Yuthok Nyingthik
Yuthok Nyingthig (G.yu thog snying thig) is a tantra written by Yuthok Yontan Gonpo the Younger.
It outlines the Buddhist practices which combine Traditional Tibetan medicine and Vajrayana practices. These practices are the primary Vajrayana practices of Tibetan medicine practitioners.
Alternate names are: Yuthok Nyingthik Guru Sādhanā, ‘Compassionate Sunlight for Dispersing Suffering’s Darkness’, Yuthok Nyingthig Ladrub Dugngai Munpa Selvai Nyini Odser (gYu Thog sNying Thig bLa sGrub sDug bsNgai Mun Sel nyi ma’I od zer).
Description of the text and practices
The practices are a part of a Ngakpa family lineage, and were handed down through the Yuthok family until they were taught to Sumtong Yeshe Zung, the heart disciple of Yuthok Yontan Gonpo the Younger. The recent lineage holders include the late Khenpo Truro Tsenam, the late Khenpo Tsultrim Gyaltsen, and Micho Khedrub Gyatso Rinpoche.
In recent years, Dr. Nida Chenagstang, Micho Khedrub Gyatso Rinpoche, and Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche have taught this lineage as well.
The Yuthok Nyingthig is a complete Vajrayana cycle including Ngöndro;
Generation stage (‘’kye rim’’) including four forms of Yuthok Guru Yoga and practices of Deva and Dakini; and
Completion stage (‘’dzog rim’’) practices including the Six Yogas, and
Dzogchen.
Additionally, the cycle includes additional practices including Mendrub (sMan sGrub) or rituals for empowering and blessing medicine, healing and protection mantras; several pujas, long life practices, Medical Protectors and instructions on a form of pulse diagnosis. Lastly, there are 15 topics addressing diagnosis and treatment within Traditional Tibetan medicine.
These practices have been of interest to academics studying the evolution of Tibetan medicine and mindfulness based practices. A translation project by the National College of Natural Medicine and the Sorig Institute seeks to translate the work from Tibetan to English.
