Nepal is the birth place of one of the greatest healers known, Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha.In ancient legends, it was taught in Nepal that Shambala lies in the heart of the Himalaya and the Himalaya lies in the heart of many Buddhists where Shambala exists.Nepal has certainly played a big role in self realisation for thousands of years.

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, for example anger, greed and ignorance. It is a practice which develops positive, creative energy for the betterment of the individual and society.

What makes Buddhism unique is its scientific and logical explanation of being, without an outside creator. The Buddha tells us we are responsible for our lives and environment, 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,this practice has nothing to do with any religion, it can be done freely by anyone without conflict with race, caste or faith, in any place and at any time.

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 wanting to learn more.We arrange appropriate venues and settings, courses can be from a simple introduction of one day, to however long people want to make them.

Yoga:
Yoga = 'Unity', 'Oneness'. Comes from the Sanskrit word "YOG" which means "TO JOIN". Many people associate yoga as an image of postures (Asanas) to develop the flexibility of the body which leads to better health and awareness. This stage is just the beginning, the major focus 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,you can decide to focus more on one technique or use them both together.

Other Courses:

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 means "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.

Homoeopathy:
Homoeopathy is a system of natural remedies made from animal, vegetable, and mineral extracts. These remedies are prepared to be non toxic and do not cause side effects.Homeopathy and Ayruveda have their similarities and can be used together,often to treat the same condition in a patient.The Ministry of Health has a homeopathic division here, with practitioners and pharmacies found all over Kathmandu city.

Snowland lodge

Snowland provides peaceful seclusion and a wonderful vantage point for some of the best mountain views of the entire Annapurna range, including Annapurna South and the sacred mountain Macchappuchare (fishtail).It is also the perfect mountain setting for discovering and getting amongst local village life. There are also many day hikes and overnight stays available.

Terraced fields fall away from the large garden to the old village below that is reached by winding pathways.

Our involvement with the lodge began in the autumn of 1998, although we had stayed there on a number of occassions for many years before that. The aim was to refurbish it and create a study center for overseas groups.The aim was to channel part of any profit into the many pockets of real poverty still to be found in what is relatively a wealthy region in Nepal.

It was sensitively restored with an extension built on to the original structure in keeping with the design.

This provided;

1. a new kitchen with gas cooking facilities
2. a study room on the upper floor
3. two new toilets and a solar shower.

In addition the large family bedroom downstairs was converted into a dining room and the six traditional bedrooms upstairs were refurbished.

The center was established as a Non Governmental Organisation, it opened in 1999. The following years of unrest here and the subsequent loss in tourism, plus continued threats from the Moaists forced us to sever our direct involvement in 2003. We have however kept in regular contact with the owner and have exclusive access as and when we need to use it.

Please contact us for more information on courses available or if you would like us to tailor a package to suit your needs.