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A lot of travelers come to Nepal for meditation,
yoga, astrology, retreats and to merge with the
mighty Himalayas. Activities are mainly centered
around the Kathmandu Valley, though Pokhara is
becoming popular with more options becoming
available. The following gives you a guideline
of different spiritual activities and natural
healing in Nepal. When you come to Nepal you can
find lots of advertising for courses, study and
activities on the following topics. |
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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. |
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Massage
The Kathmandu Center of Healing, Galfutar,
Kathmandu, Nepal. This place offers one month
long professional courses in Thai massage. They
cost around US$ 500 and include lunch and
dormitory accommodation. Five and ten day
courses are also sometimes held. Other
activities like Yoga, Reike are available too.
The Herbal Massage Center, Durbar Marg (Opp.
Nepal Indosuez Bank) Kathmandu. If you have any
kind of headache, dizziness, drowsiness or any
kind of general weakness or joint pain, visit
this center and get your body back in shape. The
services include Japanese acupressure, lemon
massage, Nepali soft relaxing massage, Indian
hard massage and herbal massage. |
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Astrology
Like the other significant parts of the Nepali
heritage Astrology too links its origin to the
Vedas, the major source of virtually everything
(for the Hindus) written thousands of years ago.
Mesh (Aries), Brish (Taurus), Mithun (Gemini),
Karkat (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo),
Tula (Libra), Brishchik (Scorpio), Dhanu
(Sagittarius), Makar (Capricorn), Kumbha
(Aquarius) and Meen (Pisces) are the 12 signs of
the zodiac, and in Nepali they are called Rashi.
In Nepal the moment a baby is born, the first
thing they do is note down the exact time of
birth. Then it is given to the astrologer, who
according to the position of the different
planets in the solar system at that precise
moment prepares a Cheena (horoscope). Cheena is
a rectangular chart, which indicates the degree
of influence of the planets from the solar world
on the people born to a particular Rashi.
Highlighting the positive and negative aspects
of ones life. When Nepali's are having a
difficult time they go to their astrologer with
their Cheena for consultation.
Astrologers are also consulted on various
occasions like rice feeding, sacared thread and
weddings. Tika in Dashain, Bhai Tika in Tihar,
including a series of national festivals, are
occasions when the astrologers are involved in
choosing auspicious hours for these festivities
to take place. When a person dies their Cheena
is taken to the crematorium or ghat along with
their dead body. |
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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. Arogya Ashram, Gaushala,
Kathmandu. Patanjali Yoga Centre, Chaunni,
Kathmandu. |
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Buddhist studies
Nepal is the birth place of one of the greatest
healers known, Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha. Today
in the Kathmandu Valley many monasteries and
schools is where the teachings of Shakyamuni
Buddha can be heard, the same as it was two and
a half thousand years ago.
What makes Buddhism unique is its scientific and
logical explanation of life, without an outside
creator. The Buddha tells us we are responsible
for our lives and environment, and that with
practical methods we can achieve enlightenment
in this very lifetime. Buddha's teachings of
peace are practiced as a way of life and are
more relevant today than ever before. Peace
begins from within our own hearts and minds.
Two of the largest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in
the world are in the Kathmandu Valley.
Bouddhanath and Swayambhunath Stupas attract
thousands of Buddhists and visitors each day.
Many monasteries and schools of Buddhism offer
teachings for those wishing for peace of mind
and happiness.
In ancient legends, it was taught that Shambala
lies in the heart of the Himalaya and the
Himalaya lie in the heart of many Buddhists,
where Shambala exists. To see, experience and
listen to the words of Buddha there are many
places in Nepal and you will not be
disappointed.
Here is some information about Buddhist Study Centers:
Ka-Mying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Bouddhanath,
there are annual seminars for westerners
interested in Buddhism. Tulku Chokyi Nyima
Rinpoche offers Saturday morning teachings all
year. The International Buddhist Academy,
Tinchuli, Kathmandu, Nepal. They offer resident
and non-resident study courses in Buddhist
practice, Philosophy and Tibetan language. The
International Buddhist Center at Buddha Nagar,
Lumbini, Nepal has also many activities
available. |
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Ayurveda
Ayurveda has been practiced in Nepal since the
beginning of time. The Himalaya is the base of
purity, clarity and harmony, which is the goal
of every living creature. Nepal is one of the
richest countries in flora ranging from tropical
to alpine in such a small area. A lot of the
flora is use for medicinal use and is considered
part of the cultural heritage of the country.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning "the science
of life" or "a natural way of living". Ayurveda
includes yoga, meditation and the natural and
spiritual sciences. The objectives of Ayurveda
are the development of awareness to lead to
desirelessness, the promotion of health and long
life, prevention and curing of disease, and to
understand and to correct imbalances and restore
harmony in the person.
To understand Ayurveda in more detail you can
visit an Ayurveda practitioner in Nepal.
Here is some information about Ayurveda Centers:
Ayurveda Health Home and Research Center at
Thamel (Tridevi Marg). Also, Nepal Ayurveda
Society, Tilingtar, Dhapasi - 7, Kathmandu. |
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Homoeopathy
Homoeopathy is a system of natural remedies made
from animal, vegetable, and mineral extracts.
These remedies are prepared so they are non
toxic and do not cause side effects.
Homeopathy and Ayruveda have their similarities,
but in homeopathy there is an unusual thing
where different medicines are used often to
treat the same condition in different people,
and the same medicine to treat different
conditions. In Homeopathy it is the patient that
the practitioner looks at rather than the
disease or illness. Ayurveda and Homeopathy can
be used together.
The Ministry of Health has a homeopathic
division, and practitioners and pharmacies can
be found all over Kathmandu city. |
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Tibetan medicine
Tibetan medicine is one of the oldest known
medical traditions. It is a science, an art and
a philosophy that provides a holistic approach
to health care. Diagnostic techniques in Tibetan
Medicine includes visual observation, touch and
interrogation.
Visual Observation : This involves checking the
patients skin complexion, the color of blood,
nails, faces, and other general conditions.
Special attention is looked at the patients
tongue and urine.
Touch: Pulse reading forms the most important
touching method in Tibetan medicine. After
ensuring an important set of preconditions, the
physician proceeds with the pulse diagnosis. By
placing the three middle fingers on the
patient's radial arteries.
Interrogation: Interrogation forms an important
clinical aspect of the diagnosis. There are
three main elements to an interrogation.
Determining the causative factors, determining
the site of the illness, studying the signs and
symptoms; this involves the doctor asking the
patient about what sort of food and drink they
have been consuming and what kind of physical
and mental behaviors they have been
experiencing.
Tibetan medicines take various forms, from
decoctions, powders, general pills, precious
pills, and syrups, and are prescribed in small
doses - the emphasis Tibetan medicine places on
gentle treatment.
There are several Tibet medical centers in
Kathmandu, which can be visited for
consultations. Study in this field may also be
possible.
Contacts:
Kumphen Tibetan Medical Clinic, Dr. Kunsang
Dorjee, in Chetrapati near Thamel, Kathmandu,
Also: Kailash Medical and Astro Society, Lady
Dr. Tsering Choekyi, in Bouddha inside Hotel
Tibet, Kathmandu. |
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Faith healers and tantric
healing in the Himalayas
The "Jhankris" are shamans, who, with garlands
of bells around their necks dance and chant at
the beat of the drum, which they play in the
possession of spirits. The ritual sometimes
involves sacrifice of either a rooster or a
black goat. They are simple people, a
broomstick, some grains of husked rice, a pinch
of ash, incense sticks, water, charged with
tantric spirits is all they need to come out
with a miracle to heal.
India saw its great tantric period between the
7th and 13th centuries. The visit of
Padmansambhaba, a great Indian spiritual master,
during the 8th century, introduced his own type
of Buddhism to Tibet After the 13th century came
the Mugal invasion in India which was
responsible for the tantric cult to come to
Nepal and Tibet. When in Nepal "Gubhajus" who
came from the highest priestly class of the
Newars got his hands on to the cult. But it was
the Lamas from the monasteries in Tibet who had
access to it. Over the centuries tantrism has
become a big part of faith healing both in Nepal
and Tibet.
Adventure Shangrila will organized tailor made
yoga/meditation tours as per your requirement.
If you are interested to do meditation/Yoga
tours in Nepal than email us for the
itinerary/details as per your interest and
requriment. |
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