Arun proposes that the Government of Nepal work with the United Nations to establish an International Meditation Day on Buddha Purnima, the full moon of April/May. Deva Dosa has the details.
Updated 7 May 2020: International Meditation Day Celebrated on Vesak (Buddha Jyanti) adopted by districts in the State of Virginia
Imagine the large-scale ripple effect of an annual International Meditation Day on Buddha Purnima when the spring time energy is highest and the spiritual energy is very strong. As keynote speaker for the International Yoga Day 2017 in Kathmandu, Arun, founder of Osho Tapoban and a tireless facilitator of Osho’s meditation workshops world-wide, recently addressed the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Education: he proposed the creation of a new International Meditation Day that would be celebrated each year on Buddha Purnima—during the Wesak full moon of April/May. This special full moon time varies by region according to the lunar calendar and is also called Baisakh Purnima.
Speaking to a full house of government staff and Osho sannyasins, Arun requested the Nepal Government to present the proposal to the United Nations, the idea being that meditation on a large-scale would support the UN’s specific charter to counter terrorism around the world. The special event was organized by the Ministry of Education of Nepalese Government and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education, Gopal Man Shrestha.
Arun stated, “To celebrate Buddha Purnima as a World Meditation Day would be the greatest tribute we could pay to Buddha as the country where he was born.” The crowd of approximately 500 supporters enthusiastically cheered him on. Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education, Gopal Man Shrestha, and his staff gave an overwhelming positive response and assured Arun that they would present this proposal to the United Nations in the near future.
Nepal is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha) who was born in 623 BCE. In one of his recent books, ‘Lone Seeker, Many Masters’ Arun explains that Buddha is one of only two enlightened masters who were born, enlightened, and left their body on the same day: “Buddha was born on Baisakh Purnima under a Shal tree in Lumbini. He became enlightened at age 35 under a Bodhi Tree on a bank of the Niranjana River at Bodghaya, which was also a Baisakh Purnima. And his mahaparnirvana happened at age 80 between two Shal trees in Kushingar on a Baisakh Purnima.” He further refers to the similarities of Swami Rama Teertha (1873-1906) who was born, became enlightened, and left his body on Diwali.
Osho became enlightened on a Full Moon night under the Maulshree Tree in Jabalpur’s Jawal Thal Park. As for meditating on a full moon night, Osho says:
“The full-moon night is the best for meditation. Many people who have become buddhas have attained their enlightenment on the full-moon night, even Buddha himself. … Use it. Be alert and use every possibility to help you go in. Once you are awakened, then there is no problem. Then you can be at ease, at rest, at peace, anywhere.”
In a world torn apart by religious conflict, virtually all can agree on the beauty and power of the full moon in particular of April/May, also called the Pink Moon by Native American tribes. The lunar cycle of spring marks the time when animals wake up from hibernation and humans feel a sense of renewal. Other religions around the world have strongly associated with the springtime full moon for centuries, marking the beginning of the Jewish Passover and the Hindu Hanuman Jayanti and others. Easter Sunday in the Christian tradition is based on the first Sunday after the ecclesiastical full moon.
Proposing an International Meditation Day to the United Nations is an important input to further world peace and to reinforce among world governments and all peoples the importance and practical use of meditation. Arun’s creative initiative is a very positive use of government and a vital step towards a New Humanity.
Further supporting data in media shows mainstream acceptance of meditation. In 2016, TIME magazine published an issue devoted entirely to mindfulness, showing readers ways to reduce stress and how to be happier – chiefly through silent sitting meditation. Now that meditation is being commoditized and can attract significant advertising dollars to reach TIME’s 3 million readers, it’s a milestone of sorts in popular culture. Forms of meditation are no longer seen as being esoteric but have become widely popular and the interest is sufficient to support a world day of meditation.
The time is now for an International Meditation Day that will benefit the whole world.
You can show your support by using the super-quick online form at: outreach.un.org for the United Nations ‘Messengers of Peace’ program and say something to the effect of:
I am writing to offer wholehearted support for establishing an International Meditation Day as proposed by Swami Anand Arun to the Nepal Ministry of Education in June 2017. This designated day of awareness will make a global impact for world peace and benefit people inclusive of all faiths.
By Deva Dosa
Photo of Arun © Beni Waba
Quote by Osho from The Dhammapada: The Way of the Buddha, Vol 11, Ch 7
More quotes by Osho: The Buddha Full Moon
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