The Present

"Everyone not only wants to be happy, but has a right to be happy; the question is how to achieve it. In this book, drawing on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's 'Art of Living' teachings, Kanchana provides helpful, practical advice on how to live a meaningful life." -H.H. the Dalai Lama Endorsed by two spiritual Masters H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and H.H. the Dalai Lama, "The Present: a gift of the Divine," provides meaningful insights for a seeker on an inward path to happiness. People seek happiness, peace and love in every activity. This quest takes us outside ourselves as we look for answers in relationships, events and achievements. Unfulfilled expectations and unexpected happenings, in turn, create regrets about the past and anxieties about the future. And so we ignore the perfection of the Present, that simple and profound state in which you are love, you are peace and you are the happiness you seek. "The Present "A Gift from the Divine," is a book about making the decision to be happy now, in the present moment. It examines the impediments on the Path and explains various methods to access 'present moment awareness' through a symbiosis of knowledge and of breathing and meditation techniques. The book celebrates the transformation in the lives of thousands worldwide through the practice of "Sudarshan Kriya," breathing techniques formulated by spiritual leader and humanitarian, H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation. Through his various programs, SriSri has touched the lives of nearly (30 million) people worldwide in more than 150 countries. His Holiness travels the world and spreads the message that nonviolence and peace begins with individual spiritual empowerment. Highlighted are notable successes of the movement like the Prison Smart program to rehabilitate convicts, the rapid spread of the movement in Argentina and Mongolia, and the scientifically proven benefits of the breathing practices. Every chapter deals with a problem that human beings face in the material world on a daily basis. The reader can immediately identify with the shared stories and basic axioms that we all know but scarcely use. The book is a useful guide to imbibe, practice and make the knowledge a part of our way of thinking. Combined with awareness of basic spiritual values of courage, gratitude and faith that transcend religion, caste, creed and social background, you are brought into present moment awareness where your true nature and purpose is revealed.