5 best countries for self-discovery and finding zen

Spiritual tourism is becoming more and more popular every year. Stress, irregular work schedules, consumer society, and an incredible pace of life encourage people to join various practices that help them calm down and restore balance. OBOZREVATEL has selected 5 countries to go to in search of zen.

Nepal

The thin strip that separates Tibet and India is filled with the power of ancient philosophy. Nepal is one of the biggest spiritual centers of the planet that attracts pilgrims. At first, it seems that only Buddhist temples are located here. However, later it becomes clear that the country is open to adherents of all religions and beliefs.

Many local shrines hold open classes on various spiritual movements. They teach Qigong meditation, talk about the sacred connection between the physical and energy body, and help get rid of anxiety and various bad thoughts. The locals' view of everyday life makes you rethink your values and take difficulties and obstacles more easily.

China

Taoist practices are widely known to all Chinese people. This is a subtle and multifaceted work with energy circulation. It is even used in official medicine, but it is presented in a more scientific way. Meditations are based on different forms of breathing, when a person consciously controls the speed and depth of inhalations and exhalations. This saturates the blood with oxygen and stimulates the body's self-regulation.

Spiritual centers in China offer to participate in several-day retreats. These are constant practices that are accompanied by complete silence and the rejection of social ties. Thus, for a while, you have to forget about all technology, the Internet, the phone, communication with friends and family, and even with spiritual partners. In order to avoid any distractions from the search for oneself, such communities even provide special white uniforms.

Japan

Of course, the big cities of Japan are filled with noise and speed. However, in remote areas, there are large temples and spiritual centers that welcome pilgrims for free and help them have an honest conversation with themselves.

The most popular technique among local monks is the Zazen technique. It means "seated meditation" in Japanese. This is exactly the kind of practice we see in movies or various advertisements. At this moment, a person sits cross-legged in the lotus position and plunges into their subconscious mind. At the same time, you can be in complete silence or accompany the meditation with the voice of a spiritual guide.

Thailand

For the locals, the main thing is not what is happening around them, but what is being done inside. Thus, the main practice in this area is Vipassana. This is a meditation that can be done anywhere and anytime. The main thing is to focus all your attention on breathing and your sensations, both tactile and emotional. You just need to take slow breaths in and out and pay attention to the sounds, smells, temperature around you and your impressions of it.

In modern psychology, there is an exercise called the practice of slowing down. During it, you can do whatever you want, but you need to control your thoughts and actions, look at everything around you and pay attention to the smallest details. This calms the mind and thoughts. Such skills are taught in numerous Vipassana centers in Thailand.

India

This is the most popular country among spiritual seekers. Dozens of temples and monasteries throughout the Asian country welcome pilgrims of all levels of experience. Various practices are widespread here, from bodily to spiritual. In the centers, people take hundreds of classes to help them find a balance between body and mind and calm their worries.

Ancient ascetic ashrams are open to new visitors and do not require any money for accommodation or food. The only requirement is that you work together with everyone else during the designated hours. Everyone who lives in the center has to divide into groups and cook, clean the territory, do laundry, and take care of the gardens. There are no hired workers in the shrines.

India differs from other spiritual resorts as it has large paid destinations that are organized more for entertainment than for practice. In such centers, people are introduced to the theoretical and practical parts of yoga, and themed evenings and holidays are organized. Still, people stay in touch with the world, have fun and relax.