Kathmandu: On the occasion of the 2nd World Meditation Day, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok organized a special Meditation Programme on December 21 2025 at Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, Bangkok.
The programme was conducted following a special protocol and was graced by the presence of highly revered members of the Thai Sangha, led by Phra Brahmavajiradhibodi (Peer Suchato), Abbot of Wat Mahathat. Senior monks and assistant abbots from Wat Mahathat and Wat Bowonniwet also participated, reflecting Thailand’s rich Vipassanā meditation tradition and its deep spiritual connection with Nepal’s Buddhist heritage.
The event was honored by the participation of Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, along with ambassadors and senior diplomats from Norway, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mongolia, France, Germany, India, Myanmar, Austria, Turkey, and other countries. Leaders of international Buddhist organizations were also present. Thai citizens, members of the Thai–Nepali community, and Nepalis residing in Thailand also attended the programme.
World-renowned Buddhist scholar Venerable Dr. Anilman Shakya delivered remarks highlighting the importance of meditation, the teachings of Lord Buddha, and the global relevance of Lumbini as a ideal of peace, compassion, and wisdom in today’s world. He also led a guided meditation session, creating a moment of shared mindfulness and inner reflection among the participants.
In his welcome remarks, Dhan Bahadur Oli, Ambassador of Nepal to the Kingdom of Thailand, stated that meditation cleanses the mind just as bathing cleanses the body. He noted that while modern life has brought material advancement, it has also led to stress, distraction, and emotional imbalance. Meditation, he said, helps cultivate presence, calmness, and inner resilience. The Ambassador emphasized that meditation transcends religion and culture and is a universal human practice that fosters self-awareness, ethical conduct, and compassion. He reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to promoting meditation globally, inspired by its ancient spiritual traditions.
Highlighting the special significance of World Meditation Day for Nepal, the Ambassador described Nepal as a cradle of meditation and human consciousness. He referred to the ancient Himalayan traditions, the wisdom of King Maha Janaka, the spiritual legacy associated with Lord Shiva, and the enlightenment of Lord Buddha, all rooted in Nepal. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, he said, continues to stand as a global symbol of peace and mindfulness.
Senior monks expressed appreciation to Nepal for organizing the programme and underscored the importance of meditation in human life. They highlighted Lumbini’s global relevance as a symbol of peace, non-violence, and compassion, emphasizing that lasting transformation begins in the mind. Meditation, they noted, trains the mind to overcome fear, anger, and distraction while cultivating calm, clarity, and compassion.
The main part of the programme was a guided meditation session. It was led by Dr. Deepak Regmi, a medical doctor and meditation instructor. He was accompanied by Dr. Arati Chanda Regmi. Participants were guided to focus on breathing, relax the body, and develop inner stillness. Many experienced a sense of calm and balance.
By hosting this event, the Embassy of Nepal reaffirmed its belief in meditation as a universal path to well-being and harmony, while sharing Nepal’s timeless spiritual heritage with the international community.
