These five rites were created to address the seven spinning energy centers concealed within the human body. Practiced by Tibetan monks, they are believed to bring eternal youth and vitality.
Known for over 2,500 years, the rites were first described in the 1939 book, The Eye of Revelation, by traveler and adventurer Peter Kelder.
Legend has it that he first heard of these rejuvenation exercises from a retired British officer who had served in India. Colonel Bradford—as he was later named in the book—was obsessed with finding a monastery hidden away in the Himalayas, where the lamas practiced their rites. When the two gentlemen met again, years later, the colonel had just returned from Tibet, where he had found the monks, who had passed on their knowledge. He looked twenty years younger, no longer relied on a walking stick, and his formerly gray hair had reverted to jet black.
The rites are intended to activate the aforementioned spinning energy centers, vortexes, also known as chakras, situated near the gonads, the pancreas, and the adrenal, thymus, thyroid, pineal, and pituitary glands. As the body ages, their spin rate slows down. According to the monks’ teachings, this can be avoided by performing five simple exercises to accelerate and harmonize the rotation of the chakras, spreading pure, vital energy throughout the body via the endocrine system. It results in health and youthfulness, together with clarity of mind and feelings of peace, strength, and agility. In his book, Kelder provides detailed descriptions of the rites, based on his practical knowledge acquired from Colonel Bradford. To start with, the officer recommended that each rite be repeated three times, with the goal of reaching twenty-one repetitions of each rite per day.
First Rite
Stand up straight, stretch your arms out sideways, align your chin parallel to the floor, and turn your palms downward. Relax and start to rotate clockwise. Remember to let your feet follow your arms, not vice versa. Start slowly, then gradually increase your speed until your head starts to spin, then slow down and stop. Finish up in the same position that you started. If your head is spinning, place your hands in front of you, level with your breastbone, and focus your gaze on your joined thumbs.
Second Rite
Lie on your back, facing upward, with your legs out straight. Place your arms along your sides, with your palms to the floor and fingers together. Inhale through your nose, raise your head, and move it toward your chest. Pull in, and concentrate on your abdomen. At the same time, raise your legs, keeping your knees straight, while pushing against the floor with your shoulders, elbows, forearms, and hands. Lower your head and legs back down to the floor. While lowering your legs, slowly exhale through your nose, then relax all your muscles.
Third Rite
Kneel on the floor, straightening your torso. Flex your toes without over-straining your legs. Place your hands on your glutes. Bend your head down until your chin touches your chest. Take a deep breath through your nose, then lean your head and torso back, arching your spine. As you return to your starting position, exhale.
Fourth Rite
Sit on the floor. Put your legs out straight, slightly apart, so your feet are in line with your shoulders. Place your hands flat on the floor next to your buttocks, with your fingers pointing toward your feet. Inhale, then exhaling, push your chin down toward your chest. Inhale slowly, lean your head back and raise your torso, so that your knees are bent and your arms are out straight. Your chest, stomach, and lower legs should form an arch. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Tense all your muscles and hold your breath. Exhale, relax your muscles, then return to your starting position.
Fifth Rite
Lie face down, with your legs out straight and toes curled. Rest on your arms. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, in line with your hands. Raise your body, straightening your arms. Arch your spine, pushing your chest forward. Slowly inhale through your nose, while tilting your head back as far as possible. Then raise your hips and bend your body up until it resembles an upside-down letter V. Draw your chin into your chest. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Exhale as you return to the arched position, with your arms and legs out straight. Do not return to the lying position until you have completed a full cycle of repetitions.
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