On December 21, Sri Lanka celebrated its inaugural World Meditation Day, marking a significant global observance designated by the United Nations. The High Commission of India, working alongside the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, organized two special meditation sessions, aiming to promote mental and physical well-being through meditation practices.
The first session transpired at the Mayurapathy Meditation Hall situated in Colombo, and the second occurred simultaneously at the serene Jethvanarama Buddhist Monastery, located in Kalatuwawa, Ratnapura. Participants from various backgrounds engaged eagerly, highlighting the calming and transformative effects of meditation recognized during these gatherings.
This initiative follows the United Nations General Assembly's unanimous resolution A/79/L.27, which officially recognized December 21 as World Meditation Day. The resolution was part of collaborative efforts by Sri Lanka and India to showcase the substantial benefits of meditation on mental health and wellness, emphasizing the close relationship between yoga and meditation.
World Meditation Day, observed on the Winter Solstice—the shortest day of the year—provides not only the perfect backdrop for contemplation but also invites individuals to reflect on their well-being. The declaration aims to encourage meditation globally, inviting member states, NGOs, and individuals to engage with this practice.
Sri Lanka holds a unique position, steeped not only in rich Buddhist traditions but also as a strong advocate for integrating meditation practices within modern health systems. The country has taken strides to promote meditation's pivotal role, both culturally and institutionally, particularly through initiatives earlier this year prior to this landmark day.
The significance of this day was amplified through the conducting of the World Meditation Day Virtual Global Symposium. Despite the United Nations General Assembly formally declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day only on November 29, 2024, the symposium welcomed speakers from around the world. Participants hailed from Bhutan, India, Thailand, Australia, the UK, USA, and Myanmar, joining the Sri Lankan representatives to give the event its truly international flavor.
The online symposium kick-started at 9 AM, Sri Lanka Time, showcasing keynote addresses like one delivered by Senior Professor Vajira Dissanayake from the University of Colombo. He highlighted Sri Lanka's proud meditation heritage and its connection to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Target 3.4, focused on mental health and well-being.
Dr. Sirimali Fernando, Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, noted this initiative as “a small but significant step” to raise meditation awareness as part of broader efforts to create peace and sustainability through nurturing contented human beings.
Enthusiastic discussions marked the symposium as senior experts emphasized the global impact of meditation, including research findings on promoting wellness among patients with Parkinson’s and Diabetes, and its role social harmony and environmental awareness. The event connected traditional wisdom with modern scientific inquiry, underscoring meditation's relevance across medical and educational spheres.
Emeritus Professor Saroj Jayasinghe explored how meditation acts as a societal catalyst, underscoring the interdependence between individual well-being and global challenges. He advocated for the integration of meditation practices within public health frameworks, education systems, and policy development to address prevailing stress and societal challenges.
Notable speakers included Venerable Monks from across Australia, the UK, and Sri Lanka, alongside experts from various regions elaborated on their cultural perspectives and meditation practices. Comprehensive discussions unveiled insights relating to meditation’s applications within healthcare and personal experiences, advocating its broader relevance as foundational to human flourishing and societal peace.
A notable feature of the symposium was the guided meditation session facilitated by Ven. Panadure Chandrathana Thera, Deputy Abbot of NissaranaVanaya Forest Monastery, which drew participants around the globe for collective contemplation.
The symposium concluded with dynamic panel discussions, promoting strategies to embed the objectives from the UN declaration onto the global stage. With contributions from practitioners across various nations, inclusive discussions sparked thoughts on practical ways to encompass meditation within daily life and governance.
The overwhelming success of Sri Lanka’s first World Meditation Day Virtual Symposium heralds the potential to galvanize future efforts globally. Initiatives could include developing partnerships aimed at enhancing public health and education policies, advocating for cross-cultural methodologies to deepen cultural connections and health systems integration.
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