Shortcut to Spirituality

The most frustrating part about the Art of Living course is that it attempts to do in one week what Hindu philosophers take years to achieve. The name itself is ambitious, and the actual course is more so. Not only does it teach students about yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques, but it also introduces them to concepts like suspending judgment, seeking union, and letting negative energy go. Can a course really impart the essentials of profound Hindu thought in a mere five days? Well, yes and no.

I first heard about the Art of Living course from an Indian lady I met for the first time at a friend's lunch. As soon as I saw her, I was struck by her complexion, which seemed to glow with some inner radiance. She seemed to embody the Sanskrit word "shanti," which means "peace." After lunch, I summoned the nerve to ask her plainly, "How come you have such beautiful skin?"

She laughed. "I drink lots of water," she said. "And I took the Art of Living course some time ago. They teach you breathing exercises that are really transforming."

The Art of Living. I could use something like that--couldn't we all? I remembered reading some newspaper articles while vacationing in India about Indian beauty queens, advertising executives, and other bigwigs who raved about the course. Established in India by a man called Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the course now has followers all over the world. Courses are taught regularly in America, Europe, and Asia. So when I heard it was being offered in Manhattan, I registered right away.

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