ABOUT US
We serve society by strengthening the individual
Operating in 180 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.”
The Art of Living community is diverse and attracts people from all walks of life.
Founder
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has united people of different races, traditions, economic and social status, and nationalities. This community, spanning 180 countries, has created a one-world spiritual family.
Gurudev’s message is simple: “Love and wisdom can prevail over hatred and violence.” This message is not just a slogan, but through The Art of Living has been and continues to be translated into action and results.
Social initiatives
The Art of Living movement has promoted development and progress across communities through diverse humanitarian projects. These projects span diverse areas including:
- Integrated Community Development projects
- Education
- Health and hygiene
- Environment protection and sustainability
- Women empowerment and child protection
- Disaster relief management
- Prisoner rehabilitation and conflict resolution
Sister organizations
The service initiatives for the Art of Living are managed by different trusts in India. These trusts include:
- The Art of Living Trust (TAOL)
- The International Association for Human Values (IAHV)
- Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth (VVMVP)
- Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust (SSIAST)
- Sri Sri Publications Trust (SSPT)
- Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (VVKI)
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir (SSRVM)
- Sri Sri Rural Development Program (SSRDP)
These trusts are headed by committed professionals with years of experience in successful management and implementation of large-scale social development projects.
Organizational structure
The Art of Living is an organization with one of the largest volunteer bases in the world. The international headquarters is located in Bangalore, India. Globally, the organization operates as The Art of Living Foundation formed in 1989 in the United States of America and in Germany. Since then, local centers have been established across the world.
In the Art of Living’s organizational structure, there is a board of trustees with a term of two years. Two-thirds of the trustees change every two years. All the Art of Living teachers and the previous trustees are allowed to nominate a new board.
There is a provision for an advisory board that monitors and guides the organization. All the accounts are regularly audited by an external auditor. Other than expenses, no trustee is entitled to benefits in terms of salary or benefits. The Art of Living programs directly help to fund its humanitarian projects. The proceeds from the sales of The Art of Living Publications and Ayurveda products are also directed to the social initiatives.
Memberships
The Art of Living is a member of several prestigious groups and alliances. These include:
- International Union for Health Promotion and Education, Paris
- NGO Forum for Health, Geneva
- International Alliance against Hunger
- CONGO (Conference of NGOs in Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations), Geneva and New York
- UN Mental Health Committee and UN Committee on Ageing, New York
Contact us
India office
Phone: +91 8067612345
Fax :+91 80 2843 2833
Email: secretariat@artofliving.org
Address: Office of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, The Art of Living International Center, 21st KM, Kanakapura Road, Udaypura, Bangalore South, Karnataka - 560082, India
(For course-related queries please contact support@artofliving.online)
In the Press
“deep breathing and a good yoga stretch could help you and your business”
“rejuvenating participants physically, mentally and emotionally” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
“not only aims to remove day-to-day stresses, but also target negative emotions you may not know are still affecting you”
“Art of Living may be the fastest growing spiritual practice on the planet”
“breathing exercise dramatically decreased PTSD in veterans”
“many people reported better sleep, improved self-awareness, and even fewer PMS symptoms”
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We offer holistic education for 60,000 underprivileged children each year. Your donations are much needed and used to the max - Over 95% goes directly to the program.