Becoming part of the Art of Living is less a matter of formal enrollment and more a process of entering into a living spiritual community through practice and participation. The most common doorway is the foundational course—often known as the Happiness Program or SKY Breath Meditation (formerly the Art of Living Course)—where one is introduced to Sudarshan Kriya, guided breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, and the basic principles that undergird the movement. This introductory program typically runs over several days and is conducted by certified Art of Living teachers, either at local centers or through workshops organized by the foundation. Through this initial immersion, many come to be regarded as part of the Art of Living “family,” not by virtue of a card or title, but by shared experience and commitment.

Formal registration generally occurs through the organization’s official channels. Prospective participants may visit the Art of Living website to register for courses, or they may contact local centers and certified instructors who facilitate these programs. During this process, a personal profile is usually created and basic contact details are recorded, which allows the organization to stay connected with practitioners and invite them to further activities. This simple act of registration serves as a practical bridge between individual seekers and the broader global network of centers, teachers, and fellow practitioners.

What deepens one’s sense of belonging is ongoing participation after the initial course. Many choose to attend regular follow‑up sessions, group practice of the breathing techniques, satsangs (spiritual gatherings), and other community events. Others are drawn to advanced courses, silence retreats, youth programs, or yoga offerings that build upon the foundation laid in the first workshop. In this way, involvement becomes layered: the more consistently one engages with these practices and gatherings, the more naturally one is woven into the fabric of the community.

Service, or seva, is another important dimension through which many come to be recognized as active members of the movement. The Art of Living encourages participation in volunteer initiatives such as community activities and service projects, often organized through local centers. While courses generally have fees, there is no indication of a separate, ongoing membership fee, and many activities are offered on a donation basis. Thus, belonging arises not from a formal dues‑paying structure, but from shared practice, shared service, and a shared aspiration for inner transformation and collective uplift.