Coordinated by The Research Promotion and Facilitation Center, Faculty of Medicine
The Covid – 19 pandemic has paralyzed societies and distressed people worldwide. People are forced to adapt to a “new-normal” which causes many adverse psychological effects during this transitional period. This “new-normal” demands the civilization to be secluded amongst many as individuals by social distancing. Furthermore, the worsening economic environment has led to worsening of poverty and deprivation. Rates of suicide, domestic violence, child abuse and drug dependency have shown a sharp increase. Despite these stresses, people must carry on with their daily routines and children need to continue their education and adults meet their deadlines. Meditation, a mechanism which promotes happiness and inner peace, is not a new word to most Sri Lankans and Buddhists, Hindus, Islamists and Christians are exposed to the concept from a very younger age. Lord Buddha has emphasized the importance of meditation for his ultimate goal of end of suffering by showing right concentration as the final link in his noble eight-fold path. He shows the way to find ultimate happiness by embracing seclusion to search inner happiness which does not depend on outer circumstances. Meditation, hence, seems to be the precise prescription for the issues arising from social isolation. Thus, many have realized the positive effects of meditation in their everyday lives. Such an awakening has brought forward many teachers who teach the techniques of meditation to conduct on-line meditation retreats under this “new normalcy”. This has paved the way for people anywhere in the globe to gain hands-on experience by experienced teachers.
It is opportune for University of Colombo to develop a platform for students, academics, and non-academics to find solace during this troubling and stressful period through meditation where both on-site and on-line modes could be used depending on personal preferences.
