Thousands learn the 'art of living' in Dubai sessions

Dubai - This is the first time he is visiting the UAE to conduct meditation classes and yoga sessions across the country.

Thousands thronged the Dubai World Trade Centre on Friday evening to experience the art of living as the founder of Art of Living Foundation (AOL) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar started a unique two-day meditation master class titled Unveiling Infinity.
In order to build contentment and self-awareness among UAE labourers, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conducted a meditation session with around 4,000 labourers on Friday morning at the Sharjah Expo Centre. The session, specifically designed to suit the workers' needs and circumstances, aimed at teaching them the art of happiness and helping them find inspiration to change their lives for the better.
This is the first time he is visiting the UAE to conduct meditation classes and yoga sessions across the country. The spiritual leader has been instrumental in bringing peace and empowerment in many countries riddled with wars, poverty and political upheaval.
After the session in Sharjah, he met dignitaries and held a meet and greet session with the members of the Press in Dubai.
He started the session with an enlightening talk followed by a 30-minute meditation.
Talking about the work his organisations - AOL and International Association of Human Values - do, he said: "We are not only looking at the wellness and happiness of the people but are also looking after the environment through planting saplings here in the UAE. We have planted about 1.7 million trees since our teams started operating here in the UAE."
One of the focus of his talk was developing clarity of mind and action, which can be attained if one gets self-awareness and lives the moment to the fullest. "A strong mind can carry a weak body but a weak mind cannot carry a strong body.
So, once you learn to expand the context of life, you will experience life in its true form. Meditation is the technology that expands the mind," he said during his first session on Friday.
Talking about his masterclass in Dubai, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said: "The techniques I am teaching at this show are simple ways of self-awareness, motivation and sharpness of mind that will help people let go of deep-seated emotional issues and frustrations, and gain a better perspective on their thoughts. The sessions will include powerful breathing techniques, meditation, yoga and simple yet effective practical wisdom for daily living. Our aim is just to bring smiles back on people's faces."
Dubai residents Saumya and Nirmal said they had been waiting for this session for years and it left them completely satisfied and relaxed. "It was just one session today that relaxed us beyond imagination. We can't wait for the other two sessions on Saturday," said an excited Saumya.
Over 6,000 participants from the UAE and other countries in the region are undertaking three meditation sessions, spread over two days.
saman@khaleejtimes.com

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