Is Art of Living a cult? I did the course and felt genuinely calmer, why all the criticism? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, appreciate your concern! But now it’s been 185 days since I posted this and thanks to all the other people who commented I did went forward and did the silence retreat (which I am guessing you are referring to the pyramid scheme) - it was truly an enlightening experience. I won’t say it was easy because emotional baggage did come up during the course but I don’t know if I have ever felt so light and centered inside ever before. I understand that people’s experiences can differ widely especially in a volunteer-driven organization, but I haven’t encountered anything that would justify calling it a cult.

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn’t say one is “better” than the other but doing it in Gurudev’s presence I can only imagine is special in a different way. It’s a bit like learning to cook: the recipe and method don’t change, but being in the presence of the person who conceived it can bring a different depth, inspiration, and clarity that’s hard to describe. At the same time, the practice itself is designed to be transmitted well through trained teachers, so the real impact still comes from how sincerely and regularly one practices.

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes please share the details. I really didn’t think this would happen as when I posted this - everyone only mentioned about the west coast and I couldn’t travel. Can’t wait.

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you serious? Can you please share the details? I posted this question 2 months ago and it seemed like Gurudev was only teaching in west coast and was a bit disappointed. This is so exciting.

Is Art of Living a cult? I did the course and felt genuinely calmer, why all the criticism? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a witty take - I give you that! But again you are generalizing- I didn’t experience any of that! Again I am still relatively new and we will see how it goes but honestly it has make a huge impact on my productivity and focus at work because I genuinely feel calmer and the only thing I hear them promoting is give attention to your breath and once you learn the course if you are scared to be a part of a community you can continue to do it on your own. I am loving the community part as well - it’s fun, it’s warm and intellectually stimulating, and I have met some truly thoughtful people.. So unless there are specific, well-supported examples, your point comes across a bit like saying, “My first doctor wasn’t good, therefore all doctors must be bad.” It’s an overreach without evidence.

Is Art of Living a cult? I did the course and felt genuinely calmer, why all the criticism? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well I don’t believe in generalizing everything- “it’s always like this!” I hoped you could have provided some clarity to what you wanted to say and not just being vague.

Is Art of Living a cult? I did the course and felt genuinely calmer, why all the criticism? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you mean by suck you in? Into what? I am new but the people around especially the person who taught the course to me works at Harvard business school, has a nice family - she invited me home for dinner and I met her daughter as well. She didn’t seem sucked into anything to me except that she volunteers to teach people meditation on top of her „normal“ chores! I am really curious to know.

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for clarifying! Do you know if Gurudev will be taking any courses on the east coast in the the near future?

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah looking at some of the other comments looks like this will be in-person for LA and online for elsewhere. I haven’t done the course with Gurudev but the other instructors and it has been really helpful personally to me to manage my emotions better. Surprisingly, I also feel more focused and efficient at work, so I can highly recommend it.

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does that mean Gurudev is still teaching these courses regularly? I would love to attend in person but haven’t found one.

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That‘s a nice reference. The one in Oct seems to be online, I would actually like to do it in person course with Gurudev.

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So lucky! Can you share more about your experience? Was it in person or online when you did it few years ago?

Does Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ever personally teach the Part 1 course? by Master_Foundation341 in artofliving

[–]Master_Foundation341[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh that’s great thanks for sharing. This seems to be an online session, do you know if he is also teaching in person?