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The Tibetan tradition known as the Six Yogas of Naropa is one of the most popular tantric systems with all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Structured and arranged by the eleventh-century Indian masters Tilopa and Naropa from various Buddhist tantric legacies, this system of yogic practice was carried to Tibet by Marpa the Translator a generation later. These six yogas–inner heat, illusory body, clear light, consciousness transference, forceful projection, and bardo yoga–continue to be one of the most important living meditation traditions in the Land of the Snows.

This book on the Six Yogas contains important texts on this esoteric doctrine, including original Indian works by Tilopa and Naropa, and writings by great Tibetan lamas. It contains an important practice manual on the Six Yogas as well as other works that discuss the practices, their context, and the historical continuity of this most important tradition.

What can readers expect to find inside?

The book contains texts on the doctrine, including original Indian works by Tilopa and Naropa and writings by Tibetan lamas. It also has a practice manual and other works about the practices, their context and the historical continuity of the tradition.

What is The Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa about?

The Amazon description says the Six Yogas of Naropa are a Tibetan tradition and one of the most popular tantric systems in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It names the six as inner heat, illusory body, clear light, consciousness transference, forceful projection and bardo yoga.

Who is behind The Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa?

The author named in the title is Glenn H. Mullin. The description says the system was structured by the eleventh-century Indian masters Tilopa and Naropa and carried to Tibet by Marpa the Translator.

This summary is based on the book description on the Amazon page.

How do Buddhist meditation traditions relate to modern mindfulness?

Meditation has a long history. The NIH meditation summary from NCCIH says it goes back thousands of years and that many techniques began in Eastern traditions. Modern mindfulness programs are a secular adaptation, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, which the same page describes as teaching mindful meditation alongside discussion sessions.

Traditional systems, including those from Tibetan Buddhism, belong to a religious path with its own teachers, vows and stages. Reading about one is different from practising it, and advanced methods are normally learned under supervision.

Meditation is usually seen as low-risk, but if difficult feelings come up, a health professional can help.

Related on this blog: Hatha Yoga Beyond the Workout: What “Hatha” Means, Its Traditional Aim and How to Practice Safely and Where Did Yoga Come From? Its Meaning, Early Texts and What Scholars Can Say

Book: The Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa by Glenn H. Mullin
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