Japan is a country of everlasting history, unique tradition and culture. From times past, the people of Japan have respected and honored the four seasons, and the connection between humans and nature. ART OF LIVING made its debut in Japan in September of 1994 with the Part One course held at the International Yoga Center in Tokyo. For present day Japanese, who lead very busy lives, the Sudarshan Kriya has been a gift to many across the country, restoring harmony between body and mind.
Art of Living Centers in Japan have been set up in Tokyo and Kobe, with Art of Living courses held all over the country, in places
such as Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Sendai, Iwate, Ibaragi, Fukuoka and Okinawa. Weekly Follow-up sessions are being held at four venues in Tokyo. There are other weekly follow-ups in Kobe, Kyoto and around Japan.
In November of 1996, H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar visited Kyoto to where he was invited for the International Conference of Religions. Hindu, Buddhist and Shinto representatives came together for a three-day peace conference. After the conference, Sri Sri visited many shrines and temples in Kyoto, including the shrine belonging to the Royal Family and the famous Zen temple, Tofukuji. During this visit, he gave a public talk for the first time to the Japanese public at the Shinto shrine, Rokusho-Jinja in Tokyo.
In October of 1998, he was invited by the Kakogawa International Association to give another public talk.
In 2001, 2002 and 2003 Sri Sri again visited Japan. During one of these visits, in a public talk in Tokyo, to the Japanese people who had been longing to meet him, he gave a message: “Peace in our Mind, Peace in our World.” He then guided the audience into a deep meditation.
During his visit in 2003, under the sponsorship of the Indian Cultural Association, the Asia Crime Prevention Foundation and AOL Japan, along with the support of the Indian Embassy, a luncheon was hosted to honor Sri Sri. Invitees included religious leaders, top Japanese politicians and economists, and association members, who all expressed their appreciation for AOL activities in Japan.
He was also invited by Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo, where he participated in a traditional Buddhist ceremony. Together with Gokokuji’s high priest, His Holiness Okamoto, they touched upon the commonalities between all religions.
After the first Part-2 Course was held in January of 1997 at the Maryknoll Centre, the course has been organized once to twice a year, in picturesque locations close to the sea or mountains. The Part-2 Courses are held in places with Onsen (hot-spring) to cater to the Japanese, who historically love visiting Onsens. Participants are able to spend much of their free time relaxing in these hot spring baths. At courses held in Tateshina, Nagano Prefecture, participants can be found relaxing in the Onsen while gazing out over the trees to the beautiful moon, and at the out-door Onsen in Oiso, Kanagawa Prefecture, at the view of the sea. Participants who are able to experience the depth of silence and fountain of joy, long to participate in the next courses. Since 1995 onwards, many have traveled from Japan to participate in Part-2 courses at the Bangalore Ashram, Bali, Lake Tahoe, the German Center, the Canadian Center and many other places. Since 2000, travel tours to the Bangalore Ashram, have been special organized making it easy for those who have never traveled out of Japan to travel to India.
A 5H Charity Concert [MUSIC FOR LIFE] was organized in Tokyo in 2004, marking the 10th year anniversary celebration of Art of Living in Japan. “Let’s spread the song of love to the whole world” was the message from the various professional artists of areas in Opera, Rock, Reggae and Piano, who had all taken Art of Living courses. Along with the volunteers, a dream-like collaboration was realized.
As an expression of their inner love, they sang and played from their hearts. Invitations were sent out to those with handicaps and also to people doing volunteer work. The finale was the theme song “JAI GURU DEV” which was lead by the artists, to which the whole audience stood and sang and danced with joy and love. Through music, oneness was felt in the air and a wave of amazement experienced by the audience.
This was the FIRST BIG STEP for 5H programs in Japan. Many people came to know about Art of Living and its volunteer activities.
Since the beginning, various Art of Living Japan volunteer activities have continued. Starting in 1996, for three years, vegetarian meals were distributed to the homeless people in the park. Breath-Water-Sound workshops have also taken place. For the world wide walk-a-thon, the Japanese Art of Living Family put on Art of Living T-shirts and walked from the Imperial palace to the Ginza area
, passing out informational brochures.
Donations for the Tsunami disaster continue, with income from yoga mat rentals, and body work during Part-2 courses put towards this fund.
Recent years have been very promising in Japan. Course participation is increasing all over the country, in major cities like Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Ibaragi, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Sendai, Yonezawa, Koriyama, Fukuoka, Okinawa. Depending on courses some are asked to attend the next course because there is no more space.
Up until 2004, for a few years, weekly Thursday follow-ups and Sunday Satsangs were held at the Indian Embassy. Monthly Satsangs on full moon days are being celebrated with Bhajans, Meditation and Knowledge.
When Bhanu Didi visited Japan, an evening of Indian Culture was sponsored by AOL Japan. Indian classical dance, music by Bhanu Didi and others, meditation and introduction to Art of Living were the highlights of the evening. This event was also broadcast on radio and television.
Vikram Hazra charmed many people with his bhajans at the ROCK & INDIAN SPIRITUAL CONCERT program during one of his visits to Japan. The hall at the Indian Embassy was overflowed with people, and he played at a Christmas concert on a ship enchanting many who were hearing bhajans for the first time. A concert program was arranged at an institution for handicapped people, where Vikram’s music made everyone in the audience clap and dance to the rhythms.
Intro Talks, Ayurveda Seminars, Ayurveda treatments, Sri Sri Yoga Courses, Ashtavakra Gita Courses, DSN Courses and Sahaj Samadhi Courses are also held.
By invitation from many companies, hotels, schools, universities and other organizations, Art of Living is being introduced at various levels throughout Japan. Art of Living takes part in the Sakura Bazaar held every year at the Indian Embassy, which brings thousands of people to see the famous cheery blossom trees nearby. Classes have been held each year at Japan’s biggest Yoga Festival, and intro talks are held at the Namaste India Festival, where the number of Introductory Talks had to be increased to cater to demand.
To raise funds for scholarships, the Art of Living family participated in a monthly outdoor market. This scholarship was used to support Part-2 course participants. Up to now, features on Sri Sri and Art of Living Japan have appeared in various Japanese magazines, newspapers, the radio and TV.
In addition to courses and volunteer activities, the Art of Living Japan family participates in many recreational activities such as dinners, get-togethers, games, doing yoga in the park, going to amusement parks and picnics, etc.
For 12 years, the Art of Living Japan family has happily grown in Japan.
I felt a strong light from within. Now I am in control of my emotions. I am more energetic. I was able to return to being a child during the six days.
Misako, 23 yrs
I learnt the joy of [being in the present moment]. I’m able to see my relationships with people differently.
Middle school teacher, 36 yrs
After taking the course along with my son in 1996, I have continued the breathing technique and meditation. In daily life there are many conflicts. However, after the Art of Living course things have changed for me. Whatever happens I just surrender to Sri Sri and say “I am leaving this burden to you. Thank you” and let go. And things get solved. I pray with all my heart that more and more people become aware of this grace that is being showered continuously.
Naoko, 73 yrs
I cannot directly pin point it, but definitely there is a big change from before and after going to the part-2 course. I feel I have become a new person, so I say that the part-2 course has been the starting point of my new self. The new me is very comfortable. I feel blessed and very happy. Actually, I feel very lucky to come across a course like this. Thank you for giving such an opportunity.
Shoko ,43yrs
Since taking the Basic course eight years ago, I notice the path given by Sri Sri continuing in front of me. From attending three part-2 Courses I can slowly feel the self that is deep within me. These days I constantly feel Sri Sri’s presence and think often that I have received the wisdom of the soul. When I am bathing in the shower of grace, the feeling of gratefulness, not expressible in words flows out of me.
Dentist, 49yrs
I felt really good after doing the Art of Living breathing technique. I want everyone in the world to know about this Art of Living. Recently there are countries that are at war, but I don’t want any more wars. I don’t want people to experience that misery. Many may feel this way . . . I want those people who have faced such misery to do this Art of Living. Let this Earth become a peaceful place . . . .
Mother’s comment ： Every morning my daughter does 5 rounds of Sun Salutation, Bhastrika, children’s Kriya and Shavasana. When she was three years old she received candy from Sri Sri, and now at age 14, with so much Grace, she along with her twin sister Erika have placed first in the group performance for the Japan Junior Olympic Foundation for Rhythmic gymnastics. They will be representing Japan at the World Junior Meet in March 2006. I can never thank Sri Sri enough for the health and growth of my children.）
Monika, 11yrs
AOL Japan Web Site : www.artoflivingjapan.org
Contact : info@artoflivingjapan.org
Tokyo : Chieko Schmitz (81)-424-42-2579
Kobe : Neela Srinidhi (81)-78-942-8004