The Second World Meditation Day is being observed today across the globe, marking a growing international recognition of meditation as a tool for inner balance and global harmony. The United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed December 21 as World Meditation Day last year, aligning the observance with the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere—a time traditionally associated with reflection, renewal, and calm.
Global Observance at the United Nations
To mark the occasion, Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led a guided meditation session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during a special event titled Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony. The gathering brought together diplomats, UN officials, and yoga practitioners from around the world.
During his address, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted the relevance of meditation in today’s turbulent world. Drawing inspiration from Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna, he emphasized that modern society faces conflicts comparable to a battlefield, making inner strength and mental clarity more important than ever.
Meditation as a Path to Healing
He also shared examples illustrating how meditation has helped individuals find peace even in conflict zones. Referring to experiences from Ukraine, he noted how meditation practices helped soldiers cope with despair and emotional darkness, reinforcing the idea that inner calm can exist even amid external turmoil.
International Support for the Initiative
The observance was jointly organised by India, Andorra, Mexico, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the nations that sponsored the UN resolution establishing World Meditation Day. The initiative aims to promote meditation as a universal practice for mental well-being, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
As the world marks the second edition of this global observance, the message remains clear: cultivating inner peace is a vital step toward building a more harmonious world
