In a world where wars, geopolitical uncertainty, the threat of AI domination and social media seemingly influence all aspects of life, ordinary people have plenty to be stressed about.Of the dozens of spiritual and wellness trends that have emerged to combat anxiety and stress, meditation is perhaps the most touted.As the head of the Chinmaya Mission – a global movement that aims to help people find spiritual awakening for a happy and harmonious world – Swami Swaroopananda is often asked about meditation as a stress remedy.Rather than touting meditation as a universal balm for anxiety, the 67-year-old Indian spiritual leader emphasises the importance of knowing why you are meditating and asking: what am I supposed to meditate upon? What are the obstacles to meditation? How can I overcome them?“Most people want to meditate for peace of mind, but isn’t it an irony that you can meditate when you already have peace of mind? Otherwise meditation becomes agitation,” Swaroopananda says.Rather than endorsing meditation as a spiritual cure-all, Swami Swaroopananda emphasises the importance of understanding the meaning behind it. Photo: Edmond SoSwaroopananda was in Hong Kong for the Maha Hanuman Chalisa Yajna, a spiritual gathering organised by the Chinmaya Mission to invoke the revered Hindu deity Lord Hanuman for inner strength, protection, success and well-being. The event took place at West Kowloon Art Park on May 30.