A few days back, I finished The Art of Living basic course. So, I thought it would be worthwhile to share my experience with all of you.
It was a six-day course. There are three-day courses also. It depends on who organizes it. This six-day course was organized by the main branch of The Art of Living in Pune. The course commenced in Mahatma Phule Museum on Ghole Road. The main attraction of the basic course is Sudarshan Kriya, which was discovered by Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji. Sudarshan Kriya was just a part of the course and there were lots of other things to learn also. The fee for the course was Rs. 1500 approximately $30 in June 2012. The course was in the evening (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.). So, three hours a day for a total of six days.
On the first day, we were told not to drink tea, coffee, or alcohol during the course days. Also eating nonvegetarian food and smoking was prohibited.
On the first day, they distributed a small notebook, a pen, and an identity card to everybody. A volunteer applied Chandan tilak on everybody’s forehead. Then the teacher delivered a lecture on philosophy as well as gave some information about AOL. After that, we did some warm-up exercises. Then, she taught us Uzzai Pranayam and three-stage Pranayam, which is an important part of the course.
On the second day, we did some warm-up exercises. Then, there was a small lecture. We were shown a video regarding Guruji’s life. After that, we did Uzzai and 3-stage Pranayam and the main attraction of the course i.e., Sudarshan Kriya (Day 1). This Kriya was done with Guruji’s voice recorded on a CD. He chants Soham in different ways and you have to breathe according to that.
The third day was the same as that of the second day. The only difference was that the Sudarshan Kriya we did is known as Day 2.
On the fourth day, we did warm-up exercises. Then, we had Satsang for about two hours in which some people sang nice devotional songs. After that, there was a lecture. On this day, the teacher taught us how to do Sudarshan Kriya at home because at home you have to do Sudarshan Kriya by counting the numbers. You are not provided with the CD having Guruji’s voice. This Kriya is known as Home Sudarshan Kriya.
The fifth day was the same as day four except that we were taught some Yoga asanas.
The sixth day was a long one. It started at 8 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. Initially, we did warm-up exercises, Yoga asanas, three-stage Pranayam, and then Sudarshan Kriya. After that, we had our tiffins and snacks. We did play some nice games and also danced on the tunes of devotional songs. Pairs were formed out of the participants and the gifts were exchanged, which we were asked to bring before. We were asked to come for follow-ups once every week at the same place.
Thus, I had a very nice time and enjoyed the course. It was very beneficial also. The main aim of the course is to wipe out impurities from our bodies as well as to give us a new attitude to look at the world so that we would be happy throughout our life. Everyday, simple homework was given in which we were asked to bring the answers to some simple questions. The lectures regarding philosophy were also nice, which do help to change your attitude.
If you have done Yoga and Pranayam before, you would find the course very easy. If you are not comfortable with doing Vajrasana, then you are asked to bring a small pillow to keep under your feet. Apart from that and a water bottle, you do not need anything else. Those who had health issues like spondylolysis etc. were allowed to sit on the chairs.
If you have not done this course yet, I would advise you to do it. It would certainly benefit you.