Vipassanā meditation courses in Nepalese prisons between 2022 and 2024 led to significant improvements in inmates' attitudes, interpersonal relationships, mental well-being, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, along with reductions in anger, stress, anxiety, and vengeful feelings. Physical health and optimism also improved, and these benefits persisted during follow-up assessments. Feedback from prison officials confirmed the positive institutional impacts. The research used a mixed-method approach with quantitative data from inmates and qualitative feedback from prison staff, analyzed with descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.
Vipassanā, an ancient meditation technique rediscovered by the Buddha, was taught by S. N. Goenka and is practiced by lay meditators. A mixed-methods study of 215 experienced students who had taken at least one Goenka Vipassanā course found that regular practice positively affects both personal and professional life. On a personal level, it reduces anger, stress, and anxiety, fosters optimism, improves relationships, and enhances self-realization. Professionally, it boosts concentration, planning, decision-making, efficiency, and workplace relationships. These benefits held across gender, age, marital status, profession, and education. Frequency data were supported by chi-square tests at the five percent significance level.
Ānāpāna, a meditation technique using natural breath as an object, is taught to schoolchildren through a course created by S.N. Goenka. A survey of 240 students from two secondary schools in Kathmandu Valley who had taken and continued the practice assessed its effects across nine clusters. The study indicates that the technique improves study habits, academic performance, physical and mental health, reduces anger, and enhances relationships with friends, family, and relatives. Chi-square tests at a 5% significance level showed a significant association with regular practice for all nine variables.