Marking the culmination of year-long celebrations honouring Vipassana meditation teacher Acharya S.N. Goenka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a virtual address highlighting Goenka’s contributions and the enduring value of Vipassana.
The Prime Minister commemorated the concurrent celebrations of India’s “Amrit Mahotsav” and Goenka’s birth centenary, emphasizing how both events inspire individual and national progress. He quoted Lord Buddha’s mantra, often used by Goenka, advocating for collective meditation as a foundation for a developed India (“Viksit Bharat”).
Modi shared personal anecdotes about his meetings with Goenka, expressing gratitude for his knowledge and calm demeanour. He praised Goenka’s unwavering dedication to spreading Vipassana, calling him a perfect embodiment of “One Life, One Mission.”
While acknowledging Vipassana’s Indian roots, the Prime Minister acknowledged a period when this knowledge was almost lost. He lauded Goenka’s role in reviving and reintroducing Vipassana, highlighting its relevance in addressing modern challenges.
Emphasizing Vipassana’s power for self-transformation and stress reduction, Modi underscored its importance in addressing contemporary issues like work-life balance and anxiety. He encouraged connecting elders with such practices for their well-being.
Acknowledging Goenka’s efforts in spreading Vipassana globally, Modi called for further research to validate its benefits and wider acceptance scientifically. He pledged India’s leadership in this endeavour, drawing parallels to the successful establishment of International Yoga Day.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister declared the centenary celebrations an inspiration and expressed confidence that Goenka’s legacy of service to humanity will continue to flourish.
