Kum Nye

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Kum Nye (Tibetan: sKu-mNyé) is a Tibetan Buddhist movement practice, somewhat in the tradition of Yoga or Tai Chi. Kum Nye literally means "subtle body massage" in Tibetan. There are many forms of Kum Nye which have been practiced in Tibet.

Some forms are more esoteric than others, such as those belonging to the Dzogchen teachings. Kum Nye is used in the Dzogchen teachings belonging to the Longde (Tib. klong sde), the series of Space and Men-ngak (Tib. man ngag sde, Sanskrit upadesha), the series of secret Oral Instructions.

One of the most honoured teachers of this ancient practice is Lama Tarthang Tulku, and it was he who first introduced Kum Nye into the West. Lama Tarthang Tulku has authored two of the most regarded and respected books on the subject, the first called 'Kum Nye Yoga' and the second and perhaps more well known, 'Tibetan Relaxation: Kum Nye Massage and Movement a Yoga for Healing and Energy from the Tibetan Tradition'.

Tarthang Tulku is a Tibetan teacher or "Lama" who has worked hard to preserve the art and culture of his country. He is the founder of Dharma Publishing, Yeshe-De, Tibetan Aid Project, the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, and the Odiyan Copper Mountain Mandala. He was essential in initiating and sponsoring the World Peace Ceremony in Bodh Gaya, the Bodh Gaya Trust, the Nyingma Buddhist Trust, the Ka-Ter Foundation and the Light of Buddhadharma Foundation International.

Lama Tarthang Tulku has been integral in bringing traditional Tibetan teachings and practices such as Kum Nye to North America, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and parts of South America.

Some forms of Kum Nye belong to the "Medical Tantras": the body of knowledge which describes Tibetan medical practices and medicines, where it is used to promote health and healing, much like Qi Gong. Another example of Kum Nye used for energy throughout the day can be found in the book 'Kum Nye - 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 renown 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.

Different forms of Kum Nye can also vary greatly between teachers/transmissions, and are used to develop energy channels and increase sensitivities.

Some forms of Kum Nye are very slow moving, similar to Tai Chi. Others seem to resemble various forms of Yoga. Still others are intensely aerobic and resemble "fire traditions" of Yoga or Qi Gong.

The Kum Nye which is described in the books by Tarthang Tulku appear to be largely from the Medical Tantra, but include 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.

An Exercise Example: In the exercise "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.

Kum Nye has been popularized in the West through publications by Tarthang Tulku. Kum Nye is related to the Nyingma and Bön traditions.