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09 October, 2010

Reported benefits of the Sudarshan Kriya

Reported benefits of the Sudarshan Kriya include:

General
  • Reduced levels of stress (reduction of cortisol - the "stress hormone”)
  • Strengthened immune system
  • Reduced cholesterol
  • Relief from anxiety and depression (mild, moderate, and severe)
  • Increased anti-oxidant protection
  • Enhanced brain function
  • Increased awareness both of self and surroundings
  • Improved patience
  • Greater energy
  • Improved ability to manage challenging situaitons
  • Greater mental clarity
    • Increased Awareness
    We practice Sudarshan Kriya every day. It gives us an ever increasing awareness of how to live in the present moment. Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker, actors and stars of the T.V. series L.A. Law, United States
    Improved Patience
    Thanks to [Sudarshan Kriya] I have become more relaxed about challenging situations at home and at work, and I have become more patient with people. Tina, Mathematician, United Kingdom
    Increased Energy and Greater ability to deal with situations
    I am calmer, I have more energy and I feel that I am a better able to cope with things. This has been fantastic at work. I feel that I get more done, and that what used to seem like huge problems, are not so bad when you stop to think, and breathe. Justine Tasker, Fashion Editor, Australia
    Increased Mental Clarity
    As an engineer, I need to be both analytical and critical. Mental clarity and stamina are also essential. Sudarshan Kriya and meditation enhance these abilities. An additional plus is a better sense of well-being. William Hayden, NASA Senior System Analyst, United States
Youth
The Sudarshan Kriya enables young people to gracefully handle the challenges of growing up by enabling:
  • Increased Enthusiasm
  • Improved Academic and Extra-curricular Performance
  • Increased Confidence
  • More happiness and increased friendliness
  • Freedom for stress
  • Improved Self-Esteem
Increased Enthusiasm
After the [YES!] course I feel charged with energy, love, and enthusiasm. Youth from Bulgaria
Improved Academic and Extra-curricular Performance
My concentration has really improved. I started managing my time more effectively so that I could give enough time for my other activities. My performance as a sportsman really skyrocketed. I also managed to excel in my studies with distinction marks in every semester.
Increased Confidence
For me, this program is really an experience to see how the impossible becomes possible. In life I find it hard to maintain a positive mindset when people are doubting you. I used to be a person who became easily overwhelmed by positive or negative emotions instead of keeping a balance in situations. Having regularly started practicing my breathing techniques I really feel the difference in my daily life. I meet challenges with much more inner confidence. Maria Lorenz, 25 years, United States
More happiness and increased friendliness
The YES! program has made a significant change in my life. Before, I would go to school grumpy and upset due to things that had occurred the day before. I wouldn't do well in school and I’d lash out at people for no reason. After I took the YES! program, I used the breathing techniques they taught me to calm myself down. I am no longer grumpy and upset, but friendly. Even my grades are higher. Melissa, United States
Freedom from stress
When I did the Sudarshan Kriya, I felt such absolute freedom – all anxieties, thoughts, stresses gone. I had never felt such exhilaration in my life before. And I’ve found that with practice of the Kriya, this state enters my regular life more and more. Andrew K., United States
Improved Self-Esteem
Once upon a time I would just criticize myself so much, I use to hate myself. But the Kriya made me feel beautiful from inside. I then started loving and respecting myself. It changed my attitude towards life completely! Jituli Punjabi, India
Watch videos: .
Wards who entered camp with their hard, angry composures and delinquent attitudes were transformed by the end of one week into happy, smiling youngsters. In the 33 years of my probation experience, I have never seen such responses. William Richardson, Former Director of Los Angeles County, V.A.P. Anger Management Program, Lancaster, California.
Corporates
Reported benefits of the APEX Course include:
  • Team-building
  • Reduction in tension and stress
  • Increased efficiency
  • Increased productivity
Team-building
I found the APEX Course to be a true team building event. There was a real feeling of community and responsibility generated within all of us who took the training. I would recommend this course to any management team wanting to make significant improvements in their effectiveness. The ideas and principles taught are universal and valuable to any management organization. Bharat Shenoy, Director of Sales, Tyco Electronics
Reduction in Tension and Stress
[The program] is a combination of the best of ancient wisdom and modern science. It improves the health and well being and, most of all reduces stress and tension, which is part and parcel of any business executive’s life. S.B. Ganguly, Chairman & Managing Director, Exide Ltd
Increased efficiency
The criminal defence and death penalty litigation work we do in our office is very high pressure and filled with stress. Because the stress level of the job affects our health and effectiveness at work, our office has sponsored several different stress management programs. The APEX Course has by far been the most useful, enjoyable, and best received. Our attorneys found the breathing techniques and processes in the Course to be extremely relaxing, and beneficial to their state of mind and their ability to work effectively. David L. McColgin, Supervising Appellate Attorney - U.S. Federal Defenders
Increased productivity
I continually use all the breathing techniques from the workshop and find them to be a great boon to my professional and personal life. I also enjoyed how the APEX Course helped bring our staff closer together to work stronger as a team. It has helped people deal with conflict on a more productive basis. Yezdi Batliwala, ex-Director, Tata Finance Securities Ltd.
Watch video:
Children
“By nature children are friendly. If they are not, it is because of stress,” Sri Sri says. The Sudarshan Kriya removes stress in children and brings them back to their natural selves.
Reported benefits of the Art of Living youth programs include:
  • Relaxation
  • Improved Retention and Memory
  • Inner Peace
  • Improved concentration
Relaxation
ART Excel is a wonderful stress reliever. It relaxes and sooths me. I feel like I could never be sad again. It's a great way to bring happiness to people’s lives. Austin, age 13, New York
Improved Retention and Memory
One day I was preparing my homework. I finished reading but I was not able to recollect [what I had] read. I thought of meditating for five minutes. After meditation once again I read the book and I was able to recollect [everything]. Harsha B., age 14, India
Inner Peace
The breathing helped me calm my mind and really helped me go inside myself and become more aware of the people around me. I feel rested, and I have a sense of calm in my mind. Even though there are bad things happening in the world, I feel as though I have nothing to be mad about. Rachel, age 11, New York
Improved concentration
After doing the Sudarshan Kriya, I am able to concentrate on my studies. Thejkiran P., age 14, India
Women
The real strength is the inner strength which blossoms when we are in touch with the source, and that happens only through meditation and spirituality.”
  • Bhanumathi Narasimhan, Director of Art of Living Womens Empowerment and Child Care projects
Increased / Greater Energy, Improved Sleep
After doing the Sudarshan Kriya I have more energy and am relaxed and calm. I actually slept well for the first time in 22 years! Robyn Johnson, Australia
Peace of Mind
I have been a war prisoner, where I was exposed to threats, intimidation and degradation for two years. During and after the course, I felt increased vitality. Flora Brovina, Parliament delegate and Founder-Director of the Center for Rehabilitation of Mothers
Ability to accept situations
The breathing techniques have helped me release a lot of anxiety and have changed the way I look at myself. I have been able to let go of a lot of negativity and learnt to accept situations better. Zyad, Israeli woman living in Gaza
Greater Joy
The Sudarshan Kriya has brought such a profound relief. All the stresses and negativity melt away, leaving an indescribable vibrancy and aliveness. The Sudarshan Kriya is my golden key to greater joy, peace, freedom, [and] love. Katlego N., 23 years, South Africa
Inner Strength
I wasn't even aware of the turmoil that was inside me until after the Kriya. For the first time, my mind was quiet, no thoughts, no worries and my heart was so still. I started practicing Kriya daily. The Kriya has given me a strength that comes from within. I realized that life was not perfect, but Sudarshan Kriya was my hope that despite my life not being perfect, I could still be happy. It’s the most precious gift that I have and I treasure it more than anything else in my life. Bhamini Chouhan, Zimbabwe
Prison Inmates
Inside a culprit is a victim crying for help.” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [The Sudarshan Kriya gives prison inmates a tool to constructively manage negative emotions, reconcile their past, and find peace within themselves. After courses, prison officials often report lower aggression and increased cooperation among inmates]
The reported benefits of the prison courses include:
  • Increased self-control and enhanced self-understanding
  • Rehabilitation
  • Freedom from depression
  • Positive way to channel energy
  • Inner strength and acceptance
Increased Greater self-control
I used to actually look forward to fights but after doing the course, I am a totally different person. I can now walk away from a fight. - Inmate at Pollsmoor Prison, South Africa
Rehabilitation
Frank, an inmate, would habitually attack other inmates by hitting them on the top of their heads and knocking them out cold. After Frank completed the program, I was swamped with requests to hold more of these sessions from many of Frank’s fellow inmates who said that if it worked for Frank, it would work for them. Tom Duffy, Director, Prison Program, United States
Freedom from depression
Before taking the class, I was living in fear and depression to the point that I was thinking of committing suicide. However, after the course, I found that my short-temperedness had a big change and my body felt more comfortable. The discomfort in my mind and heart had a big improvement. Thinking about it, to be able to participate in the course today I feel very lucky. Ling Fang, Tu Cheng Detention Center, Taiwan
Positive Way to Channel Energy
From being a terror and a bully, I have become a quiet and self-contained person. The energies of my mind are now channelized positively towards making the jail a better place for others to live in. Iqbal Singh, Tihar Jail - Delhi, India
Inner Strength and Acceptance
I am the mother of seven children and I have been in prison for more than one year. I cried everyday because I could not bear the pain of not being with my children. After the Art of Living workshop, I feel less pain in my heart and much stronger. Ganimete S., Kosovo
Rural
The Sudarshan Kriya, taught in the YLTP - Youth Leadership Training Program, has helped many young people in the rural areas of India find:
  • Freedom from addiction
  • The Power to make a difference
  • Self-Awareness & Leadership
Freedom from addiction
I used to drink, smoke, and chew tobacco. When I did the YLTP I never thought that I could stop these habits. Now I want to make sure other rural youth do not get into this habit, and those who have, I will help them stop. All this ruins your life and in a small village if all the men drink and chew tobacco, then nothing will move or get better. Sharad Panditrao, Maharashtra, India
Empowered to make a difference
I was a shy and scared human being. I learned the breathing techniques four years ago. Today I am the president of our village governing body. Our team has touched the lives of 5,000 women in and around my village. My vision is to change the lives of all rural women in India. Janvi, Orissa
Self-Awareness & Leadership
YLTP has taught and made me aware of how to love and care for another in order to make a difference, and to find myself to be a true leader. Mario Davids, South Africa
Trauma victims
"Unless the trauma is released, food and medicines won't work. People can’t eat or sleep because their minds are full of the terrible tragedy that has befallen them".- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
“While charitable organizations have provided Hurricane Katrina victims with essentials, such as food, clothes and shelter, the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values offered emotional support.” - The Daily Texan, shortly after relief work began in New Orleans.
The Art of Living’s trauma care measures are based on stress-relief practices and the Sudarshan Kriya. These techniques have helped relieve stress in many man-made and natural disasters around the world.
Iraq war
It feels like breathing out all the stress of war and breathing in a new life. I felt really relaxed after doing the breathing exercises. Ahmed Hinoon
Earthquake in India 2005
Every morning I used to wake up with a jolt, my whole body used to ache and at night I used to be very scared of noises and I missed my mother who died in quake. Now [after the trauma care program], I am feeling very relaxed and no longer afraid of noises. Arshad Khan, 14 years, Kashmir
Israel conflict
I always faint when the bombing starts. My legs shake even at school. When I heard the [bomb] yesterday, I began practicing the breathing techniques and taught my mom as well. We calmed down and went outside to check the damage. I saw an unconscious woman. I covered her with a coat and called an ambulance. I feel relieved and strong. Finally, I'm not the one to faint and I'm helping somebody else instead. Linoy, 15 years
Hurricane Katrina
I’ve noticed that each day, after completing the program, the kids are happier, less restless and their minds are so much more settled. I have personally experienced the benefits of the Art of Living techniques and found them very helpful in clearing my mind. Dr. Reginald Shaw, Director of Global Brotherhood of Light (GBL), Inc. Youth Ministries
Kosovo War
As a KLA soldier, I was wounded three times during the war. During my sleep, I heard my brother’s voice, who was killed in the Reqak massacre, and voices of my friends who were killed in the war. I heard them calling me for help. I often jumped from my bed searching for the gun, and afterwards I could not sleep. After taking the Art of Living program, I sleep much better, and flashbacks and nightmares have reduced. Afet Billali, disabled war veteran, Kosovo
Patients
Regular practice of the Sudarshan Kriya has helped many people reclaim their health.
Two years ago, I had been suffering from chronic appendicitis and was asked to undergo surgery. Ever since my Kriya practice, I no longer have this pain. Muthu, Senior Principal Engineer, India
I had been suffering from arthritis for two years and was on strong pain killers. When I first did the Sudarshan Kriya, I felt blood circulating through every part of my body and the pain from my fingers started disappearing. I felt very light and relaxed. Gradually, my medicine dosage too disappeared. Jaya Doultani
I was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, an auto-immune disease. Being a registered nurse, I understood my diagnosis to be a death sentence. At this time, I came across the teachings of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. I learned the Art of Living program and began feeling improvement. I survived surgery. I understand being cured of thrombocytopenia is considered a medical miracle. I am forever grateful. Diane
Soon after I began daily practice of the Art of Living techniques in April 1996, I began noticing improvements in both my physical and mental health. My blood pressure dropped from borderline high to normal. My eight years’ requirement for Immune Globulin (IVIG) every three weeks dropped to every four weeks, my platelets remain at their highest level since diagnosis, and I shed a 40-year stress-induced habit of nail biting without any conscious effort. I am convinced that my good health since then is due largely to my learning and continuing to practice these techniques. Robert R.

Sudarshan Kriya - Research

Several independent research studies (www.aolresearch.org) on the numerous mental and physical health benefits of the Sudarshan Kriya have been published in international peer-reviewed journals and confirm what participants commonly report.
A number of research studies have appeared in independent, peer-reviewed journals that attest to the benefits reported by those who do Sudarshan Kriya. Some of them are:
  • Reduced levels of stress (reduce cortisol - the "stress" hormone)
  • Stronger immunity
  • Reduced cholesterol
  • Relief from anxiety & depression (mild, moderate and severe)
  • Increased antioxidant protection
  • Enhanced brain function
Can the breath lead to greater mental awareness? Is it possible to lower stress hormone levels by inhalations? Can the breath prevent hypertension and coronary heart disease? There is a science behind how the breath heals the body. Discover it.

7 Must-read Research Studies on Sudarshan Kriya

Yoga for Anxiety and Depression
Sudarshan Kriya and Breath-Water-Sound programs are effective in relieving survivors’ depression (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), stress, and anxiety. Read More
Evaluation of The Art of Living Part 1 Course as the Anti-stress Program for Police Officers in the Slovenian Police
Slovenian police adopt a new form of anti-stress training - breath.This form of training is a more than acceptable component of the psycho-hygienic activity in the Slovenian police. Read More
Anxiety Study at Lancaster Violence Alternative Program LA County Probation Camp for Violent Youth Offenders
Reduced anxiety levels and the number of minors involved in incident reports significantly decreased after practice of Sudarshan Kriya as found in a group of incarcerated youth. Read More
EEG during Sudarshan Kriya: A Quantitative Analysis
A study which analyses the sequential changes in EEG during the Sudarshan Kriya. The study concludes that there is a combination of relaxation and activation during the SK. Read More
Stress management for law enforcement
Study indicates that the stress management program has the potential to reduce illness, address absenteeism, reduce depression, anxiety, and diminished concentration. Read More
The Healing Breath Technique/Sudarshan Kriya in the treatment of depression
Sudarshan Kriya and accompanying breathing techniques demonstrate a 68-73 percent success rate in treating people suffering from depression, regardless of severity of the depression. Substantial relief was experienced in three weeks. By one month, patients were considered to be in remission. At three months, the patients remained asymptomatic and stable. Read More
Effects of a yoga breath intervention for PTSD & depression in survivors of the 2004 tsunami
Sudarshan Kriya could provide safe and effective interventions for rapid and sustained relief of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression following a mass disaster.

Special studies

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