(Commonwealth_India) Spiritual Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar delivered a significant address during the inaugural session of the first-ever World Meditation Day at the United Nations headquarters in New York , underscoring meditation’s vital role in today’s world. Speaking to an engaged audience, Ravi Shankar emphasized the increasing necessity of meditation in modern life, especially in light of the growing mental health crisis that has severely impacted global populations.
Ravi Shankar likened meditation to “mental hygiene,” drawing a parallel to dental hygiene, a practice people commonly engage in for the health of their teeth. He explained that just as maintaining physical hygiene is essential for optimal health, meditation is also necessary for maintaining mental well-being. He pointed out that mental health challenges, such as widespread aggression and depression, have become pressing issues in contemporary society, particularly affecting younger generations. “Today, meditation is not a luxury as it was once thought, but it is a necessity,” he stated. Through meditation, he explained, individuals can become more centered, less prone to negative emotions, and better equipped to cope with the mental health challenges of the modern world.
Ravi Shankar also spoke about the broader societal benefits of meditation. He highlighted how it nurtures sensitivity and sensibility—two qualities essential for the functioning of any civilized society. Meditation, he noted, helps individuals develop greater awareness not only of their inner state but also of the world around them, including the people in their lives and the environment. This heightened awareness fosters a sense of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. He encouraged individuals to develop sensitivity towards themselves, their fellow humans, and the environment, acknowledging the interconnectedness of these elements. Meditation, he argued, enables individuals to be more conscious of their surroundings and the emotions of others, creating a ripple effect that encourages peaceful, considerate, and responsible actions.
In his address, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar elaborated on the power of meditation to prevent antisocial behaviors, including those that can harm both individuals and society at large. By practicing meditation, people become less inclined to engage in harmful actions and more focused on creating a harmonious, peaceful existence. The Guru also conducted a special meditation session for over 600 attendees at the event, further illustrating the transformative potential of this ancient practice.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Philemon Yang, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, and Atul Khare, the Under Secretary General of the United Nations, among others. The global recognition of World Meditation Day is a significant achievement, especially given the increasing relevance of mental health and well-being in today’s turbulent times.
In a historic development, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on December 6 to declare December 21 as World Meditation Day. India played a crucial role in the adoption of this resolution, marking a monumental moment in the global recognition of meditation as a powerful tool for promoting calm, peace, and overall human well-being. This move is particularly meaningful when the world is grappling with numerous conflicts and suffering, underscoring the importance of fostering practices that can nurture peace and tranquility.
The timing of World Meditation Day is also symbolic. It coincides with the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and Indian tradition marks the beginning of Uttarayana, an auspicious period that is considered ideal for meditation and inner reflection. The significance of this day is further underscored by its placement six months after the International Day of Yoga on June 21, aligning with the summer solstice and adding depth to the global calendar of mindfulness and spiritual observance.
Thus, the establishment of World Meditation Day not only celebrates meditation as an ancient practice but also promotes its potential to transform lives and foster a peaceful, balanced, and harmonious world.
