Level One DVD

Senior Instructors Fabio Andrico and Laura Evangelisti, together with other Yantra Yoga practitioners, present traditional Yantra Yoga as they learned it from Dzogchen Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Shot on location at the Temple of the Great Liberation in Arcidosso, Italy, this two-part series is meant as an inspiration to begin, renew, continue, and deepen daily yoga practice with qualified teachers. Viewers see Yantra Yoga practitioners gracefully yet powerfully move through this dynamic and unique system of Tibetan Yoga, as they get a taste of its deep and lasting physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

Yantra Yoga is one of the oldest recorded systems of yoga in the world. Its unique series of positions and movements, combined with conscious breathing, can help coordinate and harmonize one’s vital energy so that the mind can relax and find its authentic balance. Yantra Yoga contains a wide range of movements that can be applied by everyone, and it is a superb method to attain optimal health, relaxation, and balance.

This DVD series covers the full spectrum of Yantra Yoga. Each volume contains two discs: the first features detailed instruction in the movements, while the second is to follow during practice. Level One includes beginning instruction on the three preliminary series, as well as the First Series of Yantras. Specific attention is placed on the way to begin and end a practice session. Level Two, designed for those already proficient at the first level, includes instruction on the remaining four series of Yantras and the Pranayama of Rhythmic Breathing.

Movements covered in Level One:

• Vairocana Posture
• Warm Ups
• The Nine Purification Breathings
• Tsigjong: Loosening the Joints
• Lungsang: Purifying the Prana
• Tsadul: Controlling the Energy Channels
• The Five Yantras of the First Series
• Vajra Wave: Overcoming Energy Obstacles

Level Two DVD

Senior Instructors Fabio Andrico and Laura Evangelisti, together with other Yantra Yoga practitioners, present traditional Yantra Yoga as they learned it from Dzogchen Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. Shot on location at the Temple of the Great Liberation in Arcidosso, Italy, this two-part series is meant as an inspiration to begin, renew, continue, and deepen daily yoga practice with qualified teachers. Viewers see Yantra Yoga practitioners gracefully yet powerfully move through this dynamic and unique system of Tibetan Yoga, as they get a taste of its deep and lasting physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.

Yantra Yoga is one of the oldest recorded systems of yoga in the world. Its unique series of positions and movements, combined with conscious breathing, can help coordinate and harmonize one’s vital energy so that the mind can relax and find its authentic balance. Yantra Yoga contains a wide range of movements that can be applied by everyone, and it is a superb method to attain optimal health, relaxation, and balance.

This DVD series covers the full spectrum of Yantra Yoga. Each volume contains two discs: the first features detailed instruction in the movements, while the second is to follow during practice. Level One includes beginning instruction on the three preliminary series, as well as the First Series of Yantras. Specific attention is placed on the way to begin and end a practice session. Level Two, designed for those already proficient at the first level, includes instruction on the remaining four series of Yantras and the Pranayama of Rhythmic Breathing.

Movements covered in Level Two:

• The Five Yantras of the Second Series
• The Five Yantras of the Third Series
• The Five Yantras of the Fourth Series
• The Five Yantras of the Fifth Series
• Rhythmic Breathing: Pranayama
• Vajra Wave: Overcoming Energy Obstacles

by Padmasambhava, Karma Lingpa
introduction by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
translated by Elio Guarisco

The subject of this book is the continuity of consciousness and the consequent possibility of spiritual liberation after death, as understood in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, an explanation long famed in Europe and North America as The Tibetan Book of the Dead. A partial rendering of the complete cycle of this extensive work, this volume contains the translation of several of the central texts, the two principal ones of which here included were originally entitled An Elucidation of the Intermediate State of Reality, Great Liberation through Hearing During the Intermediate State and An Introduction to the Intermediate State of Rebirth, Great Liberation through Hearing during the Intermediate State (Part one).
The translation of three invocations (Part Two) which traditionally accompany these teachings and of the Root Verses of the Six Intermediate States (Part Three) are also included. Part Four offers guidelines on how to assist a person at the moment of death and beyond,  and is followed  by two Appendixes, concluding what can justly be considered a manual for spiritual realization in the afterlife state.

The translation presented in this book is a revisiting of the Italian translation by Prof. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in collaboration with his university students, during a course given by him in Tibetan language and literature at the oriental Institute of the University of Naples in the academic year 1979-1980. The present book can be more properly considered a new translation of the Tibetan text since knowledge contained in editions of the Tibetan text which
have surfaced since 1980 has shed light on ambiguous passages and since improvements made in the interpretation of  Tibetan texts by recent translations have been integrated.

The profound Introductory Commentary of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu which precedes and clarifies the texts from the Dzogchen point of view is an elaboration based on an introduction compiled by the master’s students from oral teachings given by him at a meditation retreat at Volpago, Italy in 1980 and which have previously appeared in the Italian language (see below). Enriching the present introduction is the addition of material from written works and
oral teachings of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, particularly that of an essay on the four intermediate states in Birth, Life and Death, Shang Shung Publications, Arcidosso, 2008. Extracts are also included from transcriptions of oral teachings given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu at Merigar (Arcidosso, Italy) in January 1992 and August 1998, as well as at other times.

Available: Spring 2012

Harmony in breathing is harmony in life!

With the help of Yamila Diaz and Fabio Andrico, beginner and expert yoga practitioners will find simple but effective exercises that deepen and clarify their experience of breathing. This ground-breaking technique enables the discovery of a new dimension of relaxed energy in modern life.

Harmony in Life means enjoying the beauty of existence.

The Tibetan tradition of Yantra Yoga emphasizes the importance of a complete, calm and harmonious breath. The exercises in this program, inspired by this ancient tradition, are designed as a simple way to apply this invaluable knowledge in everyday life.

Program Highlights include:

• - Discovering and training abdominal breathing
• - Innovative exercises to clarify the four phases of complete breathing
• - Easy routine for everyday life
• - Breathing with awareness and relaxation

If we have relaxed control and awareness of our breathing, it becomes complete and harmonious. Perfect breathing means strong, relaxed energy in action — Fabio Andrico

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The breAthe app is a mobile application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It was designed as a supplement to the breAthe DVD, to be released by the Shang Shung Institute in June 2011.

Every moment of our life, we breathe. Breathing is life.
However, we are usually unaware of how our breathing is conditioned; not natural or relaxed.
Our mental, emotional, and physical condition influences our breathing, energy, and mind.
Our tensions condition, block, and fragment our breathing. This, in turn, blocks our energy and makes our body tense.
The opposite is also possible: by perfecting our breathing, we can restore harmony and find a more natural, relaxed condition.
This way we can experience the energy of life in its fullest, most harmonious state.

Learn how to breAthe from authorized Yantra Yoga instructor Fabio Andrico and practice with supermodel Yamila Diaz!

The app will be available from Apple AppStore in autumn 2011.

Tibetan Calendar from Merigar is an electronic version of the Merigar Calendar prepared by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu. It contains not only lunar dates, but also different indications and combinations for each day. In Tibet this kind of calendar is used whenever something important is to be undertaken: if it is to be successful, choosing an auspicious date is considered very important. On the other hand, if an action is started on an unfavorable day, we may encounter obstacles caused by external circumstances we might not be aware of at the time of making a decision.

The Key for Consulting the Tibetan Calendar is an invaluable companion to the e-Calendar.

The first version of the application runs on all Android and Apple phones. The Android version  was released 22 July 2011. The version for the iPhone/iPad – on 28 July 2011.

Published by: Shang Shung Institute

Developed by: Shinra

Translated from the Tibetan by Adriano Clemente, Elio Guarisco, Jim Valby in collaboration with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

“The Marvellous Primordial State (rDzog pa chen po byang chub kyi sems rmad du byung ba) is a profoundly important root text of Dzogchen semde (Mind Series).
Although this ancient text in forty chapters is not as large, nor has it as many chapters,  as The Supreme Source (Kun byed rgyal po’i rgyud), it teaches all the essential principles of Dzogchen Ati, which can be subsumed in the view without fixations,  contemplation beyond concepts, and the fruit which is not attained by treading a path. Therefore, this ancient manuscript of the Byang chub sems rmad du byung ba contains the essence of all sutras and tantras of the Buddha’s  teaching with nothing missing.
Three of my students – the lotsawas (translators) Adriano Clemente, Elio Guarisco, and Jim Valby – who have a familiarity with the view, meditation, and behavior of Dzogpa Chenpo, and who in particular have gained a good understanding of the grammar of the ancient Dzogchen texts and of the system of Tibetan language, surmounting difficulties for several years, translated this ancient text into English.”
- from the Preface by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

Book excerpts:

Mahasattva!
Everything has originated from you.
Mahasattva!
This is the marvelous secret of all buddhas.

For the wise the offerings arise from oneself.
One should present one’s state with the offerings which arise from oneself.

Meditation (on) the marvelous bodhicitta brings beings to realization quickly: the unborn, marvelous bodhicitta is not stained by emotions and karma. This bodhicitta is enlightenment itself. It is instantly perfected, without (one’s having to) gather the accumulations.
When one realizes one’s essence, whatever is wished for is the self-perfected dimension.
One meditates on one’s state, not on the buddha.
One gives voice to one’s state, not to the essential (mantra).
One sees oneself, not the buddha.
One sees the three kayas, not oneself.
One sees bliss, not samsara.
By meditating on one’s state as one’s deity, one instantly perfects merits and wisdom.
One’s essence being one’s (real) mantra, the essence of practice is never lost.
One moves one’s limbs, and does not perform mudras.
One invites one’s state, and not the buddha.
One worships one’s state, and not the buddha.
One sees one’s state, and not the teacher.
One sees one’s master, and not the buddha.
One sees the dharmakaya, and not form.
One contemplates one’s own body, and not the major and minor marks (of the buddha).
When one has recognized authentic wisdom, through unsurpassable application (of knowledge) which is the source of all, one’s state immediately becomes one’s deity.
This is the glory (of) all buddhas.

Available: Summer 2012

By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Translated by Elio Guarisco

This manual is the first of its kind to focus on the Tibetan technique of moxibustion, an external therapy that uses the power of heat to stimulate a curative effect. A widespread form of traditional healing in the East, moxibustion is one of the most ancient medical therapies known to humanity. Mainly popularized as a branch of Chinese medicine, moxibustion was originally practiced in Shang Shung, a kingdom predating Tibet whose existence can be traced back at least four thousand years.

Healing with Fire is a comprehensive compendium of the five hundred most important and effective moxibustion points in the Tibetan and Shang Shung system, with an emphasis on practical instructions for readers with varying levels of expertise in the healing arts. The book is the culmination of decades of painstaking research by Professor Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, a foremost scholar of Tibetan culture and philosophy, who, inspired by his personal experience of this unique and effective treatment method, has gathered knowledge from ancient scriptures ranging from the well-known Four Medical Tantras to recondite manuscripts found in the caves of Tun-Huang.

The book features twenty-five original drawings illustrating the positions of the individual points, as well as an index of indications to facilitate the identification of points for the treatment of specific medical conditions. It includes an appendix that discusses arcane astrological factors frequently taken into consideration in Tibetan traditional medicine.

Book excerpts:

Therapeutic Benefits of Moxa

Since moxa is principally a method of infusing the body with the energy of heat, it is particularly indicated when heat decreases and the cold nature of Phlegm energy increases in the body. An increase in the cold nature affects digestive heat first of all.
Digestive heat is the very basis for good health. Good digestive heat infuses the body with inner and outer radiance and confers a sharp intelligence, a strong determination in activities, and a long life. For these reasons, it is crucial to maintain good digestive heat, for instance, by eating foods that are easy to digest, exercising regularly, and taking herbs that strengthen digestive heat.
When digestive heat diminishes and symptoms such as flatulence, vomiting, or diarrhea manifest, foods are not properly digested and as a result either nutritional essence is depleted or non-assimilated nutritional essence is accumulated. In particular, the accumulation of residual nutritional essence in the organism can impair the self-regeneration process of the various parts of the body.
This condition favors the appearance of minor and major pathologies that manifest externally or internally. Internal conditions range from chronic indigestion to abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, low body temperature, deficient blood circulation, tumors, edemas, neuralgia, lung disorders, and calculi. External conditions include rheumatism, arthritis, problems in the joints, and swellings.
In all of these cases, the regular application of moxa reduces the symptoms of the illness and helps the healing process.
In today’s society we are witnessing a progressive increase in unhealthy lifestyles, paralleled by a loss of real values. Selfishness, worries, discontent with ourselves, fear, and expectations are just a few of the many attitudes that dominate our lives. In addition to physical illnesses, these attitudes, combined with the stressful pace to which we subject ourselves and the chemical-laden food we eat, are the source of many emotional disorders, known in Tibetan medicine as Wind energy disorders.
These disorders manifest with symptoms such as sadness, insomnia, nervousness, excitement, depression, isolation, refusal to communicate, or lack of concentration and memory. Untreated, they can easily develop into emotional instability and serious illnesses such as schizophrenia and other psychoses.
Since the causes of these disorders are manifold, they should be addressed with a multi-pronged strategy that can include dietary changes, a different social environment, the administration of medicines when necessary, and the reestablishment of the basic ground of sanity through increased contact with the body.
Although it is obvious that the best remedy in these cases would be for the person to regain deeper values, regular application of moxa on the specific points indicated for these disorders can be a valid and strong support for other therapies.
As will be explained in this manual, moxa can be used to treat a wide variety of
physical and emotional conditions.

— From Translator’s Introduction

Stomach Tumor Points
II. 63-64 (143-144)

 

Location:
One point on each side. Apply the appropriate form of moxa
on the points located two fingers below the right and left Upper
Lung Point.

 

Indications:
Stomach disorders (Wind-related)
Indigestion
Stomach cancer
Viral or bacterial illnesses
Wind disorders arising after a fever
Chronic gastritis

— From The Compendium of Points

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By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Translated by Adriano Clemente

The rainbow body is one of the highest attainments of Dzogchen, an ancient path recognized as the supreme vehicle of Tibetan Buddhism. It is accomplished by transmitting one’s physical constituents into the essence of the five elements, and as a result no material body remains after death.

This book traces the life story of a twentieth-century Tibetan yogin, the Togden (a title which means “endowed with realization”) Ugyen Tendzin (1888-1962), whose amazing achievement of the rainbow body was witnessed in Eastern Tibet not only by his countrymen, but also, to their confusion and dismay, by the Chinese officers who were responsible for his imprisonment.

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By Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Translated by Donatella Rossi

A History of Zhang Zhung and Tibet, Volume One: The Early Period, by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, former Professor of Tibetan and Mongolian Language and Literature at the University of Naples L’Orientale, has dedicated his academic career to the study of Tibetan culture and has published a number of works, in particular, on its origin. In his findings, the cradle of Tibetan culture is to be looked for in the ancient realm of Zhang Zhung, with revered Mount Kailash as its center and heart, and in the Bön spiritual traditions which flourished within and spread from that kingdom. The Light of Kailash, through meticulous selection and a critical use and analysis of a vast array of literary and often unpublished sources, offers an open, daring, holistic, unbiased approach to the study of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tibet, and to the understanding of the origin of this fascinating and endangered civilization.

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