We all know today from reading about all the benefits of Yoga and meditation that we'd like to learn how to practice these and incorporate these into our day to day lives. There are many books, website and programs. How do you know what is the right approach or technique ?

I wondered as well more than 5 years back. Even though I am from India the land that gave the world the Vedas and Yoga, I didn't quite know how or where to learn it from. I read a lot of books on spirituality, meditation and also learned Yoga from a very good Yoga institute in India. However, some thing was missing - there was an emptiness in me - though, outwardly I was successful - married with a lovely wife and two children, a very good career and good health !

In my case, I accidentally attended a course taught by art of living foundation in Dallas, Texas. I went with a lot of skepticism (befitting an analytical engineer !) to this class - thinking that I already know Yoga. I was blown away the grandeur of the spiritual experience from Sudarshan Kriya (a rhythmic breathing technique) that is taught by this non-profit foundation.

Since then, I have practiced Kriya regulary and found the peace and happiness and sense of purpose in my life. I also learned an effortless meditation technique (also from art of living) to add to my yoga and Kriya.

So, my recommendation -- Do your research and learn it well directly from good, kind and wise teacher ! You wouldn't learn swimming from a book - would you ? So it is with yoga and meditation - it is learned best from a teacher. I have been very happy with art of living foundation for the courses that have taught me more about myself than the best graduate schools in the world -The knowledge of who I really am is the highest knowledge one can ever learn. Such a high and wonderful goal is best learned from an esteemed teacher (or Guru)..

Peace and joy be with you !
Ram