Sudarshan Kriya So Hum Audiomp3: A Simple and Effective Way to Practice Breathing Meditation
Art of Living Sudarshan Kriya So Hum Audiomp3: A Guide for Beginners
If you are looking for a way to relax your mind, body and soul, you may have heard of Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique taught by the Art of Living Foundation. Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful practice that can help you release stress, regulate emotions and enhance your well-being. But how can you learn and practice this technique at home? One of the easiest and most effective ways is to use So Hum Audiomp3, a guided audio track that helps you follow the correct breathing patterns and rhythms for Sudarshan Kriya. In this article, we will explain what Sudarshan Kriya is, what So Hum Audiomp3 is, and how to use them together to experience the benefits of this ancient yogic technique.
Art Of Living Sudarshan Kriya So Hum Audiomp3
What is Sudarshan Kriya?
Sudarshan Kriya is a Sanskrit term that means "proper vision by purifying action". It is a breathing technique that involves different cycles of inhalation and exhalation, with varying speeds and intensities. The technique was cognized by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, after a period of silence and meditation in 1981. He realized that the breath is connected to the emotions, and by changing the breath, one can change the state of mind. He also discovered that there are specific rhythms in the breath, body and mind that can be harmonized to create a sense of balance and well-being.
The meaning and origin of Sudarshan Kriya
The word "Sudarshan" means "proper vision" or "right perception". It implies that by practicing this technique, one can see things as they are, without being influenced by negative emotions or thoughts. The word "Kriya" means "purifying action" or "cleansing process". It refers to the fact that this technique helps to remove toxins from the body, mind and emotions, leaving them clear and pure. The word "So Hum" means "I am That" or "I am He". It is a mantra that represents the identity of the individual self with the universal self. It is also a natural sound that occurs in the breath when one inhales (So) and exhales (Hum). By chanting this mantra along with the breath, one can experience a state of oneness and bliss.
The origin of Sudarshan Kriya can be traced back to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's vision in 1981. He was sitting on the banks of the Bhadra river in Shimoga, India, after completing a ten-day silence and fasting program. He was contemplating on how to help people live happily and peacefully in the world. He felt that something was missing in the existing methods of yoga and meditation. He wanted to find a way to bridge the gap between inner silence and outer expression of life. He then received an inspiration to create a breathing technique that would harmonize the rhythms of the body, mind and emotions. He named it Sudarshan Kriya and started teaching it to people around the world through his organization, the Art of Living Foundation.
The benefits of Sudarshan Kriya
Sudarshan Kriya has been proven to have many benefits for physical, mental and emotional health. Some of these benefits are:
It reduces stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause anxiety, depression, insomnia and other disorders.
It increases oxygen levels in the blood, which improves circulation, metabolism, immunity and vitality.
It balances the nervous system, which regulates mood, memory, learning and cognition.
It enhances brain function, which increases creativity, clarity, focus and concentration.
It releases negative emotions such as anger, fear, sadness and guilt, which can affect relationships, self-esteem and happiness.
It cultivates positive emotions such as joy, love, compassion and gratitude, which can enrich life quality and purpose.
It induces a state of relaxation, which calms the mind, relaxes the body and rejuvenates the spirit.
Many scientific studies have been conducted on Sudarshan Kriya to validate its effects on various aspects of health. Some of these studies have shown that Sudarshan Kriya can help with conditions such as:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Asthma
Diabetes
Hypertension
Chronic pain
Addiction
Aging
The steps and techniques of Sudarshan Kriya
Sudarshan Kriya consists of six steps or techniques that are performed in a sequence. These are:
Vajrasana - taking a comfortable sitting position
Ujjayi - slow and steady breathing
Bhastrika - quick and forceful breathing
Om Chant - chanting to create vibrations and healing
Kriya - comprising three breathing cycles with different speeds
Meditation - to cool off the body and mind
Each step or technique has its own significance and purpose. They are explained below:
Step/TechniquePurposeDuration/Repetition
VajrasanaTo prepare the body for breathing exercises by sitting in a stable posture that aligns the spine with the head.As long as comfortable.
UjjayiTo calm down the nervous system by breathing slowly through the nose with a slight constriction in the throat.About 4 breaths per minute for 5 minutes.
BhastrikaTo energize the body by breathing rapidly through both nostrils with full force using abdominal muscles.About 30 breaths per minute for 5 minutes.
Om ChantTo harmonize the body-mind system by chanting Om aloud with each exhalation while listening to its sound reverberate within.About 10 minutes.
KriyaTo purify the body-mind-emotions by following three cycles of breathing with different speeds: slow (8-10 seconds per breath), medium (4-6 seconds per breath) and fast (2-4 seconds per breath).About 20 minutes.
MeditationTo relax and integrate the effects of breathing exercises by sitting quietly with eyes closed while observing any sensations or thoughts arising in awareness.About 10 minutes.
What is So Hum Audiomp3?
So Hum Audiomp3 is a guided audio track that helps you practice Sudarshan Kriya at home or anywhere you want. It is an official product of the Art of Living Foundation that has been created with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's guidance and blessings. It contains his voice instructing you on how to perform each step or technique of Sudarshan Kriya along with soothing background music. It also includes his commentary on the meaning and benefits of each step or technique as well as some inspirational messages for your well-being.
The concept and purpose of So Hum Audiomp3
The concept behind So Hum Audiomp3 is to make Sudarshan Kriya accessible to everyone who wants