Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the visionary founder of the Art of Living (AOL), has inspired a global movement that aims to create a stress-free, violence-free world. What began in 1982 during a profound ten-day silence has blossomed into a transformative force impacting millions of lives worldwide. This journey began when Gurudev “downloaded” Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful meditation and breathwork practice, during his deep meditative experience. Since then, the practice has become central to all Art of Living programs, guiding individuals toward greater peace, happiness, and success.

A Global Movement for Inner Peace

The Art of Living Foundation, through its wide-reaching programs, has uplifted people in over 180 countries. These programs are rooted in the belief that meditation is not just a relaxation technique, but a pathway to living in the present moment with a focused, calm mind. Gurudev has always emphasized that meditation helps individuals achieve inner peace and outer dynamism. It enables people to navigate the stresses of daily life with clarity and poise, unlocking their true potential.

Meditation has been increasingly recognized for its positive impact on mental health, focus, and overall well-being. In fact, the United Nations recently declared December 21 as World Meditation Day, a significant move to spotlight the power of meditation. Gurudev expressed his delight, saying, “This is a welcome step because meditation is finally getting the spotlight it truly deserves.”

Art of Living’s Transformative Impact: Stories from the Ground

The impact of Art of Living’s meditation and Sudarshan Kriya is felt worldwide, from everyday people to renowned personalities in various fields. Take Anushka Sen, the celebrated Indian actress, for example. She shared her transformative journey with the practice: “When I meditated for the first time, it was very powerful! My perspective is much more clear, and I am happier as a person and so much at peace. And I believe when you are really happy from inside, everything just falls into place.” This resonates with millions who have experienced similar benefits, from mental clarity to heightened happiness and inner peace.

Athletes have also found immense value in the practice. Vandana Kataria, Vice Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team and a recipient of the Arjuna and Padma Shri awards, credits Sudarshan Kriya with enhancing her team’s performance. “Sudarshan Kriya will help us win medals for India. We do it in the morning daily as a team and have benefitted from it a lot. Negativity used to crop up sometimes, but since I started doing Sudarshan Kriya, there is happiness and a lot of positivity inside. We wake up with a smile every day,” Vandana said. This powerful testimony highlights how the practice not only empowers individuals but also transforms teams and communities.

Jasmin Bhasin, a renowned actress, echoed similar sentiments about the life-changing impact of meditation. “In the Art of Living course, they teach you how to meditate, and after doing that, I personally felt this course should be compulsory in every school. Our brain works to its optimum, and with that, we make better decisions. We will have more control over our emotions and our interpersonal relationships will improve. I am loving it, and I’m going to keep doing more of it,” she shared. Her endorsement reflects the growing awareness of how meditation enhances mental clarity, emotional stability, and personal success.

These powerful personal stories are just a glimpse into the profound impact Art of Living has had on over 800 million lives globally. Through meditation and Sudarshan Kriya, Gurudev’s vision of a stress-free and violence-free world is slowly becoming a reality, one transformed life at a time.

A Historic Moment for Meditation

This December 21st marks a significant moment in the global meditation movement. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will lead the largest meditation gathering ever, uniting millions of people worldwide for an unforgettable moment of inner peace and global harmony. The event, which will be broadcast globally, aims to bring people from all walks of life together, promoting the importance of meditation in achieving individual well-being and societal transformation.

From Times Square in New York to the European Parliament and embassies in Malaysia, there will not be a single corner of the world where Art of Living’s meditation will not be practiced on this momentous day. Join this historic event on December 21st at 8:00 PM IST, streamed live on YouTube at youtube.com/@Gurudev. Don’t miss this unparalleled global celebration of peace, unity, and transformation.

Art of Living: A Force for Global Transformation

The Art of Living Foundation continues to be at the forefront of the global movement for peace and well-being. With its vast network of courses and humanitarian programs, it empowers individuals to lead happier, healthier, and more successful lives. As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s mission continues to spread across the globe, the power of meditation and Sudarshan Kriya is transforming lives and creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and nations alike.

This World Meditation Day, let us all come together and celebrate the profound power of meditation in transforming the world—one breath, one person, one community at a time.