Following a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 November 2024, the world will observe 21 December 2024 as the first World Meditation Day. This is an important moment in the global recognition of the value of meditation. This historic event will establish an annual global celebration of meditation, highlighting its transformative benefits for mental and physical health and its potential to promote peace and unity.
India led the ceremony at the UN Headquarters
To commemorate the day, the Permanent Mission of India hosted a special event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event featured a live, global meditation session led by renowned Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who served as the chief guest. The initiative aims to promote meditation as a way to enhance mental well-being and global peace. The theme of the event has been “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony”.
The recognition of World Meditation Day by the United Nations General Assembly is a bold acknowledgment of the potential of meditation in addressing rising stress, violence and social disconnection. In the fast-paced rhythm of contemporary life, meditation has emerged as a guiding light, leading individuals around the world towards inner peace and self-discovery. This profound practice, deeply rooted in the history and culture of India, has transcended geographical boundaries. In recent decades, meditation has emerged as a powerful tool in fostering international goodwill, fostering mental well-being and providing a unique philosophical outlook on life.
What is meditation?
According to the United Nations, meditation is an ancient practice that involves focusing your attention on the present moment. Rooted in religious, yogic, and secular traditions across a variety of cultures, meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, it is adopted around the world, growing from its spiritual origins to become a universal tool for personal well-being and mental health.
The most recognized definition of meditation generally describes it as a practice where a person uses techniques such as mindfulness, focused attention or focused thought to train the mind and achieve a state of mental clarity, emotional peace and physical relaxation. Uses.
There are different types of meditation, each offering unique approaches to achieving peace, clarity and balance. Research emphasizes its ability to reduce stress, improve focus and emotional balance, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase sleep quality. It also contributes to better physical health, including reducing blood pressure and managing pain.
Technology has further increased the accessibility of meditation, with apps and online platforms enabling individuals to practice anywhere and anytime.
benefits of meditation
Beyond individual benefits, meditation promotes empathy, cooperation, and a sense of shared purpose, which contributes to collective well-being. Celebrated for its universality, meditation is practiced by people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles in all regions of the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the significant benefits of meditation, especially mindfulness meditation. WHO’s discussion on stress management underlines the importance of learning coping mechanisms such as meditation to support mental and physical well-being.
