Training the Wisdom Body: Buddhist Yogic Exercise

by Rose Taylor Goldfield, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso (Foreword by)

Overview

Sitting still in meditation may be the common image that comes to mind when one thinks of Buddhist practice—but just as important is cultivation of awareness through movement. The traditional Tibetan practice of yogic exercises known as lujong helps us connect with and explore the natural wisdom inherent in our living, breathing, feeling bodies. Lujong is an exercise that engages our whole being—body, mind, and subtle body—from the coarse aspects to the subtler and more profound. This book provides a thorough foundation for those new to the practice, and it helps people already engaged in any form of yogic exercise to deepen the potent fusion of meditation and physical movement. Included is an overview of the unique tradition of Buddhist yoga, along with instructions on how to work with the body and mind in seated meditation; tips for furthering our practice by working with adversities such as fear, procrastination, and anxiety; and guidance on bringing practice mind into daily life. The author also offers exercise instructions and a complete explanation of the movement practices, with photos to illustrate.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780834828995
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	09/17/2013
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	961 KB

About the Author

ROSE TAYLOR GOLDFIELD is a second-generation Buddhist teacher of meditation, philosophy, and yogic exercise and dance. She holds an MA in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist studies from Naropa University. Having studied and practiced extensively in the Shambhala lineage, she began training in 2002 under the close guidance of the Tibetan master Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso, who appointed her teacher to his nuns in Bhutan and Nepal in 2005. Since childhood, she has trained extensively in a variety of physical disciplines, including classical ballet, competitive kickboxing, Nepalese dance, and Indian and Tibetan yoga. Rose lives in San Francisco and teaches under the auspices of the Wisdom Sun practice and study community.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

Part 1 Foundations of Practice

1 Buddhist Yoga 9

2 Renunciation 15

3 Compassionate Bodhichitta 19

4 Joining with Naturalness through the Profound View of True Reality 27

5 Body, Mind, and Subtle Body 33

Part 2 Seated Meditation Practice

6 Calm-Abiding Meditation 39

7 How to Hold the Body 47

8 How to Hold the Mind 53

Part 3 Extending Practice

9 Using Adversity to Enhance the Practice of Buddhist Yoga 67

10 Practicing with Syllables and Song 81

11 Practice in Daily Life 87

Part 4 Exercise Instructions

12 Key Points of Buddhist Yogic Exercise 95

13 Exercises 107

Notes 157

Glossary 163

Resources 171

Recommended Reading 173

Index 175