World Meditation Day 2024: Experts insight on the significance of meditation in life – Times of India

On December 6, 2024, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution formally declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day. Introduced by Liechtenstein and co-sponsored by nations including India, Bangladesh, and Portugal, this resolution seeks to raise world knowledge of meditation’s ability to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
December 21 is a symbolic option since it falls on the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night of the year, so promoting introspection and inner calm.

What is Meditation

Rooted in ancient customs and today backed by contemporary science, meditation is a transforming activity that improves mental and physical well-being. It entails being present and conscious, so fostering concentration, emotional equilibrium, and leisure. Through rewiring brain areas like the hippocampal and amygdala, meditation scientifically promotes neuroplasticity, enhances cognitive ability, lowers stress, and controls emotions. A complete health treatment, it also improves sleep quality, lowers blood pressure, lessens inflammation, and boosts immunity. Beyond leisure, meditation has great advantages for surviving in the fast-paced environment of today by helping one develop resilience, clarity, and balance.
We talked to experts to understand what meditation mean to them and how it can add value to everyone’s life:

Meditation addresses the difficulties of sedentary lives – Sidhharrth S Kumaar

“ In a society where stress is rising, technology is driving constant contact, and meditation is becoming more and more important for reaching balance and well-being. It offers the mind a haven, therefore reducing stress, offsetting technology overload, and improving emotional resilience. Meditation addresses the difficulties of sedentary lives and occupational burnout by stressing concentration, creativity, and physical wellness. It provides a road to holistic healing and spiritual development, fits with minimalist principles, and promotes connection in a society growing more and more apart. All accessible, meditation helps people to flourish among the complexity of life by bridging old knowledge with modern technology. It is also important to understand that, ‘Meditation’ is not something which is one size will fit all. One need to personalize the meditation practise and ritual in life based on Mind, Body and Soul which can effectively be charactered by Astrology, Numerology and Ayurveda. This World Meditation Day, let us make a commitment to self to curate own meditation ritual as part of life which is personalized and proactive,” says Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Astro Numerologist, Personalized Meditation Coach & Founder, NumroVani

Meditation plays the role of illuminating the inner light

Spiritual Life coach, Dr Mickey Mehta says, “Meditation is an ancient wisdom tradition, a science and philosophy of meditation all put together. It takes you in the realm of metaphysics, the invisible power of nature’s unison, accessing cosmic energy and drawing the knowledge of all dimensions. In the stillness of its being, you can have intuitions, foresights, insights and you get reoriented in your flow and rhythm. So, compassion and creativity, core and confidence become very strong. Circumstances create feelings. So, meditation is putting your body into a circumstance of relaxation, calmness, tranquillity. The feeling of being relaxed, calmness and tranquillity happens because it is not doing but just being so stop doing start being sitting in deep awareness, deep observation being a witness to everything that is inside and outside of you if circumstances create a feeling while being in meditation whatever feeling you generate will create the circumstance of your choice so this science works also. This is the science of meditation. It is a philosophy of bringing the invisible and making it a part of your real realm of existence. The changes in the geography with dates do happen. So, changes in months bring about climates, seasons and the weather follows. This is the longest night of the year, then the nights start getting longer. The setting of the winter, making the earth cooler, colder, brings about a lot of gloominess, a lot of sadness, depressions, because of lesser light. Meditation plays a role of illuminating the inner light and countering and adjusting with it”.

Meditation nurtures your mind, nourishes your body and elevates your spirit

“ In Yoga, meditation is not about escaping the world but about embracing it with a deeper understanding. But instead of embracing Life in its wholeness, instead of finding joy in all that we have; the mind chooses to worry, to over-emphasize the possibilities of misfortune. Meditation stills these thoughts; offers us sanctuary from pain and worry. It reminds you that Life doesn’t have to be a sequence of unfortunate events. It is a powerful reminder to not over-complicate life, to find joy in everyday moments. Meditation nurtures your mind, nourishes your body and elevates your spirit. It is a master-class in navigating life’s challenges with courage, happiness, hope, calm and wisdom. A few moments of mindful breathing each day can transform your health, relationships and outlook on life. So, this World Meditation Day, make a commitment to yourself. Begin with just five minutes a day and witness the profound change it brings to your well-being and inner joy,” says Dr. Hansaji Yogendera- Director of The Yoga Institute, author and a yoga guru.

Meditation is about taming our monkey mind and making it a monk – AiR Atman in Ravi

If Meditation can become an Addiction, there can be no better Benediction.
Meditation is not about sitting cross-legged on some fancy meditation mat, keeping the spine erect and the body still. It is not about playing meditative music or lighting fragrant candles. All this does not matter. Our focus should be on our mind. We have to make our mind still, silent. If we are sitting absolutely still, that is, if our body is still, and our eyes are closed but our mind is wandering, craving, chattering, jumping from thought to thought, shuttling between yesterday and tomorrow, we are far from meditation. Meditation is about taming our monkey mind and making it a monk. We need to still the mind, kill the mind. The way to still the mind is to watch the mind, observe the mind so that we become a witness or an observer. We watch each thought as it comes like we would watch fish in an ocean. We must also understand that meditation is not an esoteric practice meant for Yogis, monks or sages so that they can evolve in their spiritual journey and be awakened, though meditation is a key spiritual practice. Meditation is something that we can all practice in order to live a life of peace and bliss. Meditation removes our mental clutter. It relaxes us. It helps us focus. It fosters a sense of well-being.Ultimately, we must strive to be in a meditative state for as long as possible. Meditation leads us to the state of Consciousness, where one can be awakened. Meditation enables a seeker to cut off the outside noise and hear the Divine voice. It leads to contemplation, which leads to purification and illumination that further leads one to the realization of the truth. What is the truth? That we are not the body, mind and ego. We are the Soul. Everybody is a Soul, a Spark Of Unique Life. And the Soul is nothing but a part of God. Self-realization leads to God-realization. And it all starts with silence, meditation.

Meditation a special destination and a wonderful journey

“Prayer is a sacred dialogue where we express our deepest desires, planting seeds of intention in the cosmos. Meditation, however, is the harvest—where we receive the universe’s response, illuminating our path and helping us realize our highest potential. Meditation a special process of becoming fully present, observing thoughts without judgment, and fostering clarity and calmness. This practice is accessible to all, regardless of age, belief system, or background. Global Recognition and Its Purpose,” says Himalayan Siddhhaa Akshar.
“Meditation a special destination and a wonderful journey—each moment of mindfulness strengthens our connection with ourselves and the universe. The inaugural World Meditation Day offers an opportunity to celebrate this timeless practice and its profound impact on humanity,” he adds.

Meditation is not controlling thoughts – Sri Sri Ravishankar

“You don’t have to Meditate for hours to experience bliss, The connection with that inner space, your source, can happen in a fraction of a moment. A 20-minute of meditation twice a day is enough to take you inward. Meditation is not controlling thoughts. In meditation, you do not crave for good thoughts nor are you averse to bad ones. You are a witness and transcend the thoughts and move into a silent space deep within,” Sri Sri Ravishankar.

Let this World Meditation Day be a call to meditation

On the World Meditation Day, Ma Dharm Jyoti pays gratitude to his master, Osho.
“On this sacred day, we bow in reverence and gratitude to the Master of Masters, Osho, whose wisdom continues to illuminate the path of countless souls. December, the month that marks his birth, is a time for his lovers to pause, reflect, and delve deeply within. Through more than 3,000 meditation techniques, Osho shows us the way to our real self, helping us touch the timeless essence of our being. He invites us to not be like a dry leaf carried aimlessly by the winds of life, swayed by the pursuit of fleeting desires. Instead, Osho urges us to find our roots in the self, and to roar like a lion (or lioness), full of grace and love. In his presence, life is no longer a series of events to be merely endured, but an opportunity to live in beauty and celebration. Osho’s teachings remind us that every moment is sacred, and that the true purpose of our precious human existence is to awaken to the divinity within. As we honor this day of remembrance, may it inspire us to embrace a 180-degree shift—turning inward, shedding the illusions of the mind, and recognizing who we truly are. Let this World Meditation Day be a call to meditation, self-discovery, and the sharing of love, so that we may live our lives with the joy, peace, and freedom Osho so lovingly promised,” he said.

Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti , daughter disciple of Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji

On World Meditation Day, let us delve into the profound teachings of Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, who elevates meditation beyond a mere breathing exercise, performed in a fixed posture with closed eyes into a transformative practice to harmonize with the cosmic rhythm of existence. Rooted in the timeless wisdom of the revered scriptural texts, Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji presents meditation as an eternal science—Brahm Gyan, which is defined by the activation of the Agya Chakra (the “opening” of the Third Eye) by a Perfect Spiritual Master. This unlocks a tangible journey into the inner realms of consciousness. This journey is illuminated by awe-inspiring supra-sensory visions of Divine Light, perceived within the frontal lobe while the physical eyes remain closed. These sublime visions with their divine magnetism, anchor the restless mind to the awakened Third Eye, immersing it in the luminous splendour of the Self. This enhances concentration, infuses one’s persona with the positivity and radiance of the Self, dissipates stress and anxiety, and leads to a state of unparalleled relaxation. Through Brahm Gyan, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (run under the divine leadership of Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji) has brought these transformative changes in the lives of lakhs of people including corporates, youth, and homemakers, as well as Tihar jail inmates, former addicts, and individuals with disabilities, who have gained self-reliance by discovering the Self within.

Meditation offers a path to clarity and connection

Swami Chaitanya Keerti , Meditation Facilitator from Osho World and the author of book ‘Mindfulness the Master Key, says meditation offers a path to clarity and connection. “ On World Meditation Day, let us remember Osho’s wisdom: meditation is not an act but a state of being. It is the art of witnessing life in all its beauty and chaos, untouched yet fully present. In silence, we find our true selves, and in stillness, we discover the universe within. Osho, as his name suggests, is an ocean—vast, limitless, and profound. He has illuminated meditation from all directions, devising over 300 methods to suit meditators of all kinds. This is just one of his most significant contributions to the world—a timeless gift for inner transformation and freedom. As the world grows louder and more fragmented, meditation offers a path to clarity and connection. Its relevance today lies in its power to heal minds, nurture peace, and bridge the gap between our inner and outer worlds,” he said.

One can grow spiritually and personally through meditation

“Meditation or Roop Dhyaan, is a significant and ancient part of the Indian culture. It is the most crucial phase on the path of Sadhna for all living beings who wish to reach their ultimate spiritual goal in today’s material world. Meditation is beneficial to both individuals who practice spirituality and those who do not, as it soothes all of our senses, particularly our minds and intellects. Regular meditation gradually develops mental mastery since control over the mind is vital for success in any endeavour. Meditation is one of the effective techniques to help manage thoughts, which in turn allows you to manage any circumstance with composure and effectiveness. In Shri Krishna Charit Manas (Rasayan Mahakavya), Jagadguru Shri Priyadarshi ji Maharaj (the author), has thrown light on the importance of Roop Dhyaan (meditation), which helps one to attain their Spiritual goals. One can grow spiritually and personally through meditation. Encouraging people to meditate is one of the finest methods to inspire people. At the very least, one must meditate on ‘Meditation day’ and discover the depths to which it can take one,” Dr. Shri Krishna Kinkar ji Maharaj.

Mindfulness is about inculcating a state of being conscious – Gauranga Das Prabhu

In BG 6.34, Arjuna says
cañcalaṁ hi manaḥ kṛṣṇa
pramāthi balavad dṛḍham
tasyāhaṁ nigrahaṁ manye
vāyor iva su-duṣkaram
The mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Kṛṣṇa, and to subdue it, I think, is more difficult than controlling the wind.
This reflects the power of the mind and the potential it has to have a sway over our thoughts, then words and eventually our actions. This hence requires us to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is about inculcating a state of being conscious or aware of something. Here, you focus your awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting all that you go through: feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Overall, it can offer a therapeutic experience. One achieves this when the body (gross) is in alignment with the mind (subtle). For this to happen, one needs to practice both physical fitness and mental wellness by practicing mind control. Practices like ashtanga yoga offer this synergy as they activate the chakras in the body and bring in the alignment of the gross body and subtle body. One can take this further beyond by infusing spiritual wellness into the equation. Performing Bhakti Yoga brings in alignment of the soul with the body and the mind. Mantra meditation, or chanting of the holy names of God is a powerful technique to offer sustained holistic wellbeing. The soul by nature is sat-cit-ananda (eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss). Practice of techniques of Bhakti Yoga reorients the body and mind in line with what the soul seeks: eternal lasting happiness in alignment with God.
Gauranga Das Prabhu – a member of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission and the director of ISKCON’s Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV).