Kum Nye
Encyclopedia
Kum Nye and sKu-mNyé refer to a wide variety of Tibetan religious and medical body practices. The two terms are different spellings in the Latin alphabet
of the same Tibetan phrase (Wylie
: sku mnye), which literally means "massage
of the subtle body
". Some systems of sku mnye are vaguely similar to Yoga
, T'ai chi, Qigong
, or therapeutic massage
. "Kum Nye", Ku Nye, and Kunye are also used to transcribe the Tibetan phrases dku mnye ("belly massage") and bsku mnye ("oil massage"), which are pronounced identically to sku mnye. dKu mnye and bsku mnye manipulate the physical body, rather than the subtle (energetic) one.
Systems of Kum Nye are found in many Tibetan Buddhist
and Bön traditions. These can be entirely different both in purpose and in methods. For instance, some forms are very slow moving; others are intensely aerobic. Some systems are based in the Tibetan Medical Tantras
(scriptures), and are mainly therapeutic. Other systems are based in Dzogchen
, and are mainly religious in purpose.
Three systems of sku mnye have been described and taught in detail in English. These are Tarthang Tulku's Kum Nye, the Aro gTér sKu-mNyé and the Bön system taught by Stephanie Wright. Systems of bsku mnye are taught by the International Academy for Traditional Tibetan Medicine and the Shang Shung Institute.
Tarthang Tulku
first introduced Kum Nye into the West. He has written five books on the subject. Training in this system is widely available through various institutions affiliated with the author.
This system appears to be largely from the Medical Tantras
, but includes exercises similar to those found in the Dzogchen
series. It is very hardworking and based on very slow movements, stillness practices, and massage. This Kum Nye has been described as Inner Massage.
, a Nyingma
terma
. It is described in detail in the book moving being, by Khandro Déchen.
Aro sKu-mNyé belongs to Longde
, the section of Dzogchen
concerned with the subtle body
. As with all Dzogchen methods, its main goal is to realize rigpa
, or non-dual awareness. This is described as "finding the presence of awareness in the dimension of sensation". Physical exercises are used to "shake" the tsa-lung system of energetic "channels", winds", and "essences". This perceptually disorients the practitioner, and produces "zap nyams". Zap nyams (Wylie
: zab nyams), literally "profound experiences" in Tibetan, are described as "intense psychophysical sensations". These are said to occur in the energetic space that surrounds the body, rather than in the physical body.
Although the purpose of the Aro gTér sKu-mNyé is mainly religious, the system is said also to have a variety of mundane benefits, including more vivid sensory experience, emotional openness, enhanced meditation, physical fitness, and lessening of depression.
In practice, Aro sKu-mNyé is a set of 111 movement exercises divided into series that correspond to the Buddhist five elements. They range from simple and gentle to vigorous and extremely difficult, and bear no similarity to any other Eastern or Western form of exercise. The moving exercises are alternated with periods of motionless meditation.
Aro sKu-mNyé is taught by instructors certified by a board headed by the Aro Lamas.
. Its benefits are said to include elimination of toxins, increased vitality, pain reduction, and calming of nervous disorders including insomnia, depression and anxiety.
The massagge curse ist going for 3yher in alle over the world aunder the direction of DR NIDA CHENAGSTANG the president of IATTM.
, offers a Training program in Kunye Massage.
Latin alphabet
The Latin alphabet, also called the Roman alphabet, is the most recognized alphabet used in the world today. It evolved from a western variety of the Greek alphabet called the Cumaean alphabet, which was adopted and modified by the Etruscans who ruled early Rome...
of the same Tibetan phrase (Wylie
Wylie transliteration
The Wylie transliteration scheme is a method for transliterating Tibetan script using only the letters available on a typical English language typewriter. It bears the name of Turrell V. Wylie, who described the scheme in an article, A Standard System of Tibetan Transcription, published in 1959...
: sku mnye), which literally means "massage
Massage
Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle"...
of the subtle body
Subtle body
A subtle body is one of a series of psycho-spiritual constituents of living beings, according to various esoteric, occult, and mystical teachings...
". Some systems of sku mnye are vaguely similar to Yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
, T'ai chi, Qigong
Qigong
Qigong or chi kung is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation...
, or therapeutic massage
Massage
Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle"...
. "Kum Nye", Ku Nye, and Kunye are also used to transcribe the Tibetan phrases dku mnye ("belly massage") and bsku mnye ("oil massage"), which are pronounced identically to sku mnye. dKu mnye and bsku mnye manipulate the physical body, rather than the subtle (energetic) one.
Systems of Kum Nye are found in many Tibetan Buddhist
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and India . It is the state religion of Bhutan...
and Bön traditions. These can be entirely different both in purpose and in methods. For instance, some forms are very slow moving; others are intensely aerobic. Some systems are based in the Tibetan Medical Tantras
Tantras
Tantras refers to numerous and varied scriptures pertaining to any of several esoteric traditions rooted in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. Although Buddhist and Hindu Tantra have many similarities from the outside, they do have some clear distinctions. The rest of this article deals with Hindu...
(scriptures), and are mainly therapeutic. Other systems are based in Dzogchen
Dzogchen
According to Tibetan Buddhism and Bön, Dzogchen is the natural, primordial state or natural condition of the mind, and a body of teachings and meditation practices aimed at realizing that condition. Dzogchen, or "Great Perfection", is a central teaching of the Nyingma school also practiced by...
, and are mainly religious in purpose.
Three systems of sku mnye have been described and taught in detail in English. These are Tarthang Tulku's Kum Nye, the Aro gTér sKu-mNyé and the Bön system taught by Stephanie Wright. Systems of bsku mnye are taught by the International Academy for Traditional Tibetan Medicine and the Shang Shung Institute.
Tarthang Tulku's Kum Nye
LamaLama
Lama is a title for a Tibetan teacher of the Dharma. The name is similar to the Sanskrit term guru .Historically, the term was used for venerated spiritual masters or heads of monasteries...
Tarthang Tulku
Tarthang Tulku
Tarthang Tulku is a Tibetan teacher in the Nyingma tradition who lives in America, where he works to preserve the art and culture of Tibet. He oversees various projects including Dharma Publishing, Yeshe-De, Tibetan Aid Project, and the construction of the Odiyan Copper Mountain Mandala...
first introduced Kum Nye into the West. He has written five books on the subject. Training in this system is widely available through various institutions affiliated with the author.
This system appears to be largely from the Medical Tantras
Tantras
Tantras refers to numerous and varied scriptures pertaining to any of several esoteric traditions rooted in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. Although Buddhist and Hindu Tantra have many similarities from the outside, they do have some clear distinctions. The rest of this article deals with Hindu...
, but includes exercises similar to those found in the Dzogchen
Dzogchen
According to Tibetan Buddhism and Bön, Dzogchen is the natural, primordial state or natural condition of the mind, and a body of teachings and meditation practices aimed at realizing that condition. Dzogchen, or "Great Perfection", is a central teaching of the Nyingma school also practiced by...
series. It is very hardworking and based on very slow movements, stillness practices, and massage. This Kum Nye has been described as Inner Massage.
Exercise example: "Flying"
One extends one's arms slowly out from the side up to stretching above the head and then slowly back down again. One cycle can take anywhere between 2 and 10 minutes. The practice of breathing in and out of both nose and mouth at the same time is recommended while doing the exercises. The key is to pay close attention to the subtleties of sensations and the quality of experience while doing the exercises, thus linking body and mind in the presence of awareness given to the sensations.Aro gTér sKu-mNyé
This system is part of the Aro gTérAro gTér
Aro is a lineage within the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It has several unusual characteristics. The terma on which it is based teaches all Buddhist topics from point of view of Dzogchen, and so is characterized by uncommon simplicity. The lineage is entirely non-monastic , and so...
, a Nyingma
Nyingma
The Nyingma tradition is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism . "Nyingma" literally means "ancient," and is often referred to as Nga'gyur or the "old school" because it is founded on the first translations of Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit into Tibetan, in the eighth century...
terma
Terma (Buddhism)
Terma are key Tibetan Buddhist and Bön teachings, which the tradition holds were originally esoterically hidden by various adepts such as Padmasambhava and his consorts in the 8th century for future discovery at auspicious times by other adepts, known as tertöns. As such, they represent a...
. It is described in detail in the book moving being, by Khandro Déchen.
Aro sKu-mNyé belongs to Longde
Longde
Longde is the name of one of three scriptural divisions within Atiyoga, also known as Dzogchen or the Great Perfection which is itself the pinnacle of the ninefold division of practice according to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.The name Longde is translated as 'Space Division' or 'Space...
, the section of Dzogchen
Dzogchen
According to Tibetan Buddhism and Bön, Dzogchen is the natural, primordial state or natural condition of the mind, and a body of teachings and meditation practices aimed at realizing that condition. Dzogchen, or "Great Perfection", is a central teaching of the Nyingma school also practiced by...
concerned with the subtle body
Subtle body
A subtle body is one of a series of psycho-spiritual constituents of living beings, according to various esoteric, occult, and mystical teachings...
. As with all Dzogchen methods, its main goal is to realize rigpa
Rigpa
Rigpa is the knowledge that ensues from recognizing one's nature i.e. one knows that there is a primordial freedom from grasping his or her mind . The opposite of rigpa is marigpa ....
, or non-dual awareness. This is described as "finding the presence of awareness in the dimension of sensation". Physical exercises are used to "shake" the tsa-lung system of energetic "channels", winds", and "essences". This perceptually disorients the practitioner, and produces "zap nyams". Zap nyams (Wylie
Wylie transliteration
The Wylie transliteration scheme is a method for transliterating Tibetan script using only the letters available on a typical English language typewriter. It bears the name of Turrell V. Wylie, who described the scheme in an article, A Standard System of Tibetan Transcription, published in 1959...
: zab nyams), literally "profound experiences" in Tibetan, are described as "intense psychophysical sensations". These are said to occur in the energetic space that surrounds the body, rather than in the physical body.
Although the purpose of the Aro gTér sKu-mNyé is mainly religious, the system is said also to have a variety of mundane benefits, including more vivid sensory experience, emotional openness, enhanced meditation, physical fitness, and lessening of depression.
In practice, Aro sKu-mNyé is a set of 111 movement exercises divided into series that correspond to the Buddhist five elements. They range from simple and gentle to vigorous and extremely difficult, and bear no similarity to any other Eastern or Western form of exercise. The moving exercises are alternated with periods of motionless meditation.
Aro sKu-mNyé is taught by instructors certified by a board headed by the Aro Lamas.
Exercise example: "waking lion"
lie on your back / legs splayed as far apart as comfortable / arms 90 degrees to your body / palms upwards / eyes closed / simultaneously (with a quick movement) raise your torso and legs (legs straight and locked at the knee) / simultaneously clap feet together and hands together (arms are straight and locked at the elbow) / in the moment of clapping, open eyes wide and shout Ra! (roll the 'R' to enunciate fiercely) / when clapping feet and hands, eyes, hands, and feet should be at the same height – feet and hands meet at the same level as your eyes; and at this point your bottom is all that is touching the floor / it is important that the back is kept absolutely straight / try to achieve an angle of 45 degrees to the floor, but NOT by bending your back – bending the back will result in injury! / relax back into the starting position and repeat
Bön system
Another example of Kum Nye used for energy throughout the day can be found in the book Waking up for beginners which takes the reader through 8 poses to each be held for up to 2 minutes. While some poses are simple, others take years of practise to get right. This particular book was inspired by the teachings of Christopher Hansard who taught this form to the book's author, Stephanie Wright. Many practitioners approve Kum Nye as a well balanced workout for the body enhancing suppleness and strength. Just as the Tibetan Warriors once performed this routine in a prescribed order on waking, so must one practise it today to reap the benefits. This form is known to be so potent, that one is discouraged from practising it too late in the day as the energy created may make for a somewhat restive sleep.IATTM Ku Nye
The Ku Nye taught by the International Academy for Traditional Tibetan Medicine is a system of therapeutic oil massage. It is based in the Medical TantrasTantras
Tantras refers to numerous and varied scriptures pertaining to any of several esoteric traditions rooted in Hindu and Buddhist philosophy. Although Buddhist and Hindu Tantra have many similarities from the outside, they do have some clear distinctions. The rest of this article deals with Hindu...
. Its benefits are said to include elimination of toxins, increased vitality, pain reduction, and calming of nervous disorders including insomnia, depression and anxiety.
The massagge curse ist going for 3yher in alle over the world aunder the direction of DR NIDA CHENAGSTANG the president of IATTM.
Shang Shung Institute Kunye
The Shang Shung Institute, affiliated with Chogyal Namkhai NorbuChogyal Namkhai Norbu
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is a Dzogchen teacher who was born in Derge, Kham district on 8 December 1938. When he was two years old, Namkhai Norbu was recognized as the 'mindstream emanation', a tulku, of the great Dzogchen teacher, Adzom Drugpa , at five he was also recognized as a mindstream...
, offers a Training program in Kunye Massage.
Tarthang Tulku's Kum Nye
- Kum Nye Tibetan Energy Yoga International Kum Nye Yoga Website
- Kum Nye Yoga European Kum Nye Yoga Website