བཅུད་ལེན་གྲུབ་པ
Vital Elixir (Rasāyana)
長生仙丹 · Rasāyana-siddhi
Common Siddhi 普通神通The Vital Elixir siddhi involves the ability to sustain life on minimal or no food through alchemical substances, meditation practices, or the direct absorption of prana from the environment. The most celebrated Tibetan example is Milarepa's extended retreat in icy Himalayan caves where he survived for years on nothing but nettles, eventually turning green, and later periods where he reportedly consumed no food at all. The elixir tradition (bcud len) represents a sophisticated Tibetan alchemical practice of preparing and consuming essence extracts—initially small amounts of minerals and herbs combined with mantra—and gradually reducing food intake while maintaining energy and health. At the highest level, the practitioner sustains on prana (life-force energy) absorbed directly from space.
🧘 Associated Practice
Bcud len (essence extraction) practice; tummo (inner heat); specific alchemical preparations combined with deity yoga; the 'fasting practice' of Avalokiteśvara
☸ Relationship to the Path
Connected to the purification of the subtle body channels (nāḍī) and the development of tummo (inner heat), which generates a natural energetic sustenance; at higher levels, relates to the 'clear light' experience which is itself described as the ultimate nourishment
📜 Classical Source
Milarepa's Hundred Thousand Songs; Nyingma terma texts on bcud len; Kālacakra Tantra (on longevity practices)
Associated Masters
⚖ Ethical Note
The bcud len tradition is carefully regulated and requires proper training to avoid harm. Attempting to reduce food intake without proper preparation and guidance from a qualified teacher has caused serious illness and death. The tradition distinguishes clearly between advanced practitioners who have genuinely opened the subtle body channels and beginners.