Art of Living hosts a contingent of 500 from Nepal

The Art of Living Ashram played host to a huge contingent of 500 energetic participants from Nepal. Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, its founder, a special Advanced Meditation Programme was held, for the first time, for the delegation who came from far-flung parts of the mountainous country – like Biratnagar, Katmandu, Pokhara, Butwal - and from different sections of the population.

Alongside the meditations and pranayama and the rejuvenating Yogasanas that form the curriculum of the Program, the enthusiastic group presented cultural programmes. The various ethnic groups showcased their dances and presented patriotic songs to an appreciative international audience, with the stage as well as the campus turning lively and colorful with their native costumes, the unique jewellery of the women and the traditional “Dhaka topis” of the men.

“I urge the Nepalis to safeguard their cultural heritage. I am happy that this year The Art of Living Faculty and volunteers have been able to bring down the prevalence of “bali pratha” (animal sacrifice )in Nepal,“ said Gurudev.

He also urged them to wean youth away from the malaise of drugs, work to strengthen the local economy and build the market for Ayurvedic herbs which are found in abundance in the Himalayas.

From housewives to businessmen, and from retired senior citizens to youth, the group that traveled from Nepal, felt energized and refreshed. “The Advanced Meditation Program helped us address and positively impacted all areas of our health and our lives,” observed a middle-aged lady.

The participants, in addition, visited the various projects and initiatives of the International Centre, and availed of the treatment facilities at the Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital and the Panchkarma Centre.

Shrijan Sahi, 33, housewife, shared that whatever she had heard of the efficacy of The Art of Living courses before joining, she had experienced and gained much more during it. “I want to go back and tell everyone I know the effectiveness of meditation and pranayama. I also want to work with those affected by drug-abuse and help them come out of this practice, “she said.

Jayaditya Barma, 19, a Programme participant, resides in the Nepali capital, Katmandu.  Appreciating the experienced faculty and the techniques taught, he stated that he planned to take up psychology and journalism for further studies. “I look forward to bringing in meditation, pranayama, and related practices into psychiatric care.” he states.

The diverse backgrounds of the Program participants was evidence that the Art of Living programmes are not just popular in Nepal, but – importantly - also serving to spread the message of the importance of Yoga and meditation in improving health and the adoption of a holistic lifestyle to the people at large.