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The Art of Living Mission

A movement towards
a happier, stress-free world

Operating in 182 countries, the Art of Living is a non-profit, educational, and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the world-renowned humanitarian and spiritual teacher, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All our programs are guided by Gurudev’s philosophy:

“Unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”
Gurudev

1

Billion+

lives touched

45

years

of global service

182

countries reached

38000

+

teachers trained globally

10000

+

centers worldwide

The Art of Living is committed to uplifting and empowering individuals and communities using a combination of breathwork, meditation, and ancient yogic wisdom tailored for modern life. The programs and techniques focus on reducing stress and improving mental wellness, empowering individuals to live happier, more fulfilling lives.

The Art of Living community is vibrant and purposeful, bringing people together of every age, culture, and background, united in a mission to build a stress-free, violence-free society.

“The Art of Living is more of a principle, a philosophy of living life to its fullest. It is more a movement than an organization. Its core value is to find peace within oneself and to unite people in our society – of different cultures, traditions, religions, nationalities; and thus reminding us all that we have one goal to uplift human life everywhere.”

Gurudev

Art of Living Courses

The Art of Living offers transformative, evidence-based techniques that facilitate significant stress reduction. These tools also foster profound inner peace, happiness, and well-being for all individuals.

The impact of these programs is wide-reaching, having resonated with millions in over 180 countries. Participants from diverse backgrounds and walks of life have reported remarkable transformations, ranging from heightened mental clarity and relief from anxiety to a more joyful and fulfilling existence. In essence, the Art of Living's multifaceted programs act as a catalyst for positive change, equipping individuals with the necessary tools to craft a life filled with peace, happiness, and purpose.

Featured Courses

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Art of Living Part 1

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HSA/FSA eligible

The Art of Living-Part 1 Course teaches Sudarshan Kriya™—a powerful rhythmic breathing technique that harmonizes the body-mind complex. Participants notice reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep, a stronger immune system, and increased energy levels.

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Sahaj Samadhi Meditation™

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HSA/FSA eligible

Learn a personalized mantra-based technique that gives you the deepest meditation you've ever experienced.

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Sleep & Anxiety Protocol

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HSA/FSA eligible

Learn to regulate your mind by regulating your breath. Activate your vagus nerve, calm your nervous system, and unlock deeper, more restful sleep.

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Historic UN Days of Yoga and Meditation

The Art of Living has collaborated with the United Nations to orchestrate groundbreaking global events that unite millions in the practice of yoga and meditation. These gatherings not only highlight the profound benefits of these practices but also celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and communities around the world. By fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose, the Art of Living's initiatives encourage individuals to come together, experience inner peace, and embrace the joy of collective well-being.

International Day of Yoga

June 21 every year

Declared by UNGA - December 11, 2014
Yoga

Gurudev has been at the center of the International Day of Yoga since its very first observance, inaugurating the celebrations at UN Headquarters in New York in 2015 and leading the second edition at the European Parliament in 2016. Since then, the Art of Living and the Sri Sri School of Yoga organize worldwide IDY events every June 21

2015
Inaugural

Gurudev inaugurates IDY at UN HQ, New York

50 million people across 132 countries join Art of Living's global celebrations.
2016 2023
annually

"The sun never sets on yoga"

The Art of Living has carried IDY to over 182 countries, reaching millions of people across the globe every year.
Gurudev has personally led IDY at the European Parliament in Brussels (2016 and 2018), the Embassy of India in Zagreb (2023), and the UN Headquarters in Geneva for the 10th anniversary (2024).
2024 2025

70+ countries reached, 2 Guiness World records

The Art of Living has successfully brought the International Day of Yoga (IDY) to over 70 countries, impacting millions worldwide each year. Under Gurudev’s leadership, the Art of Living's events have set two Guinness World Records.

World Meditation Day

December 21 every year

Declared by UNGA - December 6, 2024
Yoga

Gurudev led the inaugural World Meditation Day at UN Headquarters on December 21, 2024. On December 17, 2025, he launched the second observance at the UN in Geneva with the theme, “World Meditates for Global Peace,” before guiding millions of people  in a global meditation on December 21.

2024
Inaugural

Gurudev inaugurates IDY at UN HQ, New York

50 million people across 132 countries join Art of Living's global celebrations.
2025
Edition 2

Launch in Geneva followed by global event in New York

Gurudev delivered the keynote address at the UN HQ, New York. 12.1 million people from 150 countries joined the live meditation.
2024 2025

150+ countries reached, #1 largest group meditation

World Meditation Day has made waves by engaging over 150 countries, marking it as the largest meditation event on the planet. This global initiative invites millions to join in a collective moment of peace, fostering a sense of unity and tranquility across diverse cultures.

Service and Social Initiatives

In collaboration with its partner organization, the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), the Art of Living has  launched a wide array of humanitarian efforts, including conflict resolution, disaster relief, and sustainable growth in rural communities.

Breathing Life Into Education

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Following Gurudev's aspiration for universal value education, the Art of Living delivers free, comprehensive, and values-oriented education to children unreachable by standard government or private programs via the 'Care for Children' initiative.

Environment Sustainability

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Gurudev's vision inspires volunteers worldwide to engage in vital environmental efforts, such as tree planting via Mission Green Earth, innovative water management, river rejuvenation, and promoting sustainable, chemical-free farming.

Women
Empowerment

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The Art of Living empowers women from all backgrounds by offering programs designed to cultivate inner strength, creativity, and self-assurance. These programs enable women to face the world with skill, confidence, and grace, fully prepared to tackle life's challenges

Disaster
Relief

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The Art of Living's multifaceted approach to disaster relief ensures immediate and effective support to those in need. Leveraging a global network of volunteers, the Art of Living can quickly respond to crises anywhere on the planet.

Prisoner
Rehabilitation

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The IAHV Prison Program, formerly Prison SMART, is a well-known initiative aimed at transforming offenders' attitudes and behaviors. It seeks to reduce societal violence, lower re-offending rates, and provide essential stress management and trauma support for correctional staff and crime victims.

Conflict
Resolution

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Under the guidance and mediation of Gurudev, the Art of Living has been instrumental in resolving conflicts, bringing reconciliation, and instilling harmony in diverse communities and regions across the globe.

Art of Living Centers

The Art of Living Foundation operates dedicated retreat centers across North America, providing a serene environment for a variety of retreats, events, and community gatherings. These centers focus on personal growth, wellness, and fostering connections among individuals, offering programs that cater to diverse interests and needs.

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Boone Retreat

The Art of Living Retreat Center is set amidst 380 acres of pristine forest high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.



With vast open skies, panoramic views, immersive wellness programs, and delicious vegetarian meals, this peaceful sanctuary offers a nurturing environment where inner balance is restored.

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Los Angeles

An urban sanctuary where breath meets stillness in the heart of Los Angeles. The Art of Living LA Dome offers a peaceful space for personal growth, deep renewal, and genuine connection—with yourself and others. Experience weekend resets and midweek pauses expertly crafted to reawaken the spirit, restore energy, and reconnect you to your center.

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Washington, DC

An urban oasis in the heart of the nation’s capital, the Art of Living DC Center offers a peaceful space dedicated to stress relief, self-discovery, and community. Through evidence-based breathwork, SKY Breath Meditation, and yoga, the center provides powerful, time-tested tools to drop daily anxiety and reconnect with your inner calm.

Our Founder

Gurudev

Founder of The Art of Living, Gurudev has transformed the lives of millions worldwide through meditation, yoga, and practical wisdom.