Nepal Vipassana Centre

(Dieter Baltruschat, last update November 2002)

Address

Nepal Vipassana Centre
Dhammashringa, Muhan Pokhari, Budhanilkanth, Kathmandu.
Tel: 00977-1-371655 oder 371007


Leaflet, questions and registration (preregistration recommended)

Nepal Vipassana Centre City Office
Jyoti Bhawan, Kantipath, P.O. Box: 133, Kathmandu/Nepal.
Tel: 00977-1-225490 / 250581 / 223968 | Fax: 00977-1-224720
E-mail: rjyoti@jyotib.mos.com.np / nvc@htm.com.np | Internet: www.vri.dhamma.org


Location

A bit outside Kathmandu at the foot of a hill, beautiful garden, easy to reach from Kathmandu (organised bus trip from information office in Kathmandu at 1 p.m.). The center can accomodate about 140 persons.


Tradition and Focus

Vipassana according to U Ba Khin (Burma). Intensive sitting meditation and one lecture daily.


Meditation Technique and Schedule of Retreat

The first three days Anapanasati, i.e. observation of breath. Concentrating on inhaling and exhaling. Breath is only observed, not manipulated. From day three, Vipassana meditation in the tradition of U Ba Khin. In the "step by step" or "body-sweeping“ method the bodily sensations are systematically observed. After the body is scanned from head to toe, another round is performed in the opposite direction. Sensations are not judged but only observed. The course ends with an exercise for the development of loving kindness.


Course Duration and Dates

Two ten-day courses twice monthly, from day 1–12 and 14–25. The second course in the months April, August and December is a Satipatthana Sutta course for meditators who have already taken part in at least three introductory courses.


Teacher and Guidance

After 14 years of practice, his teacher U Ba Khin gave S.N. Goenka teaching permission in 1969. Goenkaj is from a wealthy Indian industrial family and grew up in Burma where he was raised in the Hindu tradition. Today he lives in India. Since there are more than 50 centers worldwide which adhere to this tradition, Goenkajs instructions are presented on video or audio tape. Usually two assistant teachers (male and female) are present. They can answer questions and assist with problems. Usually there is a twice daily opportunity to talk to them.


Language(s)

Video and assistance teacher: Nepali, Hindi, English. Taped Dhamma talks (introduction in the teachings of the Buddha) are also offered in other languages (e.g. German).


Lodging

Differently sized rooms, depending on participant numbers. Rooms house two to eight people. Clean toilets and laundry facilities. With some luck, hot showers (solar heating). Beds (with mattress) with moskito nets. Blankets are available, but a sleeping bag is recommended since nights can be cold.


Food

Vegetarian and tasty. Second helpings possible for breakfast and lunch. Every day fruit, delicious yoghurt, milk, and tea are served. The friendly assistants are helpful and eager to support meditators with dietary restrictions. Evenings, new meditators receive fruit and tea. Experienced meditators may have lemon water. Drinking water is filtered or boiled and therefore safe for occidentals (if you want to be on the absolutely safe side, bring disinfectant).


Medical Care

Good by Indian subcontinent standards, because in Kathmandu there are fairly good private clinics. Malaria is not endemic in the Kathmandu valley and hygienic conditions at the Vipassana Centre are good.


Cost

Donations.


Rules

All participants pledge to take part in the entire retreat (no leaving the premises), to keep noble silence for the first nine days, not to read or write, engage in sexual activities, follow rituals, prayers, or other extraneous meditation techniques, to accept orders by the teacher and the management, and to keep the five (novices) or eight (experienced meditators) silas (moral precepts). Yoga or Tai Chi exercises are compatible with the method but must not be exercised during the course so as not to distract other participants. Walks during the breaks are possible in principle but due to the rather small size garden only short rounds with little variation are possible. There is no explicit dress code but very distracting or indecent clothing must be avoided.


Shopping

In Kathmandu most items of daily use can be obtained. In the centre there is no shop. Toiletries must be brought. Sitting pads are available, a pillow may be brought. A sleeping bag is an asset. Absolutely take warm clothing (fleece), because during sitting meditation at 4 a.m. it can be very cold.


Climate and Best Time to Go

October/November is considered the best time for a trip to Nepal, End of February to April the second best (true also for trekking). Summers are hot and wet. December and January are suitable, but very cold (no heating!).


Final Note

Good for serious practitioners with retreat experience and the desire for intensive practise. Also suitable for beginners who have no problems with long periods of sitting and are willing to submit to an intensive and structured schedule. Dhamma talks are well made and didactic. The "body sweep“ method is one of the most widely spread exercises in Vipassana. Good conditions.

Sunday to Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm.