Kathmandu: The Embassy of Nepal in Myanmar organized a special yoga and meditation session on December 21 to celebrate the 2nd World Meditation Day at the Embassy premises.

The event began with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by remarks from Ambassador Harishchandra Ghimire, who welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of meditation. He noted that the United Nations’ resolution on World Meditation Day has increased global awareness of meditation as a tool for self-awareness, unity, and transforming challenges into pathways for peace. Referring to this year’s UN theme, “Inner Peace and Global Harmony,” Ambassador Ghimire encouraged participants to integrate meditation into their daily lives.

The session was led by yoga and meditation trainer Dr. Sirjana Bhandari, who guided participants through yoga, pranayama, and meditation practices, emphasizing their holistic benefits for body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Bhandari noted that meditation is now recognized worldwide as a form of wellness and a way of life.

During the program, Ambassador Ghimire also read a message from Prime Minister Sushila Karki on the occasion of World Meditation Day. The event was attended by members of the All Myanmar Gurkha Hindu Religious Association, representatives from the Non-Residential Nepali Association of Myanmar, the Bodhgaya Pilgrimage Working Committee, Nepali expatriates working in UN agencies and other organizations, Myanmar citizens, and embassy staff and their families.

The program highlighted the importance of meditation and yoga in promoting physical and mental well-being, fostering inner peace, and contributing to global harmony.

KATHMANDU: At the call of the United Nations, the World Meditation Day is being observed across the globe, including Nepal today.

To raise awareness about meditation and its benefits, the UN General Assembly last year proclaimed 21 Dec as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is scheduled to host an event at Sainik Manch Tundikhel in Kathmandu this morning.

Similarly, a group meditation program including interaction on various aspects of meditation is being held at Brahmananda Saraswati Gram in Bosan, Dakshinkali Municipality-1.

Marking the occasion, various other stakeholders bodies are also hosting a variety of programs today.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the significant benefits of meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation.

The WHO’s discussions on stress management underscore the importance of learning coping mechanisms, such as meditation, to support mental and physical well-being.

According to WHO, meditation can be a powerful self-care tool to support treatment and enhance overall well-being, particularly in managing symptoms of anxiety.

Incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine, even for just a few minutes, can help you achieve a sense of calm and focus.

Additionally, WHO acknowledges the mental health benefits of practices like yoga, which often incorporate meditative elements.

 Nepal hosts special side event in UN headquarters

Nepal hosted a special side event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to mark the second World Meditation Day.

The event, titled “Awakening the Mind: Pathways to Peace, Health, and Harmony,” was co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN and the Jeevan Vigyan Foundation.

During the event that took place on Dec 19 at the UN Headquarters, ahead of the official World Meditation Day, Representatives LP Bhanu Sharma and Ramesh Prasad Nepal of the Jeevan Vigyan Foundation represented Nepal and spoke about how Jeevan Vigyan or the science of living helps promote peace and harmony through yoga and meditation.

Speakers highlighted the role of meditation in fostering inner peace, strengthening emotional well-being, and developing conscious leadership amidst global challenges.

The event was part of the UN’s observance of World Meditation Day, which was officially declared through a resolution by the UN General Assembly on Dec 6, 2024.

Nepal was part of the core group of countries, along with India, Sri Lanka, Andorra, and Mexico that worked to finalize this resolution.

The event was attended by United Nations Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare, Nepali Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lok Bahadur Thapa, and Jeevan Vigyan Foundation President Devi Guruma, among others, representatives from various countries and communities.

A press release issued by the foundation states that the event has helped spread spiritual awareness around the world, including yoga, meditation, and samadhi, the roots of which are based in ancient Nepal.