Heartfulness, a unique style of meditation, has become the theme of the Heartfulness Institute. Well-being and self-development through meditation, research and training is the focus now and is supported by trainers or volunteers dedicating themselves to this social cause.

On world health day, a 5-km run event was organised from the Babuji Memorial Ashram in Manapakkam by the Adyar river through IPS Colony Nandambakkam and back to the Ashram with ultra-marathon runner Ashok Daniel leading the pack.




The day’s programme involved experts like medical practitioners, ultra-marathon runner, yoga and heartfulness meditation trainers. The health day session saw mass participation of Chennaiites in meditation, yoga, fostering a feeling of ‘wholeness’ of love, compassion and acceptance, addressing the concerns of people of all ages.

The key was to strike a proper balance between the two wings — materialistic life and spiritual life. According to the mission’s view, at the core of the human mind, 70% to 80% thoughts we generate within ourselves every day consciously or unconsciously are negative thoughts. The special kind of meditation aims to remove negative thoughts and try to help people in transforming it into a positive mindset by regular mind ‘cleaning’.

Ram Chandra, the godfather of the institution, came up with the idea and practice of ‘Raja Yoga system’ or king of Yogas. “Keep your eyes closed and focus your attention at your heart, that’s what heartfulness is all about,” say the expert trainers.

There were sessions on ‘Neerudaithu Nalla Nalamudaithu’ and ‘Kalyana Samayal Saadham’ by speakers Mahendiran and ‘Healer’ Bhaskar who delivered speeches on anatomic therapy. Digital Detox was a delectable part of the programme in a session on how to balance digital usage and life, integrated wellness and dealing with stress.