The Art Of Living is an worldwide organization whose classroom style teaching makes for a great entry point for westerners who want to learn a powerful breathing modality to give their meditation practice a strong foundation. I have experienced that some westerners are averse to any type of teaching thats presentation has too much spirituality in it and AOL does a great job teaching the science of meditation and the nature of the mind.

The center of the AOL “Happiness Course” teaching is a breathing modality called Sudarshan Kriya, which is a rhythmic breathing method that provides deep relaxation and helps break the mind so one can settle into meditation. I have seen many people who have taken the course and learn the method transform greatly and enjoy new levels of peace and joy in their lives. It definitely changed my perspective and inspired me to learn more about the power of conscious breathing.

The course costs $395 for first timers, which some people balk at, but it is honestly a really great value, when you compare that with some TM (Transcendental Meditation) offerings (which can cost up to $1,000, its really a great deal. Additionally, you get to attend their weekly meditation meetups for life for free, which are hosted in most major cities around the world.
I love the Art Of Living, and the Happiness Course as a great starting point. It is a wonderful organization and a powerful class. The Art Of Living Ashram is in Boone, North Carolina, and its a beautiful, peaceful facility where you can take retreats and the organizations founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, visits twice a year in July and for Christmas.

Art of Living: An Overview
Operating in 154 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual teacher Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All of AOLF’s programs are guided by Sri Sri’s philosophy: “Unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”
The AOLF community is diverse and attracts people from all walks of life backgrounds and religious orientations.
Courses

AOLF offers numerous highly effective educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for all individuals. These programs, which include breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and practical wisdom for daily living, have helped millions around the world to completely transform their lives.

Service Initiatives
In addition to these courses offered globally, AOLF, working in collaboration with The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and in special consultative status with the United Nations Social and Economic Council, has successfully implemented numerous humanitarian projects and service initiatives including:
conflict resolution programs
disaster relief
sustainable rural development
empowerment of women
prisoner rehabilitation
education for all
environmental sustainability

Mission
It has been said of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar that not since Mahatma Gandhi has one person united so many people of different races, religions, traditions, economic and social status, and nationalities, creating a One World spiritual family across the globe.
Sri Sri’s message is simple: “Love and wisdom can prevail over hatred and violence.” Happily, this message is not just a slogan, but through AOLF has been and continues to be translated into action and results.

Art of Living: An Overview
Operating in 154 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a non-profit, educational and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual teacher Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All of AOLF’s programs are guided by Sri Sri’s philosophy: “Unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”
The AOLF community is diverse and attracts people from all walks of life backgrounds and religious orientations.
Courses
AOLF offers numerous highly effective educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for all individuals. These programs, which include breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and practical wisdom for daily living, have helped millions around the world to completely transform their lives.
Service Initiatives
In addition to these courses offered globally, AOLF, working in collaboration with The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) and in special consultative status with the United Nations Social and Economic Council, has successfully implemented numerous humanitarian projects and service initiatives including:
conflict resolution programs
disaster relief
sustainable rural development
empowerment of women
prisoner rehabilitation
education for all
environmental sustainability

Mission
It has been said of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar that not since Mahatma Gandhi has one person united so many people of different races, religions, traditions, economic and social status, and nationalities, creating a One World spiritual family across the globe.
Sri Sri’s message is simple: “Love and wisdom can prevail over hatred and violence.” Happily, this message is not just a slogan, but through AOLF has been and continues to be translated into action and results.

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