World Meditation Day brings focus on traditional yoga practice rooted in Jainism

Om Arham Social Welfare Foundation’s chairperson Chinamay Kiyawat told The Hindu that thousands of people from different walks of life, including students, working professionals, homemakers, community helpers and business entrepreneurs, had overcome their physical, mental and lifestyle-related problems through the traditional yoga form.

The first World Meditation Day observed recently in Rajasthan has brought focus on the Arham Dhyan Yoga, rooted in the ancient Shramana heritage in Jainism, which claims to guide the individuals towards spiritual awakening and inner balance. Jain monks have been promoting this yoga practice during the last few years.

Arham Dhyan Yoga uses the power of meditation to unleash the power of the soul, enabling the practitioner to realise three levels of existence, reflected in mind, body and soul. The ‘panch mudras’ (five postures) and ‘ashtanga asanas’ in the yoga form lead to relaxation, healing and motivation.

The first World Meditation Day, announced by the U.N. General Assembly, was observed in the State on December 21 under the guidance of Jain monk Pranamya Sagar. The day’s observance has started in 2024 with the objective of raising awareness about the benefits of meditation and its role in promoting mental and physical well-being.

Om Arham Social Welfare Foundation’s chairperson Chinamay Kiyawat told The Hindu that thousands of people from different walks of life, including students, working professionals, homemakers, community helpers and business entrepreneurs, had overcome their physical, mental and lifestyle-related problems through the traditional yoga form. “It works as an energy booster, detoxifies ‘Prana’ and helps in releasing old Karmic bonds,” he said.

The event in Jaipur witnessed the participants practising the chanting of Arham Bijakshar Mantra and immersing themselves in meditation through exercises and ‘panch mudras’. The meditation concluded with a collective intent for global peace and harmony.

Muni Pranamya Sagar, who led the Arham Dhyan observance, said its ultimate aim was to detach the soul from physical and mental ties and guide it back to its original state of infinite bliss and pure consciousness. The Muni, a disciple of celebrated Digambar monk Acharya Vidyasagar, has simplified thousands of years of ancient processes and made them accessible to common people.

Mr. Kiyawat said some of the yoga events were held during the last few years at the historic sites such as the Red Fort in Delhi, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Sun Temple, Khajuraho, and the Jhansi Fort. “During the challenging times of the COVID-19 infection, the Arham lifestyle emerged as a beacon of hope, when the world’s largest 10-day-long workshops were held in the digital mode to inspire and transform countless lives,” he said.