An Indian-born spiritual leader, popular for his breathing and meditation techniques as well as his humanitarian work, will speak at Raleigh's Meymandi Concert Hall today.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, not to be confused with the legendary sitar player who influenced the Beatles, has attracted scores of followers for his stress-reduction methods, especially his breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya, an ancient yoga exercise. He is also the founder of the California-based Art of Living Foundation; its work includes trauma relief programs for survivors of events such as Hurricane Katrina and the Virginia Tech shootings and special programs for returning war veterans.

"As a doctor, I have seen patients recover from depression and high blood pressure who have used his breathing technique," said Thomas Mitchell, a Raleigh chiropractor and devotee who volunteers with the Art of Living Foundation.

Shankar, who travels widely, often visiting 40 countries a year, is also involved in promoting peace, especially in Asian trouble spots such as Sri Lanka and Kashmir. He is a follower of the Mahatma Gandhi principle of nonviolence. His method involves calming the minds of aggressors and providing solace and emotional strength to victims.

Followers call him "Sri Sri," pronounced "Shree, Shree," an honorific meaning "His Holiness." This will be Shankar's return visit to Raleigh. He gave a similar lecture in 2001. For more information on Shankar, see www.artofliving.org.

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