The Power of Vital Force

With a background as a criminal lawyer, the author has spent the last 30 years helping build up an international network of 600 meditation Art of Living centres representing Sri Sri Ravi Shankar after attending one of his meetings when she had been expecting a sitar concert by the musician of the same name. The vital force of the title is life energy, prana or qi, which is a critical component for optimal functioning - we all know what it is like to be in a state of low energy with its accompanying effects on our mind and emotions. The book draws on ancient Vedic breathing and meditation techniques as a means of harnessing physical and mental energy and avoiding the draining effects of negative thoughts and emotions. Readers are invited to conduct a review of their main current preoccupations in order to assess whether these are associated with positive or negative feelings and are prompted to live fully in the present without past and future intruding. The kind of meditation recommended is a restful alertness in the depths, with specific breathing techniques beforehand. This involves loosening rather than maintaining one's focus. We also use up a lot of energy in resistance and cravings, which sabotage the smooth running of our overall operating system and entry into a nondual flow state of active acceptance. As a whole, the book provides great deal of accessible practical guidance based on centuries of spiritual experience.