Art of Living

A member of the CONGO (Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations), the Art of Living Foundation also belongs to other global associations such as the International Alliance against Hunger, the NGO Forum for Health, the UN committees on Mental Health and Aging, and the International Union for Health Promotion and Education. Additionally, the not-for-profit organization works with several other groups who support its mission of global peace, including the International Association for Human Values, Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, Sri Sri RaviShankar Vidya Mandir, and Vyakti Vikas Kendra India.

The Art of Living aims to strengthen local and global communities through encouraging the cooperation of people from different religions, traditions, and social backgrounds in building a worldwide society of peace. The foundation's efforts encompass programs for education and empowerment, as well as charitable and social justice work. Its projects support rural development, disaster relief, prisoner rehabilitation, and environmental sustainability. The foundation also offers an extensive selection of practical and spiritual instruction.

The Art of Living's efforts to promote peace in part involve teaching people to avoid stress through meditation, yoga, and sudarshan kriya. In these, the foundation draws on the wisdom and example of its founder, the Indian spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who established the Art of Living in 1981 to better humanity and improve connections between nations and individuals. As many people have come to him for guidance and inspiration, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has taught them to follow in his steps and share what they learn with the world.

The Art of Living draws upon a large volunteer base throughout the 152 countries it serves. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, the foundation receives its management from a board of trustees nominated by the foundation's teachers and previous members of the board. Trustees serve for two years, receiving no salary or benefits exceeding paid expenses. An external auditor also monitors the foundation's finances.