Globally renowned spiritual and humanitarian leader, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of the Art of Living Foundation emphasized that “Meditation is not a luxury, but it is a necessity” during the inaugural “World Meditation Day,” event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of India (PMI) to the United Nations on December 20, 2024, the event highlighted meditation’s role as a tool for mental well-being.
Gurudev described meditation as “mental hygiene,” explaining that it transcends religion, geography, and age, serving as an effective remedy for anxiety and loneliness. It can help people be “more centered,” and recover from aggression and depression, he said.
Addressing the global mental health crisis, he urged UN member states involved in peace and security discussions to devote attention to fostering inner peace. “I tell you – the world would be a much better place,” he added.
Advocating for peace education, Gurudev underscored, “Meditation can bring us inner security and inner peace, which would reflect in a happier society.”
He recalled former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s 2015 remarks during International Yoga Day: “I wish we do this meditation before every negotiation. We’ll be more successful.” Gurudev noted that meditation is now being promoted as a valuable tool in international negotiations.
Member States Highlight Meditation’s Role:
The event featured remarks from several dignitaries, including President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Philémon Yang, India’s Permanent Representative to UN, P. Harish, Nepal’s Permanent Representative Lok Thapa, Sri Lanka’s Chargé d’affaires Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, and Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, Atul Khare.
Ambassador Harish highlighted the scientific and spiritual benefits of meditation, noting its profound impact on human well-being. He explained that December 21st marks the winter solstice and the start of Uttarayana, an auspicious time in Indian tradition for inner reflection.
“India’s leadership in human well-being stems from our civilizational dictum of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the whole world is one family,” he said. Harish also noted the close link between yoga and meditation, as recognized by the UN General Assembly.
Ambassador Harish applauded the efforts of Gurudev Ravi Shankar for fostering “harmony among individuals and nations, touching millions of lives across cultural and geographical boundaries.”
UNGA President Yang commended the adoption of the resolution by the UN General Assembly establishing World Meditation Day, stating, “World meditation day brings to light the benefits of this ancient practice and its inherent value in our daily lives, and it will hopefully lead to the expansion of this use as a tool for our collective well-being.”
He emphasized that meditation transcends borders, faiths, traditions, and time, offering a universal truth: “In its silence, meditation speaks a universal truth that we are all human, all seeking balance, and all striving for a better understanding of ourselves and the world we live in,” he added.
Meditation for Mental Health:
Under-Secretary-General Khare said “By making meditation a part of our daily lives, we can cultivate a healthier, more balanced mind,” and spoke about the challenges faced by UN peacekeepers and how meditation could support their mental health.
He noted that the UN launched a “Mind Companion” App on October 10, 2024, designed to help uniformed personnel with meditation and deep breathing exercises. The App, available in six UN languages and ten languages of troop-contributing countries, provides round-the-clock access to mental health resources. “I hope it will empower colleagues to make the right mental health decisions for themselves,” Khare said.
Nepal’s Ambassador Thapa said Nepal takes pride as a core group member in leading this noble initiative, emphasizing the importance of meditation cannot be overstated.
He highlighted meditation’s ability to transcend cultural, geographical, and religious boundaries, reflecting humanity’s highest ideals. Quoting Buddha— “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without”—he underscored the universal essence of meditation and mindfulness.
Sri Lanka’s Representative, Ambassador Gunaratna, echoed similar sentiments, stating that meditation offers an essential foundation for creating peaceful individuals. “In a world that seeks peace and harmony among the tragedy of conflicts, meditative practices would provide the essential ingredient in creating peaceful individuals, which is the fulcrum to building a sustainable and peaceful world.”
Establishing World Meditation Day:
On December 6, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution establishing December 21st as World Meditation Day. A core group of countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, Liechtenstein, and Andorra, led the initiative.
First Secretary at PMI, Sneha Dubey, highlighted the significance of the resolution. “The declaration of World Meditation Day comes at a crucial time when the world is fractious and faced with growing tensions. Rooted in ancient practices, meditation can be transformational in navigating the complexities of contemporary life,” Dubey said.
