Part 1 Course

The Part 1 course integrates practical wisdom, ancient spiritual knowledge and health practices to increase individual well-being at all levels. Extremely effective and revolutionary techniques are taught on the course, which help the individual deal with the day-to-day stresses of life.

It features a unique and powerful breathing technique called the Sudarshan Kriya® which is traditionally understood to use specific rhythms of the breath to eliminate stress, support the various organs and systems within the body, transform overpowering emotions and restore peace of mind.

Combined with other breathing and meditation techniques, knowledge about the laws governing one's mind, and skills that help deal effectively with negative emotions, the course offers individuals tools to help deal with the day-to-day stresses of life, thereby promoting a better quality of life and increased happiness and inner-peace.

The Part 1 course is central to all other courses offered by the Foundation. Deeply introspective and fun it is enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and traditions all over the world and does not conflict with any religious or spiritual practice.

Some of the benefits reported are:

• reduced stress
• more enthusiasm
• improved efficiency and productivity
• improved self-esteem
• enhanced feeling of health and well-being
• improved interpersonal skills
• heightened awareness and clearer perception

The course also includes:

• yoga, stretching and relaxation exercises for improved circulation and relaxation
• practical knowledge to deal with the daily challenges of life
• guided interactive processes

We have learned many skills at home and at school, but we have never been taught how to handle negative emotions like anger, sadness, fear and so on. We often hear, "Don't be angry!" But how to do exactly that?

If we learn the skill of dealing with our mind when these emotions arise, the quality of our lives can change significantly for the better. Through the power of the breath and ancient knowledge of the mind, the Art of Living Part 1 Course teaches us this skill.

The Art of Living Part 1 Course teaches us how to have greater peace, energy and joy, for a lifetime!

Return to Joy

Our mind tends to vacillate between the past and the future. We are either regretting the past or anxious about the future. However, living in the present moment is the route to joy. Our mind is such that we cannot control it in a direct manner. We cannot force it to be in the present moment. But we can influence our mind through the breath. "Take a deep breath" is an age-old recommendation for relaxation. The Art of Living Part 1 Course takes this effect of breath on our minds and applies it in a very precise and powerful manner through the Sudarshan Kriya technique. Regular practice of this technique can bring our mind effortlessly into the present moment. As this happens, we learn the ability to reduce the effects of negative emotions and return to our natural state of joy.

How YOU can benefit:

• More enthusiasm and dynamism in activities
• Increased harmony in relationships at home and at work
• Increased resilience to withstand stressful situations
• A smile born from inner stability
• Experience of a new depth in life and spirituality

Restoring The Natural Rhythm

There is a rhythm in all parts of nature - the sun rises and sets with a particular rhythm, the tides rise and ebb with their own rhythm, our body wakes and sleeps with a certain rhythm. Similarly every emotion has a corresponding rhythm in the breath. In the Art of Living Part 1 Course we use this link between our breath and our emotions to come closer to the rhythm of our natural Being.

For a detailed summary of the medical benefits, please visit medical research.

Experience Peace of Mind

Much of the stress or limitations in life come from our mind vacillating between regret about the past or worry about the future. And yet, the present is the only place that happiness can ever be experienced! A remarkable feature of the course is that participants are able to re-discover the present moment — not as a concept but as a direct experience.
More Energy In Daily Life

Participants leave with efficient energy-boosting techniques they may practice every day, and an extraordinary weekly group practice is available in many areas. These practices are sacred treasures that grow in value over the years, helping the benefits continue to blossom and unfold in daily life.

In a harmonious environment, it’s easy to say, "I feel peaceful and contented." However, if nothing goes to plan and there is utter chaos all around, and you still say, "Yes! I am peaceful and happy," then you have attained something very special indeed... That is The Art of Living... and that is what the Art of Living courses bring to our experience.

Unlocking The Secrets of Breath

One of the breath's great secrets is that for every feeling or emotion there is a corresponding rhythm in the breath. The masterpiece of the the Art of Living Course Part 1 is a powerful breathing-based technique called Sudarshan Kriya, or the healing breath. Sudarshan Kriya incorporates specific natural rhythms of breath to release stress and bring the mind to the present moment.
Several independent studies on the numerous mental and physical health benefits of the course have been published in international peer-reviewed journals and confirm what participants commonly report.

The Art of Living Course Part 1 has been enjoyed by people of all traditions, religions, and walks of life; in universities, churches, governments, businesses, prisons, war zones, community rooms, and living rooms. The course is complete in itself and is also a foundation for other Art of Living programs.

The Art of Living Part 1 Course is a twenty-two hour program taught over six sequential days in a non-residential format. Each session lasts about three to five hours. For most courses, the weekday sessions are in the evenings and weekend sessions happen during daytime. Courses are occasionally offered in different formats (including residential), and programs may be arranged for specific groups.

Often, newcomers will be greeted by repeaters of the Art of Living Part 1 Course. In fact, most repeaters find that with every successive course, they receive a better understanding of the knowledge points, as well as more profound integration and awareness in daily life.

Tools For Life

The home practice usually requires about 20-30 minutes on an ongoing basis. Guided followups happen weekly in most areas, which establishes correct techniques, keeps up the inspiration, as well as supporting beneficial habits.

More than 25 million people have up till now benefited from the Art of Living courses and humanitarian service programs. People from all traditions, religions and walks of life; in universities, churches, governments, businesses, prisons, war zones, community rooms, and living rooms. Internationally, Art of Living Foundation is currently offering stress-management courses and leading humanitarian projects in more than 150 countries, by the help of tens of thousands of contributing volunteers.