United Nations Celebrates World Meditation Day, today, December 21: Amid a turbulent backdrop of global conflicts, the United Nations headquarters in New York experienced a rare moment of calm as spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conducted a meditation session. This 18-minute practice of stillness, titled Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony, was organized on the eve of World Meditation Day, a new initiative by the General Assembly.
While this serene session unfolded in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, the UN Security Council nearby was engaged in heated debates over international security threats, including the Ukraine war and the crises in the Middle East and Africa. Ravi Shankar’s initiative provided a stark contrast to these intense discussions, offering a pathway to inner peace and global harmony.
Speaking at the event, Ravi Shankar emphasized the transformative power of meditation. “There is much talk about peace and security here at the UN. But meditation brings inner peace, which is the foundation for a better world,” he said. He urged nations to prioritize peace education, teaching young people how to relax, release tension, and manage negative emotions effectively.
World Meditation Day: A New Beginning The United Nations General Assembly recently declared December 6 as World Meditation Day, aligning it with the Winter Solstice. The resolution, championed by a coalition of nations including India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra, echoes the significance of the International Day of Yoga celebrated on the Summer Solstice, another initiative led by India. A Tool for Mental Resilience
Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare highlighted the importance of meditation for UN peacekeepers. Ensuring their mental health is critical, and meditation has been integrated into a multilingual app to support their well-being,” he said.
India’s Permanent Representative P. Harish emphasized the historical and cultural roots of meditation in India, tracing it back thousands of years to yogic traditions. “India’s leadership in promoting human well-being is rooted in our civilizational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family,” Harish remarked, reinforcing the idea that inner peace can catalyze global harmony.
A Universal Call for Peace
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s session at the UN reminded the world of meditation’s potential to transcend divisions and foster unity. As the globe grapples with mounting tensions, this simple yet profound practice serves as a beacon of hope, urging individuals and nations alike to seek peace within themselves and extend it outward.