Sudarshan Kriya of the Art of Living Foundation: Applications to Social Work Practice

Abstract

This paper draws from the experiences of 1099 participants of the Sudarshan Kriya technique of the Art of Living Foundation. The randomly drawn sample of participants had successfully completed the Sudarshan Kriya part 1 and 2 and/or the Sahaj Samadhi Meditation courses in the city of Mumbai, India. Sudarshan Kriya was largely perceived to be effective for a general feeling of peace and well-being. The analysis brings out differentials in the perceived efficacy by socio-demographic profiles, health status and self-practice/follow up attendance through the multiple linear regression model. Logistic regression analysis showed that apart from certain other factors like being currently married, better qualified and in service/employment, self-practice and regular follow up attendance were crucial predictors for the efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya. Further, the paper builds a frame for applications of Sudarshan Kriya to social work containing aspects of: episteme, practical steps and possible efficacy parameters. The hegemonic propensities of promoting such a technique within the social work discipline have also been discussed. In the conclusion, perceived efficacy of Sudarshan Kriya technique and what it implies for social work has been discussed through some relevant literature.

Keywords:

• Sudarshan Kriya
• indigenous spiritual technique
• social work applications

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Samta P. Pandya

Samta P. Pandya is a faculty member at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. Her areas of research include faith, spirituality, ageing issues and social work practice. Correspondence to: Samta P. Pandya, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India.