Primal Energy Exercises from Tibetan Buddhism

sKu-mNyé (pronounced Koom Yay) loosely translated means massage of the subtle body or massage of the psychophysical system. It is a unique system of exercise, which includes a meditation practice, where the body and mind are viewed as a unified entity.

The exercises in sKu-mNyé are cardiovascular, encouraging bone density, strength, flexibility and joint mobilization. The benefits of meditation are clarity of mind, awareness, and openness. Engaging in the exercises combined with meditation balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain thus promoting brain fitness along with body fitness.

The practice of sKu-mNyé encourages the opening of the sense fields - touch, taste, hearing, sight and smell - and you, as a practitioner will find that your senses become heightened. Practitioners report that sKu-mNyé keeps the mind alert, prevents joint stiffness and arthritis and encourages an overall feeling of vitality and energy. Anyone who is seriously committed to an hour of physical exercise and meditation a day can very quickly and easily discover the unique advantages of this practice.

For those familiar with Tibetan Buddhism, sKu-mNyé exercises stimulate the rTsa, Tibetan for channels or spatial nerves, and cause stagnant rLung, prana or spatial wind, to move through them. Ultimately this encourages the practitioner to become more open to life and more joyful, relieving depression and unhappiness.

In Brooklyn, New York, Naljorma ö-Sel Nyima teaches sKu-mNyé as on of the very small number of certified sKu-mNyé teachers in the World. She is a disciple of Ngak'chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen, Lineage Holders of the Aro gTér, a yogic lineage within the Nyingma tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism.

A book on sKu-mNyé is available called Moving Being written by Khandro Déchen that describes the practice of sKu-mNyé and the first thirty-five exercises. Visit www.arobooks.org.

For information on the Aro gTér Lineage, its teachers and practices and to find a sKu-mNyé teacher in the area or country that you live, visit www.arobuddhism.org.

As this is a Buddhist practice, there will be an initial workshop that includes the history and theory of the whole practice, and demonstration of the exercises. Anyone who wishes to participate in the classes must attend the initial workshop.

• Recommendation: 3 classes per week
• Length of Class: 1 ½ hours
• Cost
  • 10 Classes: $150
  • 20 Classes: $300

For more information, contact ö-Sel Nyima: 347 236 6238 or www.oselnyima.com.