ORLANDO, FL: Even as the world geared up to mark the maiden International Day of Yoga, nearly 2,000 AAPI delegates and their families had an authentic experience of yoga and meditation with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during the 33rd annual convention here in Orlando, FL on Friday, June 19.
Delegates of AAPI that represents nearly 100,000 Physicians, Fellows, and Residents in the United States, were led to meditate after an inspiring address on Yoga and Health by global thought and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The unique event served as a platform for AAPI members to discuss the importance of meditation in resolving the nation’s pressing health concerns and how Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditations, the ancient traditions of India offer solutions to the most pressing health problems of the world.
Sri Sri travels the world sharing wisdom and insights on a number of timely and important topics. He has written books that teach and inspire. His talks motivate and encourage, offer comfort and reassurance, and provide insights for daily living.
“The secret of meditation is in letting go,” Sri Sri told the gathering, which included AAPI members and their families. “Stress arises when we have too much to do, and not enough energy or time to do it. We can neither change time nor the number of things we need to do. So, the only option is to increase energy levels. And this can be accomplished through yoga, breathing techniques and meditation,” Sri Sri elaborated.
His message to educators was: “Education has five aspects – Information, concepts, attitude, imagination, freedom. It is education that makes us human, and if it doesn’t, we need to look into the causes. It is educationists who can help us in this effort.” He added, “As teachers mentor thousands of youth, they can bring a great transformation in society.”
A happy mind lets you stay calm; make better decisions and improve the overall quality of life, he told the doctors, acknowledging that they lead a stressful life. “You live on average ten years less than the patients you treat,” as a consequence of the stressful life you lead, he told them.
Research has demonstrated the benefits of yoga and meditation as an effective method in reducing stress, managing depression and improving the sense of well-being.
In just three decades, the programs and initiatives by Sri Sri have touched the lives of over 370 million people in 152 countries, including many areas of conflict and disaster where he has offered stress- and trauma-relief programs, which have been successful in reducing the negative effects of PTSD and curbing violence.
Leading up the 20 minutes long meditation, Sri Sri told the doctors: “Meditation is that space where thoughts have subsided and the mind is in complete rest. Meditation is the journey from movement to stillness, from sound to silence. Yoga is like a vast ocean.
Yoga offers many things to different people at many different levels-whatever they aspire for: union with the cosmic consciousness, or physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, spiritual ecstasy – all this is part of yoga.” With the chanting of “Om” that filled the auditorium, the entire assembly in silence, he told them to go with the flow of the mind.
On the importance and the need to practice Yoga, which leads to one’s holistic health, he said, “Yoga is more than just stretches, poses and an elastic body. It provides inner comfort and enables you to access your intuitive ability, which is a necessary ingredient in any field – be it business, arts, science or sports.”
“The ancient secrets of Yoga hold the key to open a new dimension in your life beyond body and mind that will unlock your potential and tap into a field of infinite possibilities to live a deeper, more joyous life. Yoga brings good health, sharpness of intellect, creativity, emotional stability and a broad vision.”
Earlier, Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI, in his welcome address, stressed the importance of ancient Indian traditions and how they sow the way to a healthier life in modern world. He thanked Sri Sri for coming to share with AAPI delegates his wisdom.
He also thanked the many sponsors of AAPI who make conventions a success. He invited on stage H.R.Shah, CEO of TV Asia and Dr Sudhir Parikh, CEO of Parikh Media, who received plaques of appreciation from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
India Post News Service
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