How can meditation and meditators contribute to a more humane world?

Since his departure from a prestigious political career Herman Van Rompuy has been recognised as a statesman of depth and wisdom. During the pandemic his practice of meditation consolidated. He will describe how he sees the similarities between the inner and outer worlds, both marked by individualisation and fragmentation. Meditation, he explains, can contribute to a more harmonious society by healing inner divisions and making it possible to focus on the other. It helps unified consciousness grow by training our listening to each other, and re-learning the art of conversation necessary for the survival of democracy.

These are values necessary for dealing with the problems of our time such as climate change, irregular migration, geopolitical rivalry, social inequalities. Interior change is required of citizens as well as leaders in order to work outer change. Although it is not a panacea, meditation contributes to a more humane world.