Vision and Mission
Founded in 1981 by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living is an educational and humanitarian movement engaged in stress-management and service initiatives. The organization operates globally in 155 countries and has touched the lives of over 370 million people.
The programs are guided by Gurudev's philosophy of peace: "Unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace. The Art of Living offers stress-elimination programs which include breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga.
The Art of Living has been promoting peace across communities through diverse humanitarian projects: conflict resolution, disaster relief, sustainable rural development, empowerment of women, prisoner rehabilitation, education for all, and environmental sustainability.
Our Journey
Silver Jubilee:
Celebrating Service
February 17-19, 2006
The ancient principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (one world family) manifested in Bangalore, India, in February 2006. The world arose in unison as 2.5 million people joined Art of Living’s 25-year celebrations. An airfield resonated with the symphony created by 3800 Indian classical musicians, reverberating the message of love, joy, and peace. It broke all the human-made barriers like caste, creed, color, nationality, race, and religion.
The 3-day celebration witnessed:
• 2.5 million attendees
• 1000 religious and spiritual leaders
• 750 key political leaders
• 110 countries were represented, speaking 45 languages
• 1 message - Peace, Love, Harmony
Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Former President of India
"Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s mission of a beautiful, safe, happy, and peaceful world for planet Earth’s whole society is a great vision."
Ms. Monika Griefahn
Member of Parliament, Germany
"Gurudev has brought people together without any indoctrination or dictatorship."
30 years of The Art of Living:
Celebrating 3 Decades
July 2-3, 2011
The Art of Living celebrated its 30th anniversary at Berlin’s historic Olympic stadium - the Olympiastadion. The festival saw thousands of people from across continents, religions, and traditions sit together and appreciate the rich cultural diversity from around the world.
630 dignitaries from India and abroad, including the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, past Presidents and Prime Ministers, Ministers, Congressmen, several Members of the European Parliament, the German Parliament, ambassadors, business leaders, academicians, NGO representatives, religious and spiritual leaders, attended the festival.
Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands (Co-Chair of WCF Reception Committee)
"I congratulate Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and I would like to express my gratitude and respect for the immense contribution of the Art of Living to worldwide peace"
Joint Founder & President, Humboldt-Viadrina School of Governance
"I highly appreciate the tremendous work towards conflict resolution, peace and intercultural dialogue that the Art of Living has facilitated in the last 30 years, not only in Asia but in over 150 countries in the world."
Dr. M. Veerappa Moily
Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India
"It is heartening to learn that the organization has done an excellent job towards achieving its wonderful goal of 'One World - One Family', which has fostered a sense of belongingness among people of different cultures."
Mr. Jacek P. Krawczyk
Vice President of European Economic and Social Committee, Brussels
"The Art of Living has been bringing people together, contributing to the understanding between them, inspiring a way of life, bringing health and harmony."
