World Meditation Day

United Nations Declares December 21 as World Meditation Day. Efforts of Swami Anand Arun, founder of Osho Tapoban – Nepal, come to fruition.

On December 7th, 2024 the United Nations officially declared December 21 as World Meditation Day, a global observance to highlight the benefits of meditation and encourage its practice for overall well-being. The resolution was unanimously adopted, with strong support from core group countries including Nepal, India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Andorra.

Swami Anand Arun, the founder and coordinator of Osho Tapoban in Nepal – an international meditation hub – played a key role in advancing this proposal. Representing Enlightened Mystic Osho’s disciples and the broader meditation community, Swami Arun brought this initiative to the attention of the Nepalese government. Over the years, he has written articles and delivered lectures on the importance of establishing a global day for meditation, both in Nepal and internationally.

In 2019, during a visit to Virginia,USA, Swami Arun’s efforts were recognized by the state. On February 16, 2019, a proclamation was passed, honoring his contributions to the meditation community and celebrating April 30 as International Meditation Day. The proclamation was supported by Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko, House Delegate John Bell, and Loudoun County Chair Phyllis Randall.

Proclamation for “International meditation day”

Group at Virginia

This historic moment was documented under House Resolution #443 in Virginia and received widespread media attention. The initiative was supported by key figures such as Mr. Hari Sharma, Mr. Subarna, and others.

Swami Arun also presented this proposal to the Nepalese government, urging them to propose the recognition of World Meditation Day at the United Nations. During meetings with Nepal’s Home, Education, and Foreign Ministries, discussions centered around the global importance of such an observance.

On February 18, 2019, Swami Arun visited the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York, where he met with Head of Mission, Mr. Nirmal Raj Kafle. They assured him that the proposal would be presented at the next UN meeting.

At Permanent Mission to Nepal to UN in NY

On February 19, 2019, Swami Arun was invited to deliver a lecture at the Nepalese Embassy in the United States, where he discussed Meditation and the Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings. The event was attended by representatives from various countries, including the Ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Myanmar, who pledged their support for the proposal. A short meditation session followed the lecture, attended with great enthusiasm by all guests.

At Permanent Mission to Nepal to UN in NY

In a historic development on October 21, 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Swami Arun’s proposal for World Meditation Day was also presented to him by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Mr Narayan Kaji Shrestha, further solidifying the country’s commitment to global meditation advocacy. He requested Guterres to help in declaring International Meditation Day to commemorate the mediation method of the Buddha. Secretary-General Guterres was delighted to hear about the proposal.

Narayankaji Shrestha & Swami Arun at Osho Tapoban

Narayan Kaji Shrestha with UN Sec General Guterres

UN Sec General in Lumbini

In addition to his international efforts, Swami Arun’s initiatives have led to the inclusion of yoga and meditation as part of the school curriculum in Nepal, a framework introduced by Swami Arun and the Osho Tapoban team.

The declaration of December 21 as World Meditation Day is a significant milestone, not only for meditation practitioners but for the global recognition of its profound benefits. The winter solstice, which falls on this date, will now serve as a reminder of the power of meditation to foster well-being and inner transformation.

This achievement brings immense pride to the Osho community and meditators worldwide, as Osho’s teachings and vision for the world, comprised of innovative meditations as a tool for personal and collective growth & transformation. On this day, numerous events and programs will be organized across the globe to celebrate the healing power of meditation.

Gratitudes to the community who came together in different cities and events, to support us which has lead upto this historical achievement.

Materials and facts/context provided by Samir Khanal / samir.khanal@gmail.com, San Diego, USA

References

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