The 5th Tibetan Rite
A few years ago, we published an article on the blog about the Tibetan Rites, or Five Tibetans as they are alternately called. We brought awareness to this yogic exercise program because of its almost-miraculous abilities to rejuvenate and revitalize the body and mind. I was personally so astounded as to its observable effects on myself that I felt it to be a very beneficial response to raise the awareness about this Tibetan exercise program. The most observable effects I’ve noticed are that I feel happier, need to eat less, need to sleep less, and feel more energetic. Given how remarkable the benefits are of practicing the Tibetan Rites in one’s daily life, it would be of benefit to everyone to learn and discover some of the finer aspects of this exercise method that has been called the “Fountain of Youth”.
The Tibetan Rites are a collection of 5 yoga postures that became widely known after a man by the name of Peter Kelder wrote a book entitled The Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth in which he claimed to have received these exercises from Tibetan monks. The Five Tibetans stimulate full energy flow through the chakras (a chakra is a primary energy vortex within the subtle body) and enliven corresponding nerves, organs, and glands. These exercises also tone and strengthen the major muscle groups, contributing to a strong and resilient physique. The benefits are incredibly numerous, some of which are the following:
- looking younger
- sleeping better
- feeling refreshed and energized
- minimizing of health issues, especially spine-related issues
- feeling relief from joint problems
- reducing pain previously experienced
- acquiring enhanced memory
- having arthritis relief
- experiencing weight loss
- having improved vision
- becoming more youthful instead of aging
- experiencing greatly improved physical strength, endurance & vigor
- having improved emotional and mental health
- feeling an enhanced sense of well-being and harmony
- having a very high overall level of energy
The practicing of the Tibetan Rites only requires around 5 minutes of exercise per day (which has been proven to be as effective as longer periods of exercise), leaving little excuse to not instill these as part of our daily lives. The Five Tibetans are ideally practiced 21 times each. Doing any more does neither improve nor diminish the effectiveness of these exercises, so it is unnecessary to do more. Starting off at 21 repetitions per exercise is usually not done, given its relative difficulty. Start off with whatever feels most comfortable for you. If you feel you get to a point where it begins to become uncomfortable, stop at that number and move onto the next pose. You can slowly raise the number of repetitions as time goes on. On average, it takes about a month for people to work their way up to 21 repetitions for each exercise. Even as you being at a lower amount and work your way up to 21 repetitions, you will begin to feel more energized and stronger.
Given that the Tibetan Rites are done in a very specific way that differs from the slow yogic movements many are familiar with, it is important that they are done with the speed and specificity as their original form had intended. As a result, instead of describing how to do them, this video is recommended to show how the exercises are supposed to be performed for maximum benefit. These exercises can be practiced anytime, anywhere. The most ideal time however, would be in the morning before breakfast or in the evening before bed. We suggest the morning route, since you will feel as if you are more energized for the rest of the day, thereby having more success in all that you do thanks to your increased energy level. Practicing them at night is a good option for those who have insomnia or difficulty attaining a deep sleep, since not only will deep sleep be easier to attain but you will feel that you require less sleep each night if you maintain a nightly routine of the Tibetan Rites.
Applying the Tibetan Rites into your daily life is the only way to truly appreciate just how powerful these five exercises are. As the metaphor goes, it’s one thing to admire a mountain from afar, and quite another to climb it and stand on the summit. Sure, it’s interesting to read about the Tibetan Rites given the incredible benefits that seemingly come with their practice, but it is quite another thing to put them into practice in your daily life. It can be likened to site-seeing, in that until you instill these exercises into your daily life and make them as elemental as drinking water is, they are little more than scenery in an ever-shifting landscape. Try out the Five Tibetans and experience firsthand the energizing and revitalizing power that they hold. There is nothing to lose and much to gain.