The rising popularity of meditation: A deep dive

A global shift towards inner awareness

In February 2025, ALotusInTheMud.com team attended the Global Conference of Meditation Leaders at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The massive event, organized by Buddha-CEO Quantum Foundation,  brought together policymakers, spiritual leaders, and researchers to explore how meditation can reshape leadership, well-being, and social transformation.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there – I was undergoing radiation therapy. But even from a distance, I could sense that meditation is no longer just an Eastern tradition or a trendy wellness fad – it is becoming a global movement seamlessly woven into modern life.

Meditation’s rise: A billion-dollar movement transforming lives

In a world craving balance, meditation has moved from secluded retreats to classrooms, corporate offices, and even smartphone apps. What was once an ancient practice is now a mainstream wellness revolution, backed by science, technology, and celebrity endorsements.

The global rise of meditation is fueled by three powerful forces:

• Science-Backed Benefits: Meditation is no longer seen as a mystical practice; neuroscience confirms its positive impact on mental health, brain function, and well-being. Studies have shown that regular meditation leads to actual changes in the brain, enhancing its structure and function. It positively influences dopamine and serotonin levels, the neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation, helping to foster feelings of happiness and emotional balance. Meditation is also linked to improved physical health, sharper concentration, and greater mental clarity. It can also help alleviate stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and even self-doubt, making it a powerful tool for overall well-being.
• Mainstream Adoption: Schools, corporations, and even governments are integrating meditation into daily life.
• Technology & Accessibility: Meditation apps, virtual retreats, and AI-driven wellness coaches have made mindfulness available to millions.
• Market Growth: The meditation industry was valued at $6.19 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $29.86 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 19.1%. Meditation’s industry value is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2031, fueled by growing demand for stress relief, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
• Real-World Impact: In the U.S., meditation has surged since 2020, with millions practicing daily. Digital platforms are making mindfulness more accessible than ever.

As the meditation movement gains momentum, it’s clear: this isn’t just a trend – – it’s a transformation. Whether through guided apps, workplace wellness programs, or personal practice, meditation reshapes how we approach health, success, and self-care.

Meditation and masters of their craft

If science alone isn’t enough to convince you of meditation’s power, maybe this will – some of the world’s most accomplished people swear by it. From entrepreneurs to athletes and artists to spiritual teachers, meditation has shaped the lives of many, proving that its benefits extend far beyond stress relief.

Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Madonna, Ellen DeGeneres, and Stephen Curry – what do they all have in common? A deep commitment to meditation. They credit it with boosting their focus, creativity, and resilience, helping them navigate high-pressure careers while staying grounded.

But meditation isn’t just for the elite. It’s for anyone seeking clarity in chaos, a moment of stillness in a world that never stops moving.

Wisdom from the Himalayan tradition

For centuries, monks and spiritual seekers have turned inward, using meditation to cultivate self-awareness and transformation. Om Swami, a Himalayan monk and author, describes meditation as more than a technique – it is a journey into profound self-discovery. His books, If Truth Be Told: A Monk’s Memoir and A Million Thoughts, unravel the layers of meditation, showing how it refines the mind and expands consciousness.

Similarly, Swami Rama, founder of the Himalayan Institute, was known for his precise teachings on training the mind. His work bridges ancient wisdom with practical techniques, making meditation accessible to modern seekers.

And then there’s Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the creator of Transcendental Meditation (TM), who introduced the practice to the West. His teachings reached millions, including The Beatles and The Beach Boys, proving that meditation isn’t bound by geography or culture – it’s a universal tool for inner peace.

Chandrasekhar Pulamarasetti, founder of Buddha-CEO Quantum Foundation, which organized the Global Conference of Meditation Leaders, says meditation is not just for monks on mountaintops – it’s for decision-makers, innovators, and changemakers.

Meditation and cricket’s Virat Kohli

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli is another testament to meditation’s power. Amid the intense pressures of international sports, he turned to mindfulness techniques to sharpen his mental resilience and focus. Inspired by Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, Kohli’s practice has deepened over the years, not just improving his performance on the field but also bringing him a sense of inner stability.

His story is proof that meditation isn’t about withdrawing from the world – it’s about showing up fully, with presence and purpose.

A global movement transforming everyday life

Meditation is no longer confined to ashrams, meditation halls, or spiritual retreats – it is being embraced across cultures and woven into everyday life in ways that are both practical and impactful. From classrooms to corporate boardrooms and hospitals to mobile apps, meditation is reshaping how people approach stress, focus, and well-being.

Meditation and education

Schools worldwide are incorporating mindfulness programs to help students develop emotional intelligence, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration. For example, in the U.K., the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) teaches students simple breathing and awareness exercises to help manage stress. In the U.S., many schools have replaced traditional detention with meditation rooms, leading to improved behavior and academic performance. A notable example is Robert W. Coleman Elementary School in Baltimore, where students practice mindfulness instead of serving suspensions, resulting in reduced disciplinary issues.

In India, meditation is steadily becoming a part of the education system, blending ancient wisdom with modern learning. Schools across the country are introducing mindfulness and meditation programs to help students manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being. Institutions like The Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir and The Art of Living Schools integrate daily meditation into their curriculum, while institutions such as Nalanda University explore meditation’s role in cognitive development. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has also encouraged yoga and mindfulness practices in schools, recognizing their impact on students’ mental clarity and academic performance. With rising academic pressures, meditation is emerging as a simple yet powerful tool to nurture resilience and holistic growth in young minds.

Meditation and mindfulness in healthcare

Doctors and therapists are integrating mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) into treatment plans for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, is now used in hospitals worldwide to help patients cope with illness and recovery. Studies show that mindfulness can lower blood pressure, boost immune function, and even improve sleep quality, making it a valuable tool in both physical and mental healthcare. My doctor, onco-surgeon Dr. Ramesh Sarin, was quick to urge me to meditate, inviting me for a talk by Sister Shivani at the hospital!

Meditation in the workplace

Leading corporations like Google, Apple, and food company General Mills have introduced mindfulness programs to enhance employee focus, productivity, and well-being. Google’s “Search Inside Yourself” program teaches employees how to manage stress, improve decision-making, and foster emotional intelligence. By integrating short mindfulness exercises – such as mindful breathing before meetings or guided meditation breaks – companies are creating healthier work environments and reducing burnout.

Technology’s role in spreading mindfulness

With the rise of meditation and mindfulness apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer, technology has made mindfulness accessible to millions. These platforms offer guided meditations, sleep aids, and breathing exercises at the tap of a button, bringing ancient practices into the modern world. Virtual mindfulness retreats, online courses, and AI-driven wellness coaches are further expanding the reach of mindfulness, allowing people from all backgrounds to incorporate it into their daily lives.

From students to CEOs, patients to parents, mindfulness is proving to be a universal tool for enhancing mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. As it continues to gain momentum across cultures, its integration into education, healthcare, and workplaces is reshaping the way we live, work, and connect with the world around us.

Why meditation matters for each one of us

You don’t have to be a CEO, a monk, or a world-class athlete to benefit from meditation. Whether you’re looking to boost your creativity, manage stress, or simply carve out a few moments of peace in your day, meditation is a powerful, time-tested tool. Chandrasekhar Pulamarasetti, founder of Buddha-CEO Quantum Foundation, himself a former tech leader, says meditation is not just for monks on mountaintops – it’s for decision-makers, innovators, and changemakers. As the meditation revolution unfolds, leaders like him are ensuring it reaches everyone, from boardrooms to classrooms, empowering people to build a more mindful world – one breath at a time.

For me, meditation is like a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern healing. I think of it as mental housekeeping – by sitting with my thoughts, I learn to clear out negativity, process emotions, and develop healthier ways to cope. This practice not only eases stress, anxiety, and depression but also sharpens mental clarity and emotional balance. Happily, as life gets busier and stress levels rise, I notice more people are turning to meditation therapy as a way to reset. 

Lead picture courtesy: Unsplash