Nam Chö means “Heavenly Dharma” and indicates that the treasure finder Tertön Mingyur Dorje (1645 – 1667) received the texts and exercises in his mind from visions and dreams of deities.
At the age of thirteen, Tertön began the unveiling of the Nam Chö treasure, which is his most important work. Karma Chagmed Rinpoche assisted him as secretary, writing down every word, and together they practiced the meditations until their realization.
The Nam Chö (nam chos, “Heavenly Dharma”) Tsa Lung Yoga practices, have been passed down in unbroken lineage from Tertön (treasure finder) Tulku Mingyur Dorje (1645-1667) to Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche.
Tsa Lung exercises are a series of exercises of the body and mind that focus on working with the subtle channels (Tib. rtsa, Skt. nāḍi) and life energy (Tib. rlung, Skt. prāṇa). Tsa Lung is a form of Tibetan yoga aimed at harmonizing the body, breath, and mind to improve the flow of life energy and essences (Tib. thig le, Skt. bindu) in the body. The term “Tsa Lung” can be broken down as follows:
- Tsa (Tib. rtsa, Skt. nāḍi): Refers to the subtle energy channels or pathways through which the vital life force (Tib. rlung, Skt. prāṇa) flows in the body. These channels are similar to the nadis in the Indian yogic system.
- Lung (Tib. rlung, Skt. prāṇa): Represents the life energy or prana, also known as “wind” in Tibetan. This energy is considered the driving force behind physical, emotional, and mental activities.
Tsa Lung exercises involve a combination of physical postures, breath control and visualization techniques aimed at purifying and harmonizing the subtle energy channels. Visualization plays a crucial role in Tsa Lung.
The ultimate goal of the Tsa Lung exercises is to release energy blockages, promote physical health, mental clarity and spiritual development to ultimately achieve enlightenment.
It is important to note that the Nam Chö Tsa Lung exercises are considered advanced practices that should be approached with respect and appropriate guidance from a qualified teacher.
They also serve as a means of preparing the body and mind for complex meditation and advanced spiritual practices of the Dzogchen lineage.
Nam Chö Tsa Lung courses
In the subsequent courses, the practitioners are gradually introduced to the yogic tradition of the Nam Chö Tsa Lung Tummo cycle.
Nam Chö Tsa Lung – Gegsel
The Nam Chö (nam chos, “Heavenly Dharma”) Tsa Lung Gegsel exercises have been passed down in an unbroken line of transmission from Tertön (treasure finder) Tulku Mingyur Dorje (1645-1667) to Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche. They combine dynamic movements with the visualization of certain germ syllables and the use of controlled breathing.
These powerful exercises to harmonize energy channels address subtle areas where blockages often occur. They help us to release stress and pent-up emotions in the upper body and shoulder area. They also help with illnesses caused by too much internal heat, such as fever or an infection. Digestion is also regulated and menstrual problems are alleviated. This stimulates a deep healing process and helps to stabilize a calm and balanced mind.
Nam Chö Tsa Lung – Preliminary Tummo exercises (Ngöndro & Guru Yoga)
Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche teaches the core instructions for the practice of Tsa Lung Guru Yoga from the Nam Chö (nam chos, “Heavenly Dharma”) tradition repeatedly online or on site for anyone who is seriously interested in learning this practice.
The Nam Chö Tsa Lung Ngöndro begins with us learning how to develop self-love and awaken love and compassion within ourselves. We are then shown how we can develop and carry out our positive actions in order to generate positive benefits for our future lives. Next, the practice will teach us how to purify and reduce our negative emotions. The Nam Chö Tsa Lung Guru Yoga shows us how to enter ultimate meditation by merging our mind with the nature of reality.
This Ngöndro and Guru Yoga practice is taught according to the yogic Tummo tradition.
Participation in this course is a prerequisite for participation in Tummo empowerments and retreats with Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche.
Nam Chö Tsa Lung – Tummo
Tummo, the yoga of inner fire and joyful bliss, is a Buddhist form of yoga that specifically works with the energies (Tib. rlung, Skt. prāṇa), subtle pathways (Tib. rtsa, Skt. nāḍi) and essences (Tib. thig le, Skt. bindu) of the body works.
The Nam Chö (nam chos, “sky dharma”) Tsa Lung Tummo practice can help us open our channels and deepen our meditation and mind training. It is a complete cycle of practice that – if performed and applied continuously – can lead to enlightenment.
Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche invites all Tummo practitioners and everyone who would like to learn this practice to a Nam Chö Tsa Lung Tummo Retreat once a year. At the beginning of each Tummo retreat, Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche will give the Nam Chö Tsa Lung Tummo empowerment, which is the prerequisite for learning the practice of Tummo.
Rinpoche teaches the visualizations and the three main exercises from the Nam Chö Tsa Lung tradition (Trulkhor) gradually, depending on the level of knowledge of his students.