Indian Teacher Advocates Stress-Busting Meditation

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, an Indian spiritual teacher whose Hindu-rooted approach to meditation has earned him millions of followers, will speak Monday at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood. One of the best-known spiritual figures in India, Shankar is known for Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing exercise he developed to reduce stress. He founded the Art of Living Foundation in 1981 to spread his message of a stress-free, nonviolent society. ``He has this electricity. He makes you think,'' says Kanchana Krishnan, 48, who first studied Shankar's teachings six years ago while visiting India. ``It is a series of exercises that use the deepest portion of your lungs and its varying rhythms,'' says Krishnan, of Coral Springs, who adds that the 40-minute daily practice has improved her blood pressure and cholesterol and helped her feel more at peace. ``He has synthesized and revived ancient Vedic knowledge in a way that's much more powerful for the modern day,'' says Michael Fischman, a former advertising agency executive who is president of the Art of Living Foundation. The organization offers four-day classes for about $250 in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. About 5,000 South Floridians have enrolled since 1993. Most of Shankar's followers are in India, where 2.5 million attended an anniversary event in 2006 Read More