New Delhi: Meditation is not merely a spiritual practice but a scientifically validated tool that helps manage stress and regulate the brain’s emotional responses, experts from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, said while observing World Meditation Day on Sunday.
Addressing participants, MDNIY Director Prof. (Dr.) Kashinath Samagandi highlighted the growing clinical relevance of meditation in today’s fast-paced and competitive world. He noted that nearly 60–70 per cent of stress is occupational, underscoring the urgent need to align the body and mind through yogic practices rooted in the Patanjala Yogasutra.
Citing contemporary scientific research, Prof. Samagandi explained that neuroimaging studies have shown Om chanting significantly reduces activity in the amygdala, the brain region associated with fear, anxiety, and negative emotions. This calming effect occurs through the activation of the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in emotional regulation.
An fMRI study has demonstrated marked deactivation of the amygdala during loud Om chanting compared to a resting state, reinforcing meditation’s role in stress reduction.
He also referred to research conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, which found that Yoga Nidra induces measurable changes in brain activity linked to deep relaxation and emotional control. These changes were associated with lower stress levels and reduced systemic inflammation.
The observance of World Meditation Day gains added significance as the United Nations General Assembly last year proclaimed December 21 as World Meditation Day, reaffirming every individual’s right to attain the highest standards of physical and mental health.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Ayush’s broader mission to integrate traditional Indian wisdom with modern lifestyle practices to promote holistic well-being.
During the event, Swami Muktimayananda of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, urged participants to turn inward for lasting peace and mental clarity. He said inner calm begins with self-awareness and understanding one’s true nature—Sat Chit Anand Swaroop—anchored in love and compassion.
He also emphasised the importance of following Yama and Niyama, the ethical foundations of yoga, to overcome ego, jealousy, and unfulfilled desires that disturb inner harmony.
The programme brought together eminent scholars, yoga practitioners, and meditation enthusiasts. It featured specialised meditation sessions and live demonstrations of various techniques, aimed at equipping participants with practical tools to build mental strength, emotional resilience, and long-term well-being.