World renowned yoga therapist and educator James Bae returns to Thekchen Choling Syracuse for an immersive weekend retreat, Aug. 23-25.
Titled Buddhist Healing Practices and an Introduction to Tummo, the retreat takes an evidenced-based approach to mind-body and self-care practices. Special emphasis is on tummo meditation, in which subtle body energies are used to tap into innate wisdom.
“Tummo can lead to a deeper understanding of emptiness,” says Bae, noting that the practice combines special breathing and visualization techniques. “It’s the most direct way to experience your deepest inner nature.”
The retreat is open to adults (including healthcare professionals) of all ages, faith backgrounds and physical abilities. Onsite lodging is available on a limited basis to out-of-towners. The temple is located at 109 East Ave. in Minoa, New York.
Tuition is offered on a sliding scale from $165-$125. To register, email tccl.syracuse@gmail.com or call 315.480.1088. The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 16.
“We’re grateful for Dr. Bae’s growing involvement with our temple,” says President Babette Teich-Visco. “His commitment to unlocking our divine self is evidenced by his groundbreaking research into ancient yogic methods like tummo that, until recently, have remained mostly hidden from view.”
Founder of a thriving acupuncture practice in Brooklyn, Bae draws on more than two decades of study and practice in Indian, Tibetan, Japanese and Chinese medicine. He also is a member of Thekchen Choling Syracuse’s affiliated faculty.
The August workshop builds on previous ones that Bae has led in Syracuse by reintroducing and expanding on various yogic exercises. They include longevity and healing practices, some of which are associated with the Medicine Buddha.
“Together with meditation, mantra and breathwork, we’ll explore the roots of somatic and subtle healing, based on the yogic and meditation methods of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition,” says Bae, who earned a doctoral degree in medical science from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco.
Founded in 2014, Thekchen Choling Syracuse is known for its many educational classes, sangha activities and Buddhist relic collection. Thekchen Choling is part of a family of temples founded by Singha Rinpoche that also reside in Malaysia and Singapore.
