Impact of Vipassana in Government

by D R Parihar

The primary aim of this professionally conducted multi-method research study was the asessment and analysis of the impact of Vipassana (a scientific, non-sectarian meditation technique) in government in India, where the uptake of Vipassana is so widespread as to make such a study particularly meaningful.

The secondary objective was to obtain the opinions of government officials about the introduction of Vipassana meditation in government administration.

The main focus of the study was on Central and State Government officials. However, executives, managers, etc. in Public Sector Undertakings and professors, lecturers, etc. in Government Instututes of Higher and Technical Education were also included to make the study more comprehensive.

A large number of personnel including high-ranking officials from these sectors have been attending Vipassana courses. Also some state governments, public sector undertakings and local bodies have been encouraging their oficials and other staff to attend Vipassana courses, by granting leave, etc. Therefore a wide coverage was undertaken throughout the country to better assess the overall impact of Vipassana in government organisations.

This exemplary study will offer compelling perspectives to officials in countries other than India. For those in countries where political betterment of society is regarded as feasible, it will illustrate the paradox of how a non-political method such as Vipassana meditation can have a measurably beneficial impact on government, politics and administration.