First of the Five Tibetan Rites ~ Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche, was founder of Tibetan Buddhism in the 8th Century AD. I took this photo (1980s) in the Shrine Room of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center in South Florida.
Welcome! to the 360 Healing Meditation Methods site. Enjoy one of my articles on yoga and so much more. If you're just beginning yoga or meditation -- wonderful. If you are a seasoned practitioner like me, enjoy reading one of many spiritual stress management articles on yoga, meditation and Tibetan meditation methods throughout these web pages, shared to inspire you on your journey to wholeness. As a practicing yogini for more than 35 years, I've experimented with The Five Tibetan Rites, and use them as part of my 'Tibetan Meditation in Motion' (360 Yoga) practice. As you'll read… this first rite is quite unique. Thank you for visiting today. May all be splendid for you and family. La Gyalo! Heartfelt Blessings.
Have you ever noticed Tibetan monks look youthful? I have. It’s a blessing to sit at the feet of these masters as a longtime student to two Lamas who are brothers. This month I share an exercise that was a secret in that it was known only in ancient monasteries of Tibet until discovered in the 1920s by a retired British army officer Colonel Bradford, who was allowed to observe, practice and bring it to the world. It’s the First of The Five Tibetan Rites which is quite unique (especially for a yoga teacher like me) because it’s not a traditional asana (posture). In fact its departure is enormous in that you stand and rotate your body—that’s it!
Before you start spinning around let’s look at the purpose of this discipline. As we age our frequency starts to wane. The vortexes or chakras slow down and go out of whack...which is not good. I know you’re familiar with chakra which means wheel in Sanskrit (it’s pronounced CH akra...as in chalk, not sh, as in shed). The First Rite energizes and strengthens our vibratory tonality. It will boost and balance the chakras for vitality and long life to the body (which is Soul’s temple).
Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Create a sacred space. You need enough room to safely rotate without bumping into a coffee table. You’re barefoot standing with feet slightly apart. Feel the earth. Meditate in this awareness for a minute or two. Outstretch your arms, shoulder level, palms down. Relax your neck area—avoid creating tension. Focus your mind...feel the subtle energies within.
Carefully spin clockwise ONLY 1-3 times slowly, breathing deeply while staying in place—not losing balance. Stop and bring palms together at chest level gazing at your thumbs. Initially you may feel a little dizzy so be careful and mindful. Practice daily and you’ll gain speed. This ritual takes only moments but it’s powerful. As the ancients taught, eventually (with much practice) a maximum of 21 rotations is performed. That’s “Doing a 360”!
Note: The author recommends seeking a qualified instructor for The Five Tibetan Rites. An excellent video available is: Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth, with Jille’ Gleason and Rory Reich.
The Rev. Nancy Ash, E-RYT is an ADL Ministerial Trainer, and long-time practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism and Hatha Yoga, who resides in the foothills of what the New Mexico Native Americans wisely call “The Great Turtle” aka the Sandias. She is blessed to view the peak at 10,700 ft. from her window.
FYI: This article was already published in Dayspring, international publication for The Alliance of Divine Love Ministry, Sept. 2007, pg. 11. It's therefore ©Copyrighted. Thank you for not duplicating it without permission. Read, learn and practice - enjoy!
Thanks for browsing through today. I trust you enjoyed reading about the First of The Five Tibetan Rites. In the spirit of a sacred circle, check back again as I periodically upload articles on yoga, meditation methods, etc. If you're just beginning yoga or interested in other meditation methods you may click for more info: Beginning Yoga - what is 360 Yoga?
Read about my 103+ year 'young' student!
My article "Meditation is NOT What You Think"