On December 21, members of the NGO community gathered at the serene and sacred space of the Russo Kosei-Kai Buddhist Center of NY to share insights and lived experiences about meditation and its benefits to humanity and planet.
Celebration was chaired by Guru Dileepkumar who moderated a panel discussion with three long time meditation practitioners:
- BK Sabita Geer, Raja Yoga Meditation teacher for over 45 years and UN Representative of the Brahma Kumais.
- Rev. James Lynch, President of the Buddhist Council of New York and Co-Vice Chair of the Parliament of World’s Religions.
- Rev. TK Nakagaki, Buddhist priest in the Jodoshinshu tradition and Founder of the Heiwa Peace Foundation.
A few highlights from the dialogue:
- meditation is not a practice for a short time during the day but is a way of life.
- meditation is like a compass that points us towards our dharma or purpose.
- meditation is best practiced at sunrise (preferable at 4AM) and sunset.
Music, being a form of meditation, was rendered by Michelle DellaFave, singer, accompanied by Nahoko Sugiyama, dancer. Ananda Marga New York Sector added to the beauty through their devotional songs.
Contributions from Dr. Kusumita P. Pedersen (Poem from Sri Chinmoy), Brother Oneness (Message from the World Yoga Community), Peter Rogina (Peace Lights), Ms. Diane Marie Williams (CSVGC & Meditation Group at the UN), and Mr. Shaimi Jacob (NYS Comptroller’s Office) brought additional richness to the event.
Ms. Fatmata Bah from the New York State Assemblyman’s Office, Hon. Nader Sayegh, for announcing the Meditation Day Resolution in New York State.
