A life less ordinary

Meditation,in today’s time is more of a necessity,for our mind continues to work,and we are not able to calm it. Meditation helps us do that and as a result,we eat,sleep and work better,’’ Swami Pragyapad,a member of the international faculty,The Art of Living International Foundation,Bangalore,talks about the Sehaj Samadhi Course of Art of Living,which he conducted here. Dhyan,says Pragyapad,who’s been with the foundation for the last 15 years,is the most simple and natural way to calm oneself. Most people,adds Pragyapad,have not understood the real meaning of the word dhyan and that’s why are intimidated by it. Dyan,he explains,comes from two words ‘dha’,which denotes concentration and ‘n’,which means no. “It’s a process where there is no concentration,only then there is benefit. You have to de-concentrate and concentration happens because of meditation,’’ the essence of the three-day Sehaj Samadhi course is that it’s a basic understanding of the process and anyone can do it.

A graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),Mumbai,the quest for something better led Pragyapad to the Art o f Living and it transformed his life. The real joy is bringing a smile on someone’s face and not wanting anything for yourself. “The formula for happiness is simple. If you think more about yourself,you will feel depressed,think about others and you experience completeness,’’ the success and reach of Art of Living courses is because there is simplicity of teaching and depth of experience. The Sudarshan kriya,pranayam,breathing are life-transforming instruments bringing peace,calmness,enthusiasm,positivism and love to one’s being,for the mental pattern also has a breath pattern,points out the teacher,who is responsible for the initiation and management of innumerable seva projects.

He asserts that the person who does yoga,becomes yogya and is able to realize the opportunities at hand,“we ignite the capabilities,and lend a little support,helping the person to feel and think independently,’’ the teacher talks about how the various courses work. We,he says,are responsible for our own life and it’s up to us to face the challenges. “Blaming someone else for everything is the way of a coward. Self-esteem is vital for independence and our programmes are designed to change the attitude of people,build their self-esteem and help them believe in themselves. Also,remember that if you’re not ready to fail,you won’t succeed,’’ Pragyapad points out that people of all ages and walks of life are asking for these programmes and courses. Life positive…