Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Promotes Inner Peace Through Meditation at UN Amidst Global Challenges
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United Nations, Dec 21 (NationPress) Eighteen minutes of calm enveloped the headquarters of the world organization, which is frequently overshadowed by global challenges, as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar facilitated a meditation session aimed at promoting peace at the United Nations.
During this moment on Friday, the Security Council, located just down the hall, was engaged in a heated discussion surrounding “threats to international peace and security”, having earlier addressed issues such as “children in armed conflicts”, tensions in the Middle East and Africa, and the Ukraine War.
Within the peaceful environment of the Trusteeship Council Chamber, Ravi Shankar led the ‘Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony’ on the eve of World Meditation Day, recently established by the General Assembly.
He emphasized that while there is considerable dialogue about peace and security at the UN, meditation serves as a means to cultivate inner security and tranquility, ultimately contributing to a better world.
“I encourage all nations present to focus more on peace education. We must teach our youth how to relax, alleviate daily stresses, manage their negative emotions, and remain centered,” stated Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation.
On December 6, the General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution, spearheaded by a core group from India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra, along with many others, to designate Winter Solstice Day as World Meditation Day.
This day complements the International Day of Yoga, celebrated on Summer Solstice Day, which was also declared by the General Assembly at India's initiative.
General Assembly President Philemon Yang remarked, “Meditation transcends borders, faiths, traditions, and time, providing each individual the chance to pause, listen, and connect with their inner selves.”
“In its silence, meditation reveals a universal truth: We are all human, all in pursuit of balance, striving for a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us,” he added.
Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare noted that UN peacekeepers are “tasked with safeguarding civilians from physical violence, often facing atrocities, war crimes, and crimes against humanity themselves. It is vital to care for their mental health, and to that end, the UN has launched an app in 16 languages that includes meditation resources.”
India's Permanent Representative P. Harish explained, “The ancient Indian practice of 'Dhyana', or meditation, has roots extending back thousands of years to yogic traditions, and is crucial for attaining inner peace and harmony between mind and body, thought and action, and humanity and the external environment.”
He mentioned that in Indian tradition, the winter solstice signifies the beginning of 'uttarayana', a propitious period for introspection.
“India's leadership in fostering human well-being is derived from our civilizational principle of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to the whole world being one family,” he concluded.
