Meditation in Nepal

Meditation is considered as one of those blissful moments in life when you forget about all the problems and have a peaceful and calm mind that could handle the ups and downs of life. Nepal, popular for its religious and spiritual wealth, observes not only the locals but also international tourists coming here to meditate.



In recent years, Nepal has become the destination for those who are seeking for spiritual experience and the meditation tourists are nearly equal to those who come for trekking in Nepal. The pilgrims coming to Nepal also come to attend meditation and yoga courses at the ashrams and monasteries in Nepal. Among the others, Vipassana meditation is most popular, although it involves a strict, ten-day schedule including meditating ten hours a day and abstaining from talking. This technique teaches people how not to get upset in life.

meditation_in_nepal

For those who are seeking for peace of mind, sitting through a course makes you able to deal with your anger, fear and emotions in better way. It also cleans your mind of all impurities and makes you physically healthy.

Vipassana is an ancient meditation technique which was taught and practiced by Lord Buddha 2,500 years ago and it was revived and popularized in 1969 in India. There are, at present, Vipassana meditation centers in 25 countries and in Nepal, Lumbini, Pokhara, Birgunj, Chitwan, Surkhet and Kathmandu has centers for Vipassana meditation.

The students are taught a breathing technique called anapana before progressing to Vipassana which literally means ‘ to see things as they truly are’. The aim of this technique is to develop a calm mind by observing the breath and sensations in the body to subdue craving and aversion. However, it is not advised to those who are faint hearted or weak willed as it requires the students to follow five sila (moral rules) that are not to kill, lie, steal, undertake sexual misconduct or consume intoxicants. They must also avoid making eye-contact, reading or writing and has to maintain noble silence apart from talking about the technique with the teachers.

One of these meditation centers in Kapan was established in 1981. Initially, there were only Buddhists taking the courses while the people belonging to all religion and nationality take part now. The people coming for meditation are diverse group that consists of people in their 80s, teenagers, medical doctors and professionals (males and females).

Centers for meditation in Nepal are given below:

Vipassana Meditation

Eight meditation centers in Nepal offer 10, 20, 30 and 45-day and children’s courses. The cost is taken via donation that includes food and accommodation. For further information, contact:

Jyoti Bhawan, Kantipath

Tel: +977-1-4250581

nvc@mail.com.np

Kopan Monastery

Seven and ten day introductory Tibetan Buddhism and meditation courses run monthly from March-October at Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu. Also, other courses are available. The cost includes food and accommodation and the price may vary. Contact: +977-1-4821268, kopan@gmail.com.np

Gandenyiga Chozinn

It offers weekend introductory Tibetan Buddhist courses and retreats in Kaski district, Pokhara. The cost includes food and accommodation. Contact: +977-61-462923, +977-9846397646.

Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center

It offers weekly introductory meditation classes in Mahayana Buddhism and guided meditation classes at Hotel Himalaya Yoga, Thamel, Kathmandu. It offers weekly courses at certain prices and also offers some classes for free. Contact: +977-1-4700852, +977-9803254704, hbmc.programs@gmail.com .