Tibetan Medicine

TIBETAN MEDICINE DONALD R. GORE" I. Introduction The indigenous medicine of Tibet is an ancient system of medicine still practiced in Tibet and some surrounding Himalayan countries. The Tibetan approach to disease and healing is based on Buddhism and the belief that health and spirituality are inseparable. Healing is considered sacred; therefore, some historical and contemporary knowledge of Buddhism and Tibetan culture is required in order to understand Tibetan medicine. History The origin of Tibetan medicine predates written history. The legend is that when time began the art of healing was performed by the gods. An ancient Indian king named Kashiraja Dwadas was interested in healing so he went to heaven to learn the art of medicine. He brought this knowledge back and taught it to his descendants, who propagated it by oral tradition [I]. About 500 years BC, Shakyamuni Buddha was born in the northern part of India. The Tibetans refer to him as Lord Buddha, and in their belief, a Buddha is a living individual who has obtained perfection. They also believe that other Buddhas have been and will be born in this world. Lord Buddha, in his lifetime, was known as the "Great Physician," since the purpose of his teaching was to cure suffering. He preached not only doctrines but spiritual methods of healing. These included instructions on disease and healing. They were originally written in Sanskrit and are the foundation of Tibetan medicine. Buddhism was introduced into Tibet from India in the 8th century, and some of the sacred writings were translated into the Tibetan language. A powerful Tibetan ruler of that time was interested in healing and arranged one or more conferences on medicine. He invited physicians from a numCorrespondence : 2920 Superior Ave., Sheboygan, Wl 53081. * Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wl.© 1999 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. 0031-5982/99/4202-1096$01.00 270 Donald R. Gore ¦ Tibetan Medicine ber of countries, including India, China and the Muslim world [2] . Each brought different practices and traditions that were examined, and what was thought to be the bestwere used to develop the unique Tibetan medical system. Prior to the introduction of Buddhism, Tibet was a strong military dynasty whose influence extended beyond the Tibetan plateau. Buddhism, with its emphasis on nonviolence and self-control, was considered by some a force thatwould weaken Tibetan's military and political power. In spite of some opposition, Buddhism flourished until the last halfof the 9th century, when a period ofBuddhist persecution began. This resulted in suppression of Buddhist culture and was part of the collapse and fragmentation ofwhat was then Tibet. Although Tibet did not regain a central authoritative government for over 300 years, by the end of the 10th century Buddhist persecution ceased and temples were built in central Tibet. Tibetan scholars again traveled to India to study, translate, and bring back Sanskrit Buddhist texts. By the 12th century, Buddhism was firmly established, and from that time functioned and evolved relatively independently of outside influence. Up until the late 20th century, Tibet had little contact with the West. Initially the Tibetans made no specific attempt to prevent Western travelers, but its location, surrounded on three sides by the highest mountains in the world, a harsh climate, and roving bands of hostile tribes and bandits near its border were formidable natural defenses. As Britain and Russia became more involved in Asia in the 19th century, the Tibetans feared Western influence would destroy their way of life and corrupt their religion. So aside from a few priests and merchants, no Westerners succeeded in penetrating Tibet until the British invasion in 1904. Britain, concerned about a Russian takeover of Tibet, sent Col. Francis Younghusband to Lhasa to establish a trade relationship. Unfortunately, this was accomplished with force and resulted in the loss of many Tibetan lives. A treaty was signed and Britain maintained a presence in Tibet until 1947, at which time it withdrew from India and also from Tibet. Relationship with China The relationship between Tibet and China is complex and extends back to a time ofhistory when boundaries were not defined. China borders Tibet on the east, and from a geographic standpoint it provides the...