In Buddhism, we speak about different vehicles of practice. The mind-vehicle is called Sutrayana, and the body-vehicle is called Tantrayana or Vajrayana. All Buddhist practice can be understood through three essentials: compassion, meditation, and wisdom. In Sutrayana, these are mainly practiced through the mind. In Vajrayana, they are practiced through the body and its energies. Tummo, the practice of Inner Fire, is considered the foundation of the Vajrayana vehicle.

The word Tummo explains the nature of this practice. ‘Tu’ refers to natural force, and ‘mo’ refers to the power of meditation. Tummo means using the natural forces of the body to support deep meditation. These include inner heat, sleep, and other natural processes, sometimes described as karmic forces. By working directly with these energies, Tummo becomes a powerful form of meditation through the body, awakening compassion, meditation, and wisdom.

Through Tummo practice, the experience of body and mind begins to change. The body normally experiences pain and pleasure, while the mind experiences suffering and happiness. When the Inner Fire of Tummo becomes stable, physical pain is reduced and natural warmth and bliss arise. This is often called the compassion or kindness of Tummo Fire. As the body relaxes, the energy settles and the mind naturally enters a non-conceptual state, free from ordinary thoughts and emotional disturbance.

This non-conceptual state of mind is the heart of Tummo meditation. When joined with the understanding of emptiness, it becomes the wisdom of Tummo Fire. Grasping and fixed perceptions dissolve, and karmic habits begin to release. Some knowledge is learned through study, while other knowledge arises without learning, such as anger or attachment. When both are clearly recognized, their power weakens, leading toward awakening.

In this retreat, Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche will teach Tummo in a clear and practical way, explaining the principles of Inner Fire and guiding participants step by step in the practice. Through explanation and guided meditation, participants will learn how Tummo can support health, inner balance, and the path to liberation.