Difference between revisions of "Lung"
Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
{{Wiki|Lung}} (Standard [[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|རླུང}} [[rlung]]) means [[wind]] or [[breath]]. It is a key {{Wiki|concept}} in the [[Vajrayana]] [[traditions]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and has a variety of meanings. {{Wiki|Lung}} is a {{Wiki|concept}} that's particularly important to understandings of the [[subtle body]] and the [[Three Vajras]] ([[body]], [[speech]] and [[mind]]). [[Tibetan medicine]] practitioner Dr Tamdin Sither Bradley provides a summary: | {{Wiki|Lung}} (Standard [[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|རླུང}} [[rlung]]) means [[wind]] or [[breath]]. It is a key {{Wiki|concept}} in the [[Vajrayana]] [[traditions]] of [[Tibetan Buddhism]] and has a variety of meanings. {{Wiki|Lung}} is a {{Wiki|concept}} that's particularly important to understandings of the [[subtle body]] and the [[Three Vajras]] ([[body]], [[speech]] and [[mind]]). [[Tibetan medicine]] practitioner Dr Tamdin Sither Bradley provides a summary: | ||
− | The general description of [[rLung]] is that it is a | + | The general description of [[rLung]] is that it is a [[subtle flow of energy]] and out of the [[five elements]] ([[air]], [[fire]], [[water]], [[earth]] and [[space]]) it is most closely connected with [[air]]. However it is not simply the [[air]] which we breathe or the [[wind]] in our stomachs, it goes much deeper than that. [[rLung]] is like a [[horse]] and the [[mind]] is the rider, if there is something wrong with the [[horse]] the rider will not be able to ride properly. Its description is that it is rough, [[light]], cool, thin, hard, movable. The general [[function]] of [[rLung]] is to help growth, {{Wiki|movement}} of the [[body]], exhalation and inhalation and to aid the [[function]] of [[mind]], [[speech]] and [[body]]. [[rLung]] helps to separate in our stomachs what we eat into nutrients and waste products. However its most important [[function]] is to carry the movements of [[mind]], [[speech]] and <br/>[[body]]. The {{Wiki|nature}} of [[rLung]] is both [[hot]] and cold. |
Usages | Usages | ||
− | Some of the different usages of the term | + | Some of the different usages of the term [[lung]] include: |
− | the [[psychic]] | + | the [[psychic winds]] ([[sanskrit]]: [[prana]]) that travel in the [[internal channels]], or [[nadi]] ([[Sanskrit]]) of the [[subtle body]] and are manipulated in certain [[Vajrayana]] [[yoga]] practices. |
− | specifically the | + | specifically the [[five psychic winds]] that are a [[manifestation]] of the [[Mahabhuta]]. These five are the [[lifeforce]] that animate the [[body-mind]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[namarupa]]) of all [[sentient beings]] and are key to certain [[tantric]] [[Buddhist]] and [[Bon]] [[sadhanas]] and [[Traditional Tibetan medicine]]. |
− | to the [[vayu]] and [[prana]] of | + | to the [[vayu]] and [[prana]] of {{Wiki|ayurvedic}} [[medicine]]. |
− | as a component of the term for a type of [[prayer flag]], named after the {{Wiki|allegorical}} [[Wind | + | as a component of the term for a type of [[prayer flag]], named after the {{Wiki|allegorical}} [[Wind Horse]] ([[Tibet]]: [[lung ta]]). |
a type of [[tantric buddhist]] [[empowerment]] that involves the transference of [[spiritual]] power from [[master]] to augment or refine that of the [[disciple]] through the recitation of [[scripture]] or song. This oracular [[transmission]] received aurally defines [[Mantrayana]] and [[Ngagpa]] [[traditions]] and provides them with their nomenclature. | a type of [[tantric buddhist]] [[empowerment]] that involves the transference of [[spiritual]] power from [[master]] to augment or refine that of the [[disciple]] through the recitation of [[scripture]] or song. This oracular [[transmission]] received aurally defines [[Mantrayana]] and [[Ngagpa]] [[traditions]] and provides them with their nomenclature. | ||
the "reading [[transmission]]" of [[sutrayana]] texts, in which the entirety of the text is read aloud from [[teacher]] to student. | the "reading [[transmission]]" of [[sutrayana]] texts, in which the entirety of the text is read aloud from [[teacher]] to student. | ||
Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
[[Tibetan Medicine]] | [[Tibetan Medicine]] | ||
− | [[Tibetan medicine]], a [[discipline]] practiced throughout the [[Himalayan]] region, identifies a system of 'The Five | + | [[Tibetan medicine]], a [[discipline]] practiced throughout the [[Himalayan]] region, identifies a system of 'The [[Five Lung]]' which help to regulate the [[human]] [[body]]: |
− | 'Life-grasping | + | '[[Life-grasping lung]]' (Tibetan:Srog '[[dzin rlung]]' alt.: [[Strog Zin]]) is located in the {{Wiki|brain}}. This {{Wiki|lung}} regulates swallowing, inhalation, spitting, eructation, sneezing, and generally clearing the [[senses]] and steadying of the [[mind]] and [[concentration]]. |
− | 'Upward moving | + | '[[Upward moving lung]]' ([[Tibetan]]:[[Gyen-rgyu rlung]]) is located in the {{Wiki|chest}} and thorax. This [[lung]] regulates [[speech]], [[energy]] to work, [[body]] weight, [[memory]], the {{Wiki|increase}} of [[bodily]] [[vigor]] and health, complexion and the {{Wiki|skin}} lustre, [[mental]] endeavour and [[diligence]]. |
− | 'All pervading | + | '[[All pervading lung]]' ([[Tibetan]]:[[Khyab-byed rlung]]) is located is in the [[heart]]. This [[lung]] regulates lifting, walking, stretching and the contraction of muscles: opening and closing of the {{Wiki|mouth}}, eyelids, anus etc. |
− | '[[Fire]] | + | '[[Fire accompanying lung]]' ([[Tibetan]]:[[Me-mnyam rlung]]') is located is in the stomach and {{Wiki|abdomen}} area. This {{Wiki|lung}} regulates digestion and the metabolism. This [[lung]] also ripens the [[Seven Bodily Sustainers]] ([[Tibetan]]: [[lus-zung dhun]]). |
− | 'Downward cleansing | + | '[[Downward cleansing lung]]' ([[Tibetan]]:[[Thur-sel rlung]]) is located in the rectum, bowels and perineal region and its [[function]] is to expel faeces, {{Wiki|urine}}, semen, menstruation, uterine contractions and the foetus. |
[[Subtle Body]] | [[Subtle Body]] | ||
− | [[Tibetan Buddhism]] [[views]] the [[human]] [[body]] as consisting of a coarse [[body]] made of [[six constituent elements]] of [[earth]], [[fire]], [[wind]], [[space]] and [[consciousness]] and also of a [[subtle | + | [[Tibetan Buddhism]] [[views]] the [[human]] [[body]] as consisting of a coarse [[body]] made of [[six constituent elements]] of [[earth]], [[water]], [[fire]], [[wind]], [[space]] and [[consciousness]] and also of a [[subtle bod]]y, or '[[Vajra body]]', of [[energy-winds]], [[energy-channels]] and [[energy-drops]]. There are many types of [[wind]] or '[[subtle breath]]' that move along the {{Wiki|invisible}} channels of the [[subtle body]]. The '[[vital breath]]' ([[Tibetan]]:[[sog lung]] ) is considered the most important. It is "the [[essence]] of [[life]] itself that animates and sustains all [[living beings]]". [[Anuttarayoga Tantra]] practices from the [[Mahamudra]] [[meditation]] system, such as [[Guhyasamaja]], [[Chakrasamvara]] and [[Hevajra]], provide various methods to penetrate the [[vital]] points of the [[Subtle Body]]. [[Dalai Lama XIV]] summarises the practice: "To penetrate these points means to [[gather]] there the [[energy-winds]] and the [[subtle minds]] that ride on them, basically by means of different types of [[absorbed concentration]] focused on these spots.". Practices that work with the [[subtle energy winds]] includes [[tummo]] or '[[Inner Fire]]', one of the [[Six Yogas of Naropa]]. In this practice, the [[yogin]] or [[yogini]] uses {{Wiki|breathing}} and [[meditation]] techniques to draw the [[lung]] or [[subtle winds]] into the [[central channel]] and hold them there, traversing the [[body]] vertically. |
+ | |||
[[Tsa Lung]] | [[Tsa Lung]] | ||
− | [[Tsa Lung]] (Skt: nadi-vayu; Tib. [[rtsa | + | [[Tsa Lung]] (Skt: [[nadi-vayu]]; Tib. [[rtsa rlung]]; where "[[rtsa]]" denotes an [[energetic channel]]) are special [[yogic]] exercises. The exercises are used in the [[Tibetan]] [[Bon]] [[tradition]] and the four main [[schools of Tibetan Buddhism]]. [[Tsa lung Trul khor]] employs the [[tsa lung]] and they constitute the internal [[yantra]] or [[sacred]] architecture of this [[yoga's]] alternate nomenclature, [[yantra yoga]]. [[Tsa lung]] are also employed in [[Kye-rim]]. |
The exercises are used: | The exercises are used: | ||
to open major [[chakras]] and | to open major [[chakras]] and | ||
− | to bring the {{Wiki|lung}} from the side channels into the [[central channel]]. | + | to bring the {{Wiki|lung}} from the side [[channels]] into the [[central channel]]. |
− | That coincides with [[mind]] releasing [[dualistic]] misperceptions and abiding in [[non-dual]] [[awareness]] of [[rigpa]] (Tib. [[rig pa]]). Detailed instructions on the exercises describe 3 levels of [[rtsa | + | That coincides with [[mind]] releasing [[dualistic]] misperceptions and abiding in [[non-dual]] [[awareness]] of [[rigpa]] (Tib. [[rig pa]]). Detailed instructions on the exercises describe 3 levels of [[rtsa rlung]]: external, internal and secret. |
Each level contains 5 exercises corresponding to [[five elements]]. | Each level contains 5 exercises corresponding to [[five elements]]. | ||
− | Tsa | + | [[Tsa]] |
Dr [[Arya]] (2006) defines "Tsa" in [[relation]] to [[shunyata]], zero, bodymind and [[bindu]]: | Dr [[Arya]] (2006) defines "Tsa" in [[relation]] to [[shunyata]], zero, bodymind and [[bindu]]: | ||
− | Tsa, 'channel' means hollow tube where {{Wiki|blood}}, [[wind]] and [[consciousness]] can pass freely, for example [[body]] cavities such as {{Wiki|blood}} vessels, the {{Wiki|mouth}} and hollow organs. Tsa is a [[symbol]] of [[space]], and it gives [[space]] to the [[consciousness]] and other components of body/mind to [[manifest]] themselves under [[transcendental]] and [[dualistic]] [[forms]] and colors. It is like a house for the [[consciousness]]. The [[space]] is limitless and [[boundless]] therefore its [[symbolic]] sign is the zero. Everything [[manifests]] from this zero or [[space]] and also dissolves into it. For example, in {{Wiki|mathematics}}, the zero keeps the first [[space]] for no. 1, which goes until 9 and returns back to the zero. It shows that all [[phenomena]] [[existence]] have the same [[space]] origin and ends at the same place. In fact, there is [[nothing]] which comes or goes to that state. Therefore [[Buddhism]], as a [[symbolic]] [[language]], calls [[Shunyata]] ([[voidness]]) what draws round zero. The [[space]] is a Thikle (round) in [[Tibetan]], and [[Bindu]] in [ | + | [[Tsa]], '[[channel]]' means hollow tube where {{Wiki|blood}}, [[wind]] and [[consciousness]] can pass freely, for example [[body]] cavities such as {{Wiki|blood}} vessels, the {{Wiki|mouth}} and hollow organs. Tsa is a [[symbol]] of [[space]], and it gives [[space]] to the [[consciousness]] and other components of [[body]]/[[mind]] to [[manifest]] themselves under [[transcendental]] and [[dualistic]] [[forms]] and colors. It is like a house for the [[consciousness]]. The [[space]] is limitless and [[boundless]] therefore its [[symbolic]] sign is the zero. Everything [[manifests]] from this zero or [[space]] and also dissolves into it. For example, in {{Wiki|mathematics}}, the zero keeps the first [[space]] for no. 1, which goes until 9 and returns back to the zero. It shows that all [[phenomena]] [[existence]] have the same [[space]] origin and ends at the same place. In fact, there is [[nothing]] which comes or goes to that state. Therefore [[Buddhism]], as a [[symbolic]] [[language]], calls [[Shunyata]] ([[voidness]]) what draws round zero. The [[space]] is a [[Thikle]] (round) in [[Tibetan]], and [[Bindu]] in [[Sanskrit]]. It is the [[cause]] of the {{Wiki|particle}} as well as the [[unlimited]] [[space]] {{Wiki|nature}}. It is the base for everything and the [[innate nature]] of [[emptiness]]. This is called [[space]] particles as well as [[symbol]] of the [[body]] [[channels]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Tantras]] | [[Category:Tantras]] |
Revision as of 16:33, 10 October 2013
Lung (Standard Tibetan: རླུང rlung) means wind or breath. It is a key concept in the Vajrayana traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and has a variety of meanings. Lung is a concept that's particularly important to understandings of the subtle body and the Three Vajras (body, speech and mind). Tibetan medicine practitioner Dr Tamdin Sither Bradley provides a summary:
The general description of rLung is that it is a subtle flow of energy and out of the five elements (air, fire, water, earth and space) it is most closely connected with air. However it is not simply the air which we breathe or the wind in our stomachs, it goes much deeper than that. rLung is like a horse and the mind is the rider, if there is something wrong with the horse the rider will not be able to ride properly. Its description is that it is rough, light, cool, thin, hard, movable. The general function of rLung is to help growth, movement of the body, exhalation and inhalation and to aid the function of mind, speech and body. rLung helps to separate in our stomachs what we eat into nutrients and waste products. However its most important function is to carry the movements of mind, speech and
body. The nature of rLung is both hot and cold.
Usages
Some of the different usages of the term lung include:
the psychic winds (sanskrit: prana) that travel in the internal channels, or nadi (Sanskrit) of the subtle body and are manipulated in certain Vajrayana yoga practices.
specifically the five psychic winds that are a manifestation of the Mahabhuta. These five are the lifeforce that animate the body-mind (Sanskrit: namarupa) of all sentient beings and are key to certain tantric Buddhist and Bon sadhanas and Traditional Tibetan medicine.
to the vayu and prana of ayurvedic medicine.
as a component of the term for a type of prayer flag, named after the allegorical Wind Horse (Tibet: lung ta).
a type of tantric buddhist empowerment that involves the transference of spiritual power from master to augment or refine that of the disciple through the recitation of scripture or song. This oracular transmission received aurally defines Mantrayana and Ngagpa traditions and provides them with their nomenclature.
the "reading transmission" of sutrayana texts, in which the entirety of the text is read aloud from teacher to student.
Tibetan Medicine
Tibetan medicine, a discipline practiced throughout the Himalayan region, identifies a system of 'The Five Lung' which help to regulate the human body:
'Life-grasping lung' (Tibetan:Srog 'dzin rlung' alt.: Strog Zin) is located in the brain. This lung regulates swallowing, inhalation, spitting, eructation, sneezing, and generally clearing the senses and steadying of the mind and concentration.
'Upward moving lung' (Tibetan:Gyen-rgyu rlung) is located in the chest and thorax. This lung regulates speech, energy to work, body weight, memory, the increase of bodily vigor and health, complexion and the skin lustre, mental endeavour and diligence.
'All pervading lung' (Tibetan:Khyab-byed rlung) is located is in the heart. This lung regulates lifting, walking, stretching and the contraction of muscles: opening and closing of the mouth, eyelids, anus etc.
'Fire accompanying lung' (Tibetan:Me-mnyam rlung') is located is in the stomach and abdomen area. This lung regulates digestion and the metabolism. This lung also ripens the Seven Bodily Sustainers (Tibetan: lus-zung dhun).
'Downward cleansing lung' (Tibetan:Thur-sel rlung) is located in the rectum, bowels and perineal region and its function is to expel faeces, urine, semen, menstruation, uterine contractions and the foetus.
Subtle Body
Tibetan Buddhism views the human body as consisting of a coarse body made of six constituent elements of earth, water, fire, wind, space and consciousness and also of a subtle body, or 'Vajra body', of energy-winds, energy-channels and energy-drops. There are many types of wind or 'subtle breath' that move along the invisible channels of the subtle body. The 'vital breath' (Tibetan:sog lung ) is considered the most important. It is "the essence of life itself that animates and sustains all living beings". Anuttarayoga Tantra practices from the Mahamudra meditation system, such as Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara and Hevajra, provide various methods to penetrate the vital points of the Subtle Body. Dalai Lama XIV summarises the practice: "To penetrate these points means to gather there the energy-winds and the subtle minds that ride on them, basically by means of different types of absorbed concentration focused on these spots.". Practices that work with the subtle energy winds includes tummo or 'Inner Fire', one of the Six Yogas of Naropa. In this practice, the yogin or yogini uses breathing and meditation techniques to draw the lung or subtle winds into the central channel and hold them there, traversing the body vertically.
Tsa Lung
Tsa Lung (Skt: nadi-vayu; Tib. rtsa rlung; where "rtsa" denotes an energetic channel) are special yogic exercises. The exercises are used in the Tibetan Bon tradition and the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsa lung Trul khor employs the tsa lung and they constitute the internal yantra or sacred architecture of this yoga's alternate nomenclature, yantra yoga. Tsa lung are also employed in Kye-rim.
The exercises are used:
to open major chakras and
to bring the lung from the side channels into the central channel.
That coincides with mind releasing dualistic misperceptions and abiding in non-dual awareness of rigpa (Tib. rig pa). Detailed instructions on the exercises describe 3 levels of rtsa rlung: external, internal and secret.
Each level contains 5 exercises corresponding to five elements.
Tsa
Dr Arya (2006) defines "Tsa" in relation to shunyata, zero, bodymind and bindu:
Tsa, 'channel' means hollow tube where blood, wind and consciousness can pass freely, for example body cavities such as blood vessels, the mouth and hollow organs. Tsa is a symbol of space, and it gives space to the consciousness and other components of body/mind to manifest themselves under transcendental and dualistic forms and colors. It is like a house for the consciousness. The space is limitless and boundless therefore its symbolic sign is the zero. Everything manifests from this zero or space and also dissolves into it. For example, in mathematics, the zero keeps the first space for no. 1, which goes until 9 and returns back to the zero. It shows that all phenomena existence have the same space origin and ends at the same place. In fact, there is nothing which comes or goes to that state. Therefore Buddhism, as a symbolic language, calls Shunyata (voidness) what draws round zero. The space is a Thikle (round) in Tibetan, and Bindu in Sanskrit. It is the cause of the particle as well as the unlimited space nature. It is the base for everything and the innate nature of emptiness. This is called space particles as well as symbol of the body channels.