I do not have much of knowledge about the AOL(Art of Living) except the various comments etc narrated by various people. But there is one thing which I am very sure about is that these sort of Ashrams etc are only meant for the rich and wealthy people who have a guilt within them and they want to get rid of it. I do not know much about Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and nor do I intend to seek it because he does not fall into the category of people with good intent.
These so called Godly men like Ravi Shankar can do so much for the society but they hardly come around for such deeds. They believe in an Empire of their own with all the luxuries surrounded. The poor Gardner who toils in his garden has hardly enough to meet both ends.
Some of the people of his category are totally involved into social service, charity, up-liftment of down trodden etc etc. Late Sri Satya Sai Baba and Amma are two amongst such people who have established so many facilities for the common man. They do have their Ashrams etc but the main focus is to look after the poor people and provide them quality medical facility and education.
The Society does not require someone to tell them after so many years of existence how to live. Give them the means to live and they will live better. Please, Please, Please Mr. Ravi Shankar, try and part a bit of your fortunes to look after the poor man who is struggling with life each day. You would do much better then.