Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing technique that helps relieve stress, regulate emotions and remove toxins from the body. Through the regular practice of Sudarshan Kriya and adopting lifestyle changes, many people around the world are leading stress-free lives while carrying out all their regular responsibilities.

How does Sudarshan Kriya work?

Sudarshan Kriya works by regulating the breath. Your breath is linked with your emotions. When you are angry, you take short breaths. When you are sad, you take long breaths. Just the way your emotions change your breathing cycle, you can change the state of your mind with your breath. Sudarshan Kriya uses different breathing cycles to release negative emotions like stress, anger, anxiety, and sorrow. The technique helps you reach a happy, relaxed, and energized state of mind naturally.

Angry: Breath becomes short and quickSad or upset: Breath becomes long and deep

“Brings harmony between the mind and body”

Your body and mind have particular rhythms. For instance, you experience hunger and the need to sleep at different times. Similarly, there is a rhythm in your breath, emotions, and thoughts. Doubts, anxiety, and happiness come and go in a certain rhythm. The same emotions come at a particular time of the year. When the rhythms of the mind and body are not in sync,  you are most likely to experience discomfort. Sudarshan Kriya brings harmony between the rhythms in the body and mind which bring a sense of well-being and happiness.

Origin of Sudarshan Kriya

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar cognized Sudarshan Kriya on the banks of the Bhadra river in Shimoga after ten days of silence and fasting on 17th September 1981. 

Sharing what inspired him to sit for a ten-days silence, Gurudev says, “I had already traveled around the world. I taught yoga and meditation. But still, I was concerned about how to help people live happily. I felt something was lacking. Though people do their spiritual practices, their life is in compartments. When they come out in life, they are very different people. So, I was thinking about how we can bridge this gap between inner silence and the outer expression of life. During the silence, the Sudarshan Kriya came as an inspiration. Nature knows what to give and when to give. After I came out of the silence, I started teaching whatever I knew, and people had great experiences. They felt clear from within.”

Sudarshan Kriya eventually became a cornerstone of all programs of The Art of Living, the organization Gurudev founded in the same year.

Benefits of Sudarshan Kriya

As per the words of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the technique: In sleep, we get rid of fatigue, but the deeper stresses remain in our bodies and minds. Sudarshan Kriya cleanses the system from the inside. Over 100 independent studies show the benefits of the deep stress detox carried out by Sudarshan Kriya on the mind and body. These sudarshan kriya benefits include:

  • Relieves from symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder) and stress levels
  • Reduces impulsivity and addictive behaviors
  • Improves self-esteem and life satisfaction
  • Increases mental focus
  • Induces better sleep
  • Enhances immune function
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Improves respiratory function

Who is Sudarshan Kriya for?

Anyone who wants to level up their quality of life and live stress-free. People from all walks of life and of all ages are experiencing the benefits of Sudarshan Kriya. Students and working professionals have experienced improved focus and productivity. Entrepreneurs and homemakers have experienced better energy levels and health. Ex-militants and prison inmates have let gone of violent tendencies and been rehabilitated into the mainstream. War refugees and victims of violence have been able to release their past traumas and lead regular lives.