Rupasiri Perera, a practising Buddhist from Sri Lanka, shared his view on the international meditation marathon and what meditation can bring to the world.

Russia Today: First of all, how effective do you think this international marathon of meditation can be in terms of helping the world?

R.P.: I think meditation is a very positive thing that every person can do. If you meditate, you emanate positive energy. That means loving kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity. You meditate, you emanate positive energy and that helps all other living beings.

RT: It seems so easy to start drifting off and thinking  about your problems. What’s going on your mind when you meditate?

R.P.: When you meditate, first you try to concentrate on the thinking process. Then, of course, you work on positive and negative thoughts. You try to get rid of the negative thoughts, you cultivate your mind, and you support your positive thoughts. So you think positively and emanate positive energy.

RT: What about afterwards? How do you feel after a meditation?

R.P.: We feel relaxed and energetic. After meditating you can work, help others – you can do anything. You feel very energetic if you've had a good meditation.