Art of Living: Overview & Mission
Operating in 154 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) 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 of AOLF’s programs are guided by Gurudev’s philosophy: “Unless we have a stress-free mind and a violence-free society, we cannot achieve world peace.”
The AOLF community is diverse and attracts people from all walks of life backgrounds and religious orientations.
Local Courses & Events
In the Press
![](/sites/www.artofliving.org/files/styles/original_image/public/wysiwyg_imageupload/cnn-logo-about_0_0.png?itok=qq07O1aC)
“deep breathing and a good yoga stretch could help you and your business”
![](/sites/www.artofliving.org/files/styles/original_image/public/wysiwyg_imageupload/the-times-about_0.png?itok=a8Kp2XMR)
“rejuvenating participants physically, mentally and emotionally” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
![](/sites/www.artofliving.org/files/styles/original_image/public/wysiwyg_imageupload/shape-logo-about_0_0.png?itok=CNAqxAvO)
“not only aims to remove day-to-day stresses, but also target negative emotions you may not know are still affecting you”
![](/sites/www.artofliving.org/files/styles/original_image/public/wysiwyg_imageupload/yoga-logo-about_0.png?itok=8txvllE-)
“Art of Living may be the fastest growing spiritual practice on the planet”
![](/sites/www.artofliving.org/files/styles/original_image/public/wysiwyg_imageupload/stan-uni-about_0.png?itok=aatjTPik)
“breathing exercise dramatically decreased PTSD in veterans”
![](/sites/www.artofliving.org/files/styles/original_image/public/wysiwyg_imageupload/prevention-logo-about_0.png?itok=8EfbZFaJ)
“many people reported better sleep, improved self-awareness, and even fewer PMS symptoms”
Over 70 independent studies show Sudarshan Kriya and other breathing techniques taught on the Art of Living Happiness Program
![Deep Sleep and Wellbeing Increase](/sites/www.artofliving.org/files/styles/original_image/public/wysiwyg_imageupload/yellow_research2018_0.png?itok=VqnvEokN)
![](/sites/www.artofliving.org/files/styles/original_image/public/wysiwyg_imageupload/green_research2018.png?itok=b3tM-RCm)
Service Initiatives
Creating Harmony in Diversity and a culture of Peace
We have seen rebel groups put down weapons and take up the path of non-violence, worked for peace in the heart of war-torn zones; and inspired millions of global citizens to share our vision for humanity and create a one world family.
GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS