Disclaimer: The content shared here is based on the author’s personal experience from 2023. As programs and session formats may change over time, this information may not reflect current offerings. For updated details, please check directly with The Art of Living.
The Happiness Program is a 6-day workshop. Participants spend 3 hrs every day learning Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation, and mind mastery.
Why did I decide to join the Happiness Program?
I’ve always been interested in spirituality, and I am aware that gratitude is the key to happiness. However, every person experiences a number of hard times in life when it’s difficult to keep an optimistic outlook. I discovered that I was wasting a lot of time overthinking about things that had no bearing on my life. I was disorganized, full of negativity, and lacked any motivation for trying new things. My mornings and evenings were filled with free leisure, but I lacked the drive to pursue new interests. And, we all know that ‘An empty mind is the devil’s workshop’. In order to keep my mind occupied, I decided to enroll in the Happiness course at the Art of Living (AOL) Center in Sankhamul, Kathmandu, Nepal.
My experience:
I participated in the three-hour morning session, which began at 6 am and ended at 9 am. The Happiness program’s most significant aspect for me was the opportunity to perform Sudarshan Kriya at the AoL facility with Shri Shri Ravi Shankar ji’s voice playing in the background for nearly an hour. In order for us to practice Sudarshan kriya on our own at home, they also taught us a shorter version that takes only 30 minutes. In addition, we learned the basics of yoga and performed Surya Namaskar.
Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing exercise or technique that helps to harmonize the mind, body, and emotions. This breathing technique relaxes our body and mind by eliminating stress, fatigue, or any kind of negative emotions such as anger. During the six-day course, participants are encouraged to stop the consumption of liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, meat, tea, and coffee for detoxification and spiritual progress.
The last day of the program was Falgun 6, which also happened to be Maha Shivaratri. Up until the final day, I didn’t feel any difference. However, on the final day, I could see the changes I was going through. It was emotionally triggering. I found that listening to other people’s issues and experiences had the biggest impact on me. Hearing what other people are going through made me realize that I should be grateful for everything in my life because not everyone has the privilege of having a sound body and mind.
Throughout the course, I laughed so much and cried my heart out as well. I was able to connect with myself; my mind, body, and soul. I made new friends, received several compliments, danced, got a spiritual book as a gift, meditated, practiced yoga, and participated in a Satsang (on the occasion of Mahashivaratri) for the very first time in my life. Therefore, I must say I had a wonderful experience.
After completing the course, I also went for follow-ups on Saturdays. It’s a 2-hour yoga and meditation session conducted on Saturdays, and all the alumni of AOL can join it for free. They also have Satsangs on Thursday evenings (free entry for everyone).
