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    THE ART OF LIVING

    Our Reach in Numbers

    44 years

    of service

    180 countries

    in over 10,000 cities

    40,000+

    instructors

    800m+

    people reached

    World Meditation Day: A Global Revolution

    For four decades, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired millions to discover the power within; transforming individuals, communities, and nations. From ending wars and facilitating the surrender of militants to revolutionizing education, and empowering farmers, Gurudev has used meditation to bring about profound change. His efforts have transformed countless lives of prison inmates, rural women and have also helped build drug-free campuses for youth, foster corporate well-being, and promote global harmony, impacting millions in over 180 countries.

    In 2024, the UN designated Dec 21 as World Meditation Day. For this historic event, Gurudev will guide millions across the world in meditation on Dec. 21, 2025.

    Meditation in Action

    1981
    1981

    Gurudev establishes The Art of Living.

    2004
    2004

    Gurudev is invited to address the Scottish Parliament at Edinburgh, UK.

    2006
    2006

    Borders fade as over 2.5 million people from over 150 countries come together to meditate with Gurudev at The Art of Living's Silver Jubilee celebration in Bengaluru, India.

    2007
    2007

    Gurudev unveils the Declaration of Human-Values at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

    2011
    2011

    More than 70,000 people from 151 countries converge at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, celebrating Art of Living’s accomplishments and diversity from every corner of the world. 

    2012
    2012

    1,50,000 people experienced a profound combination of lively music and silent meditation with Gurudev in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

    2013
    2013

    I Meditate Africa - launch of a very simple campaign promoting peace in Africa, encouraging the use of meditation as a mainstream peace building block eventually impacting millions in Africa.

    2015
    2015

    Gurudev visits Iraq including the riskiest war-torn areas to meet with the people and provide solace.

    2016
    2016

    World Culture Festival II
    Over 3.75 million meditate with Gurudev and are thrilled with cultural performances from over 100 countries on the world's largest floating stage.

    2016
    2016

    The FARC-Colombia Peace Treaty is made possible by Gurudev's efforts showcasing the power of meditation in ending a half-century old conflict.

    2016
    2016

    The Royal Albert Hall, typically a venue for diverse music and prestigious theater performances is steeped in pin-drop silence as Gurudev guides an audience of thousands in deep meditation.

    2019
    2019

    Gurudev is invited to address the European Parliament on "Meditation to Mediation"

    2020
    2020

    During the Covid pandemic, Gurudev leads live meditations twice a day for over two months to help millions find inner strength and solace in the most stressful period the world has faced in recent times. 

    2022
    2022

    "I Stand for Peace" - Gurudev tours countries in Europe and US leading meditations to help people find inner peace at a time of conflict and war in Europe.

    2023
    2023

    1.1 million gather at the National Mall in Washington DC for the World Culture Festival, with a unique mix of energetic performances by 17,000 global artists and serene meditations led by Gurudev.

    Why Should I Join World Meditation Day 2025?

    A Historic Moment

    Being part of history is better than just reading about it. Who wouldn’t want to say, “I was part of the UN’s first world meditation day”?

    Global meditation

    Millions of people around the world will be meditating together, and when this happens, the benefits will be manifold.

    Master of Meditation

    Meditation with Gurudev isn’t just an event—it’s an experience!

    Join a Meditation Event Near You

    PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCES

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need any qualification to join World Meditation Day?

    If you can breathe you can meditate! World Meditation Day is for all.

    Can children attend the event?

    Ages 5 and upwards (yes, you read that right) can attend the World Meditation Day event.

    Do I need prior experience in meditation?

    Nope! Being a meditation pro isn’t a requirement— just bring yourself and your breath.

    Can I try out a meditation before the event?

    Yes, you can head over to Gurudev's meditation channel on YouTube "Meditations from Gurudev" and pick from hundreds of guided meditations. Know more about meditation before this World Meditation Day.