ञान मिला ,
जीवन-दायी स्वास से, एक अदभुत स्वाभिमान मिला
चेहरे पे हंसी, जीवन में खुशी का हमको वरदान दिया,
सूक्ष्म-कण से ब्रहमांङ तक में हम हैं, ऐसा मान दिया
Why me? नहीं... , Try me? हमें अब कहना हैं ,
जीवन के हर दुख को, हंसते हंसते हमें अब सहना है
धन्य हैं गुरुजी आप, छ: दिन में जीवन का सार दिया ,
“ सो ..हम्” की ध्वनि से, जीवन हमारा तार दिया ......