What’s New For June?

First up, a jam-packed Tibetan Lu Jong Workshop in NYC.

 

WHEN: Saturday, June 24th

WHERE: Three Jewels NYC ~ 61 4TH AVE, 3rd FL

TIME: 1:00 to 3:30pm

FEE: $30 early bird ends June 21 | $35 after June 21

 

How do I register? CLICK HERE

 

 

Curriculum

• The Five Elements movements (for opening the spine and general balancing)
• The Five Body Parts movements (for the musculoskeletal system)
• The Five Vital Organ movements (for improving function of the kidneys, heart, lungs, spleen, and liver)
• How to work with the Breath and the Subtle Body
• Principles of Tibetan Medicine and the Five Elements world view
• Why it is important to nurture the subtle body and release blockages

 

How do I register? CLICK HERE

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

Yes, it’s been a while since my last post, but the absence has not been without purpose.

I deepened my Lu Jong studies with the exploration of more vigorous poses, adding an entirely NEW level of movements to the Lu Jong core practice. These movements are the next level of training for students comfortable with Lu Jong Level I.

I’ve been working on yoga workshops and retreats, in addition to Lu Jong Teacher trainings, drawing upon all my skills and knowledge to create purposeful and fun experiences in different locales. Oh my!

In addition, I’m preparing to launch an exciting and dynamic practice: Tog Chod – The Dance of the Wisdom Sword. I mean c’mon, who can resist learning how to work with a sword?

More information about this incredible Tibetan Martial Art and the chance to take exclusive classes will come very soon!

An Introduction to Tibetan Lu Jong: The Five Elements Movements at Joshua’s Place, Southampton NY

~  LU JONG ~

TIBETAN HEALING YOGA

THE FIVE ELEMENTS MOVEMENTS

 

 

Lu Jong is an ancient Tibetan movement practice (yoga) developed for the purpose of self-healing.

Movements are combined with rhythmic breathing to bring balance to body and mind.

Physically it gently works the entire body with a primary focus on the flexibility of the spine.

Mentally it compels you to ‘feel’ inside and to be present much like meditation.

The moves are simple yet powerful with all people able to practice at their level of ability.

Wear comfortable clothing for the class  ~ Yoga mats available or bring your own

 

When:  Sunday March 19th

Where: Joshua’s Place, Southampton NY

Time:   11:00a.m. – 12:00 noon

Cost:    $15.00/ $20 Same Day

Instructor: Joelle Kelly

Certified Lu Jong Instructor & Educator

For many years a direct student of Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, the lineage holder of this practice, Joelle Kelly was chosen as one of the first teachers certified to teach Lu Jong in North America.

She has since been selected by the Master as one of only two teachers in North America qualified to teach all levels of Lu Jong in addition to the training of future certified Lu Jong Teachers.

Charismatic, warm and joyfully grounded Joelle is committed to meeting each student at their level of comfort and ability.

Lu Jong is shared with great enthusiasm, honor and respect for the wisdom it contains.

 

For more information contact:

www.LuJongNewYork.com

Joelle@LuJongNewYork.com

Spring Cleaning: Lu Jong Workshop

AN ANCIENT PRACTICE TO REVITALIZE BODY & MIND

 

A LU JONG NEW YORK WORKSHOP AT TIBET HOUSE, US

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 18TH, 2017 ~ 10 am – 4 pm

 

 

Use Code  LJNYTHUS  For a 10% DISCOUNT

 

QUESTIONS?  JOELLE@LUJONGNEWYORK.COM

TIBETAN MEDICINE ~ A Lu Jong New York Learning Series – Part 3

CONTINUING with our exploration of Tibetan Medicine …

When I teach LU JONG I explain the practice has its origins in the merging of three sources of wisdom: Tibetan Medicine, Bon, and Tibetan Buddhism.
I get many questions about Tibetan Medicine so why not, in the spirit of ‘Back to School’, take a brief look at what some of this is all about?

***Before we proceed any further I would like to clarify that I am NOT a doctor of Tibetan Medicine, nor do I diagnose and/or treat people in this area of expertise.My knowledge comes from what I have learned from my teacher and Root Lama, the venerable Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, who IS a doctor of Tibetan Medicine in addition to being a high Tantrayana Buddhist master.

THE THREE HUMORS (INTRO)

 
Having briefly touched upon how the Mind is the ‘behind the scenes’ power for the Body to exist, we move into the realm of the Three Humors as they are the basis of the theory and practice of Tibetan Medicine.

 
The humors are the vital substances of the body responsible for all bodily functions. They rule physiology, anatomy and morphology, regulate the functioning of the body, its organs, the brain, nerves, bones, blood circulation, lymphatic systems, digestion etc. The three humors also produce the temperament and quality of a person’s body and mind. In effect, they weave together the physical and subtle levels of the Body.

 

 
The Three Humors – Lung (Wind), Tripa (Bile) and Beken (Phlegm) carry both subtle and physical energies in and out of the body from birth to the end of life. They are also inherently delicate by nature and thus can easily become unbalanced. All diseases are described in terms of an imbalance of one or more of the humors.

Since the three humors are an integral part of our bodies, in Tibetan Medicine, it is said that we carry the seeds of disease within us. As soon as there is a cause and a condition, the unmanifested disease will become apparent.

Taking this one step further … each humor is also linked to one of three mental poisons. When Tripa (Bile) is out of balance it causes anger, unbalanced Lung (Wind) causes attachment or grasping, and unbalanced Beken (Phlegm) creates delusion or ignorance. It is precisely this association that creates the link between imbalances of the mind/emotions and those of the body.

 
For example, if someone is always angry (bile), no matter what is done to treat the liver (gallbladder), if the anger is not addressed as well the liver will continue to ail. Healing the Body also means Healing the Mind.

In sum … Balanced humors give positive health and harmony to the body/mind, and provide a good base for the development of the immune system. On the contrary, the loss of balance among the humors causes energy disharmony, either physical and/or mental disequilibrium, which may appear at any time and become the cause of diseases.

************* In the next installment we take a closer look at each of the three humors.

 

Speech & Breath Training

OM AH HUM Meditation

This brief mantra represents the transformative blessings of the Body, Speech & Mind of all the Buddhas. Mantra literally means ‘mind protection’.
With this mantra we request their blessings to purify our own Body, Speech & Mind.

Feel the vibrations as you chant. Feel the connection with your breath. This meditation is also very helpful for lengthening the breath as you calm the mind.

PREPARATION

Sit comfortably and relax your body. Let your breath and energy flow naturally.
Relax your mind by letting go of any other thoughts. Don’t think “I’m meditating”, “I’m humble”, “I’m bad at this”. Don’t think anything – just BE.

Decide to keep your attention focused on the meditation for the duration of the session.

Close your eyes and envision a white OM at your third eye, a red AH at your throat, and a blue HUM at your heart.

PURIFICATION OF BODY

Concentrate on the white OM at your head and see it as the energy of the body of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Make the sound “OM” and recognize it as the sound of Universal energy, the representation of enlightenment.
Visualize a white light emanating from the syllable filling your entire body with radiant, white light energy cleansing and purifying you.
FEEL it as you continue making the sound “OM” several times.
When you stop, don’t do or think anything. Remain perfectly still, aware without expectation.

PURIFICATION OF SPEECH

Concentrate on the red AH at your throat and see it as the pure speech of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Make the sound “AH” several times and recognize it as the energy of speech as you call forth the manifestation of enlightenment.
Visualize a radiant red light emanating from the syllable filling your body completely as impure elements are cleansed and purified.
Again, when done just sit and be. No need to interpret sensations.

There are two ways to meditate at this stage: One is to place strong awareness on the stillness of the mind. The other, when distractions arise, is to direct awareness of loving kindness upon yourself. You can alternate between the two.

Then, you visualize your loving kindness manifesting as a full moon at your heart.

PURIFICATION OF MIND

At your heart, on the full moon, concentrate on the blue HUM and recognize it as the wisdom of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas manifesting enlightenment within your body.
Make the sound “HUM” several times and visualize a blue light from the moon and HUM emanating from your pure heart filling your whole body.
All indecision and narrow thoughts disappear, there is only a blissful sense of universal love and compassion.
FEEL and BE without expectations … allow your awareness to embrace all of universal reality.

Meditate like this for as long as you wish.

CONCLUSION AND DEDICATION

There are two experiences we can achieve with this meditation: Wisdom and Method.
The Wisdom experience is the intense awareness of your own consciousness.
The Method experience comes when you get distracted, and use that as a resource to re-generate loving kindness.
When your concentration is good, place your attention on wisdom; when you are distracted, generate loving kindness (method).

Finish your meditation by dedicating the merit, or positive energy of this practice, to all sentient beings: May they too be free of suffering and its causes, and may they attain perfect peace and happiness.

May all beings be happy, healthy and whole.
May they have love, warmth and affection.
May they be protected from harm and free from fear.
May they be alive, engaged and joyful.
May all beings enjoy inner peace and ease.
May that peace expand into their world and throughout the entire universe.

Building Upon The Five Elements …

Lu Jong is an ancient Tibetan Movement Practice developed for the purpose of self-healing.

This unique Yoga lineage consists of a combination of simple movements coordinated with deep rhythmic breathing.

The Five Elements Movements are a concise method to unclog energetic blocks and restore internal balance via connection with the elements of Space, Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.  However, there are many more movements and aspects to this ancient style of yoga:

The Five Body Parts Movements, which work on improving the mobility of the head, joints, spine and hips.

The Five Vital Organs, which work the kidneys, heart, lungs, spleen and liver.

Learn these gentle yet powerful movements which are designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities … no prior knowledge is necessary.

WHERE?   GOOD GROUND YOGA ~ Hampton Bays, NY

WHEN?  THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 – 6:30 TO 7:45 PM

 

Need More Info? Joelle@LuJongNewYork.com

 

Lu Jong in The Hamptons

An Invitation From Lu Jong ~ New York

 

What do you have to lose? …  A little STRESS ?

 

Lu Jong is an ancient Tibetan movement practice from the Tantrayana and Bon traditions with origins dating as far back as 8,000 years.  It is a form of Meditation in Motion.

Join us in the incomparable Hamptons for a special opportunity to learn how this gentle practice can have a positive effect upon your Body and Mind!

Learn the Movements of The Five Elements, a sequence that nurtures the spine in addition to removing energy blockages from your chakras as you focus and calm the mind.

This gentle yet powerful practice is designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities … no prior knowledge is necessary.

 

WHERE?   GOOD GROUND YOGA Hampton Bays, NY

WHEN?  THURSDAY, JULY 28 – 6:30 TO 7:45 PM

 

Need More Info? Joelle@LuJongNewYork.com

Fearless Death with Tantrayana Buddhist Master Tulku Lobsang

Pure Yoga West

Sunday, August 24th

10 am – 5 pm | $70

www.tulkulobsang.org

Death. How does that word make you feel? Logically, we know that we will experience death. No matter who we are or how we have lived our life, this moment will surely come. We know this, yet somehow we forget. Perhaps it is fear of the unknown that keeps us from facing it. But, according to Buddhist philosophy, death is a precious opportunity-if we know how to use it.

On Sunday, August 24th at Pure Yoga West, Tulku Lobsang will reveal the deep wisdom of the Tantric tradition regarding our passing from this world to the next, and exactly how to prepare for it.

Tulku Lobsang is a world-renowned master of the Tantrayana healing arts, a Doctor of Tibetan Medicine and founder of the Nangten Menlang Buddhist Medical Organization. He openly shares these-often traditionally secret-ancient practices. When asked why, he responded that they are too beneficial to be allowed to grow cold. And so, with his characteristic humor and charisma, Tulku Lobsang offers these practices to modern audiences, so they will always remain “warm” teachings.

Death is an internal process. It is an experience of body and mind and Buddhism explains this process exactly. We do not need to fear death. It can be a smooth transition, beautiful even. So if you want to learn to be calm, clear and prepared at death, or to help others do the same, here is your chance!

And learning to have a fearless death means learning to live a fearless life.

Tulku Lobsang teaches “Fearless Death” Sunday, August 24th

at Pure Yoga West, 10 am – 5 pm, $70.

www.tulkulobsang.org

  

Lu Jong Yoga & Meditation – NYC

Satisfy your curiosity and see what Lu Jong is all about!

When:  Friday, August 22nd ~ 7 – 9 pm

Where:  Tibet House US, NYC

More Deets:  http://tibethouse.us/programs/full-calendar/view/706615/114

 

Where There is Tummo, There is Bliss

Ahhh Tummo—so esoteric, so mysterious, so powerful, yet so natural! No particular beliefs are required because these practices work with our body’s natural systems.

Several traditions teach practices for awakening the body’s dormant energy and raising it up the spinal column, but they usually stop there and leave out what happens once the energy is raised. Life seeks balance, and Tummo—the inner fire of compassion—also has its counterpart. The other half of the equation is Bliss.

When we cultivate our inner fire, it burns away many subtle blocks and has amazing benefits physiologically and energetically. But that’s not all! Our inner fire ignites our natural bliss. Bliss is so much more than pleasurable feeling. Bliss takes us beyond the conceptual mind and heightens our awareness. The result? Profound wisdom and realizations. The combination of Tummo and Bliss enables us to recognize the union of emptiness and emptiness. Wow.

Perhaps that sounds a bit beyond a 4 day retreat … indeed, it is a practice to be cultivated over time. However, no matter your prior experience, Tulku Lobsang skillfully guides his students and offers a complete practice that can grow with you. He provides the motivation, background and experiential taste we need to receive immediate benefit and then safely continue our practice at home.

Come experience Tulku Lobsang’s phenomenal energy, charisma and profound wisdom for yourself! To receive this ancient teaching is an opportunity of a lifetime.

 

WHAT: Tummo & Bliss Retreat
WHEN: August 17 – 21
WHERE: Menla Retreat Center, NY
DETAILS: menla.org/programs.php?sub=menla_169