June,2011

Vol. XXI June - 2011

M E N - T S E E - K H A N G N e w s L e t t e r

Admission of 17 batch medical students Pg: 3

Research: second phase of screening patients Pg: 6

Seminars, courses, medical tours Pg: 3

50th anniversary of TMAC Pg: 7

Exhibition tour Pg: 9

CONTENTS

New publications Pg: 14

Reminiscence of a doctor Pg: 12

This is the official Newsletter of Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibet-an Medical & Astro. Insti-tute of H.H. the Dalai Lama). Gangchen Kyishong, Dharam-sala—176215, INDIA. It is published and distributed free of cost. However, we request donations to cover expenses. To make donations, please con-tact Mailing Co ordinator, Men-Tsee-Khang, Gangchen Kyis-hong, Dharamsala - 176215. INDIA.

EditorKalsang Dechen

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Mailing co-ordinatorMrs. Dolma Tsering

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Membership / Scholarship

Men-Tsee-Khang Exports

Men-Tsee-Khang 3

June 2011News

The Tibetan Medical & As-tro. College conducted entrance exam to select the 17th batch of medical students from 3-6 May, 2011 which included

language, Grammar, General Knowl-edge and Essay in Tibetan and English language. The applicants appeared for the interview on the last day of the examination on 6 May, 2011. The total number of applications re-ceived on the last date of submission was 157, out of which 113 applicants registered for the entrance exam on 2 May, 2011. All the registered ap-plicants appeared for the entrance exam which lasted for four days.

The allotments of seats were, 20 for Tibetan students in and around In-dia, 3 for Himalayan and Foreign stu-dents and 2 seats for staff children. Amongst 113 applicants, 25 (22 Ti-betans, 2 Himalayan, 1 foreign from USA) were selected on merit basis for the admission in March, 2012.

Men-Tsee-Khang has been review-ing the matter of appointing astrolo-

ADMISSION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS FOR THE YEAR 2012

gers to the branch clinics for a long time in the Tibetan settlements to provide traditional astrology and as-tronomy services to the people. The administration has taken the deci-sion of appointing one astrologer each in Bylakuppe and Deckyiling Ti-betan settlement at the initial stage. The knowledge on the uses of al-

manac and Introduc-tion on Tibetan Astro. science will be given by the astrologers. As-trological readings like marital compatibility, natal horoscope, one year prediction, medi-cal astrology, astrology for the deceased, time for starting the cultiva-tion etc will be done by the astrologers. Astrol-oger Tashi Norbu has

been appointed in Bylakuppee and Astrologer Tenzin Jinpa in Deckyiling.

NEPAL

Dr. Tenzin Thaye, Assistant Head of Pharmacy Department was deputed by the administra-tion to conduct social health ini-tiative programs, awareness, preventions and re-medial measures ac-cording to traditional system of health care in Nepal. The visit was to provide health care and awareness program to the people living there from 30 March-18 May, 2011.

From 5-8 April Dr. Ten-zin Thaye visited Cha-

bahil and gave health consultation to 194 people and used external therapies like cupping, acupuncture, bloodletting, etc to help the people. He advised dietary life style which is one of the important aspects of a healthy body. On 10-14 April he was in Chetrapati, Old Age Home for Women and Reception Center and gave health services to 225 people.

In Tashi Palkhiel he gave health services to 311 people, from 20-21 April, hundred and nine people received health service in Pel-ling, 115 people in Jampaling, 43 people at the Tsering Old Age Home, 47 nuns received health services at Kopan nunnery, 63 in Jo-lakhiel, 88 in Chabahil Tibetan settle-ment and 18 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

He gave health services and diag-noses through traditional system of healing to 1213 patients. In ad-dition, he also used external ther-apy treatments like acupuncture, cupping, bloodletting and compress therapy to 40 people. The doctor also visited personally to 20 bedridden and abnormal patients during his visit.

He gave lecture on the importance of health awareness issues, pre-vention and remedial measures on disorders, significance of protection of the environment, healthy diet and behavior and diet restrictions. He stressed that due to the imbalanced

APPOINTMENT OF ASTROLOGERS IN TIBETAN SETTLEMENT

MEDICAL TOUR

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June 2011News

food that we take, there is distur-bance to our health and so a healthy diet, restrictions on food and bal-

anced mind is an important fac-tor to have a healthy body. The most common disorders of the Tibetan community living in Nepal suffers from digestive disorder, hypertension, liver and heart dis-order related with wind channels. He gave health advise of how to prevent from the commonly faced disorders and the restric-tions on food and behavior in par-ticular to those affected from it.

LADAKH

Advisor, Dr. Pema Dorjee visited Ladakh from 2-25 April, 2011 to pro-vide health care and awareness is-sues according to traditional Tibetan system of healing as deputed by the administration. Dr. Pema Dorjee vis-

ited Men-Tsee-Khang Branch Clinic in the Culture Centre, Choglam-sar settlement and branch clinic,

TCV School, Old Age Homes, Agling settle-ment, Ladakh Buddhist School, Local communi-ties and monasteries.

He gave health consul-tations to 1082 people in the branch clinic in Ladakh Culture Center of Men-Tsee-Khang, 272 in Agling, 522 in Choglam-

sar branch clinic, 157 in TCV School, 50 bed ridden patients in Choglamsar, 263 patients in Ladakh Buddhist School, local community and monastery. Dr. Pema Dorjee saw a total of 2346 patients during his trip to Ladakh.

He gave health awareness talks to the public, students, monasteries

and Local communities. He spoke on dietary lifestyle, digestive dis-order, indigestion & its causes, remedies and prevention. He also advised on the social problems caused by drugs and HIV and spoke about the preventive mea-sures. He addressed the issues of Mother

and Child Health Care, alcohol and drug related issues. He ex-plained the problems, causes and preventive measures according to traditional system of health care.

He addressed on the introduction and origin of Tibetan medicine, Nyepa-Sum (three principle ener-gies) and dietary restrictions as well. As requested, he had the opportu-nity to answer questions on various disorders put forth by the people through live telecast. His talk was broadcasted on the radio channel

as well speaking on the social problems of HIV and drug related issues and advised on the preventive measures of the problems faced in the society

NORTH EAST

Dr. Ngawang Khentse, CMO Chauntra Branch clinic vis-ited North East part of In-dia from May 1 - 30 June,

2011 to provide health consultation and awareness talk on various disor-ders according to traditional Tibetan medicine.

In Itanagar he saw a total of 147 pa-tients in three days (3-5 May). He also went to the the homes of bed-ridden patients who could not come to the clinic for consultation. On the way back to Tenzin Gang he saw 10 patients in Shikar. From 12-14 he was in Tenzin Gang and provided health service to 71 patients. On 15 May, he was in Dhirang and consult-ed to 19 patients there.

From 17-21 May, he was in Tawang and gave health consultation to 268 patients. The common problems faced by the people there were di-gestive disorder, hypertension, rheu-matoid arthritis and nervous disor-

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June 2011 Seminar

der. In Bomdila he saw 91 patients in two days from 24-25 May, 2011. He was in Tezu from 28-29 May and gave health diagnosis to 70 patients

and 245 patients in Miao settle-ment from May 31-2 June, 2011. In Shillong he saw 97 patients and then from there he toured to Gangtok.

He was in Gangtok and surrounding areas from 12-20 June, 2011. There he visited Ravangla, Nathang, Lachen, Lachung, Tselthang and Tsunthang. In all these areas, he saw a total of 323 patients providing treatment and health talk to the public.

He was in Darjeeling on 21 June and gave consultation to 60 patients there. Then he visited Kalimpong from 25-26 June and saw a total of 109 patiens. He also visited Old Age Home sponsored by Jamyang Kong-true Rinpoche and treated to 23 pa-

tients there.

He gave health awareness talks on the formation of the body i.e embry-

ology, origin and causes of diseases, dietary life style as an important aspect to a healthy body because all disorders are caused due to imbalanc-es in diet and behavior. He advised the younger generation to avoid al-cohol and drugs as it is a negative behavior and a problem not only to the individual but affects the society as a whole.

In total Dr. Ngawang Khentse saw a total of 1523 patients during his tour to North East India.

SOUTH INDIA

Dr. Sonam Lhamo, CMO Dickyling branch clinic visited Bylakuppe South India for five days from 13-17

May, 2011. On 13 May she gave consultation to patients at three camps in Lugsum Settlement, Phurang camp and TCV school. She saw pa-tients at Karuna Home, Old age home and 2 camps in Lugsum Settle-ment on 14 May, 2011 and visited 8 camps in Dickyi Lar-soe settle-

ment on 15 May, 2011. On 16 she consulted patients at the four camps in Dickyi Larsoe settlement and went to Chowkur settle-ment to see patients there. In four days, the doctor saw a total of

541 patients.

Dr. Sonam Lhamo gave health aware-ness talk to the public at Dickyi Lar-soe Hall and TCV shool students. The students who joined for the talk were from sixth class and above and she spoke on health awareness and dietary lifestyle. After the talk, ques-tion answer session followed.

MINNESOTA, USA

Dr. Tsewang Tamdin, director of Men-Tsee-Khang visited Minnesota, USA from 7 - 18 May, 2011 on the invitation from Center for Spiritual-ity and Healing, University of Min-nesota to attend the Second Inter-national Conference on “Tibetan Medicine: Healing Mind and Body”.

The conference was organized by Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota in collabo-ration with TAFM (Tibetan Ameri-can Foundation of Minnesota). The conference was on 9 May, 2011 and started from 9 a.m and it was con-cluded in ten sessions. There were around 300 delegates from different places consisting of doctors (Western and Tibetan), nurses and students.

Everyone who participated in the

CONFERENCE & SEMINAR

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June 2011News

conference was interested in Ti-betan medicine and stressed the importance of collaborating in the field of research and advancement of Tibetan medicine to benefit and serve the human race from illness. It was felt that unity and support in convening of such medical con-ference in the future is important.

Continued collaboration in research and exchange programme between Men-Tsee-Khang and Center for Spirituality & Healing, University of Minnesota was reached upon as a significant step towards advance-ment. During the visit, delegates met the Director and offered to sup-port in collaborative research. Dis-cussion on the future prospects of sharing of knowledge on Tibetan medicine and its practice, research methods, workshops and joint work with Tibetan American Founda-tion, President Dr. Tsewang Ngodup and the President of University of Minnesota Medical School, Mrs. Marijo and associates was fruitful.

On 13 May, Dr. Tsewang Tamdin ad-dressed to a gathering of 60 people (30 western health workers & doc-tors and 30 Tibetans). He spoke on the “Introduction of Tibetan medi-cine”, “Dietary lifestyle” and stressed the importance of having regular health check up for a healthy body.

DHARAMSALA

Tibetan Medicine course in English was held by MTK from 2 - 12 May, 2011 to the group from Minnesota Uni-versity. There were around 20 participants for the ten day course. Abbot of Namgyal mon-astery - Ven. Thamthog Rinpoche, Dr. Sonam

Dolma, Dr. Namdol Lha-mo, Dr. Jamyang Dolma, Dr. Thokme Paljor and Dr. Pema Tseto from Translation department, Dr. Tser-ing Thakchoe Drungtso, Dr. Passang Wangdu and Ven. Tenpa Tashi from Tibetan Medical & Astro. College, Dr. Yeshi Dorjee CMO Mcleod Ganj branch and Astrologer Sonam Palmo were the resource persons for the course.

NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE II DIABETES

The Clinical trial on the efficacy of Ti-betan medicine for newly diagnosed Type II Diabetes was started from 1 July, 2010 in Nizamud-din, New Delhi by the Clinical Research De-partment. The period of the treatment was for 6 months with free Tibetan medicine and laboratory test borne by the institute. The number of pa-tients required for the trial was 150. Dr. Pema Dorjee, Dr. Tenzin Lhun-dup and Dr. Sonam Wangmo (coor-dinator for the clinical trial) visited

Delhi. Dr. Pema Dorjee, advi-sor gave an introduction on Tibetan medicine and Diabetes, its causes and remedies to the com-munity in Majnu-ka-tilla and Ladakh Buddhist Vihar. The clinical trial was carried out by the Nizamuddin Branch Clinic and 553 patients suffer-ing from diabetes were screened by Dr. Tenzin Deche, Dr. Pema Yangchen and Dr. Sonam Wangmo. There were few patients who met the re-quirement criteria for the disorder.

Hence, Advisor, Dr. Pema Dorjee; Dr. Tenzin Lhadon, Head of Clinical Re-search Department and Mrs. Sonam Yangdon visited Delhi for a review meeting on newly diagnosed Type II Diabetes due to inadequate pa-tients for the clinical trial. The team of three members from Dharamsala with the doctors and staff of Majnu-ka-tilla, Nizamuddin and Ladakh Bud-dhist Vihar branch clinics convened a meeting on 27 April, 2011. It was decided in the meeting that the oth-er two branch clinics, Majnu-ka-tilla and Ladakh Buddhist Vihar will also start screening patients for newly diagnosed Type II Diabetes from 25 May, 2011. Men-Tsee-Khang will provide free treatment (Tibetan

medicine) and laboratory test for 150 patients for the clinical trial on newly diagnosed Type II Diabetes.

REVIEW MEETING

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June 2011 News

GASTRITIS & PEPTIC ULCER

The Clinical Research Department started its second phase of screen-ing patients suffering from gastritis and peptic ulcer for the clinical trial on the efficacy of Tibetan medicine from 3 - 16 May, 2011 in Dharamsala and its surrounding areas from 17 - 22 May, 2011.

In Dharamsala (3-16,May) the doc-tors screened 471 people in seven days from the schools, monasteries and ten organizations and institutions consisting of local Tibetan communi-ties and they selected 65 people for the trial. Dr. Pema Dorjee, advisor; Dr. Tenzin Lhadon, Head of Clinical Re-search Department; Dr. Yeshi Dorjee, Dr. Dawa Choedon, Dr. Diki Tsomo, Dr. Sonam Wangmo, Dr. Rigzin Sang-mo and Mrs. Sonam Yangdon were the team of doctors and staff who screened the people in Dharamsala.

From 17 - 22 May, 2011 team of five doctors (Dr. Pema Dorjee, Dr. Yeshi Dorjee, Dr. Pema Yangzom, Dr. Ten-zin Lhundup, Dr. Tenzin Yeshi) visited Sherabling, Suja TCV, Bir Tibetan In-dustrial Society, Chauntra Samb-hota and TCV schools and Tashijong. They screened 736 people in these five areas and completed the screen-ing in six days. Amongst 736 peo-ple, 94 were selected for the trial.

A five member team from National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Royal University of Bhutan visited

Men-Tsee-Khang. The team was headed by Mr. Dorji Wangchuk, Di-rector of National Institute of Tra-ditional Medicine. The institute provides Sowa Rigpa education in Bhutan. The members had a meet-

ing with the Director of Men-Tsee-Khang, Dr. Tsewang Tamdin. The members discussed about their in-terest in establishing institutional, faculty and students exchange pro-gramme with Men-Tsee-Khang in the future. Discussion was also done on the collaborative research in Sowa Rigpa between the two institutes.

Men-Tsee-Khang College (Tibetan Medical & Astro. College) com-memorated its golden Jubilee occasion on 2 June, 2011. The occa-sion was graced by His Holiness 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorjee. The ceremony followed by long life offering of the three jewels to His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Kar-mapa by the Director, Dr. Tsewang Tamdin.

The Principal of the College wel-comed and presented the progress report. He addressed the gathering briefly describing the history and origin of Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa) and Tibetan Astrology which

is almost 4000 years old and the first medical in-stiute was established in Kongpo Menlung in 763 A.D. by Yuthok Yonten Gonpo who composed Gyushi the main treatise of Tibetan medicine. This treatise is the main course of study for five years medicine sylla-bus of Tibetan Medical & Astro. College. Since then many medical

schools sprang up dur-ing the 5th Dalai Lama’s reign, but the famous schools of medicine were Chagpori institute established in 1696 by Desei Sange Gyatso and Lhaden Men-Tsee-Khang set up by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1916.

He then explained, how after the invasion of Tibet in 1959, His Holi-ness the 14 Dalai Lama with his en-tourage fled into exile in India and through his visionary guidance, the tradition of Tibetan medicine and Astrology was revived and preserved in exile. He also explained the de-velopment stages of the College from the initial foundation in 1961 with a doctor (Dr. Yeshi Dhonden) and an astrologer (Dukhorwa Lodoe

50 YEARS CELEBRATION OF TIBETAN MEDICAL & ASTRO.

COLLEGE

VISIT OF DELEGATES FROM BHUTAN

SECOND PHASE OF SCREENING PATIENTS

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June 2011News

Gyatso) consisting of 10 students to the present strength of 290 gradu-ates (243 medical and 47 astrology) in the past 50 years. The present strength of the 15th and 16 batch of medical students is 46 and 8th batch of astrology has 5 students.Besides traditional Tibetan medicine and astrology as the main curricu-lum, imparting and sharing of knowl-edge of various scope of fields like Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha, Science etc are also given importance.

His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Kar-mapa applauded the 50 years of de-velopment in the process of bringing out graduate doctors and astrologers

to preserve and promote the tradi-tional Tibetan cultures. He found that the number of astrologers are less as compared to doctors during the audience session of the students. He said that “Astronomy and astrol-ogy is also a significant science of learning interrelated with medicine and Buddhism”. His interest and en-thusiasm in astrology and astronomy grew a few years back during a semi-nar on religion in Bodh Gaya.

He would watch the stars at night, hours at a stretch. It is important for a religious person and a doctor to know about astrology due to its inter-relation of inner and outer elements, Buddhism, medicine and astrology and so on. Thus the interdependent

nature in Buddhist philosophy is an important aspect relevant to all the sciences.

The late personal physicians of His Holiness the Dalai Lama mentioned that his previous incarnations were well versed and familiar with medi-cine and thus he should also try to widen his knowlege in this field as well. His Holiness said that it was a great responsibility shouldered on him by the late personal physicians.

But knowledge on different fields is also an attibute to one’s intellect and scope. His Holiness the 17 Gyalwa Karmapa made a pledge to learn

Tibetan medicine and astrology on the 50th anniversary occasion of Tibetan M e d i c a l & Astro. C o l l e g e .

Three new books were l a u n c h e d on the oc-casion by

the Health Minister, CTA Mr. Paljor Tser-ing. Awards were presented to the six best articles and members of the Gangri Langtso team by the Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche.

The Director, Dr. Tse-wang Tamdin addressed the occasion on the successful completion of the 50 years of Ti-betan Medical & Astro. College in exile. Kalon Tripa, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche commended the Medical & Astrology College in nurturing and bringing out graduates

of Tibetan traditional medicine and astrology and in the preservation of these major and minor sciences. He also informed the importance of the college to be recognized under UGC (University Grants Commission) and AIU (Association of Indian Universi-tites). The process takes time and one has to meet the requirements of syllabus, certificates, examination, infrastructure, library etc to be rec-ognised under UGC and AIU.

He said that Men-Tsee-Khang hasa firm stand point on the origin of Gyushi as a treatise composed by Yuthog Yonten Gonpo. It is also important to have authentic docu-ments and facts to validate the his-torical events and ones point of view.

The Deputy Chairman, ATPD Ven. Sonam Tenphel applauded the de-velopment of the college in the past 50 years and is important to nur-

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June 2011 News

ture and pass on the precious tradi-tions to the future generations. He stressed the significance of respect-ing one's teacher who guides you in education, to study and acquire knowledge and to utilize the time to the fullest. The ceremony con-cluded with a thank you speech by the Vice Principal of Tibetan Med-ical & Astro. College, Dr. Khenrab Gyatso.

The dignitaries present were Kalon Tripa, Chief Justice CTA, Governing Body members, CCTM Chairman, Doctor of Delek Hospital, Dr.Yeshi Dhonden, Principal of Tibetan Schools, Professors of Emory University, Director Emory Tibet Partnership, Head of departments, doctors and astrologers of MTK and the press. There were around 185 people gathered during the celebration including dignitaries, press, students and staff of College.

Tibetan medical & Astro. Institute has initiated project on cultivation and conservation of rare and endan-gered medicinal plants since 1995. The objective of cultivation project is to reintroduce nearly extinct spe-cies in their natural habitat and to protect and domesticate, conserve and propagate rare and endan-ger medicinal plant for long term sustainence of medicinal plants in their natural habitat.

The cultivation is done according to rules made by WWF and TRAF-FIC India; thread statue selection of medicinal plants in the North-ern and Northeast regions of Trans-Himalayan belts. The insti-tute has selected some rare, en-

dangered and nearly extinct me-dicinal plants based on their natural habitat, range of altitudes, lo-cations, topography and climate requirements for cultivation

in four pilot project sites. Chauntra in Himachal Pradesh is the fourth cultivation program site set up in 2010.

The pilot project is undertaken by the Materia Medica Department, Men-Tsee-Khang. The cultiva-tion of plants started from April, 2011 with some unique and rare medicinal plants of Tibetan medi-cine. The research of domesticat-ing 25 plants will be carried on. At present the seeds of seven plant species have been cultivated in the area. The department has placed two workers who tend to the saplings in the farm every day. It will take four to five months to have the de-sired ingredient parts of the plants.

The domesticated spe-cies in Chauntra cultiva-tion farm are Carthamus tinctorius (flower), L. Saussurea lappa (root), Adhatoda vasica (en-tire plant), Hedychium spicatum Han ex.Smith (root), Herpettosper-mum peduncluosum (SER) Baiil (seed), Podophylllum emodi

(seed)and Arctium lappa (root). By August the parts like seed, flower, roots, leaves, etc will be ready for research.

The other three pilot cul-tivation programs based on the natural habitat of medicinal plants are in Sonada in Darjeeling (West Bengal) first initiated pilot cultivation program in 1995, Agling in Ladakh in 2005 (cultivation of some rare and endangered high altitude cold desert cli-mate medicinal plants), KITPI located in North-East of India, Tawang,

Arunachal Pradesh in 2009. However, these sites are ex-perimental and still require significant development to sustain and cultivate specific endangered medicinal plants of Tra-ditional Tibetan Medicine.

On the occasion of the golden jubilee anniversary (23 March, 2011), Men-Tsee-Khang decided to hold exhibi-tion all over India within the Tibetan and the local community in the major

EXHIBITION IN NORTH EAST INDIA

CHAUNTRA CULTIVATION PROJECT

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June 2011News

cities of India for the whole year in order to bring awareness of the tra-ditional culture of Tibetan medicine and astrology and the development stages of the institute since its incep-tion in 1961.

A team of four members headed by

Dr. Sonam Dolkar Oshoe, 50 years organizing committee; Dr. Tsetan Mingyur, Materia Medica Depart-ment; Astrologer Tenzin Tsewang, Astrology Department and Mr. Dorji Nyima, staff of Pharmacy depart-ment visited North East India from 10 April to 2 June, 2011. This group toured ten locations in the North east India, i.e. Shillong, Itanagar, Bomdila, Tenzigang,Tawang, Darjeel-ing, Sikkim, Kalimpong, Salugara and Kolkota.

From 16 - 17 April, 2011 the exhibi-tion was held at Hotel Assembly in Shillong. The inaugural ceremony started with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Mr. Charles Pyngrope Honor-able Speaker of Meghalaya Legisla-tive Assembly. Around 154 people came to visit the exhibition. The Honourable Speaker, Mr. Charles Pyngrope appreciated the combina-tion of science, philosophy and art in providing qualitative healing system by Men-Tsee-Khang. He also appre-ciated the alternative health service provided by the institute to the society as a whole.

The exhibition in Itanagar was or-ganized in collaboration with the Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society (IBCS) at Siddharth Hall, from 20 - 21 April, 2011. Mr. Rinchen Dor-jee, Arunachal Pradesh Public Ser-vice Commission Chairman was the chief guest on the occasion. A total

of around 100 people visited the exhibition.

The exhibition at Lower Gonpa, Bomdila was held on 24 April, 2011. It was inaugurated by Upper Gonpa Abbot, Ven. Geshe Thupten Kunphen and around 130 people attended the exhibition with much enthusiasm and appre-ciation. Then, the exhi-

bition at Tenzigang was organized on the 27 April at the Ti-betan Community Hall.

The occasion was inaugurated by Tenzi-gang Local Assembly Chairman and repre-sentatives of the vari-ous NGOs also partici-pated in the event. A crowd of about 218 people including stu-dents of CST Tenzigang visited the exhibition. In Tawang, the exhibition was sched-uled to be held at Gaden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery on 1-2 May and all the preparations were done but due to the sudden unfortunate incident of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister the event was called off as a mark of respect for his unwavering support to the people in the locality. Hence, the following exhibition scheduled at Miao on May 7th and 8th was also cancelled.

The exhibition in Darjeeling was held at Tibetan Community Hall on 11th

and 12th May. The Settlement Offi-cer, Mr. Tsewang Tashi was the chief guest and head of various NGOs and local Tibetans were present. 240 people consisting of locals, Tibetans and school children attended the exhibition. The next venue of the exhibition was held at Hotel Tibet, Gangtok from 16-18 May. The inau-gural ceremony was graced by Sikkim Health Minister, Mr. D.N. Thakarpa accompanied by the Tibetan Settle-ment Officer, Mr. Karma Dadul. There were about 520 people who visited the exhibition including local community, Tibetans and school chil-dren. The exhibition in Kalimpong was organized at Mani Lhakhang Hall on the 20th of May. It was in-augurated by the Jamyang Kongtrue Rinpoche. A gathering of 345 peo-ple visited the exhibition.

On 23rd and 24th of May the exhibi-tion was held at the Himalaya Buddhist Cultural School hall, Salugara. IPS Officer of Siliguri, Mr. Tsher-ing F Sherpa was invited for the occasion as the chief guest. In-come Tax Commissioner of Siliguri, Mr. C.L.Denzongpa and his col-leagues were also present as special guests. About 90 local people and Tibetans visited the exhibition. The last exhibition of North-East India was held at Men-Tsee-Khang branch clinic, Kolkota on the 28th and 29th of May. A crowd of around 200 Indi-

Men-Tsee-Khang 11

June 2011 News

ans visited the exhibition with much appreciation.

On the whole, the North-East India exhibition of Men-Tsee-Khang was attended by around 1997 people of varying backgrounds. Many of the visitors suggested the institution to continue and create awareness about Tibetan Medicine and Astrol-ogy amongst the common people. The event was broadcasted in the Local News Channels, Radio Free Asia, local Hindi newspaper and Bod Gyalo.

Men-Tsee-Khang would like to thank the Tibetan Settlement Officers of Shillong, Tenzigang, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok, Tawang monastery, head and members of various NGOs, Mr. Chomphel and Tenzin Nyima of Shillong, Mr Tashi Dhondup, Mr. Sonam Tenzin, Mr. Sonam Phuntsok and Mr. Sonam Wangchuk of Itana-gar Buddhist Cultural Society and Mr. Sonam Lhundup, the direc-tor of Himalaya Buddhist Cultural School, Salugara for their uncon-ditional support and assistance in making this exhibition a success.

LIFE OF THE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN 1969: VAID TSERING DORJEE K.

T-12 (TMAI)

Differences in aims of joining themedical line: Around the 80’s, 2004 and 2005 the students felt, If I joined the medical line I would become a doctor having positive future prospects like good salary, opportunity of visiting various places abroad and making money in the west. In 1969, the students came to

Dharamsala solely to study Tibetan traditional medicine without a vague idea of the climatic conditions of the area, situation of Men-Tsee-Khang and the difficulties of memorizing vast medical treatise then. In such an atmosphere the students reached Dharamsala from the Central School of Tibetans in the 60’s.

Taking instance from history, dur-ing the 8th century, the culmina-tion of the three masters in Tibet Abbot Shanta Rakshita, Acharya Padma Sambhava and the Dharma King Trisong Duetsen, I felt similar situations culminated at a meeting point in my life with destiny, prayers and the privi-lege of meeting a great scholar and master, my teacher late Barshi Phuntsok Wangyal in the medical school in Dharamsala.

The students came from CST Darjeeling

(6 boys and 5 girls), Mussorie (1 girl) and 2 boys from other areas. In total there were 14 students who joined in 1969. In due course of time Norbu Tsering expired, Dorjee Chogyal and Lobsang Dhargyal left on health rea-sons, Tsering Wangmo did not return at the close of 2nd year, two girls left out and hence at the end, eight stu-dents (were able to complete their medical course.

In the beginning of 1969, as soon as we reached Dharamsala, we were received and placed in Chopra House which is located near the old resi-

dent of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Chopra House is a C shaped house, with iron sheet roof, the base built of blocks of stone and the upper part with mud. The place is surrounded with oak, pine and juniper trees with green lawn resembles Konpo Men-lung the first medical school in Tibet established by Yuthok Yonten Gonpo. It is also situated near by the resi-dence of Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, the 97 Gaden Tripa (The Golden Throne Holder) which is two hundred steps from the medical school.

The Council of Religious Affairs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama provided Rs. 50/- as stipend for each student and a total amount, Rs. 1.10/- is de-ducted as TNDF. We have to utilize the balance money of Rs. 48.90/- to meet our necessities like food, fire

REMINISCENCE OF A DOCTOR

12Men-Tsee-Khang

June 2011News

wood, kerosine etc for a month. A paid cook was provided by the ad-ministration. In order to make it easier for memorizing purpose, each student was given a medical text called Tso-bye gShon-nu mGul-rG-yan. The content of this book com-prises of six chapters on root tantra, origin and formation of the body i.e embryology in explanatory tantra, gnas-lug anatomy dealing with the proportion of bodily constituents, channels (nerves & blood vessels) and the important passages within the body, inherent qualities of me-dicinal substances, basic physiology of mind and body and two chapters on pulse and urine from final or the last tantra. The teaching method was done according to tradition in Tibet i.e each and every word is ex-plained in detail.

On 4 August, 1969 in the morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Ling Rinpoche (senior tutor) visited the the medical school and addressed the teachers and students “At pres-enttheremaybelackoffacilitiesanddifficulties inmeeting the basic ne-cessitiesbutthatcanbesolvedgrad-ually. You have come here to study Tibetan medicine and have already started with the courses. Keeping in viewthetraditionalTibetanteachingmethodsoneshouldalsoinitiatenewcoursesofcoachingpractices”.

Near the medical school, there is a patient ward with around 10 beds. There were three nurses Namdol Wangmo, Passang Dolma and Tsering Dolma who took care of the patients.

After some time, the three nurses resigned one after the other due to the poor conditions and facilities at the ward. Without any experience in tending to patients, we took care of them turn by turn cleaning and giv-ing food to them. Jestsun Pema la and assistant Gen Tenzin visited our school and inquired about our con-ditions. Within two weeks we were supplied with half a bale of rice and dal (pulses), toiletries etc to meet our basic necessities in those diffi-cult conditions. Besides, she would advise and encourage us to study and move forward in life. She also supported the third batch of medical students as well.

Every Saturday we have to go to the pharmacy to clean the raw ingredi-ents, sieve the powder and make pills. In Au-gust we go to the moun-tains to collect and identify herbal plants for at least a month by carrying foods and ne-cessities on our back. In Autumn, we prepare Chongshi Dawoe (calcite powder) for one night.

At present, the students go to Mari La in Rothang for plant identifica-tion with all the facilities provided like vehicle etc but during our time we had to endure physical hardships

on our own to reach our destination. During an-nual exams, oral recita-tion was considered an important aspect and so Kyabje Jamyang Dhond-up would be the master to take the oral exams and Kyabje Khamtrul Rinpoche would preside for the announcement of results at the school.

The traditional school was named as School of Tibetan Medicine in English. Since 1985 with the increase in the number of stu-dents, two batches were recruited and hence renamed as Tibetan Med-ical College.

I rever before my precious and grate-ful teacher and scholar under whose guidance, I was able to become a doctor. Also my gratitude to Jetsun Pema la for her support and help during the time of need when we were going through a difficult phase. Due to their unwavering guidance and support we could complete our studies as a medical practitioner. We were then sent to different plac-es in India to help, tend and treat to the suffering patients. Hence, the setting up of branch clinics in Bom-dila and other areas started with the graduation of the doctors.

Highly regretful to the author for anytranslationdiscrepanciesoccuredduetotimeandresourceconstrains. EDITOR

13Men-Tsee-Khang

June 2011 Obituary

CORRIGENDUM MEN-TSEE-KHANG NEWSLETTER

Reference to our news published in Men-Tsee-Khang Newsletter Vol - pg # 2 for the donations of staff children should be read as $ 20/- per month instead of $25/-.

Reference to our news published in the Newslet-ter Vol- XX, March 2011, pg # 18 the details of the donations should be read as Medical France Tibet, France, Rs. 2,26,798.20 instead of Rs. 22679.82

Reference to our news published in the Newslet-ter Vol XX, March 2011, last cover page the dura-tion of the term of Registrar Gyalnang Lobsang Norbu should be read as 1976-1984 instead of 1961-1966. .

Donations received from April to June, 2011

Donation

Zach USA 49,901.32 Emory University Atlanta, USA 22,020.00 Penny and Bill George USA 22,029.00 Roger Jankson and Pamela L.Pacy USA 4,325.00 Nancy Feinthel USA 2,100.00 Mancha Ben Gharch India 5,000.00 Lee or Loon Malaysia 20,000.00 Jamgon Kongtrue Rinpoche India 10,150.00 Emory University Atlanta, USA 1,000.00

OBITUARY

Astrologer Gyalnang Lobsang Norbu passed away on 18 March, 2011 at Chauntra Retired Staff Quarters. Men-Tsee-Khang has lost one of its senior astrologer and administrator. He has utilized his efforts and capabilities in the service of Men-Tsee-Khang till his last days. He was born on 31 December 1944 in Tibet. He joined Men-Tsee-khang on 1 May, 1971. In those days, he also studied astrology besides working in the institute. In 1973 he served as an assistant and ac-countant in the construction of the main office building at Gangkyi.

In 1975 he completed his astrology course. In 1976 he served as an accountant and secretary in the main office and then ap-pointed as General Secretary till 1984. He was appointed as the Assistant Head of Astrology Department in 1984 and as the trea-surer. He was again appointed as the General Secretary from July 1994 to 2000. On 18 August 2000 he was deputed as the Head of Astrology Department and served in the same post for five years. He served as the General Secretary of the institute for three terms. He was appointed as an advisor to the Astrology Depart-ment on 10 April, 2005 and served in its capacity till his retirement on 1 July, 2009. He has served the institute for 38 long years from 1971-2009. Men-Tsee-Khang shall ever remain grateful for his life time services and we pay our sincere condolence to his bereaved family.

14

MEN-TSEE-KHANG PUBLICATIONS

Articles on Ayurveda Tibetan Medical & Astro. CollegeVersion: Tibetan

This book contains the translated work by the Medi-cal students in the field of cultivation farm, pharmacy and research according to the Ayurvedic system of heal-ing through practical study and research from Joginder-nagar Ayurvedic University.

Introduction to the Numerical System of Traditional Tibetan AstrologyTibetan Medical & Astro. CollegeVersion: Tibetan

This book is written with an intent to pass the knowl-edge of the Tibetan astro-logical numerical system.It is an introduction to the Tibetan Astrology along with explanations on the unique practice of the ba-sics of arithmetic. It also serves as a preliminary to the understanding of the Ka-lachakra Astrology and Tibetan medicine.

Life time experiences and practice of a HermitTibetan Medical & Astro. CollegeVersion: Tibetan

This book consists of the interview session with Ven. Lobsang Tenzin, a hermit in Dharamsala of his experienc-es, practice and development in the spiritual field. It also illustrates the research done by Dr. Herbert Benson, Harvard University and his team of sci-entist on Ven. Lobsang Tenzin.

Donations received from April to June, 2011

Men-Tsee-Khang

Staff Children Scholarship

Kasia Novak Canada 10,200.00 Georgia Leate USA 29,963.00 Franco Lorenzom Italy 20,268.00 Ingrid Svensson Sweden 10,200.00 Alan Hall U.K 20,400.00 Heide Meyer,Deutsche Tibethilfe Germany 51,546.00 Alina Ekiridzo Canada 20,188.00 Carta Tonella Switzerland 4,095.00 Yeves Betant,Medical France Tibet France 236,571.00 Elvy Ingegerd Desiree Hast Sweden 8,173.00 Alexandra Ghetta Austria 14,238.00 Katherine E.Pfeiffer USA 10,200.00 Martina Jelinek-lerz Austria 9,563.00 Angelika Lafleur Germany 18,779.00 Angelika Lafleur Germany 18,779.00 Initiative Oberland Germany 19,910.00 Dr.Neff Rolands Switzerland 10,200.00 Phyllis Florman USA 10,080.00 Scholarship

Initiative Oberland Germany 10,958.00

Donations received from April to June, 2011

New Publications June 2011

CHANGE & CONTINUITY OF MEN-TSEE-KHANG: 1961 - 2011MEN-JIN KHANG: 1961 - 1967

TSI-RIG LOB-KHANGGLENMOOR COTTAGE: 1960

MEN-JIN KHANGCHOPRA HOUSE: 1961

ASTROLOGY SCHOOLMEDICINE SCHOOL CLINICPHARMACY

The first medical education unit was set up in Dharamsala in 1961 and it was named as Men-jin Khang mainly because in the traditional Tibetan medical system, the medical care was developed to serve the ailing patients without any conditions. In fact Men-Tsee-Khang lived up to the principle during its early stages. NOTE: CHANGING INSTITUTIONAL NOMENCLATURE MEN-JIN KHANG WAS RENAMED BOD-KI RIG-SHUNG MEN-JIN KHANG ON 23 JUNE 1963

DRO-PHEN MEN-TSEE-KHANG: 1967 - 1982MCLEOD GANJ 1967

MEDICINE & ASTROLOGY MERGED IN 1967

ASTROLOGYCLINICPHARMACYCOLLEGEMAIN OFFICE

DIRECTOR

GOVERNING BODY

MEDICINE ASTROLOGY

As Tibetan population grew in size and numbers, the expansion of Men-jin Khang became inevitable with more specialized ap-proaches and mass consultations unprecedented in history. The need was felt to merge the already existing astrological section into the system of comprehensive services of the community. In 1967 Men-jin Khang was merged wth Tsi-rig Lob-Khang which was later named as Dro-Phen Men-Tsee-Khang. After over ten years of services, the Dro-Phen Men-Tsee-Khang became Bod-Shung Men-Tsee-Khang as it was administered by the Council of Religious Affairs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. NOTE: CHANGE IN INSTITUTIONAL NOMENCLATURE BOD-KI RIG-SHUNG MEN-JIN KHANG AND TSI-RIG LOB-KHANG WAS MERGED AND NAMED AS DRO-PHEN MEN-TSEE-KHANG ON 17 AUGUST 1967

MEN-TSEE-KHANG: 1982 - 2011GANGCHEN KYISHONG 1982

GOVERNING BODY

DIRECTOR

REGISTRARADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT

MAIN OFFICE ACCOUNTS MEN-TSEE-KHANGEXPORTS

BRANCH

INTERNAL AUDITMEDICINE SALES &

STORE

MEN-TSEE-KHANGCOLLEGE

PHARMACY

ASTRONOMY & ASTROLOGICAL

RESEARCH

MATERIA MEDICA

HERBAL PRODUCT RESEARCH &

DEVELOPMENT TRANSLATION

SORIG LITERARY RESEARCH

(MEDICAL & ASTRO. LITERARY RESEARCH)

MEN-TSEE-KHANGPANIPAT

55 BRANCH CLINICS

MEDICINE ASTROLOGY

MUSEUM

QUALITY ASSURANCE LAB

NOTE: CHANGE IN INSTITUTIONAL NOMENCLATURE DRO-PHEN MEN-TSEE-KHANG WAS REGISTERED AS TIBETAN MEDICAL CENTER ON 9 APRIL, 1979; TIBETAN MEDICAL & ASTRO. INSTITUTE (TMAI) ON 24 NOVEMBBER 1987; MEN-TSEE-KHANG / TMAI ON 19 SEPTEMBER 1985

BOOK POST

To:

If undelivered return to sender MEN-TSEE-KHANG (Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama) Gangchen Kyishong Dharamsala - 176 215 Distt. Kangra H.P India