Latest news with #ArtofLivingFoundation
NDTV
6 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
How 30 Minutes Of Sudarshan Kriya Daily Can Transform Your Health
In today's fast-paced world, stress has quietly become a chronic health hazard. While many turn to medications or therapy, ancient practices like Sudarshan Kriya offer a holistic alternative. Developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and popularised through the Art of Living Foundation, Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful breathing technique that combines cyclical breathing patterns with mindfulness. Scientific studies, including those by the International Journal of Yoga and Harvard Medical School, show that just 30 minutes of daily practice can significantly reduce stress, enhance immune response, and improve overall mental well-being. Here's how simple practice of Sudarshan Kriya can profoundly transform your health. Here's how Sudarshan Kriya can transform your health Sudarshan Kriya isn't just spiritual, it's biological. Regular practice aligns breathing with the body's natural rhythms, impacting key systems including the nervous, respiratory, and endocrine systems. Let's explore the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya. 1. Reduces stress and anxiety Sudarshan Kriya significantly lowers cortisol levels, the body's main stress hormone. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that regular practitioners report reduced symptoms of anxiety and improved emotional resilience. The rhythmic breathing soothes the nervous system and fosters a deep sense of calm. 2. Improves sleep quality Practising 30 minutes of Sudarshan Kriya daily can improve the quality and duration of sleep. Research from NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) showed participants had fewer instances of insomnia and reported deeper, uninterrupted sleep after incorporating the kriya into their nightly routine. 3. Enhances immunity Regular breathing exercises increase oxygenation and improve lymphatic drainage. This strengthens your body's ability to fight infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many doctors and yoga experts highlighted Sudarshan Kriya's potential in supporting respiratory function and boosting immunity. 4. Balances emotions and boosts mood This kriya activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with 'rest and digest' functions. It helps regulate mood swings, enhances dopamine and serotonin levels, and may aid in managing mild to moderate depression, according to research from Harvard Medical School. 5. Supports cardiovascular health Breathing practices like Sudarshan Kriya help regulate blood pressure and heart rate variability. A study in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback found participants experienced improved heart rate patterns and better circulation, which reduces the risk of heart-related diseases over time. 6. Improves focus and clarity Regular practice increases alpha brainwave activity, responsible for alertness and creativity. Many corporate professionals and students practise Sudarshan Kriya to improve their concentration, mental clarity, and decision-making abilities, particularly during high-stress periods. 7. Detoxifies the body naturally The kriya involves deep and rhythmic breathing, which facilitates oxygen exchange and expels toxins through breath. It also massages internal organs gently, enhancing digestion and the body's natural detox process. 8. Can be practised by all age groups Whether you're a teenager dealing with academic pressure, a middle-aged professional battling burnout, or a senior looking for balance, Sudarshan Kriya is safe, effective, and customisable for all age groups under proper guidance. Breath is the bridge between the body and mind. Just 30 minutes of Sudarshan Kriya each day can lead to long-term improvements in physical health, emotional stability, and mental clarity. With strong endorsements from global health organisations and mounting scientific evidence, this ancient technique offers a simple yet profound path to holistic well-being, one breath at a time. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Vikrant Massey visits Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru as part of preparations for ‘White'
Mumbai: The preparations for the upcoming film 'White' are underway, The film stars Vikrant Massey in the lead role, and delves deep into the life and teachings of the spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The film promises to blend gripping storytelling with profound spiritual insight, marking a bold new chapter in socially conscious and globally relevant filmmaking. On Saturday, the team shared an update with regards to the preparation laying the foundation for an authentic and immersive cinematic journey. As part of this preparation, producer Mahaveer Jain personally paid a visit to the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru. Vikrant participated in the 'Happiness Program', a signature breathwork and meditation course founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar himself. A photograph shared from the ashram beautifully captures this serene moment, with the group dressed in simple white attire, embodying the film's spiritual essence. They wrote in the caption, 'Hearts Filled with Gratitude. Grateful for this wisdom Gurudev Sri Sri @gurudev'. Directed by Montoo Bassi, the film is set to commence shooting in Colombia this July. It is an ambitious and visionary endeavor from Mahaveer Jain Films and Marflix Pictures. Known for championing stories with social impact and cinematic scale, Mahaveer Jain and Siddharth Anand continue to expand their creative footprints, further establishing their reputation for delivering films that combine scale, substance, and social consciousness. Speculation around Vikrant's involvement began when the actor was seen sporting significantly longer hair and undergoing physical transformations. Talking about the spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is also referred to as around the mid 1970s, he worked as an apprentice under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation. In 1981, he founded the Art of Living Foundation. In 1983, he held the first Art of Living course in Switzerland. Vikrant made his transition to cinema by playing supporting roles in films such as 'Lootera', 'Dil Dhadakne Do', and 'Half Girlfriend'.
India Today
24-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
This is what Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said about 70-hour workweek
In response to the ongoing debate sparked by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's call for a 70-hour workweek, spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said working longer hours doesn't guarantee better results, unless it's supported by mental clarity, energy, and spiritual leader stated the importance of rest and mental presence at work, suggesting that quality, not quantity, should define our professional balance is very important,' he said in an exclusive interview with India Today's Sneha Mordani,. "If you keep driving the car without oiling it, it's bound to break down. It's not about how many hours you put in, it's about how mentally present you are during those hours," he comments come months after Murthy, at an event in November 2024, reiterated his belief that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to help the country grow economically."I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave,' Murthy had Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offered a different perspective."Many people are present in their offices, but their minds are elsewhere. Even drafting a simple letter takes them 2-3 hours because they are not fully present. That kind of work needs quality time and attention," he a vivid analogy, he explained that just as a car needs to pause and refuel to keep moving, people too must take time to recharge."You have to stop the car, fill petrol, and then start again. If you say, 'I don't have time to refuel,' you'll end up stuck in the middle of the road," he added that taking deeper rest can actually make a person more productive: 'If you have good energy and you're dynamic, then whatever job someone does in 7–8 hours, you can do in 3–4 hours. It's about what you accomplish, not how long you sit at your desk.'The founder of the Art of Living Foundation stressed that being smart about work involves recognising your own energy limits. "It's one thing to work hard, but to work smart, you need to see your energy level. The quality of work will suffer if you don't take time for yourself," he Watch
India Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offers a way to cope with war-induced anxiety
When India launched Operation Sindoor, a targeted military strike against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack on tourists, the repercussions were not just limited to the borders or the areas nearby. It impacted civilian life in India too, in more ways than you can imagine. There was uncertainty, and, most importantly, the mental state of civilians was massively Today's Sneha Mordani brought this concern directly to spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in an exclusive conversation, asking him about the emotional toll such hostilities have on citizens, and this is what he said: 'We are good at creating dialogue. We are good at understanding each other's problems and each other. And we are very good at changing the narrative. A lot depends on that.'He elaborated on the power of perspective and the importance of reframing how we look at tough times. 'I would say, don't even call it a problem, call it a challenge. Because when you say it's a challenge, you're already gearing up to face it. But if you see it as a problem, it weighs you down.'Offering a way to cope, he emphasised balancing mental strength with practical tools. 'So, either through prayer or through action, you can take care of your state of mind.'advertisementWhen asked about his take on Operation Sindoor, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar called it a 'need of the hour'.'We don't stand for violence. We don't stand for hate. But this is something that had to be done. This is the enemy of humankind, you know, not just our country. Even Pakistan has suffered because of terrorism. And in that case, when there are hubs of terrorism that are sprouting or growing in any part of the world, we must go and teach them a lesson. And I think the Government of India has done the right thing,' the founder of the Art of Living Foundation said.
India Today
23-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on why ayurveda needs modern validation
As conversations around integrative healthcare grow louder, spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar opens up about the role of traditional systems in today's healthcare landscape, emphasising the need to keep an open mind and a more holistic view of recalled his early efforts in bringing ancient and modern medicinal systems together."In 1980, I brought ayurvedic and allopathic doctors onto one platform to examine ayurveda through the lens of modern science," said Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in an interview with Sneha He narrated how ayurvedic doctors praised turmeric for its 'vayosthapan' or anti-ageing properties, while their allopathic counterparts dismissed it as mere pigment without nutritional value."Decades later, we know turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits, backed by extensive scientific research. This is a clear example of why we shouldn't reject something just because it's old or blindly accept something because it's new," he spiritual leader cited another instance: the demonisation of butter."For years, people believed butter was bad for heart health. An entire generation gave it up, and now TIME magazine says butter is good again. This shows how science evolves. We must not be fanatical. We must keep an open mind," he added that alternative medicine like ayurveda need to modernise, through documentation and medicine needs scientific validation. That's what we're doing in our ashram, conducting research so ayurveda can be presented in a globally acceptable, evidence-based format,' he lauded the Indian government for institutionalising traditional medicine through the Ministry of Ayush.'Ayurveda is now being standardised and appreciated worldwide. It's no longer just ancient wisdom, it's emerging as a recognised system, thanks to proper channels and policy support," Gurudev appealed not to choose one form of medicine over another, but to integrate the best of founder of the Art of Living Foundation said in the midst of a hustle culture, one should understand to enjoy life and spend time in nature."Spend some time gardening, listening to music. People with left-brain-dominant jobs, like accountants, must balance this with right-brain activities. Appreciate flowers. Reflect on your true nature. Who are you?' he said, underlining that wellness is not just physical, it's also emotional and spiritual.
