Expert: Alex Wilding - 12/22/2011

Question
Hello, i have recently started reading over articles on the internet about Tibetan Buddhism and i came across one explaining in a document of a girl that traveled to Tibet and she explained how there were many Adept Tibetan Buddhists that could defy gravity and could run at superhuman speed. She also explained how the monks had many other extra physical abilities. Are these abilities real? I am astounded about how to defy gravity, i have been trying to find a way to attain the Chinese Shaolin/Wudang Kung fu Skill "Qing Gong" which also means light weight skill. Meaning the trainee can move at incredible speeds and move as light as a feather and jump really high and far. What can you tell me? Is it true that in Tibetan Buddhism, that if you don't believe in gravity, then it allows you to defy it? And you can step on it as you would land and swim through it like you would the sea? Thank You, Derrick.

Answer
Hi Derrick,
It sounds as if you have been reading Alexandra David-Neel's books. An amazing woman!
All I can say, however, is that there are such tales. Hard evidence is difficult to come by.
There is no doubt that "tummo", the blissful heat used in some stages of meditation, can even become physical, so that the practitioner stays beautifully warm, even in icy weather, when dressed in only a thin cotton cloth. That works.
As for defying gravity - who can say? If it's true, only a lucky and intrepid explorer would find evidence.
All the best
Alex W