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 Art of Living
What: "Unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace. We have to create harmony within the individual, and harmony in society," says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of The Art of Living Foundation.
Komal Kriplani, who has been with the Art of Living Foundation for the last five years, says, "The sudarshan kriya is a 20-minute breathing exercise taught by a trained instructor. Following this routine has made me a better person. I am more at peace with myself."
Where: AOL Bangalore International Centre, 21 km, Kanakapura Road, Udayapura. The basic AOL course in Bangalore costs Rs 1000.
Vipassana
What: Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is an ancient technique of meditation.
Vipassana is supposed to be a method of self-transformation through self-observation. Participants learn the basics of the method and practice sufficiently to experience its beneficial results at 10-day residential courses, where a strict code of conduct is followed. They would need to abstain from sexual activity, alcohol and non-vegetarian food during the course.
Manju Arora, a woman of leisure and homemaker, says, "It was very tough to follow such a rigorous routine initially, but it helped me deal with the daily grind in a more balanced manner."
Where: Vipassana Meditation, Alur (near Alur panchayat office), Off Tumkur Road, Dasanapura Hubli. Ph: 2371 2377/ 2371 7106
Dhyan Yog
What: The Dhyan Foundation follows the guru-shishya tradition of imparting gyan or knowledge in ayurveda and yoga. Founded by Yogi Ashwini, who holds a management degree, Dhyan Yog advocates sanatan kriya sadhna, which encompasses yogasana (neck, shoulder and body rotations), dhyaan and pranayam (breathing) and chakra santulan (to balance the chakras). The basic aim is to rid the body of imbalances and emphasise the value of stillness as a means to gather strength.
Anjana Rajaguru, who has been practicing sanatan kriya sadhna, says, "I feel in control of my mind and body, since I started practicing this form of meditation."
Where: Asian Woman, 3rd Block, Koramangala, No. 374, Sarjapur Road (Near Greenwood High School), Bangalore 560 034. Ph: 98867 14558/ 3251 0725/ 4121 9198. (Meditation camp every weekend; 8 am-9.30 am, at no cost)
Sahaj Marg
What: Sahaj Marg translates to the natural path. Sri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM), led by Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, advocates raja yoga, which preaches morning meditation, and special prayers in the evening and cleaning at night. Meditation is taught using transmission or pranahuti. Help in the practice is provided in the form of regular weekly/bi-weekly meditation sessions.
Nitish and Meghna Manocha, young professionals, say they have been practicing raja yoga for the last few years. "Just as a bird needs two wings for a balanced flight, human beings need to balance material and spiritual existence. We have achieved a stress-free life by practicing this simple form of yoga as part of our daily schedule. As a professional, it has made me more effective. As a person, it has helped me develop patience and tolerance," says Meghna.
Where: Param Dham, Shubh Enclave, Haralur Road, Off Sarjapur Road; No 13, 24th Main Road, II Stage, Banashankari, Opposite KIMS Hostel, Near BDA complex. Ph: 26719661. Entry is free. | 
