Art of Living
Art of Living (द आर्ट ऑफ लिविंग) — founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1981 — is a contemporary spiritual and humanitarian organization that offers stress-elimination programs based on breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga. The organization’s flagship technique, Sudarshan Kriya, is a rhythmic breathing practice claimed to reduce stress and promote well-being.
The Art of Living Foundation operates in over 150 countries and has touched the lives of millions through its various service initiatives, including conflict resolution, disaster relief, and education. The organization promotes a philosophy of violence-free living, service to society, and the practice of yoga and meditation as tools for personal transformation.
Origins
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (born 1956) founded the Art of Living Foundation in Bangalore, India, in 1981. After studying Vedic literature and yoga in the Himalayas, he developed the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique, which became the foundation of the organization’s programs. The initial programs were conducted in India and quickly attracted participants from various backgrounds.
The organization expanded internationally in the 1990s and 2000s, establishing centers and chapters across the world. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings draw from the Vedantic tradition while presenting universal spiritual principles accessible to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Core teachings
The Art of Living teaches that every human being has an innate capacity for joy and peace, which can be accessed through proper breathing, meditation, and service. The organization’s philosophy emphasizes the unity of all religions, the importance of selfless service (sevā), and the practice of non-violence (ahiṃsā) in daily life.
The Sudarshan Kriya is presented as the core technique for stress elimination and inner peace. The organization also teaches Sri Sri Yoga (a simplified form of yoga), Sahaj Samādhi meditation (a natural meditation technique), and various service projects that put spiritual practice into action.
Key practices
The primary practice is the Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique that involves breathing in specific patterns at varying speeds. The technique is taught in a structured program format, typically over several days, and is claimed to reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve emotional well-being.
Other practices include Sri Sri Yoga (gentle yoga postures and breathing exercises), Sahaj Samādhi meditation (a mantra-based meditation technique), and Surya Namaskar (Sun salutation). The organization also promotes community service through its various outreach programs.
Modern status
The Art of Living Foundation has grown into one of the world’s largest spiritual organizations, which claims to have reached hundreds of millions of people across more than 150 countries. The organization operates over 1,500 centers worldwide and has been involved in significant humanitarian projects, including the cleanup of the Yamuna River and disaster relief operations.
The organization has faced some controversies regarding its financial practices and environmental impact. However, it continues to be a major force in the global yoga and meditation movement, offering programs to diverse populations including corporate executives, military personnel, prisoners, and students.
Verification notes
- The Art of Living Foundation’s global reach and program statistics are documented by the organization and independent media sources.
- Sudarshan Kriya has been the subject of several clinical studies, with published research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s biography and the organization’s history are documented in multiple biographical sources.
- The organization’s service projects, including the Yamuna cleanup initiative, are documented by Indian media and government sources.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).