Tummo Monk Training

As someone who is affected by low temperatures living much of my life in the wild, I have been intrigued with tummo breathing for sometime now. After all, if we’re able to control body temperature, I will remain able to control other biological processes that interfere with inner peace. A devotional challenge for life's journey. Tibetan Buddhists have practiced tantric meditation known as tummo meditation or breathing. It is also known as psychic heat or inner fire, as it creates internal heat within the spine. Tummo, which is sometimes called Chandali yoga, is a Tibetan meditation technique that relies on the mix of breathing and visualization exercises. This ancient practice is mentioned in sacred texts dating back to the 8th century, where the word “tummo” means “heat”.

Tummo, which is sometimes called Chandali yoga, is a Tibetan meditation technique that relies on a mix of breathing and visualization exercises. This ancient practice is mentioned in sacred texts dating back to the 8th century, where the word “tummo” means “heat”. The fact that tummo originated in Tibet isn’t a coincidence. Due to its high altitude, temperatures in the Tibetan plateau often drop below zero. You probably know how difficult it is to focus and relax when you feel cold, and this is something that Tibetan Buddhist monks had to deal with too. The practice of tummo breathing emerged in response to this challenge, as its main purpose is to awaken the body’s inner fire.

To start with, sit in a comfortable position. Before you start this session, exhale forcefully to clear any stagnant energy from the lungs. Then follow these steps:

1. Bring your hands together in front of you and rub them energetically.
2. When your hands are warm, place your left hand on your navel, and the right hand over it. Keep your hands in this position for the entire session.
3. Start the first tummo breathing sequence: inhale deeply while pulling your shoulders back and letting the rib cage expand.
4. Exhale loudly bringing your shoulders forward.
5. Repeat the inhale-exhale sequence 3 or 4 times.
6. Now switch to gentle breathing for a few seconds.
7.  Start the second sequence by inhaling deeply.
8. Hold your breath for a couple of seconds and keep your shoulders square.
9. Exhale, let your shoulders relax, and push your abdomen out.
10. Repeat the inhale-exhale sequence 2 or 3 times.
11. Switch to gentle breathing for a few seconds.
12. Repeat the first sequence 5 times.
13. Before you exhale for the last time, hold your breath for 2 seconds, then exhale slowly.

There’s a second version of tummo breathing where instead of pushing the abdomen out, you let it go back to its natural position.