“Living Indian Wisdom in the Modern World” Held by the Embassy of India
— Experiencing the Wisdom of Indian Philosophy and Meditation Ahead of the International Day of Yoga —
On May 19, 2026, the special event “Living the Wisdom of India in the Modern Age” was held at the Embassy of India in Tokyo.
Organized by the Embassy of India, the event served as a prelude to the International Day of Yoga, celebrated annually around the world on June 21.
Approximately 180 participants attended the event. The program featured a lecture by Professor Hiroshi Marui, one of Japan’s leading scholars of Indian philosophy, followed by a talk and guided meditation session led by Yogmata. Together, they explored how the timeless wisdom of India can help address the challenges of modern society.
Professor Marui introduced key concepts of Indian philosophy, including Dharma and the unity of mind, explaining how these teachings offer a path beyond division and conflict toward harmony and balance.
Building on these ideas, Yogmata spoke about awakening one’s inner consciousness through meditation and reconnecting with one’s true nature. Participants then experienced a guided meditation session, offering them an opportunity to put these teachings into practice.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of the shared spiritual traditions of India and Japan while rediscovering the true meaning and value of Yoga. It also strengthened hopes for even greater cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries.
Ambassador of India to Japan:
“Yoga Connects the Friendship Between India and Japan”
Prior to the opening of the event, H.E. Ms. Nagma Mohamed Mallick, Ambassador of India to Japan, took the stage and delivered a welcoming message to the participants.
Ambassador Mallick noted that in 2014, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. She introduced Yoga as having the power to unite people with one another, nations with one another, and the mind with the body.
She also spoke of the deep friendship between India and Japan, nurtured over many years through shared spiritual values such as meditation, compassion, and the pursuit of harmony. She noted that the growing popularity of Yoga in Japan may be one reflection of this connection.
Ambassador Mallick further described the event as a valuable opportunity to learn about the spirit of Yoga from the perspective of Indian philosophy, and to experience its wisdom through Yogmata’s talk and guided meditation practice.
She concluded her opening remarks by expressing her hope that, especially in today’s society where many people face stress in their daily lives, each participant would discover a new perspective and find an opportunity to deepen inner peace and mental unity through meditation.
Turning the Wisdom of Indian Philosophy
into Guidance for Modern Life
The next speaker was Professor Hiroshi Marui, one of Japan’s leading scholars of Indian philosophy.
For many years, Professor Marui has dedicated his research to making the profound and often complex teachings of Indian philosophy more accessible, demonstrating how their timeless wisdom can provide valuable guidance for people living in today’s world.
In his lecture, he focused on two key themes: Dharma and the Unity of Mind.
The first theme, Dharma, refers to living in accordance with one’s true role and in harmony with the world. Using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an example, Professor Marui explained how the principles of Dharma can help modern society strike a balance between development and harmony, offering valuable insights into today’s global challenges.
The second theme was the Unity of Mind.
Professor Marui explained that overcoming conflict and division begins with cultivating the spirit of Yoga—a state in which the mind becomes completely unified. Rather than being controlled by desire, we should learn to observe and master it. Meditation, he emphasized, should not be regarded merely as a temporary experience, but as a practice deeply integrated into our daily lives.
Professor Marui’s lecture connected the profound wisdom of Indian philosophy with the challenges of contemporary society, encouraging participants to rediscover the deeper meaning and purpose of Yoga and meditation.
Profile: Professor Hiroshi Marui
Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo
Specially Appointed Professor, Kyoto University of Advanced Science
Visiting Professor, Musashino University
Professor Hiroshi Marui graduated from the Department of Indian Philosophy and Sanskrit, Faculty of Letters, The University of Tokyo, before completing his master’s degree at the same university. He then pursued doctoral studies and conducted advanced research at the Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit, University of Pune, India.
In 1992, he was appointed Associate Professor at the Faculty of Letters, The University of Tokyo. From 1999 to 2018, he served as Professor at the Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, where he played a leading role in the research and teaching of Indian philosophy.
In recognition of his outstanding academic achievements and significant contributions to the field of Indology, he was awarded the Award for Excellence in Indology by the Government of India in 2017.
Yogmata:
“Awakening the Inner Self Leads to a Sustainable Future”
Following Professor Marui’s lecture, Yogmata took the stage.
She spoke about how advances in science and technology have brought unprecedented prosperity and convenience to modern society. Yet, despite this progress, many people continue to struggle with stress, anxiety, and a lack of genuine inner fulfillment. Yogmata emphasized that building a sustainable future requires not only the development of society and the environment, but also the growth and transformation of the human being.
She explained that this begins with learning to master oneself—to become “the master of oneself.” Rather than seeking answers in the external world, she encouraged participants to turn inward, reflect on the fundamental question, “Who am I?”, and awaken to the source within. According to Yogmata, this inner awakening is the path to love, peace, and harmony.
One of the most effective ways to cultivate this awareness, she explained, is through meditation.
Following her talk, participants took part in a guided meditation session led by Yogmata. In the quiet atmosphere, they were invited to turn inward, calm their minds, and experience firsthand the timeless wisdom of meditation passed down through India’s spiritual tradition.
Building Connections over Chai and Samosas
Following the event, the Embassy of India served participants chai, India’s traditional spiced milk tea, along with samosas, a popular savory snack.
As participants reflected on the lectures and meditation session, they enjoyed opportunities to interact with one another and with the speakers. The venue remained filled with a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout.
Participants shared positive impressions, including: “Although I was a little nervous because it was an event hosted by the Embassy, the atmosphere was so warm and welcoming that I truly enjoyed it,” and “I believe this was a memorable event that marked the beginning of new exchanges between Japan, India, and Yoga.”
The event was not only an opportunity to deepen understanding of Indian philosophy, Yoga, and meditation, but also a meaningful occasion for fostering cultural and personal connections between Japan and India.
