Africa meditates for peace

Twenty-three African countries came together recently for a unique online meditation programme involving Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Greeting the people, Ravi Shankar said: "Meditation creates positive vibrations. Today it is much needed in Africa."

Urging the people to pray for conflict-hit central and north Africa, he said: "Prosperity is not possible without peace and peace is a far-fetched reality without prosperity; peace comes from within.

"Let us resolve to create a violence-free stress-free Africa."

According to Art of Living, the event witnessed the participation of 10,000 people from all races and religious groups in the African continent.

In addition, 71 countries across the world also took part in this online meditation.

'I Meditate Africa' is an Africa-wide campaign promoting meditation as a practical tool to achieve individual peace, improved health, increased productivity and clarity of mind.

The Art of Living initiative aims to bring people together to create a positive wave of social transformation, the group said.

"The 'I Meditate Africa' campaign kicked off with a ground breaking 2,800 students meditating for peace in the city of Soweto, Johannesburg, the home of Nelson Mandela.

"People from diverse backgrounds including township communities, colleges, children homes, church groups, NGOs were a part of this meditation for peace," campaign coordinator Vanishree Pavadai said.

The participating countries were Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Cameroon, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Tunisia, Nigeria, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Namibia, Mauritius, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Ethiopia, Togo, Sudan and South Africa.