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Lived Experiences of Regular Vipassana Meditators in Buddha's Birthland: Perspective from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Santosh Lama, Bhagwan Aryal, Khagendra Prasad Joshi

Journal of Kapan Multiple Campus December 31, 2025 DOI: 10.3126/jkmc2.v4i1.91047 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 8
Population Regular Vipassana meditators in Lumbini, Nepal
Topics Meditation
Keywords Lived experience Transcendental meditation Perspective graphical Thematic analysis Hierarchy Contemplation Experiential learning Interpretative phenomenological analysis Transcendental number Spirituality Phenomenology philosophy Aesthetics Identity music Psychology of self Experiential knowledge Qualitative research Epistemology Personality Spiritual development Shame
Key findings Vipassana meditation enhances personal spiritual well-being and connects with Maslow's self-transcendence stage.

Abstract

This study examined the spiritual well-being of regular Vipassana meditators in Lumbini, Nepal, a region revered as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, through a transcendental phenomenological lens. This study examined how regular meditation enables individuals to grow from within, discovering deeper meaning, inner transformation, and a richer spiritual life, thereby building on Maslow’s concept that transcending the self leads to the most profound human fulfillment. Eight purposefully selected meditators participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews, allowing their lived experiences to illuminate the intersection of contemplative discipline and spiritual fulfillment. Thematic analysis revealed key experiential patterns, including the purity of the mind and detachment from ego, heightened awareness and present-moment living, meaning, purpose, and a sense of sacred connection, as well as the art of living and self-transcendence. The findings showed that Vipassana helps enhance personal spiritual well-being and connects with the highest stage in Maslow’s framework—self-transcendence. This research adds a culturally based perspective on how meditation can lead to inner freedom and spiritual growth. This study has implications for the overall dimensions of health and policy-making.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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Meditation Philosophy of mind