North Carolina: Hindus are commending launch of seven-week long "Mind. Body. Being." Program at Montclair State University (MSU) in New Jersey, calling it a step in the positive direction.

It combines yoga and meditation "with the goal of developing a more compassionate relationship with food, body and self. Members will learn important skills for relaxation, connecting with one's body and attending to its need for nourishment," a program announcement says

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, thanked MSU for recognizing the intersection of spirituality and education and utilizing yoga and meditation for connecting with self. He further urged all universities and colleges of USA and Canada to offer meditation programs if they were serious in the all-round development of their students.

He noted that meditation had been valued in Hinduism for ages and Hindus had been traditionally practicing various forms/levels of meditation; including manana, pratyahara, dhayana, upasana, dharana and samadhi; to achieve oneness with Brahman. Hindus sought to train the attention inward—training the mind to focus internally and not wander.

MSU, founded in 1908, with main campus encompassing about 250 acres, serves about 20, 500 students in about 300 majors-minors-concentrations-programs, including 134 graduate degree programs. Forbes' listed MSU among America's Top Colleges and MSU claims to have offered first doctoral program at a state college. Dr. Susan A. Cole is the President, while George J. Hiltzik is Trustees Board Chair.