THE ART OF LIVING - Switzerland
Iraq sends young people in India for training on peace
The initiative follows a unprecedented collaboration between the Foundation Art of Living and the Government of Iraq and aims to train young people’s answer to the violence through peaceful means. This project was born as a result of a proposal made by the Iraqi Minister of Sports and Youth, Jasim Mohammed Jafar, in May 2007 during the visit to Iraq of the founder of the Foundation Art de Vivre, SS Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (CNN report below).
((The Foundation Art de Vivre form 55 young Iraqis in India))
"I feel expire any stress generated by war and breathe a new life." Thus Hinoon Ahmed, an Iraqi of 32 years, describes the experience he currently lives in part of the training takes place at the International Center of the Foundation Art of Living in Bangalore, India. "I felt very relaxed after the breathing exercises." Mr. Hinoon is part of the group of 55 people sent by the Government of Iraq for a one-month training offered by the Foundation Art of Living.
During this training which will end on September 9 2007, young people follow some programs developed by the Foundation as the popular training program for young leaders, the YLTP (Youth Leadership Training Program) . Some of the participants will be trained to become a professor of Art de Vivre. They acquire the knowledge necessary to conduct programs to alleviate the trauma and teach techniques that promote wellness physical, mental, emotional and social development of their citizens living in a country ravaged by war. These young ambassadors of peace from all parts of Iraq, including Kurdistan and the cities of Baghdad, Basra, Suleimania, Karbala and Najaf.
"This training has changed my life. I come finally to control my thoughts. I am finally ready for the challenges that life brings. In Iraq, we live with the unabated killings, bombs and war, which makes life very stressful. Without electricity or water, we have more hope. After coming here, we finally see a ray of hope, "said Hinoon.
"We will return to Iraq and répandrons knowledge of the Art of Living. The people of Iraq badly needs, because he saw great mental and emotional tension. Everybody feeds the desire for revenge, "said Ali Abdulhur Humady.
"The Iraqis are in a deadlock. Where conflict continues, victims tend to turn into oppressors and the oppressors as victims. Only a better perception and understanding spiritual can break this vicious circle ", according to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar who spoke on the importance of this program.
"During my visit to Iraq in May 2007, Iraqi leaders have agreed that non-violence and reconciliation are what the world most needs now. To do this the mind must be free from stress and emotions purified and refined. Neither force nor violence will enable us to reach this state. We can not achieve that through mediation and breathing techniques, as evidenced by our experience wherever they are used. "
"We are grateful to Sri Sri. It is very wise and has a vast knowledge. It represents peace, which is essential for Iraq, "said Ramia.
Since September 2003, the Foundation Art de Vivre has tried, despite difficult conditions to assist the Iraqi people overcome the suffering caused by war that continues. Motivated by the effective intervention of the Foundation Art de Vivre, many Iraqis have already undergone special training to pass on the techniques of the art of living to their citizens. To date, 5 000 Iraqis in Baghdad, Basra, Suleimania and Karbala have participated in the workshops of the Art of Living.
