On 25 February 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Acem and Centurion University in India. At the same time, 28 female engineering students at the university learned Acem Meditation.

Acem Meditation and Centurion UniversityDuring a simple ceremony, the MOU was signed by Chairman of Acem India Mr. Torbjørn Hobbel and Vice Chancellor at Centurion University Professor Haribhandu Panda.

The agreement opens up for more Acem teaching and research activities, or as stated in the MOU:
 
 

  1. Meditation teaching and training for students, teachers, and other stakeholders;
  2. Design and development of the content and method for imparting knowledge and skill in meditation;
  3. Research on effective meditation and its impact on the individual and society.

A special room will be set aside for meditation. Centurion University is located in Bhubaneswar in the state of Odhisa in eastern India.

Acem Meditation beginnersThose who have already begun to learn Acem Meditation take part in a course set up in one of the girls’ hostels. They meet some of the same challenges as people in other parts of India and the rest of the world. Many of them have pains in the neck, back, or shoulders, reflecting the stresses they encounter in their everyday life. In addition, many of them find it challenging to understand that in Acem Meditation, thoughts may come and go freely as a part of the technique, in sharp contrast to what they have heard about meditation in other contexts. Still, they practice meditation to good effect.

Copy editor: Ann Kunish