Stress, anxiety, depression and mental illness are indeed so prevalent in todays fast paced world. With the advancement of technology, every aspect of human life has transformed, bringing instant connectivity. However, it has also contributed to affecting the mental health of the people. To cope with these situations, adopting healthy, peaceful and soul enlightening practices such as meditation, yoga and breathtaking practices like Sudarshan Kriya be helpful.  

 Sudarshan Kriya is a simple, magnificent and rhythmic breathtaking technique that incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath, harmonizing and channelizing the body, mind, and emotions. This technique brings calmness, positivity and soul enlightenment to the people, keeping them energized, focused and in a relaxed state.  

 Sudarshan Kriya also eliminates the intoxicated emotions like anger, frustration, depression and help people to lead a healthy and stress-free life   It was developed by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar back in 1982 in Shimoga, India during the 10-day period of silence. Since then, this practice has become a significant part of all the Art of Living Courses. As per Gurudev Sri Sri Shankar: Sudarshan Kriya Practice for 20 minutes daily helps significantly reduce the levels of Cortisol, the stress hormone. 

Inhale Good Health, Exhale negativity, Everyday! 

The Sudarshan Kriya acts to bring profound depth and entitlement to ones life. This holy spiritual breakthrough unveils many secrets of health, happiness, peace and glimpses of life beyond. Breath-Prana’s main source is vital life energy, the basis of human life to purify and nurture health, body, and mind.  With high Prana vibrations, one feels healthy, alert, energetic and positive. Through Sudarshan Kriya, Prana elevates and flushes 90% intoxications including stress, every day.  

Many practitioners have claimed that this technique also incurs better immunity, increased stigma and sustained high-energy levels in the body. Through Sudarshan Kriya, the learner will be able to take that breath, which is necessary to change the way he feels and expresses his emotions.  

Ways to practice SKY (Sudarshan Kriya Yoga) 

1. Vajrasana: The Vajrasana can be successful in a quiet and peaceful environment whether sitting inside the house or at outdoor places. For Sudarshan Kriya, the Vajrasana can be done in two ways i.e. sitting on your mat, keeping the spine erect and folding your legs. Another instance is to cross your legs with heels resting on your thighs when sitting longer. 

2. Ujjayi: After sitting in Vajarasana in a comfortable position, another step turn is for Ujjayi (breath) i.e. inhale, exhale in slow breaths. To understand better, one should inhale and exhale with eyes closed. 

3. Bhastrika: In the process, one should do focus on taking rapid breaths. In Bhastrika which is partially below the breath, it should be quick and forceful, estimating 30 breaths in a minute.  

4. Om Chant: The Om Chant is very special in all yoga asanas. The vibration of Om creates a significant impact on your body and mind. One should take a slight rest or a period of silence after every two chants. 

5. Kriya: The most prominent step of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, it focuses on advanced form of breathing. Here the breathing is divided into following that is slow, medium, fast. This works to clear ones thoughts, purifies vision and body. 

6. Meditation: The whole process of Sudarshan Kriya includes meditation and breathing. It should be between 40-45 minutes. A balanced and straight posture is essential.

Health benefits of Sudarshan Kriya 

• Strengthens Immunity system 

• Increases blood flow  

• Helps one to achieve quality sleep 

• Enhances and improves brain functionality  

• Eliminates stress-related problems including traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks etc. 

• Manage your attitude towards life, relationships, co-workers and bring tolerance towards unwanted situations. 

• Improves Respiratory system 

• Reduces Impulsivity and addictive satisfaction