RRU Brings Peace: Vipassana Session at Manotsav’24 Marks World Mental Health Day
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Synopsis of the Article
- Rashtriya Raksha University hosted a Vipassana session on World Mental Health Day at its Manotsav’24 event.
- The event aimed to raise mental health awareness for all ages and professions.
- Dignitaries like Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji and Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kalpesh H. Wandhra attended.
- The World Health Organization’s theme, “Mental Health at Work,” was emphasized.
- The session, guided by Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji, explored the principles of Vipassana meditation, focusing on mental and physical wellness.
- Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji shared his journey with Vipassana since 1991 and led a short ‘Ānāpāna’ breathing meditation.
- Vipassana, meaning “seeing things as they are,” helps manage stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts.
- The event highlighted the importance of mindful practices in maintaining mental well-being in daily life and work.
Rashtriya Raksha University Hosts Vipassana Session at Manotsav’24 to Promote Mental Health Awareness
Introduction: World Mental Health Day Observed with Purpose at Rashtriya Raksha University
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Lavad, celebrated World Mental Health Day by organizing a unique event focusing on mental well-being. Hosted by the School of Behavioural Sciences & Forensic Investigations (SBSFI) at the university, the event took place at the annual Manotsav’24 festival. The occasion, marked with a Vipassana session, aimed to bring mental health awareness to all, irrespective of age, background, or profession. It conveyed an important message about prioritizing mental wellness in today’s busy world.
VIP Attendees Marking an Important Day
The event was attended by several dignitaries, adding significance to the occasion. The Hon’ble Chief Guest Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji, who has dedicated his life to social welfare through Vipassana, graced the session with his presence. Joining him were Hon’ble Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Prof. Kalpesh H. Wandhra, Chief Mentor of SBSFI Dr. S. L. Vaya, and Director of SBSFI Dr. Mahesh Tripathi. Their participation highlighted the commitment of Rashtriya Raksha University to promoting mental health and fostering a supportive environment for students and faculty alike.
WHO’s Theme of the Year: Mental Health at Work
This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated “Mental Health at Work” as the theme for World Mental Health Day. The theme underscores the importance of cultivating safe and supportive workplaces that protect employees’ mental health. RRU’s initiative resonated with this theme, as it addressed how mental wellness practices like Vipassana can significantly benefit both personal and professional lives.
Vipassana: An Ancient Practice for Modern Mental Wellness
The main highlight of Manotsav’24 was the Vipassana session led by Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji. Vipassana, an ancient Indian meditation technique, is derived from the words ‘Vi’ meaning ‘special’ and ‘Passana’ meaning ‘seeing’ – essentially, ‘seeing things as they are.’ This practice enables individuals to observe the connection between the mind and body, helping in recognizing and managing physical and emotional responses effectively.
Acharya Ji described Vipassana as a pathway to personal insight, noting that the practice helps uncover deeper truths about our minds and emotions. By teaching participants to focus on physical sensations, Vipassana enables greater mental clarity, which helps people face challenges with a calm mind.
The Journey of Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji
Acharya Shri Indravardhan Shah Ji has a fascinating journey with Vipassana. Originally an Assistant Manager with the Reserve Bank of India, he began his Vipassana journey in 1991 in Ahmedabad, studying under Shri Kashiram Choudhary Ji. His dedication led him to become an Acharya in 1997, and since then, he has devoted himself to human welfare through Vipassana. His wisdom and experience in meditation have transformed many lives, and his role in the event was to share his valuable insights and encourage mental wellness among students and guests.
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The Guided Meditation Session: Ānāpāna Practice
Acharya Ji led a guided meditation session in the practice of ‘Ānāpāna,’ which emphasizes focusing on breathing – a fundamental part of Vipassana. For ten minutes, attendees were encouraged to observe their breath, focusing on each inhale and exhale, as a method to center their minds and relieve stress. This simple exercise, Acharya Ji explained, is powerful for dealing with everyday stress, as it brings the mind to a calm state and helps regulate anxious thoughts.
Benefits of Vipassana in Daily Life
Acharya Ji highlighted the mental and physical benefits of Vipassana meditation. He shared that by consistently practicing Vipassana, individuals could gain better control over stress and anxiety, and confront life’s challenges with resilience. He also emphasized that Vipassana can help individuals deal with negative thoughts and reduce emotional strain, promoting a healthier mindset. This practice also serves as an excellent tool to maintain balance, peace, and focus in professional settings.
Manotsav’24: A Community Effort Towards Mental Health Awareness
The festival, Manotsav’24, aimed to create a community that values and practices mental wellness. Rashtriya Raksha University envisioned this event as an interactive space for students, educators, and professionals to explore new ways to improve mental health. By incorporating a Vipassana session, RRU brought forward the relevance of ancient practices in tackling modern mental health issues, thus reinforcing the university’s commitment to holistic development.
Encouraging Mental Health Conversations Across Ages and Professions
RRU’s effort in organizing the Vipassana session was not just a tribute to World Mental Health Day but also a way to encourage open dialogue about mental health. The event emphasized that mental well-being is essential for everyone, regardless of their stage in life or career. It aimed to show how practicing Vipassana could be a simple yet impactful addition to daily routines, providing tools to handle stress, increase self-awareness, and improve emotional health.
A Day to Remember
The Vipassana session at Rashtriya Raksha University’s Manotsav’24 was a significant step towards promoting mental health awareness. By introducing students and faculty to Vipassana meditation, RRU showcased the power of mindfulness practices to build a mentally healthy community. This initiative aligned with WHO’s theme and encouraged all attendees to prioritize mental wellness, making this World Mental Health Day a memorable one at the university.
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