Attending The Art of Living Courses
– A Turning Point in My Life -

Shyam Singh Heikrujam *

Long back, one of my office staff in Guwahati, Shri Suman Kumar Hazarika, time and again tried in vain to let me join the Art of Living Basic Course. During September 2009, my office arranged an introduction session to the Art of Living for the entire staff members in the office guest house.

My mind was somewhat attracted to the course, but this time also I failed to join the course. I joined the Art of Living Basic Course only on 22/10/2009 at its Vyakti Vikas Kendra (Personality Development Centre) at Beltola in Guwahati.

After joining the basic course, I have realized what a great thing I have been missing for so many years in my life and I strongly repented that why I have not joined the course earlier. For me, it was a wonderful experience and a turning point of my life as the course has changed my life totally.

After joining the course I have got the strength to give up all my bad habits of smoking, drinking and chewing 'Jarda Pan'. Before joining the course, I have never thought about the importance of breathing in our life.

I enjoyed Pranayama – the Breathing Exercise very much. After regular practice of Vastrika and Sudarshan Kriya, I can feel that my body and soul are purifying day by day. I can't find any word to express the powers and benefits of Meditation, I can just feel it and experience it.

I have learnt from the course that if we want to be a complete and successful person in life, we always have to perform three things in our daily life - Sadhana, Seva and Satsangha.

Sadhana is to practice regular exercises to develop our physical, mental and spiritual aspects. Seva is to render service to the humanity and the society in particular. Satsangha is to attend group prayers in the form of Bhajans and group discussions etc.

During 2010, I have attended the Four Days' Advance Course of the Art of Living at its Guwahati Ashram at Puja Ghat located on the river bank of the mighty Brahmaputra in a very neat and clean environment. The Ashram has a large Yoga Hall, separate dormitory system Rest Houses for male and female with all modern basic amenities.

The most exciting and challenging experience of the advance course was to Remain Silent - "Mon Mein Rehna" for consecutive four days. The course was mainly focused on Yoga, meditation, group activities of Social Service and Satsang. I enjoyed every moment of the advance course in the Ashram.