Sun Dec 22 01:13:46 UTC 2024: ## UN Celebrates First World Meditation Day with Call for Global Mental Hygiene
**New York, NY** – The United Nations marked the inaugural World Meditation Day on December 21st with a powerful call for global mental well-being. Hosted by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, the event featured renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation.
Addressing diplomats and UN members, Ravi Shankar championed meditation as a crucial tool for navigating the stresses of modern life, calling it “mental hygiene” – a necessity, not a luxury. He highlighted the escalating mental health crisis and emphasized meditation’s ability to foster inner peace, reduce aggression and depression, and cultivate sensitivity towards oneself and others.
Ravi Shankar also promoted India’s “Har Ghar Dhyan” initiative, aiming to bring meditation into every home. He explained that individual calmness fosters positive communication and helps combat modern ills like anxiety, drug abuse, and domestic violence. He offered practical advice on meditation, suggesting a gap of at least an hour and a half after meals before practicing.
The day culminated in a global meditation session led by Ravi Shankar from the 102nd floor of One World Trade Center, a symbolic gesture of resilience and hope 23 years after the September 11th attacks. The event underscored the growing recognition of meditation’s role in promoting individual and global well-being.
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