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Life Onboard |
LAST UPDATE
July 12, 2005
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| site design imagesparkle.com |
| June 17, 2003 |
The Art of Living Foundation – Vikram Hazra |
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| Vikram Hazra and The Art of Living |
The Art of Living Foundation was created by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1982 and is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) active in over 136 countries. The variety of programmes seek to create peace from the level of the individual through the practice of simple breathing techniques, meditation and traditional forms of yoga. The Foundation has also been active in the wider community with education, food and medical projects for children in India, building homes and wells for the rural poor, offering care programmes for people with drug dependencies and those with HIV, as well as implementing a successful anger management course for prison inmates.
Peace Boat welcomed aboard Art of Living teacher, Vikram Hazra, an ever-smiling Indian member of the organization who is also a professional musician and singer. Vikram travels the world giving lectures and conducting courses. His first talk began with a chanting, soothing piece of music especially composed to relax different parts of the body. Participants then heard a little on the history of yoga, and how it developed from the 'Vedas' - the ancient knowledge of India, which is over 10,000 years old. The word 'yoga' means to join or unite, and is the balance in life between the mind, body and spirit. The Art of Living courses are designed to enable participants to practically apply this knowledge to their everyday lives. |
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| Early morning yoga sessions |
The early morning yoga workshops introduced participants to the 'Sudarshan Kriya' breathing technique, and various stress releasing exercises - providing a calm start to even the busiest of Peace Boat days! By practicing this technique and paying attention to the importance of breath in our daily life, a balance is made between the rhythms of emotions, mind and physical well-being. During exercises such as simply focusing on the full expansion of the lungs when breathing, using the whole chest and stomach to inhale and exhale, every cell in our body becomes oxygenated and enlivened.
The University of Ottawa in Canada studied the effects of yoga and meditation on students, discovering that their levels of the stress hormone, serum cortisol, actually lowered as the course progressed. Participants taking part in Vikram's onboard programme would probably agree, as more and more people have attended his classes each day. The mornings begin with simple breathing exercises followed by an array of stretches that relax and loosen any stiffness of the joints or muscles. After stretches such as the 'Cobra' or the 'Bull', members of the class then meditate, often falling asleep due to being so relaxed. Many participants have already spoken of the benefits of practicing yoga onboard, including increased concentration, relief to existing joint pains and a general feeling of calmness. The courses will continue until Peace Boat reaches India, where Vikram will disembark, no doubt leaving many new friends and converts to the ancient practice of yoga. |
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