In the historic city of Taxila, renowned worldwide for its Gandhara civilisation, Buddhist heritage and ancient centres of learning and spirituality, senior citizens have kicked off regular yoga and meditation sessions to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Held daily after Fajr prayers, the sessions attract a large number of elderly participants who engage in physical exercises, breathing techniques and meditation aimed at improving both physical and mental well-being.
The meditation sessions, conducted under the supervision of Iftikhar Sahib, focus on developing mental concentration, inner balance and spiritual tranquillity. Participants say that regular practice of yoga and meditation has not only enhanced their physical fitness but has also significantly reduced stress and anxiety.
With a history spanning several millennia, Taxila is not merely an archaeological treasure but has long served as a major centre of knowledge, philosophy and spirituality.
Experts note that the tradition of meditation is deeply rooted in the region’s ancient spiritual heritage. Although yoga and meditation are often viewed today as components of a modern healthy lifestyle, their origins can be traced back thousands of years to ancient spiritual traditions.
Historical evidence suggests that various forms of meditation predate the emergence of Buddhism and were practised within ancient Indian Vedic and yogic traditions as a means of attaining mental calm, self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Later, Siddhartha Gautama Buddha incorporated meditation as a central element of his teachings, describing it as an effective path towards spiritual development and a deeper understanding of reality.
In Buddhism, two principal forms of meditation are recognised: Samatha and Vipassana. Samatha focuses on cultivating calmness and concentration of mind, while Vipassana emphasises observation and insight into the true nature of existence. Scholars maintain that Buddhism systematised these earlier spiritual practices and further developed them within its philosophical framework.
Participants are of the view that the combination of Fajr prayers, yoga and meditation in the peaceful morning atmosphere provides them with physical vitality, mental serenity and spiritual fulfilment.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneSHOAIB SABZWARIRead More
