Art of Living Foundation
The Art of Living Foundation is the global humanitarian and educational organization founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981, known above all for the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique and large-scale stress-relief and peace programs.
Overview
Registered as an educational and humanitarian NGO (consultative status with the UN’s ECOSOC since 1996), with centers in 150+ countries; the International Association for Human Values (1997, co-founded with the Dalai Lama’s circle? — with humanitarian partners) is its sister body.
Core teachings
Breath-centered well-being: the Sudarshan Kriya (a rhythmic breathing practice, the organization’s signature), meditation, and service; “a stress-free mind and a violence-free society” as the mission.
Practice and work
The Happiness Program and follow-on courses; youth leadership and rural programs; trauma relief after disasters; prison and conflict-zone programs; the international center at the Art of Living ashram, Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru.
Modern status
One of the world’s largest volunteer-based NGOs; controversy and scientific study both attach to the Sudarshan Kriya’s claims — the encyclopedia notes the clinical research literature separately.
Verification notes
- Founding and UN status are documented; kriya-specific claims are discussed in the research kosha.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).