Q: What happened in those 10 days in Shimoga?
Gurudev: I just wanted to be in silence. There was an urge to do, to give something to the people. After 10 days, it happened.
Q: Was there a breakthrough, an actual experience of enlightenment?
Gurudev: No, no. When you're quiet and you start writing a poem, that's how I started teaching. Then it spread by word of mouth.
Q: What is the difference between yoga and Sudarshan Kriya?
Gurudev: Unfortunately, yoga is considered as just the physical exercises. It is just a beginning, physical exercise is just one part of it. But, then comes the breath and the mind. Tapping the inner source of energy is important. Yoga is never complete without meditation. Sudarshan Kriya takes you to the deepest meditation where body, mind and breath comes in the rhythm connecting to the source of life deep within.
Q: Do you ever get angry? What is the solution to anger?
Gurudev: This is a very important question. In the 55 years of my life, I have never said a harsh word. I could not do it. The worst I have ever said is, “You stupid.” Sometimes I want to show anger and people don’t believe me. That is my problem. Things work better with some anger. Anger is good if you are aware of it. It should last only as long as a line drawn on a water surface lasts. Some carry over anger from the previous day, previous month, or ten years ago. The mind suffers. Get out of anger, frustration, jealousy and greed. Meditation will help. Pranayama, Sudarshan Kriya and yoga are the answers.
Founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,The Art of Living is an educational and humanitarian movement engaged in stress-management and service initiatives.
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