Long Weekend with Rishi Nityapragya in Houston

(More pictures from Rishiji's VIP event in Houston)

Rishiji started off the weekend with a fundamental truth that we should all remember. Our outer world consists of people, situations, and things; our inner world consists of the seven layers of our existence, which are, in order: body, breath, mind, intelligence, memory, ego, and soul. The first big lesson of the weekend was: our experience of the outer world is largely influenced by the state of our inner world!

Now what does that mean? Well, some who have everything in life still complain and grumble at every opportunity. Some others who face challenges at every turn still smile and find things to be grateful for. Is it clearer now? The state of our inner world determines our experience of the outer world.

And that is the best reason to remain committed to a daily practice of sudarshan kriya and meditation. These practices help you take care of your inner world like nothing else can. As Rishiji reminded us, intelligent people make intelligent choices.

And the above statement (inner world influencing the outer world) is also a great way to introduce someone to the Art of Living.

The weekend was very intense. There was (a lot!) more that he shared with us, far too much to enumerate here. It was as if a mirror was being placed in front of us, and we could see ourselves with unusual clarity...

Materialistic gifts and favors only bring short-term joy; the gift of knowledge is eternal and life-transforming. Rishiji emphasized that the biggest service you can do someone is to introduce them to knowledge. And that is also a service that requires some skill.

How to develop that skill? Well, if you missed this past weekend with Rishiji, watch out for future visits by him or other senior teachers, or of course by Guruji Himself. You have the opportunity to make the intelligent choice to be in Guruji's presence next week during Guru Poornima, which is the most special time for a disciple to be with the Master. The (intelligent) choice is yours to make...

Part 2 Course with Sri Sri - May 8-12 2008

The excitement is growing as we get closer to the May course with Sri Sri in DC. Seats are still open. Flyer below. If you haven't attended a part 2 course with Sri Sri before, do take this opportunity. If you have, then you will of course want to go back again and again. :)

Second Spring Refresher at the Texas Ashram

After our very successful refresher course and retreat at the Texas Ashram, the Houston group is organizing a retreat of their own, and are inviting participants from Austin. Here is the flyer:

DSN with Anandji - Apr 17-20

DSN
Creating a Divine Society
Apr 17 – 20, 2008
Atlanta

DSN translates to "Creating a Divine Society - Do Something Now"

Click here to hear Sri Sri speak on DSN
DSN is a transformational course that empowers participants to break through personal inhibitions and barriers - it brings such inner stability that no outside event can shake us.

All of us have personal barriers, old habits, or inhibitions that hold us back and keep us from fully participating in life. Yet we have a deep desire to be the best we can be - for ourselves, our families, our communities and even the world around us.

DSN uses a powerful combination of yoga practice, special meditations, breathing techniques, group processes, and deep spiritual knowledge to break through personal barriers.

The DSN course will be offered in Atlanta by an international Art of Living teacher, Anand Rajendran (Anandji). Anandji's dynamism, enthusiasm and compassion are such that thousands from every walk of life are attracted to his courses. In a mere 5 years, he has facilitated Art of Living Courses for over 200,000 people.

Course Details:
Dates: Apr 17 – 20, 2008
Venue: Hindu Temple of Atlanta, Riverdale
Registration and more information: http://secure.artofliving.org/course_details.aspx?course_id=2590

Spring Part 2 Course with Sri Sri

For those who have been waiting to go on a part 2 course in the presence of Sri Sri, wait no more. Here is the opportunity to attend a Spring Part 2 course with Sri Sri at the nation's capital.

Date: May 8th Thursday evening 7:00PM to May 12th Monday afternoon 3:00PM
Venue: Hyatt Regency, Crystal City VA (minutes from Washington DC National Airport)
Fees: Regular: $660; Seniors & students: $560 ($100 discount for 1st 300 participants by March 28)
Register: Online registration here
Prerequisite: Art of Living Part 1 course

Accommodation is available onsite at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The discounted room rate for Art of Living is $125+tax per room, per night. One room can accommodate up to 4 individuals. You can call 703-418-1234 and give the code "ART OF LIVING" or "YOGA" to get the group discount. You can also book online here.

Part 1 Courses for March and April

We have a daytime Art of Living part 1 course scheduled for March 24-28 in Westlake Hills. This is a unique course for Austin since the sessions will be from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Monday through Friday. It's the perfect time for stay-at-home moms who have been unable to make it to the regular evenings and weekend schedule. (Details and registration)

The next regularly scheduled (ie. evenings and weekend) Art of Living part 1 course will be April 8th through 13th in Central Austin. (Details and registration)

Did you know? If you have done the Art of Living course once, you can repeat the course for a donation of your choice, anywhere in the world!