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Auckland, December 21, 2024
The United Nations declared December 21 World as Meditation Day and invited Art of Living Founder Sri Ravi Shankar to be the keynote speaker at the launch at the UN in New York.
More than 1800 New Zealanders had a taste of the easily accessible and profound meditation practices Gurudev leads when he spoke and led a meditation at the Aotea Centre on October 24, 2024
Meditation is fast becoming a movement for peace in nations and cultures around the world, from the rural back blocks of India and refugee camps to Board rooms, governments and communities around the world.
On December 6, 2024, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a Resolution declaring 21 December as World Meditation Day. This historic event establishes an annual global celebration of meditation, recognising its transformative benefits for mental and physical health, as well as its power to foster peace and unity.
Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York is marking the first-ever World Meditation Day at the United Nations Headquarters on December 20, 2024, under the theme, ‘Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony.’
Sri Ravi Shankar said, “The recognition of meditation by the United Nations is a profound step forward. Meditation nurtures the soul, calms the mind, and solves modern challenges.”
Highlights:
Keynote Address by Sri Ravi Shankar in the United Nations: Renowned for his pioneering efforts in stress relief and conflict resolution, he will address global dignitaries, including senior UN leaders, diplomats, and international representatives, underscoring meditation’s critical role in fostering peace and unity.
Global Livestream Event: On December 21, Sr Ravi Shankar will host a worldwide livestream, uniting millions in meditation to mark the Winter Solstice, an auspicious time for reflection and renewal.
The online programme can be accessed at www.aolf.me/world-meditation-day (9.30 am (EST), 2.30 pm GMT, 8 pm (IST) online
The significance
The unanimous adoption of World Meditation Day by the UN General Assembly is a bold acknowledgement of meditation’s capacity to address the challenges of modern life, from rising stress and violence to the erosion of trust and connection in society. Sri Ravi Shankar, who has dedicated 43 years to spreading the benefits of meditation across 180 countries, believes it is the most effective tool to cultivate mental clarity, emotional resilience, and societal harmony.
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From geopolitical conflicts to personal crises, the practice of meditation offers a universal solution that transcends boundaries of nationality, culture, and belief.
By integrating inner peace with outer action, meditation becomes a cornerstone for global peace-building efforts.
Increasingly, scientific research is demonstrating the widespread benefits of meditation practices, with a range of positive impacts on physical and mental health.
Millions of people around the world are expected to join the meditation live with New Zealanders can get ahead of Sunrise and join the meditation at 3 am on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
An inspirational video has been produced for World Meditation Day to help promote the event:
Further information can be obtained from Andrew Melville on 021-360075.
