(This seems to be a relatively new group. But anything that is a spin-off of TM is worth a close look. Up to date information appreciated.)
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a guru who spent some time with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (Transcendental Meditation) and then went his own way.
[
www.tribuneindia.com] - 25k
[
www.trancenet.org]
Powerful breathing techniques (pranayama) were part of TM and also part of 'Art of Livng' (aka Sudarshan Kriya)
These breathing techniques can be very helpful but ONLY if prescribed to suit the needs of each individual. Many people were reportedly harmed in TM because they were told to keep doing their breathing exercises even when they began to suffer side effects indicating that they needed to stop.
TM and perhaps? Sudarshan Kriya give people pleasant effects by boosting serotonin. But over time, the excess serotonin can make some people ill. For more information on this very important subject and some scientific research go here:
[
unstress4less.org]
Reports of Headaches and Side Effects From Art of Living/Sudarshan Kriya Yoga
[
www.yogajournal.com]
[
www.google.com]
*If you want to investigate this path, find out if the Art of Living teachers know the signs indicating when a student should stop using pranayama and take it easy. Find out too if they know how to prescribe an approach that suits the needs and constitution of each student.
*If they prescribe a 'one size fits all approach' for all persons and insist that there are no problems or side effects associated with practicing pranayama, that merits concern..
Please research the background on any and all workshops and spiritual teachers, just as you would assess the qualifications of a heart surgeon or moving van firm.
Here are other people's comments on the Google listserves about Sri Sri Ravi Shankars background.
[
groups.google.com]