The Art of Living Foundation recently purchased a beautiful classical style church located in the historic West Adams District of South LA, just two blocks from USC. While the Foundation is an educational and humanitarian NGO rather than a religious organization, its plans for the building are remarkably close to its original intention: creating a landmark for prayer, peace, service, and community upliftment.

Vision for the Art of Living Los Angeles Center

Over the past 2 years, the church has suffered from neglect, and like the neighborhood itself, it is now on its way to experiencing a restoration to its former beauty and prominence. With the support of the local community, philanthropists and institutions, the Art of Living Foundation plans to restore it to its former pristine condition. The new center is located at the perfect juncture of history and new development, inner city and higher education representing Art of Living’s commitment to uniting people of different cultures and communities as a “One World Family”.

After the riots of the 60’s and 90’s, the district’s decision to improve its socioeconomic conditions blends perfectly with the Art of Living’s campaign for a “Stress-free violence-free America”.  Some of the proven effects of the foundations programs are: the reduction of violence, bringing communities together and increasing neighborhood involvement through service, dialogue and events that celebrate diversity.

Public programs – The center will hold ongoing yoga, meditation, and knowledge programs open to the public, and several Art of Living courses which utilize breath and other ancient techniques to manage negative emotions and improve general well being.

Inner city youth -One of the most significant benefits the Foundation brings to the community is its long-standing history of success with youth empowerment.  Students in schools across America are facing the highest levels of stress in recent times. The mental and emotional health of our young people is a pressing concern, as evidenced by increasing rates of depression, substance abuse, and gang violence. The foundation offers programs nationwide and around the world that are geared towards students of all ages. These programs provide tools to reduce stress, increase focus, and improve health, while placing an emphasis on leadership, service and human values.

Programs have already begun in one of the district’s seven public high schools as well as in Los Angeles High School. Teachers, principals and administrators report back that after implementing the Art of Living programs they see grades improve, fewer suspensions, and higher attendance.  Teens themselves share that they don’t feel as angry, sleep better, study faster, and even get along better with their parents and siblings.

Higher education –The Art of Living College programs are offered in many prestigious universities around the country including USC and UCLA. As the USC campus expands, the center will be located on its northern border. The goal of these programs is to see that once students have the tools to be successful in their own lives, they use those skills to give back to their community, developing a broader vision of the world, and their role in it. Here in West Adams and throughout Los Angeles, the opportunities for involvement are countless.

Forum - Centered on topics such as health, social justice, holistic education, and social responsibility, this space will provide a platform for individuals and organizations to come together, dialogue and make a difference in the community.

Cultural Events - The building seats 1100 people in an auditorium that will be utilized for concerts, public talks, and exhibitions. In addition, it is equipped with a world class 100 year old organ made by Murray Harris that the Foundation intends to restore.