World Meditation Day 2024: Explore its Intriguing History and Facts

World Meditation Day 2024: People observe World Meditation Day on May 21 of each year. The purpose of the holiday is to raise awareness about the benefits of meditation, particularly in our rapidly evolving society characterized by constant change. The historical documentation of the practice of meditation dates back to 3000 B.C. in ancient Indian texts.

Additionally, third-century China is the origin of it. The objective of this practice is to achieve an emotional state of stability and tranquility by using techniques such as mindfulness or focusing on a specific object, thought, or activity. Meditation has transcended prior assumptions and established itself as an intrinsic component of mainstream culture in Western civilizations at this time.

History of World Meditation Day

Meditation is documented as early as 3000 B.C. However, some experts believe that Neanderthals could have meditated before humans evolved. Meditation, derived from the Latin word “meditatum,” is a series of activities used by people to increase consciousness and focus on mental and emotional stability and peace.

In 1500 B.C., Indian ancient records reference the mental training techniques known as “jhana” and “dhyana,” which provide insight into the inception of meditation. According to some, these documents originated in the Hindu tradition of Vedantism. Meditation was the subject of writings by the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi between the third and sixth centuries. His terminology resembled meditation techniques established in later decades. Bao Yi means “embracing the one,” and ‘Shou Zhong’ means “guarding the middle.” Judaism, Islam, and Christianity practice meditation, but its beginnings are unclear due to its Chinese and Indian roots.  The entirety of these has influenced the current state of meditation.

Meditation did not undergo Westernization until the turn of the 20th century. Initiating research on the scientific aspects of meditation in the 1960s, Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson discovered that meditators consumed 17% less oxygen than non-meditators. In the 1990s, meditation gained popularity in the United States, especially after celebrities began to engage in the practice. At the moment, an estimated 9.3 million adults in the United States engage in the practice of meditation on an annual basis.

National Day of Prayer 2024 (US): Activities, Fun Facts and FAQs

FAQs for World Meditation Day

Should twenty minutes of daily meditation suffice?

Many prosperous individuals are daily practitioners of meditation because they believe in its efficacy. Recent studies have established that the effects of 20 minutes of guided meditation are already profound. Additionally, experts recommend beginning one’s meditation practice first thing in the morning.

Does nighttime meditation qualify?

Undoubtedly so. Research has demonstrated that meditation improves sleep quality because the calming techniques help the mind to cease functioning and induce serenity.

May I utilize music to meditate?

The purpose of meditation is to discover the methods by which one can attain a state of tranquility and stability. You can and should therefore meditate with music if that facilitates the attainment of the desired state of tranquility.

Activities for World Meditation Day

Consider meditating

Devote a portion of your time during the day to meditation. Attune yourself to a tranquil state of mind through rest, music listening, or nature appreciation.

De-stress and declutter

Eliminate elements from one’s surroundings that occupy space without contributing any value. Prioritize your activities and thoroughly clean your residence before letting go of anything unimportant.

Employ a hashtag

Utilize the hashtag to assist in generating interest in this distinctive and significant holiday. For increased visibility, share informative content on social media with the hashtag #WorldMeditationDay.

Five Interesting Facts Regarding Types of Meditation

1. This form of meditation emphasizes the development of compassionate emotions toward all individuals, including one’s adversaries.
2. An individual is encouraged to assess their body for areas of tension and subsequently release those areas of tension during this procedure.
3. This form of meditation enables individuals to concentrate exclusively on the present moment, disregarding thoughts of previous or forthcoming events.
4. This form of meditation directs attention to the breath by having the practitioner count their breaths and inhale slowly and deeply.
5. Spiritual in nature, this form of meditation instructs participants to concentrate on transcending their present state of being.

Dates of World Meditation Day

Year	Date	Day
2024	May 21	Tuesday
2025	May 21	Wednesday
2026	May 21	Thursday
2027	May 21	Friday
2028	May 21	Sunday

National Garden Meditation Day 2024 (US): Discover its History, Activities and Facts