Although anyone can do it anywhere, these are some of the best places in the world to learn to meditate and be better with your life.
Meditation, an ancient tradition dating back more than 5,000 years, has become a popular mental and physical wellness practice in modern society. Meditation originated in Eastern cultures, specifically India and China, and later spread throughout the world. It is a practice that transcends cultural, religious, and philosophical boundaries, and has been integrated into a variety of contexts, from Buddhism and Hinduism to psychotherapy and mindfulness training.
Science supports the benefits of meditation on physical and mental health. Research indicates that meditation can reduce anxiety and depression, improve attention, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system.
In recent years, surveys have been carried out to calculate how many people meditate in the world, but there are no reliable results. A rough estimate of the number of meditators in the world ranges from 200 to 500 million people. Different groups of people meditate in different ways. Some recite mantras, others use mala beads, others chant, and still others prefer walking meditation. In the West, especially, the practice of mindfulness, which consists of sitting and observing the breath, is widespread.
Now that we better understand the benefits of meditation, let’s explore the top five destinations to learn this ancient practice.
Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh, known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, is home to numerous ashrams where you can learn and practice meditation in its purest and most authentic form. The most famous ashram is the ‘Parmarth Niketan’, which offers meditation, yoga and spirituality retreats.
Kyoto, Japan
Zen is a form of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and introspection. In Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, you can learn this form of meditation at the city’s many Buddhist temples, including the famous Tenryu-ji Temple.
Dharamsala, India
It is known for being the residence of the Dalai Lama and the seat of the Tibetan government in exile. Here, you can learn Tibetan meditation and connect with the Tibetan Buddhist community.
Chiangmai, Thailand
Vipassana meditation, which focuses on self-observation and introspection, is an integral part of Thai Buddhism. In Chiang Mai, you can learn this technique in numerous centers, such as the Wat Ram Poeng temple.
Big Sur, California, United States
The Esalen Institute, located on the stunning Big Sur coast in California, offers workshops and retreats that explore different forms of meditation, as well as the integration of meditation with other disciplines, such as psychology and neuroscience.
Traveling for the purpose of learning meditation can not only be a geographical adventure, but also a journey of self-exploration and personal growth. So why not put these destinations on your list of places to visit?