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South Africa
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Art of Living FoundationQ:
What are the goals of the Art of Living Foundation?
A stress-free and violence-free society; to encourage people from all backgrounds, religions, and cultural traditions to come together in celebration, meditation and service. To achieve these goals, we offer courses and humanitarian projects to eliminate stress from the mind and violence from society. Prevention is easier than cure: peaceful individuals do not contribute to conflict on an individual nor on a societal level.
If people are materially poor or suffering from the effects of a natural disaster or war, their stress will be related to that. The International Art of Living Foundation offers material assistance or trauma relief. Take a look at some brief reports on our humanitarian activities, following the Tsunami and Kosovo conflicts. We offer education and empowerment programs so people can break the poverty cycle. On the other hand, those who are affluent may nevertheless be frustrated, depressed or simply wanting to grow spiritually in life. In the latter case, it is not material support that is needed but training programs like the Art of Living Part 1 course. These are for anyone who would like to learn some breathing techniques to release tension, and enable the individual to handle any challenge.
Q:
What is the significance of the breath? Why is it so important?
Breathing is normally an unconscious process. The breath is the link between the body, mind and spirit. When the mind is free of fear, guilt and anger, and is more centred, then it can heal the system of any ailment. Through the practice of our breathing techniques, you will learn to consciously govern the breath so that it brings harmony into your body, mind and spirit.
Q:
How long has the Art of Living Part I course been taught?
Since the early 1980's. Since then millions of people from different backgrounds, religions and cultures have done the course globally.
Q:
What is a satsang? I noticed The Art of Living organizes events called satsangs where there is a lot of singing and dancing, like a party. It looks like a lot of fun, but what has that to do with stress relief or promoting human values?
As we all know today, the human brain has two hemispheres - the right half which is more connected to art and intuition, and the left half which is more connected to logic and reasoning. Some people are more logical and perhaps do not like music and dance. Others are more spontaneous and like dancing, but avoid logic or more intellectual activities.
It’s important to develop both aspects for either of them to fully flourish, and this is what satsang is all about. It’s well known that geniuses like Einstein did not think only logically, but also very intuitively; with pictures. It doesn’t matter if right now you dance well or sing well – and don’t be surprised if not every satsang is a professional concert! Whether you sing well or not - it’s very beneficial to participate anyway. So at a satsang, there is some singing and dancing – in all languages from Sanskrit to Hebrew, from English to Polish, emphasizing the universality of our message. There is also some discussion on spiritual wisdom, i.e. there is a balance of intellectual activity and music.
To find out more, take the first step or join a program near you and ask the trainer!
Q:
Is it a self development program or something spiritual?
It's both! The basis of spirituality is simply knowing ourselves better. You will find that the Art of Living Course releases layers of stress without effort. You will discover the hidden laws that govern the mind, as well as skills to effectively deal with negative emotions. In addition you will enjoy the ancient practices of yoga, meditation and rhythms of breath, as these are combined in new ways to nourish all levels of the body, mind and spirit.
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