Religions & Spiritual Traditions  Art of Living FAQs  FAQ

How can one become a member of the Art of Living?

Joining the Art of Living turns into a journey rather than a simple sign-up, offering a blend of breathing techniques, community service, and soulful gatherings. Here’s a friendly roadmap:

  1. Pick Your Course
    • Start with the flagship Happiness Program—often called the “foundation course”—where breathing practices like Sudarshan Kriya and guided meditation take center stage. Many centers worldwide run weekend or weeklong workshops.
    • For yogis seeking deeper physical practice, Sri Sri Yoga courses offer asanas and philosophy for all levels.

  2. Find a Local Center or Online Session
    • A quick search for “Art of Living center near me” reveals local hubs hosting regular meetups, satsangs, and advanced courses.
    • Virtual classes gained momentum during recent global lockdowns, so jumping in online is as easy as clicking a link.

  3. Register and Dive In
    • Course registration is straightforward: fill out a short form, pick dates, and complete a modest fee (often on a pay-what-you-can basis in many regions). Scholarships or sliding-scale options may be available, keeping the ball in your court financially.

  4. Embrace Community Service
    • Volunteering lights up that spark of true involvement. Regular tree-planting drives, stress-relief workshops in schools or prisons, and disaster-relief initiatives (such as pandemic support in Europe) are hallmarks of the movement.
    • Signing up as a volunteer brings interactions with fellow seekers, forging friendships that often outlast the courses themselves.

  5. Deepen the Practice
    • After the foundation, consider Advanced Breathing Programs, Silence Retreats, or teacher-training modules if the inner calling grows stronger.
    • Annual festivals—like the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh—offer immersion in chanting, music, and wisdom talks by seasoned practitioners.

  6. Stay Connected
    • Monthly satsangs, newsletters, and local community events keep inspiration flowing. Regular practice circles ensure that the teachings remain alive, not shelved.

Becoming an Art of Living member unfolds naturally: learn the techniques, plug into the local or global community, and jump in with both feet on service projects. Along the way, it’s all about breathing easier—inside and out—while weaving into a tapestry of like-minded hearts.