It is not about spiritual shopping or seeking peace and solace when you plan a visit to a meditation camp or a pilgrim. In simple words it is just giving life a break. Only when there is moderation in mundane activities can one dwell on a few fundamental questions of life and the purpose of existence.
Even those who get a quick rush of adrenaline in parties, on the dance floor, a long bike ride or any other energetic pursuit, want to pause and reflect, once in a while. The idea is to rest your mind, restore that mental energy and face life head on.
Headquartered in Bangalore, The Art of Living International foundation was formed in 1989 with that vision of a stress free life and violence free world. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the humanitarian leader and inspiring force of this movement. There are several courses on breathing techniques, meditation and yoga that are conducted in the center. The environment is soothing and very comforting.
Once in Bangalore,
How To Reach:
The cheapest way to reach the center on Kanakpura road, which is approximately fifteen kilometers from the main bus stand Banashankari, is by bus. There are daily passes available for INR 70 for non-AC buses and INR 140 for AC buses that can be used through out the day.
The frequency of buses from Airport and Railway station to Central Silk Board Junction eases commuting issues. Almost all Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses go to Banashankari from Silk Board.
From Gate 5, the Vishalakshi Mantap is a ten-minute walk. The information centers share map of the layout and there are helpful volunteers to guide visitors.
Daily Tour
There is a guided tour daily at three thirty that covers important spots. You just have to register your names at the information center. Fortunately they even offer to take names over phone. The tour guide provides you all the required information, not just about the spots and the center but also about the associated projects of the Foundation across India. For example, while stopping at the school, the guide tells you there are over four hundred schools all over India that provides education for free.
Goshala - The Cowshed
The cow shed locally known as Goshala has over three hundred cows of various breeds. The cows have names and respond favorably to milking procedure through music and hymns playing in the sheds.
A brief session on Permaculture
With the right mix of humor and sensitive sarcasm, we are made to realize what goes into that hole called mouth (Food) and what comes out from the same hole (Words) govern our lives in a big way. It is important we take enough care to control both. And then the discussion shifts to the little things we can do daily to bring that change.
Ayurveda Hospital
Shuttle service is available till four in the evening from the center to the Ayurveda hospital for those who need these services. The hospital has a full-fledged medical store
There are so many other things one can do in the center – take a solitary walk, a quiet laid back time sitting near the amphi theatres, meditate, view the videos, shop in the stores that stocks books, CDs, incense sticks. Depending upon the time you reach you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner within the layout. There are rooms for counseling, cottages to stay, a huge dining space and a shop that sells all the in house produce.
To achieve world peace, we need a stress free mind and violence free society. That is the simple philosophy of the founder and the visit to the center only strengthens that belief system all the more.
Originally published here
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