Yoga & Meditation Tour in Nepal

Nepal » Yoga & Meditation Tour

Yoga

Yoga = 'Unity', 'Oneness'. Came from the Sanskrit word "YOG" which means "TO JOIN". To many, the thought of yoga has an image of postures (Asanas) to develop flexibility, general body health and awareness. This is just the beginning. While the main point is to reach the highest goal of the spiritual path, practicing yoga can give benefits to everyone regardless to their spiritual aims.

The Eight Fold Path of Yoga looks deeply into the morality of living. It consists of: Yama (self restraints), Niyama (self observances) Asana, Pranayama (breath techniques), Pratyhara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (identification with pure consciousness).

There is an inter-relationship between yoga and meditation and you can decide to focus more on either one or both together. The Himalayas have played a big role in self realization. It's isolation from the world and ideal environment makes Nepal an ideal place to practice yoga.

Kathmandu is where you'll find yoga classes most. Notice boards in hotels and restaurants will advertise current courses and activities.

You can also inquire at the following places for classes and private tuition.

Here is some information about Yoga Centers:
1. The Kathmandu Center of Healing, Galfutar, Kathmandu, Nepal.
2. Hansada Yoga Ashram, Janagal Banepa, outside Kathmandu.
3. Arogya Ashram, Gaushala, Kathmandu.
4. Patanjali Yoga Centre, Chaunni, Kathmandu.

Meditation

Vipassana is one of the most ancient techniques. Long lost to people, it was rediscovered by Gautam Buddha more than 2500 years ago. Vipassana means 'to see things as they really are'. It is an art of living which frees the individual from all the negativities of mind, such as anger, greed and ignorance. It is a practice which develops positive, creative energy for the betterment of the individual and society.

The path (Dhamma) is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any religion. It can be practiced freely by anyone without conflict with race, caste or religion, in any place, and at any time and it will prove beneficial to everyone.

Nepal has many places where you can uncover further truths through meditation.

Here is some information about the meditation centers:

1. Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center, at Kamaladi Ganesthan, Kathmandu, Nepal, There are courses in Healing Meditation, weekly introductory meditation classes, guided meditation classes twice a week and Mandala workshops. On Saturdays Dharma teachings, video showings and residential Buddhist courses 2-3 times a month.

2. Kopan Monastery, north of Bouddha, Offers courses for 7 or 10 days, also month long courses. You can also visit for the day and pay for lunch.

3. Nepal Vipassana Center, City office: Kantipath, Kathmandu, Ph: 977-1-4250581. Budhanilkantha Vipassana Center, Kathmandu, Courses are held for 10 days, twice a month. Which involves the Noble Silence for the full ten days. There are no charges for the teachings but a donation for food and lodging is welcome if the student is satisfied.

4. The Panditarama Meditation Center in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.

Osho Tapoban International Communeo, located in a forest to the west of the Kathmandu Valley. There are monthly meditation camps for 3 to 7 days.