Basic Meditation Certification

Unit 1 Meditation – Introduction to Meditation
5 Lesson
Hour 1 Meditation – What is Meditation?
Hour 2 Meditation – Why Meditate?
Hour 3 Meditation – The Journey from Concentration to Meditation to Samadhi
Hour 4 Meditation – The Experiential Nature of Meditation – Osho’s Radical Vision
Hour 5 Meditation – Who Is the Meditator? –Observing the Observer
Unit 2 Meditation – Historical and Scriptural Foundations
10 Lesson
Hour 6 Meditation – Meditation in the Vedas and Upanishads
Hour 7 Meditation – Dhyana in the Bhagavad Gita
Hour 8 Meditation – Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Dhyana and Samadhi
Hour 9 Meditation – Meditation in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita
Hour 10 Meditation – Tantra and the Path of Transformation
Hour 11 Meditation – The Meditative Mind in Jainism
Hour 12 Meditation – Vedanta Meditation: Neti Neti and the Witnessing Self
Hour 13 Meditation – Saints, Siddhas, and Sufis: India’s Inner Explorers
Hour 14 Meditation – Meditation Initiation and the Guru-Disciple Tradition
Hour 15 Meditation – Osho’s Analysis of Classical Writings: Gita, Upanishads, and Yoga Sutras
Unit 3 Meditation – The Philosophy of Meditation – Osho’s Vision
9 Lesson
Hour 16 Meditation – Meditation is Not a Practice – It is a State
Hour 17 Meditation – Effortless Effort – Relaxing into Awareness
Hour 18 Meditation – Witnessing: Sakshi Bhav as the Core
Hour 19 Meditation – The Mind as the Problem – Beyond Mind
Hour 20 Meditation – Layers of Consciousness – Waking, Dreaming, Deep Sleep, and Turiya
Hour 21 Meditation – Osho’s Dynamic Approach: Active Techniques for the Modern Mind
Hour 22 Meditation – Meditation Beyond Morality: Natural Inner Discipline
Hour 23 Meditation – The Dance of Energy: From Suppression to Sublimation
Hour 24 Meditation – Being Playful and Non-Serious: The Meditative Quality of Laughter
Unit 4 Meditation – Preparing the Ground
10 Lesson
Hour 26 Meditation – Creating the Ideal Inner Environment for Meditation
Hour 27 Meditation – The Function of Diet, Sleep, and Lifestyle
Hour 28 Meditation – Ethics and Yamas/Niyamas for the Meditator
Hour 29 Meditation – Pranayama as Preparation for Meditation
Hour 30 Meditation – Mudras and Bandhas: Energy Locks and Gestures
Hour 31 Meditation – The Body as a Temple: Asana and Stillness
Hour 32 Meditation – Inner Sound and Nada Yoga
Hour 33 Meditation – Trataka – Gazing into the Infinite
Hour 34 Meditation – Breath Awareness: The Gateway to the Present
Hour 35 Meditation – Developing Inner Silence with Antar Mouna
Unit 5 Meditation – Classical Meditation Techniques from Indian Yogic Tradition
30 Lesson
Hour 56 Meditation – Nada Brahma – Sound as the Divine
Hour 57 Meditation – Shakti Dhyana: Meditating on the Divine Feminine
Hour 58 Meditation – Breath-Linked Mantra Chanting
Hour 59 Meditation – Silent Sitting – Nishkriya Dhyan
Hour 60 Meditation – Open Sky Meditation – Accessing Vastness
Hour 61 Meditation – Earth Meditation – Rooting in Prithvi Tattva
Hour 62 Meditation – Fire Meditation – Activating Inner Transformation
Hour 63 Meditation – Water Meditation – Flowing with Life
Hour 64 Meditation – Space Meditation – Expanding Consciousness
Hour 65 Meditation – Sun-Gazing and Surya Dhyana
3 of 3
Unit 6 Meditation – Osho’s Active and Passive Techniques
10 Lesson
Hour 66 Meditation – Dynamic Meditation: Liberating the Unconscious
Hour 67 Meditation – Kundalini Meditation (Osho’s Version)
Hour 68 Meditation – Nadabrahma Meditation – The Humming Technique
Hour 69 Meditation – Nataraj Meditation – Dance as Meditation
Hour 70 Meditation – Gourishankar Meditation – Awakening the Pineal
Hour 71 Meditation – Chakra Sounds Meditation
Hour 72 Meditation – Chakra Breathing Meditation
Hour 73 Meditation – Mandala Meditation – A Journey through Energy
Hour 74 Meditation – Whirling Meditation – The Sufi Way of Ecstasy
Hour 75 Meditation – No-Mind Meditation – Emptiness of the Mind Clutter
Unit 7 Meditation – Guiding Others – Role of a Meditation Teacher
10 Lesson
Hour 76 Meditation – Becoming a Channel – The Guide’s Role
Hour 77 Meditation – Comprehending Various Practitioner Temperaments
Hour 78 Meditation – Creating Sacred Space for Meditation
Hour 79 Meditation – Guiding with Words, Silence, and Presence
Hour 80 Meditation – Obstacles in Meditation and Their Solutions
Hour 81 Meditation – Designing Safe and Supportive Group Meditations
Hour 82 Meditation – Ethical Guidelines for Teachers
Hour 83 Meditation – Recovery through Meditation
Hour 84 Meditation – Educating Children and Older Adults in Meditation
Hour 85 Meditation – Recording, Structuring, and Delivering Online Meditation Classes
Unit 8 Meditation – Contemporary Meditation Movements from India
10 Lesson
Hour 86 Meditation – Osho’s Meditation Revolution – A Reappraisal
Hour 87 Meditation – Sudarshan Kriya and Meditation – Shri Shri Ravi Shankar
Hour 88 Meditation –  Inner Engineering and Shoonya Meditation – Sadhguru
Hour 89 Meditation – Kriya Yoga – Paramahamsa Yogananda
Hour 90 Meditation – Raj Yoga Meditation – Brahma Kumaris
Hour 91 Meditation – Sahaj Yoga Meditation – Shri Nirmala Devi
Hour 92 Meditation – Transcendental Meditation – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Hour 93 Meditation – Heartfulness Meditation – Ramchandra Mission
Hour 94 Meditation – Vipassana Meditation – Legacy of Goenka Ji
Hour 95 Meditation – Bhakti and Sankirtan as Meditation – ISKCON and Sant Traditions
Unit 9 Meditation – Global Adaptations and Integrations
3 Lesson
Hour 96 Meditation – Reframing Indian Meditation in the West
Hour 97 Meditation – Mindfulness, MBSR, and Other Secular Approaches
Hour 98 Meditation – Science Research and Meditation Brain Studies
Unit 10 Meditation – Conclusion and Certification
2 Lesson
Hour 99 Meditation – The Immortal Path of Meditation – Where Do We Go From Here?
Hour 100 Meditation – Final Assessment, Practicum, and Certification
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Hour 87 Meditation – Sudarshan Kriya and Meditation – Shri Shri Ravi Shankar

Basic Meditation Certification Unit 8 Meditation – Contemporary Meditation Movements from India Hour 87 Meditation – Sudarshan Kriya and Meditation – Shri Shri Ravi Shankar

Sudarshan Kriya and Meditation – Shri Shri Ravi Shankar

Ticket Hour 87 Online Yoga Life
Introduction

Sudarshan Kriya is a strong breathing technique that has changed the lives of millions globally. It was created by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a well-known spiritual guru, philanthropist, and founder of the Art of Living Foundation. Sudarshan Kriya, as well as other meditation techniques taught by Sri Sri, is the foundation of the Art of Living syllabus. This module will discuss the deep impact of Sudarshan Kriya and how it blends with meditation practices, enhancing mental, emotional, and physical health.

This lesson will describe the most important facets of Sudarshan Kriya, its advantages, operation, and its popularity all around the world as a strong mechanism for personal evolution. The lessons of meditation techniques that are accompanying Sudarshan Kriya will also be explained, introducing you to the comprehensive methods of self-development and spiritual elevation.

What is Sudarshan Kriya?

Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing technique that harmonizes the body and mind. “Sudarshan” is a term meaning “a good vision” or “clear vision,” and “Kriya” is a conscious, specific action or technique that results in purification and an elevated state of awareness. The practice is done by slow, deep breathing, followed by rapid, energetic breaths, and then settling back into a relaxed state.

Originated by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the 1980s, the Sudarshan Kriya is revered for its power to instantly diminish stress, remove emotional blockages, and bring clarity to the mind. This breathing process enables practitioners to enter a profound state of meditation, revitalize energy, and change the chemistry of the body, leading to greater vitality and a broader perspective of life.

The Structure of Sudarshan Kriya

Sudarshan Kriya is usually imparted in a formalized way, and it comprises the following aspects:

  • Ujjayi Pranayama (Breath of Victory): It is a breathing exercise where you breathe in and out deeply, producing a gentle sound at the throat. It calms the mind and gets the body ready for the intense phases of Sudarshan Kriya.
  • Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath): An intense breathing practice that includes deep and rapid inhales and exhales. This stage energizes the body and prepares it for more intense practices.
  • Sudarshan Kriya (The Main Breathing Process): The major method, a blend of slow, medium, and fast breathing, and silent deep inhalation and exhalation. The rhythm leads the practitioner to the state of tranquility, clearness, and equilibrium. Practice is generally done in sitting posture, and the practitioner pays attention to the breath.
  • Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Breathing techniques like Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) are usually done prior to or subsequent to the Kriya to balance the mind and body, improve concentration, and clear energy blockages.
Advantages of Sudarshan Kriya

Sudarshan Kriya has many physical, mental, and emotional advantages. Some of the main benefits of having Sudarshan Kriya in your life are as follows:

  1. Reduction of Stress: One of the most direct impacts of Sudarshan Kriya is its stress-reducing capability. The breathing techniques release stored stress, calm the nervous system, and introduce a feeling of relaxation and calmness into the body.
  2. Improved Emotional Balance: Sudarshan Kriya clears emotional blockages that are stored in the body. By releasing stored emotions, practitioners feel emotional freedom, better mood, and inner peace.
  3. Better Physical Well-being: The rhythmic breathing acts on the parasympathetic nervous system, causing better oxygenation of the body, improved circulation, and better immunity. This may have long-term effects for heart health, blood pressure control, and all-around vitality.
  4. Greater Energy and Vitality: Sudarshan Kriya stimulates the flow of body energies, thereby creating greater energy in the entire being and heightened interest. Practice has the ability to awaken inner strength in the mind and body and leads to more productivity, imagination, and incentive.
  5. Mental Clarity and Focus: Through constant practice, Sudarshan Kriya serves to calm the mind, bringing forth higher mental clarity and concentration. The practice breeds an elevated awareness, which results in a reduced difficulty in relating to the obstacles of life from a calm, centered mind. 
  6. Improved Sleep Quality: With less stress and soothing of the nervous system, Sudarshan Kriya aids in attaining better quality sleep, culminating in greater overall well-being. 
  7. Spiritual Growth: Sudarshan Kriya is also a spiritual practice that enables one to be in touch with their higher self. It is believed to increase one’s feelings of inner peace, compassion, and being part of the universe.
The Art of Living Meditation Practices

Sudarshan Kriya is one technique within a more comprehensive system of meditation practices disseminated by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar under the auspices of the Art of Living Foundation. In addition to Sudarshan Kriya, numerous other breathing and meditation techniques are instructed to guide practitioners to superior states of awareness and health.

Key Meditation Practices
  • Yoga and Pranayama:
    • Along with Sudarshan Kriya, Sri Sri underscores the significance of yoga and pranayama as integral aspects of a holistic meditation practice. These help condition the body and mind for deep meditation.
  • Silence Programs (Advanced Meditation):
    • Sri Sri Silence Programs, also commonly held within Art of Living centers, help to deepen one’s meditative experience. It is designed for longer periods of silence to let people connect extensively with their interior selves.
  • Meditation for Mental Clarity:
    • Through exercises like Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, it is urged on the practitioners that they can cultivate deep calm of the mind to bring peace, clarity, and concentration in the life.
Sudarshan Kriya in Today’s World

Today, as the world is witnessing stress, anxiety, and psychological problems galore, Sudarshan Kriya provides a practical and holistic remedy. It has been imparted to millions of individuals from all corners of the world, and its presence is felt in the numerous accounts from practitioners as they reflect transformative changes in their health, happiness, and spiritual growth.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation have played a major role in popularizing the practice of Sudarshan Kriya worldwide, ranging from corporate executives and athletes to those who look forward to relief from stress, trauma, and emotional suffering. The simplicity, accessibility, and effectiveness of the program make it appropriate for individuals from all walks of life.

Additionally, Sudarshan Kriya has also become increasingly accepted within the medical community. Studies have documented that the practice has a favorable effect on the mental state and relieves the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Several healthcare workers now prescribe it as an additional treatment to standard therapies.

Reflective Questions
  • What are the main differences between classical methods of meditation and Sudarshan Kriya?
  • In what ways do you believe the active ingredient of Sudarshan Kriya (e.g., rhythmic breathing) helps bring about emotional and physical healing?
  • How can you apply aspects of Sudarshan Kriya to your own practice or teaching style?
  • Think about a moment when you were feeling stressed or emotionally upset. In what ways do you believe that a practice such as Sudarshan Kriya could have assisted you at that time?
Conclusion

Sudarshan Kriya, as refined by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is an intensive and holistic practice which exceeds the state of mere relaxation. It is an emotional release technique, mental purifier, spiritual growth stimulator, and body rejuvenator. By embracing Sudarshan Kriya into everyday life, people are able to inculcate peace, raise their level of energy, and become blissful with longevity.

As a meditation teacher, it is useful to know the principles behind Sudarshan Kriya in order to take others to deeper levels of meditation, health, and well-being. It provides a disciplined but dynamic way of meditating so that individuals can bring body and mind into play in the practice of meditation.

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