She has been able to motivate hundreds to lead a happy, healthy and stress-free life. Tokyo-based Swami Sadyojatah, International Director, Art of Living, says, “Saleena constantly updates herself on all aspects of the teaching. “The fact that a Muslim is conducting such classes is a confirmation that India’s syncretic culture, which has lasted for thousands of years, is still going strong,” says Saleena, who also takes classes for children, youth as well as corporates. After a year’s effort, she became a qualified teacher. Sudarshan Kriya is taught in various Art of Living programs. Research suggested that it helps in improving well being (improving immunity and detoxification),and peace of mind (reduce stress, enhance brain function). But what really egged her on to do a Teacher Training Course was a meeting with Sri Sri himself. Through breathing in different patterns, one can influence emotions and gain control over one’s mind. She followed it up with more courses at the International Centre of Art of Living in Bengaluru. She attended two more courses in quick succession. “I developed a positive attitude,” she says. Saleena says she felt an immediate change. So she attended her first course at Payyoli, Kozhikode, in May 2001. “He had done one and liked it a lot,” says she. She went into an emotional turmoil and her father’s close friend, CRP Mohammed, asked her to attend an Art of Living course. Saleena’s life changed in 2001 when a close relative died. When she was in Class V, he gave her books by Swami Vivekananda, Osho and Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati to read. In fact, Saleena says her father encouraged her to look beyond her religion.
I am still a devout Muslim.” What brings solace to Saleena is that her husband Muhammad Musthafa, her two children, and her 70-year-old businessman father EK Kunju Mohammad support her. But I tell them that I have not given up my religion. Some of my relatives ask me why I am following a swami. But we get a deeper understanding of its importance when we use the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique, as taught by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.” Does her religion hamper her practice of Art of Living? “Guruji wants Christians, Hindus and Muslims to remain as they are. Unfortunately, we pay little attention to it. And when a person dies, it is the breath that stops. That is what I am going to teach you.” Saleena pauses and asks, “What is the first thing a newborn does?” A couple of members say, “Cry.” One tentative voice says, “Breathe.” She begins simply: “Life is a gift and is to be celebrated. Businessmen, teachers doctors, engineers, IT professionals trickle in as she looks on. Inside a brightly-lit convention hall in Kochi, Art of Living trainer Saleena Musthafa waits patiently, a hijab covering her head.
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