Introduction to Meditation’s Popularity
Meditation is enjoying a surge in popularity as a spiritual path that stands apart from conventional religious practices.
This trend has gained momentum thanks to figures like Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
On December 21, designated as World Meditation Day by the United Nations, Shankar led a virtual guided meditation session from U.N. headquarters in New York, captivating around 8.5 million participants worldwide.
After this remarkable global event, Shankar made his way to Boone, North Carolina, where about 1,000 people gathered at his Art of Living Retreat Center, known for its tranquil meditation hall.
At 68, Shankar radiated warmth and vitality as he welcomed the crowd, dressed in simple white robes against a backdrop of freshly fallen snow.
When someone inquired about the chill in the air, he affectionately called the cold “a friend.”
As Shankar entered the hall, many attendees approached him to express their admiration, presenting offerings of flowers and prayer beads while bowing in respect.
One participant joyfully declared their love for Gurudev, who humorously replied that love was an implicit part of the experience.
The Shift in Perception of Meditation
Reflecting on the shift in meditation’s perception since founding the Art of Living Foundation in 1981, Shankar remembered the skepticism that once surrounded the practice in the West.
People often viewed a calm mind as problematic, but the recognition from the U.N. marks a profound turning point, signifying meditation’s integration into various cultures and faiths.
In the past, Shankar noted that meditation seemed baffling to many.
Nowadays, however, it is so entrenched in society that those who don’t meditate are often the ones considered unusual.
Inspired by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a key figure in promoting Transcendental Meditation, Shankar developed the Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique, which forms the foundation of the Art of Living Foundation.
This organization aims to help individuals cope with the unique stresses of modern life.
Experiencing the Retreat
Seeking a peaceful retreat away from New York’s fast-paced environment, I signed up for a “Stepping into Silence” retreat, which required me to maintain silence for two full days, an experience designed to disconnect from my usual routine.
Although the cost was a bit steep, I was excited to submerge myself in an atmosphere rich with ancient wisdom.
After flying to Charlotte, I hopped on a shuttle that wound through the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.
The bus driver jokingly referred to my destination as “the middle of nowhere,” a sentiment echoed by another passenger who agreed that was exactly what we were seeking.
Upon my arrival, I immediately stashed my cellphone out of sight.
The retreat’s expansive grounds required a lengthy 20-minute stroll from one end to the other.
Our days began with early morning yoga, featured wholesome Ayurvedic vegetarian meals, and included lectures by the staff, all interspersed with time for personal reflection.
Throughout the retreat, I formed connections with various participants, each with their own motivations for attending.
Among them was a couple from Texas, regular retreat-goers whose practice of the SKY breathing technique significantly reduced the wife’s migraines; a family from Indiana looking to reconnect after engaging in online meditation during the pandemic; and a college student from India eager to experience Gurudev’s presence firsthand.
As I prepared for my silent retreat, a fellow New Yorker warned me of its challenges; even the smallest sounds could induce irritation.
I also dealt with a tailbone injury from ice skating, making it hard to sit comfortably on the floor.
On the second day, I inadvertently broke my silence with an exclamation after waking up abruptly prior to our morning yoga session.
The most challenging aspect of the retreat was confronting the endless chatter of my mind, filled with memories and anxieties that emerged in the stillness.
My instructor, Jim Larsen, likened meditation to a process that clears the impressions left by past experiences, allowing memories to surface without eliciting strong emotional reactions.
He humorously pointed out the link between “samskaras” and “scars.”
Practitioners of the Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) breathing technique report a variety of benefits.
This teaching has spread to over 180 countries, reaching numerous college campuses and correctional facilities.
The structured breathing exercise guided us into a deeply meditative state, where I found myself better able to visualize and let go of my thoughts.
I even overheard another participant describe feeling an invigorating energy coursing through her after her first experience with SKY.
Throughout the retreat, we learned the essential lesson of finding bliss: letting go of past and future attachments, along with judgments about ourselves and others, while embracing a simple breathing practice.
On the last day, we had the rare opportunity to spend time with Gurudev in an intimate setting—a darshan, which facilitates communion with the divine.
When asked about his relationship with Jesus Christ, Gurudev succinctly replied that it is rooted in love and unity among all beings.
Shankar emphasized the distinction between meditation and religious practice, explaining that meditation acts as a conduit for harmonizing mind and body through breath.
While he acknowledged the benefits of spiritual practices, he argued that meditation enhances prayer and devotion by deepening our understanding of our connection to the divine.
As I reflected on my experience and the beauty of the retreat’s surroundings, I inquired about the spiritual benefits of immersing oneself in nature compared to a busy urban lifestyle.
Gurudev reassured me that inner peace is not reliant on one’s environment; serenity can be found even amidst the hustle and bustle of vibrant cities like New York or Chicago.
Carrying his wise words back with me, I embraced a newfound sense of connection with those around me, smiling at every passerby.
For the first time, during my flight home, I took a moment to meditate, reflecting on the journey I had undertaken.
Source: Religionnews
