BREATH · MEDITATION
Sudarshan Kriya™
The rhythmic breathing practice at the heart of the Happiness Program
Sudarshan Kriya™ (सुदर्शन क्रिया), also called Sudarshan Kriya Yoga or SKY, is a guided breathing practice taught through Art of Living programs. In Jaipur you can learn it in person in C Scheme.
What is Sudarshan Kriya?
Sudarshan Kriya™ is a guided, rhythmic breathing practice taught by the Art of Living, founded by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It uses specific natural rhythms of the breath, from slow to fast, and is designed to help harmonise body, mind and emotions and lead into a meditative state. It is learned in person from a trained teacher, in Jaipur through the Happiness Program.
How Sudarshan Kriya works
Sudarshan Kriya™ follows cycles of breathing at different rhythms, guided by a teacher, followed by rest. The breath links the body and mind, and working with its rhythm is designed to influence how you feel:
Breath → Body → Mind → Emotions → Awareness → Meditation
Researchers have proposed that rhythmic breathing of this kind affects the autonomic nervous system, the part of the nervous system involved in the stress response. This is a hypothesis under study, not a settled conclusion.
Is Sudarshan Kriya a meditation technique?
It is a breathing practice rather than a meditation technique in the strict sense, but the two are closely linked: Sudarshan Kriya™ is usually followed by a period of rest or meditation, and many practitioners find it makes meditation easier. Read more about breathwork and pranayama and meditation.
What research has studied
Sudarshan Kriya™ has been studied in a range of settings. Examples include:
- A 2005 review by Brown and Gerbarg proposed a neurophysiological model for how Sudarshan Kriya Yoga may affect stress, anxiety and mood.
- A small 2014 randomized controlled trial in U.S. military veterans found reduced post-traumatic stress symptoms after a breathing-based program that included Sudarshan Kriya.
- A 2020 randomized trial with university students compared three wellbeing programs. The SKY-based program was associated with improvements across several wellbeing measures.
Individual experiences vary, and study results do not guarantee any particular outcome. See our research summary for details and sources.
How to learn Sudarshan Kriya in Jaipur
Sudarshan Kriya™ is taught in person by a trained Art of Living teacher. It is not taught online or on this website. In Jaipur you learn it in the Happiness Program in C Scheme: six days, about two hours a day, non-residential, ₹2,000. After the program you can practise it at home and in follow-up group sessions.
Who can learn it?
Most adults can learn Sudarshan Kriya™, and no experience is needed. If you are pregnant or have a medical or psychiatric condition, tell your teacher before the program so they can advise you. The practice complements, and does not replace, professional medical or mental-health care.
सुदर्शन क्रिया क्या है?
सुदर्शन क्रिया™ आर्ट ऑफ लिविंग द्वारा सिखाया जाने वाला एक लयबद्ध श्वास अभ्यास है। इसमें सांस की प्राकृतिक लय का उपयोग किया जाता है, ताकि शरीर, मन और भावनाओं में सामंजस्य आए और ध्यान की गहरी अवस्था का अनुभव हो। इसे प्रशिक्षित शिक्षक से व्यक्तिगत रूप से सीखा जाता है। जयपुर में आप इसे सी-स्कीम में हैप्पीनेस प्रोग्राम में सीख सकते हैं।
Sources
- Brown RP, Gerbarg PL. Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part I. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2005.
- Zope SA, Zope RA. Sudarshan kriya yoga: Breathing for health. International Journal of Yoga, 2013.
- Seppälä EM, et al. Breathing-based meditation decreases posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. military veterans: a randomized controlled longitudinal study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2014.
- Seppälä EM, et al. Promoting Mental Health and Psychological Thriving in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Three Well-Being Interventions. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2020.
- The Art of Living — Research on Sudarshan Kriya™ (summary of published studies).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I learn Sudarshan Kriya in Jaipur?
At Art of Living C Scheme Jaipur, through the 6-day Happiness Program. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 91161 35422 for upcoming batches.
Can I learn Sudarshan Kriya online or from a video?
No. Sudarshan Kriya™ is learned in person from a trained Art of Living teacher.
What does SKY stand for?
SKY stands for Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, a name often used for Sudarshan Kriya™ in research.
How often is Sudarshan Kriya practised?
After learning it, participants are guided on a short daily home practice and longer group practice sessions. Your teacher explains the routine during the program.
Does Sudarshan Kriya cure anxiety or depression?
No practice should be described as a cure. Research has investigated Sudarshan Kriya as a complementary wellbeing practice, but it does not replace diagnosis, medication or therapy.
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