Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (born 1956 in Tamil Nadu, India) founded the Art of Living Foundation in 1981, one of the largest volunteer-based meditation and wellbeing organisations in the world. He became best known for the Sudarshan Kriya, a rhythmic breathing technique he developed as an accessible method for reducing stress, since practised in course form by millions of people.

Unlike many teachers who remain within spiritual or religious circles, Gurudev — as he is known to his followers — has also positioned himself explicitly as a mediator in social and political conflicts. He has been involved in peace talks in, among other places, Colombia, between the government and FARC guerrillas, and in mediation efforts around Kashmir and Iraq.

Art of Living runs courses, humanitarian projects and large-scale public events worldwide, including the World Culture Festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. His message combines classical yoga philosophy with a practical, secularly framed approach to breath and meditation, aimed at a broad audience not necessarily familiar with Hindu tradition.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar remains active as an internationally travelling speaker, increasingly focusing on themes such as mental health, climate and interfaith dialogue.