The Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace hosted a unique and inspirational program on June 9, 2010, entitled simply: “Meditation as Medicine”. This program, like all the Brahma Kumaris offerings, was offered free of charge as a community service.

      Special guest Dr. Pratap Kumar Midha, the medical director of the J. Watumull Global Hospital & Research Centre in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India explained to the crowd that in modern health care spirituality is the missing link. Our health care systems focus solely on the physical body, yet most illness is caused by lifestyle and emotional influence. Studies show that people with a strong sense of purpose in their lives, who pay attention to their spiritual and social health, have stronger immune systems and therefore less disease.

      At the Global Hospital, the population served is very poor. Health care is expensive and out of reach for most of these tribal people. To bridge this gap, the hospital combines the latest modern care with alternative treatments including acupuncture, ayurveda, electromagnetic therapy, visualizations, and of course raja yoga meditation. The complementary treatments recommended for ailments like diabetes and heart disease are usually simple – daily meditation, exercise, and a vegetarian diet. Yet despite the simplicity, the healing effects of this regimen have proven effective in studies conducted by the hospital.

      Based on his practical experience, Dr. Pratap gave advice on how to use meditation as a tool for healing in our own lives. First, he says, meditation should be simple. Through Raja Yoga meditation, one can learn how to sit quietly, slow down the thoughts, and use the creative ability of the mind to facilitate healing. He recommends the early morning as the best time meditation. He also reminded us that our state of mind is greatly influenced by the company we keep, the books we read, and even the foods we eat. Our entire lifestyle will influence our ability to connect our minds to a deeper place of healing. He stated that keeping the mind focused requires practice and discipline, but that the stability of mind that the discipline brings will serve us well in every situation.

      The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization acknowledges the intrinsic goodness of all people. It is a worldwide family of individuals from all walks of life who are committed to spiritual growth and personal transformation and believes inner growth and change are essential for the creation of a peaceful and just world. The Learning Center for Peace is one center in a worldwide network offering a variety of programs on personal growth and spirituality.

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