Vipassana is one of the most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gautum Buddha more than 2500 years ago. Vipassana means 'to see things as they really are'; it is the process of self purification by self observation. One starts by observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With this sharpened awareness one proceeds to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experience the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and egolessness. The entire path (Dhamma) is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any organised religion or sectarianism. For this reason, it can be practised freely by all without conflict with race, caste or religion, in any place, and at any time and will prove equally beneficial to one and all.

Vipassana 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.

Meditation Centres

Mahayana Buddhist Himalayan Yogic Institute (PO Box 817, Kathmandu; Tel 4413094), located in Baluwater, conducts regular evening meditations and weekly dharma teachings (donation), hosts a revolving schedule of day-long workshops and courses in Tibetan Buddhist meditation and related Tibetan arts, and has a library and meditation room. HYI is affiliated with Kopan Monastery, north of Boudha, where it offers seven-to ten-day meditation courses during the autumn and spring.

Nepal Vipassana Centre (PO Box 133, Kathmandu; Tel: 4225490) runs ten-day courses on vipassana. These aren't for the frivolous: daily meditation begins at 4.30 am, and silence is kept for the full ten days. To register or pick up a pamphlet on the course, visit the centre's Kathmandu office (Sun-Fri 10 am-5.30 pm) in the courtyard of Jyoti Bhawan, behind Nabil Bank on Kantipath. All courses are funded by donations.

Kathmandu Buddhist Centre (PO Box 5336, Kathmandu) holds introductory talks in Western Buddhism a few times a week during the tourist seasons-check at the Nepalese Kitchen or on notice boards for the location. It also conducts one-day courses in Buddhism and two-day meditation workshops at its premises next door to Hotel Ganesh Himal, about 200m south and then west of Chhetrapati Chowk, overnight retreats at Nagarkot, and five-day residential courses in a restored bahal in Patan.

If you're of the Rajneesh persuasion, you'll be pleased to learn that Kathmandu supports a thriving Osho industry which includes a travel agency, a bimonthly magazine and three meditation centres. The Asheesh Osho Meditation Centre (Tel: 4271385) in Tahachal and a second site in Lazimpat conduct one-hour dynamic meditation sessions every morning; these are open to all and the fee is a donation. The third venue, Osho Tapoban Forest Retreat Centre (PO Box 278, Kathmandu, Tel: 4271385), located in a beautiful setting north of Nagarjun Ban, hosts occasional retreats as well as daily meditations and discourses. If you can't get through to the centres themselves, contact Osho World Travel on Tridevi Marg (Tel: 4223758).