The magic of breathing

What reigns are to a horse, our breathing is to the mind. When our mind - like a horse without reigns roams about in all directions, only by proper breathing techniques can one bring back stability and peace of mind. I was lucky to get information from my nephew about an upcoming course on scientific breathing techniques by Sri Sri RaviShankarji. The name of that course was "Happiness Mahotsav" - which means celebration of happiness. I was very much attracted to the name and felt an intense desire to join this celebration. The duration of the course was 4 days, it was conducted online and by trained young teachers. They taught us different techniques of breathing. These classes were very enjoyable and were punctuated with jokes, discussions and question and answer sessions. The last day was very special, when Sri Sri RaviShankarji joined us online from Bangalore, and taught us "Sudarshan Kriya". It is also a breathing technique which is practiced in slow, medium and in high speed several times. It energizes body and mind. To be happy , we all need a healthy body and mind. But happiness is something that arises from within. It is like the fragrance of a flower that emerges from the inner being and emanates all around it. And in the case of human beings it is our positive attitude, loving and forgiving nature, that make us happy and help us to spread happiness all around. So Sri Sri advised always to maintain a positive attitude, even in adversities. Explaining this point further he said, "life is interesting, because it has many shades of opposites". They are two sides to every coin and they appear to enhance each others' values. As we welcome the warm morning rays of the sun after a long cold night, we must appreciate that the sun's rays derive their value because the night is there. When we encounter challenges with courage, we become more strong, innovative and empathetic. He also mentioned that since neither our nature nor external circumstances are in our control, we should not feel frustrated if we cannot change them, it is better to accept them instead of resisting and work to adapt our inner experience of it peacefully. It reminds me of a Zen saying, that by bending down, the marsh grass can survive in a violent storm, but not a big tree. We also must cultivate the quality of even mindedness, otherwise our key of happiness will be in the pocket of others and like a football, our emotions will be tossed up and down with the comments of others. Though we should be ever ready to correct our faults, we must cultivate inner stability, courage and a forgiving attitude. Forgiveness is a great quality. If we can forgive other's faults, we can be happy and can make others happy too. Finally Sri Sri reminded us, always to be in present. Being aware of the present, if we think and act appropriately, then one can build upon a glorious past and a bright future. Life is like a river that flows to be one with the ocean. Self-realized souls come through many ages to guide us on how to be one with the supreme. but our success depends on our will-power, good effort and good karma. Life is a puzzle but only till we find the key within ourselves.