Quote from Moving Being

Moving Being: Illustrated Handbook of sKu-mNye Yogic Exercises

by Khandro Dechen

Aro Books Worldwide, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales      © 2009      133 pp.


"The term--as it is used in this book--is spelled sKu-mNye. This is a transliteration of the Tibetan word--and we employ this spelling for the purpose of explanation. The word 'sKu-mNye' splits into 'sKu' and 'mNye'. 'sKu' means subtle body or dimension and is a word which is used to mean the psychophysical system. This term is used as a descriptive term because Buddhism views mind and body as a unified entity. Mind pervades body. 'nNye' means massage -- but not as the word 'massage' is commonly understood. When the two words are put together they mean massage of the psychophysical system. sKu-mNye is therefore a Buddhist system of exercise which affects the psychophysical system, in order to create effects which can be employed in order to achieve realisation [sic].

Various systems of sKu-mNye exist in the Nyingma Tradition and in Bon. The most widely known system of sKu-mNye in the west--taught by Tarthang Tulku--is known as Kum Nye and derives from the medical tantras.

sKu-mNye is a remarkably varied system. It contains exercises which cover a spectrum from physically gentle movements to extremely aerobic calisthenics. Some exercises require considerable strength and agility -- but for most, average fitness is sufficient. A few require almost no physical aptitude -- and therefore there is a point at which anyone could participate. Some sKu-mNye exercises are simple seated postures in which the movements are slow and even. Others require surprising coordination and an advanced sense of balance." (p. 1)

-- submitted by Jennifer Knight