The Impact of Meditation on Education: SAIP Session Review

On May 20th, 2023, an enlightening session unfolded at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Pharmacy campus. The event, organized by the SAIP-Event committee, was focused on exploring the "Role of Meditation in Education." The session was part of a collaboration with the Campus initiative of the Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shantivanam, Hyderabad.

Session lasted for two hours, starting at 11:00 AM and 35 participants - 25 students and 10 faculty members attended and benefitted from the session.

Unveiling Meditation - An Introduction

The session was inaugurated by Professor Om Prakash Katare, an esteemed faculty member of Punjab University, Chandigarh. His insights into the realm of meditation proved to be invaluable for the participants. He explained how meditation is a practice where an individual uses various techniques like mindfulness or focussing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity.

This technique is aimed at training attention and awareness to achieve a mentally clear, emotionally calm, and stable state. The simplicity yet profundity of this explanation resonated with everyone present, making them more eager to delve deeper into the subject.

Learning The Practice: Steps to Meditate

Following the enlightening talk by Professor Katare, Ms. Archana Pandey, a Healthfulness Meditation Trainer from Indore, took the stage. She expounded on various aspects and stages of meditation, further enlightening the eager minds in the room. Her training session aimed at guiding the participants through a relaxation process, with the primary focus being on three key points:

1. Focussing attention on a particular target, such as one's breathing, a sound, or a sensation.
2. Acknowledging when the attention has drifted away from the target.
3. Bringing the attention back to the target.

An important element of this practice, as emphasized by Ms. Pandey, was to do this without judgement, and with a sense of curiosity. This approach would allow individuals to identify patterns in their thoughts and feelings, leading to a clearer mind and a more peaceful outlook.

Impact of Meditation on Education

As the session delved into the practical aspects of meditation, its connection with education became evident. Students, while grappling with numerous challenges, often feel overwhelmed. The overwhelming stress and anxiety associated with academics can be detrimental to a student's mental health and overall performance. That's where the role of meditation in education becomes crucial.

The calming effects of meditation allow students to control their thoughts better, thereby helping them focus on their academic goals more effectively. By facilitating an environment of calmness and clarity, meditation can enhance the ability to concentrate, promote better understanding and recall, and improve overall academic performance.

Moreover, the stress-relieving effects of meditation can contribute significantly to the overall well-being of students, leading to a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

A Shift in Perception: Participant Feedback

Following the insightful session, participants shared their experiences and the knowledge they gained. Ms. Veena Gour, an attendee, found the session to be very interactive, helping her understand the concept of controlling thoughts to achieve life goals. She expressed how beneficial she believed it would be to her education.

Ms. Namrata Kushwaha, another participant, shared her thoughts, stating how the session helped her understand the importance of meditation in daily life and its tools and techniques. The session indeed succeeded in achieving its objective - making the students and faculty aware of meditation and its numerous benefits in daily life.

Conclusion

The session on the topic of the Role of Meditation in Education was a resounding success. It was instrumental in making participants aware of the basic of meditation, the steps to meditate, and the profound impact it could have on education and overall well-being.

The feedback from the attendees was testament to the effective and impactful delivery of knowledge by the esteemed speakers, Professor Om Prakash Katare, and Ms. Archana Pandey.

In the end, the role of meditation in education is not just about stress relief or achieving academic success. It's about fostering a more mindful generation, capable of better introspection, understanding, empathy, and a more balanced approach to life.

As the practice of meditation continues to permeate various aspects of our lives, it's inevitable that it will become an integral part of education. Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions would be doing a great service by integrating it into their curriculum, thereby creating a healthier and more mindful learning environment.