2015 P R O C E E D I N G S
III Body, Mind and Life Conference
BODY, MIND & LIFE DEPARTMENT
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
Organizing Body Advisors:
Mr. Tashi Tsering Phuri, Director, Men-Tsee-Khang
Dr. Tsewang Tamdin, CMO and Visiting Physician to H. H. the Dalai Lama
Organizing Committee: Geshe Tenpa Tashi, Department Head , BML Dr. Ngawang Jinpa Sunang, Medical Researcher, BML TASP Tenzin Nyendak, Astro-science Researcher, BML Miss Tenzin Seldon, Neuroscience Lecturer, TMAI College Mr. Ngawang Chime, Office Secretary, BML Translators of Conference: Mr. Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche, Translator, Men-Tsee-Khang Dr. Namdol Lhamo, Lecturer, TMAI College TASP Tenzin Loden, Lecturer, TMAI College Audio Visual Incharge: Miss Tenzin Kunsang, Audio Visual & Computer Section Mr. Tsering Paljor, Audio Visual & Computer Section Mr. Kalsang Damdul, Audio Visual & Computer Section
Translation, Editing, Layout & Design: Mr. Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche, Translator, Men-Tsee-Khang Mr. Ngawang Chime, Office Secretary, BML Miss Tenzin Seldon, Neuroscience Lecturer, TMAI College
ProceedIngs of
3rd Body, Mind and Life Conference October 15-17, 2015
organized By BODY, MIND & LIFE DEPARTMENT
Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute) Dharmasla, India www.men-tsee-khang.org
Message of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama
I would like to express my deep appreciation and Tashi Delek to all of you for holding this 2nd International Conference on Body, Mind and Life. There are more than seven billion people on our earth and all of us desire to be mentally happy and physically healthy. Even a newly born baby wishes to be mentally happy and physically well so does an old dying person. Today right here, you as listeners and I as a speaker, all of us equally wish to be happy rather than sad! Naturally, we all desire happiness and we all have equal rights to achieve that happiness. Not only human beings, but also all the sentient beings who have consciousness want to be happy and avoid suffering. As Shantideva said, “all the sufferings that we experience are because of our selfishness and all the happiness that we gain are all because of wishing happiness for others.” If we examine properly, when one thinks about only the welfare of oneself, his or her mind becomes extremely narrow. The concept of “I” is very limited. When we apply “we” instead of “I”, it broadens our thinking. We as human beings are by nature social animals and very much dependent on each other. If you are a Buddhist practitioner in general and a Mahayana follower in particular, or if you have heard about the Bodhisattva Basket or Pitaka, they all speak of ‘every sentient being’. If you observe this concept out of the blue, it would seem as if you haven’t thought much about its meaning. However, the fact is that how much you have altruism and concern for other’s welfare, the same degree of mental peace and happiness will resonate back. If you have concerns only about “I”, there will be a lot of worry. When you are concerned on the welfare of all sentient beings, the courage and peace naturally grows within your mind. When ‘I’ is the main concern, then there would be more suspiciousness, distrust, deceitfulness and bullying to each other. When we think of others’ welfare and treat all others equally, keeping in mind that everyone is same, in terms of wishing happiness and not wishing suffering, there will be no cheating, bullying and pretending . You can be more transparent in your approach. When you are capable of being transparent, there will be more trust. When you are trustworthy, there will be a genuine friendship. Without trust in each other, when concerns are only on ‘I”, you tend to spend your life in doubts and hesitations. There is no delight in that at all.
In order to achieve physical happiness and good health which is our prime goal, it is really essential to have mental peace. Nowadays, scientists are stating that when mind get disturbed or disordered with destructive emotions like anger, doubt or fear, our immune system starts declining. Therefore, remaining mentally calm makes a huge difference for good physical health. Few days ago, I had a meeting with a German friend who said that I was looking very young. He is 59 years old whereas I am 79 years old. That means he is 20 years younger than me. But he looks much older than me in appearance. Therefore, he asked me that what my secret behind the youthfulness was, though my age has reached almost 80. I told him, “It is my big secret. I will not tell you.” In my approach, all the seven billion people on earth are very much same. I consider myself as one of the seven billion people. I never think of myself as a special or a popular person. I never think of me as an important figure or I am Gyalwa Rinpoche. Whenever, I meet people with different background, I consider them as another same human being. There is not any feeling of hesitancy or distance to anybody. So it feels as if my mind is opened freely. As a result, there is no fear, nervousness and doubtful thoughts in my mind. It makes a huge difference in my day to day life. That was what I told him. I also told him by teasing, “I as Buddhist monk, wake up at 3am and meditate for a while. I meet people for the day. As a bhikkhu, I skip dinner and go to bed by 6 to 7pm. My life goes on in this way. But then, you eat dinner late in the night. At the same time, drink alcohol and get drunk”. There is huge difference between our ways of life. Anyway, the most important thing is to have peace of mind. The root of mental calmness, as I told you before, depends on your attitude. But in our everyday life, it is important to keep our physical body calm and peaceful and try to avoid disorder as well. I told him as a joke, “I as a monk, cannot go to night club”. When our body follows a particular routine in 24 hours, I think that makes a huge difference. So, for good physical health and well being, it is essential to maintain the balance of mind. To sum up, scientists in our time are immensely curious about the mental peace for physical wellbeing. They are saying that brain can be changed by transforming your mind. Earlier, many scientists maintained a scientific consensus that there is no existence of so called ‘mind’ apart from our body, rather its the function of brain. They asserted that the mental state of happiness or sorrow occurs when there is a change in brain and body. Recently they started to accept that it is not easy to change the brain itself in a healthy way. Instead, it turns out that brain can be changed by training of mind. In the context of neuroplasticity, it says that when there is change in mind, there is a cellular growth or changes in brain. In general, when we talk about health and fitness, we cannot put the mind aside. The wellness of physical health is very much dependent on the clarity and intelligence of mind. However, the mind and body has the relationship of support and supported. These are unconditionally associated with each other. So, there is a growing interest and curiosity for the relationship between the mind and body. Thus, it is need of time for convening such a conference on body, mind and Life. Not only sharing your knowledge and intellect but also you are practically working on exploring remedies for solving the physical and mental health. It’s wonderful! I would like to thank all the organizers.
Preface May I pay my homage to His Holiness The great fourteenth Dalai Lama The Crown of all beings Champion of World Peace The guidance of humanity Lord of all three realms Embodiment of Lord of Compassion
With this eulogy, today on this special occasion of the 3rd Conference of Body, Mind and Life, welcome you and Tashi Delek to all the respected Lamas, Tulkus, members of Sangha, honourable guests, experts, participants, staff members and students. In the first and second conference, I have talked about the history and significance of Tibetan unique Buddhist philosophy, Medicine and Astro-science, which now you can find in the preface of those two proceedings of the conferences. So today, without repeat, I would like to talk about the aims and history of this conference. During the first conference, we discussed topics covering identification of the body, mind and life, its causes and conditions, relationship of body, mind and life and reasons of their disorder and its treatment from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Astroscience and modern science. We lastly concluded that session with a dazzling panel discussion. During this period of time when people are facing a rapid mental problems increasingly due to the wrong concept leading to a materialistic race and competition, by guarding our mind and healing mental disorders properly, it is aimed to actualize the holistic education and meaningful actions through understanding and bringing together the views of the above traditions. During the second conference, the discussion was on identification of the Body, Mind and Life and their relationship, their causes of disorder and therapeutic treatment from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, modern science, Indian Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Chinese Medicine. The main three aims and objectives of the conference are as follow: - To explore the various methods for improving mental health care. - To exchange the ideas of different approaches. - To identify the common aim in the context of improving the human psychology by bringing the different religious and medical systems together on one platform.
So far, we still could not figure out a unique essence of the particular tradition and wonderful practices. Nevertheless, I cannot say whether this is the drawback of particular speaker or or field itself. Therefore, I would like to make further understanding. Here one thing I can say strongly is that I have not yet seen any other tradition or philosophy of psychology that is more profound, more extensive system of gross and subtle philosophy than Buddhist psychology. There are texts so detail and clear about the nature, differences, cause, conditions, relationship, mode of disorder and treatment of mentality or psychology of general and specific aspects. If we put hatred as an example, you can find everything about hatred; when hatred arises in your mind, the object of awareness as its cause and condition, its general features affecting your body, its functions affecting your life in both short and long terms, its constitutions related to other thoughts, its antidotes with detail means and mode of eliminating the hatred. However, due to its profundity and subtlety, now a day, a situation has been created in which people cannot digest them. Yet, with grace of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Buddhist Psychology has not remained only within the Buddhist community, but it has reached at front line in the new disciplines and scientific findings. Nowadays, because of not only its benevolent ethics for all, and mental health care, but also because of its relevance with the social security, environmental protection, many great scientists have reassured it. Therefore, if it is true that the problem of mind should be solved within the mind, we should start right from here with the basic knowledge and move forward with practical applications. Here in the third conference, we are looking forward your full participation with the experts in imparting the practical and experiential knowledge in the context of mental disorder and mental treatment. We firmly believe that all your dreams and visions will come true. So, kindly concentrate your mind in the process of achieving of this aspiration.
Tashi Delek!!!
Content 1. .Message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama........................................................ i Preface of the Conference by Department Head......................................... iii . Introduction to Body Mind Life Conference................................................. 1 Inaugural Function Schedule........................................................................ 2 Speakers of Conference................................................................................ 3 Three Day Program Schedule....................................................................... 4 2. Disturbing Factors of Mental Health............................................................ 5 . Buddhist perspective - Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche.............................................. 5 . Tibetan Medicine Perspective - Dr. Sonam Lhamo ...................................... 6 . Tibetan Astro-science Perspective - TASP Sonam Palmo................................ M . odern Psychology Perspective - Dr. Terry Eagan ....................................... 8 3.. Remedies for Mental Disorders.................................................................... 9 B . uddhist Philosophy Perspective - Jadho Rinpoche..................................... 9 T. ibetan Medicine Perspective - Dr. Dorjee Rabten Neshar........................ 10 . Tibetan Astro-science Perspective -Dr. Aepa Sonam Rinchen.................... 11 . Modern Psychology Perspective- Dr. Sonnee Weedn ................................ 12 4. .Biographies of the Speakers ....................................................................... 13 . Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche................................................................................. 13 .
Dr. Sonam Lhamo ....................................................................................... 14
. TASP Sonam Palmo..................................................................................... 14 D . r. Terry Eagan............................................................................................ 15 .
Jadho Rinpoche.......................................................................................... 16
. Dr. Dorjee Rabten Neshar........................................................................... 16 .
Dr. & TASP Aepa Sonam Rinchen................................................................ 17
. Dr. Sonnee Weedn ..................................................................................... 18 5. Body Mind Life Department Activities in picture........................................ 19 Activity 1: First Conference......................................................................... 19 Second Conference..................................................................................... 20 Activity 2: Workshops................................................................................. 21 Activity 3: Exclusive Talks............................................................................ 22 . Valedictory Function Schedule................................................................... 23
Introduction to the Body, Mind & Life Conference AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Identifying skillful means & to provide practical experience to promote mental health care service to the humanity. Background As the technological and materialistic era advances, the prevalence of human mental and physical problems is far beyond our common understanding. It is simply because of our three basic afflictive emotions, such as attachment, hatred and ignorance which lead to unrealistic expectations and doubts. Therefore, it is utmost important to understand the root cause of those problems and their wholistic ways to solve from various sciences. Hence, the Body, Mind and Life Department of the Men-Tsee-Khang, (Tibetan Medical & Astroscience Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) of Tibet has organized a couple of enlightening conferences on Body, Mind and Life theme, aiming not only to explore the incredible potential of the human mind in cultivating both physical and mental wellbeing but also find ways to minimize the suffering by raising awareness of Body, Mind and Life issues. In 2015, the 3rd Conference on Body, Mind and Life will bring together various experts from different areas of knowledge such as Buddhist Philosophy, Modern Science, Tibetan Medicine and Tibetan Astro-Science on one perfect platform and emphasizes on the thematic topic: Disturbing Factors and Remedies for Disorders of Mental Health. During the conference, experts from different perspectives, will not only present their research talks but also share practical experience and put forward many skillful means to promote mental health care service to the rest of our humanity. In 2014, 2nd conference on Body, Mind and Life was held at Men-Tsee-Khang, Dharamshala where scholars from different fields of knowledge such as Buddhist Psychology, Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, Chinese Systems of Medicine and Modern Psychology covered their respective areas on the given theme. More than 380 participants from 14 different countries were given chance to update knowledge and skills. The 1st Conference on Body, Mind and Life was held in 2013 where scholars from four major different disciplines effectively discussed their knowledge in easing the sufferings of the human race and won a lot of appreciation.
3rd Body, Mind and Life Conference 3 Day Program October 15 to 17, 2015
Inaugural function (Morning) Thursday, October 15, 2015 Men-Tsee-Khang Hall • Participants to be seated - 10:30 AM • Arrival of Guests and Dignitaries - 10:40 AM • Arrival of Chief Guest -10:45 AM • Lighting the Butter Lamp by Chief Guest • Homage to Martyrs of Tibet who sacrificed their lives for peace and freedom • Chanting Prayers of Yuthok, the father of Tibetan Medicine and offering of tea and sweet rice • Welcome Address by Geshe Tenpa Tashi, Head of Body, Mind & Life Department • Special Address by guest of Honour • Address by the Chief Guest • Vote of Thanks by TASP Tenzin Nyendak, Body, Mind & Life Department
Speakers of 3rd Conference on Body, Mind & Life :- October, 15 - 17 2015 1) REMEDIES FOR DISORDERS OF BODY, MIND & LIFE Perspective :- Modern Psychology
2) DISTURBING FACTORS OF BODY, MIND & LIFE Perspective :- Modern Psychology
Dr. Sonnee Weedn Ph.D. Clinical and forensic psychologist, sex addiction therapist, certified specialist in the treatment of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies.
Dr. TERRY EAGAN M.D. Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioural Sciences, USA. Founder and CEO of Eagan Medical Group, LLC. Diplomate & Internationally respected physician, Lecturer and Consultant.
Perspective :- Buddhist Philosophy
Perspective :- Buddhist Philosophy
JADHO RINPOCHE Geshe Lharampa, Former Abbot of Namgyal Monastery, Dharamsala. Active Speaker on Mind Training Internationally. Currently, Abbot of Gyuto Monastery.
DOLPO TULKU Professor at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, Speaker, Founder of Dolpo Tulku Charitable Foundation, Lead character of Award winning documentary – The Dolpo Tulku Return to Himalayas.
Perspective :- Tibetan Medicine
Perspective :- Tibetan Medicine
DR.DORJEE RABTEN NESHAR, M.D. Senior Consulting Physician, Former CCTM President, Researcher in the Field of Cancer and Diabetes, Translator & Speaker at Various Conferences home and abroad. Chief Medical Officer at Benglaluru Branch Clinic.
Dr. SONAM LHAMO M.D. More than 35 years of Experience in Practising Tibetan Medicine, Senior Consulting Physician, Speaker at Various Conferences home and abroad. Renowned Clinical Doctor of Dekyiling Branch Clinic, Dehradun.
Perspective :- Tibetan Astro-Science
Perspective :- Tibetan Astro-Science
Dr. & TSAP AEPA SONAM RINCHEN Lecturer in Tibetan Medicine & Astro-Science. Currently on deputation at Palpung Institute as Lecturer in Tibetan Medicine and Astro-Science.
TASP SONAM PALMO Doctorate in Astro-Science (Tsee-rampa). Astro. Oral Consultant, Speaker at Various Conferences home and abroad. Senior Lecturer at TMAI College.
3 Program Schedule of 3rd Body, Mind & Life Conference: October 15-17, 2015 Day & Date
Main Topics Opening
DAY ONE Thursday October 15,2015
Disturbing Factors of Mental Health
Timing 10:30am -
Inaugural Function
01:00pm - 02:00pm
Lunch Break
02:00pm - 02:45pm
Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche
02:45pm - 03:30pm
Q & A Session
03:30pm - 03:45pm
Tea Break
03:45pm - 04:30pm
Dr. Sonam Lhamo M.D.
04:30pm - 05:15pm
Q & A Session
09:00am - 09:45am
TASP Sonam Palmo
09:45am - 10:30am 10:30am - 10:45am
DAY TWO Friday October 16,2015
11:30am - 12:15pm
Q & A Session
01:00pm - 02:00pm
Lunch Break
03:30pm - 03:45pm 03:45pm - 04:30pm
DAY THREE Saturday October 17,2015
Closing
Buddhist Philosophy
Tibetan Medicine
Tibetan Astro-science
Modern Science
Tulku Jadho Rinpoche Q & A Session
Buddhist Philosophy
Tea Break Dr. Dorjee Rabten Neshar M.D.
04:30pm - 05:15pm
Q & A Session
05:30pm -
Dinner at TMAI & Cultural show at TIPA
09:00am - 09:45am
Domains
Tea Break Dr. Terry Eagan M.D.
02:00pm - 02:45pm
Remedies For Disorders of Mental Health
Q & A Session
10:45am - 11:30am
02:45pm - 03:30pm
Speakers
Tibetan Medicine
Dr. & TASP Sonam Rinchen Aepa
09:45am - 10:30am
Q & A Session
10:30am - 10:45am
Tea Break
10:45am - 11:30am
Dr. Sonnee Weedn M.D.
11:30am - 12:15pm
Q & A Session
01:00pm - 02:00pm
lunch break
02:00pm - 02:45pm
Panel Discussion
02:45pm - 03:30pm
Q & A Session
03:30pm - 03:45pm
Tea Break
04:00pm - 05:00pm
Valedictory Function
Tibetan Astro-science
Modern Science
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
DAY ONE - Thursday October 15, 2015 Disturbing Factors of Mental Health Perspective :- Buddhist Philosophy Session:- Afternoon Speaker
Time
Dolpo Tulku
02:00pm - 02:45pm
Q & A Session
02:45pm - 03:30pm
Dolpo Tulku will talk about the causes and conditions of mental disorder in the perspective of Buddhist Philosophical system with his own practical experience. In his presentation, Dolpo Tulku will explain the philosophical view of Acharya Vasubandhu on the nature of mental activities and how the afflictive emotions are caused. Rinpoche, in his presentation, will tell us his practical experiences in dealing with the fundamental afflictions, secondary afflictions and his knowledge in recognizing the distinction of the nature, types, functions, causes and factors of the afflictive emotions in the best precise way. Generally, the subtle and profound instructions in the Buddhist philosophy are too detailed for an ordinary person and for a busy scholars. It is quite hard in today’s busy life to study them all as well in real social life. But here Rinpoche will explain the causes and factors of mental disorder within the framework of above synopsis that can be applied for any ordinary person. For most people, it becomes a hard challenge to deal with emotions and transform mind in the bad situation. So here Tulku will talk on how to deal with desire, ignorance, and hatred during your day to day life. He will also present how to heal yourself by reducing sorrow or disappointment within your mind with a better choice. By using some of the skilful means or ways to reduce mental disorder from Shantideva’s Bodhisattvas’ Way of Life, Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche will explain why the mental disorder happens in our modern society with six improper mental engagements including; Lack of understanding, rigid Mindedness, Impurity, Unwilling to acceptance, Greediness and Cowardliness. He will conclude his presentation with few powerful verses of Shantideva, one of the greatest buddhist saints of Nalanda.
III Body, Mind & Life Conference
DAY ONE - Thursday October 15, 2015 Disturbing Factors of Mental Health Perspective :- Tibetan Medicine Session:- Afternoon Speaker Dr. Sonam Lhamo Q & A Session
Time 03:45pm - 04:30pm 04:30pm - 05:15pm
Dr. Sonam Lhamo will present the causes, condition and treatment of the mental disorder
in accordance with Tibetan Medical System. She will give introduce to the mental disorder exploring mainly on the two different causes; ultimate cause and proximate cause. Not knowing or ignorance is the Ultimate cause from which it gives rise to the desire. Proximate cause is the desire where the internal body air is produced as its defect. The mental maladies are caused with a principle which proves that the more egocentricity you have, the more and easier the mental disturbances are caused. The presentation includes two different comparative case studies on mental disorder with detail information of its causes, symptoms, and treatment in western medical science approach and Tibetan Medicine Approach. Basically, the mental disorder is caused because of the imbalance of the life-sustaining loong and the pervasive loong and she will shed light on how effective is the Tibetan Medicines in healing the mental maladies and improve mental health using Tibetan Traditional Healing Approach.
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
DAY TWO - Friday October 16, 2015 DISTURBING FACTORS OF MENTAL HEALTH
Perspective :- Tibetan Astro-Science Session:- Morning Speaker TASP Sonam Palmo
Time 09:00am - 09:45am
Q & A Session
09:45am - 10:30am
Dr. Sonam Palmo will present the Causes and Conditions of Mental Imbalance or Disorder from the Perspective of Tibetan Astro-Science. She will throw light on how, in accordance with the Tibetan Medical and Astro-scientific systems, the tantric textual systems including Kalachakra tradition also explain similar appraoch that of Tibetan Medical Systems that all the internal, external and other phenomenon are caused by the five elements. TASP Sonam Palmo will give details of the elements; its nature, etymology, types, definition and functions related to mental disorder systematically. In order to explain the actual causes and conditions of mental disturbance or disorder, she will also highlight why the lack of knowledge leads to mental disorder. In the treatise of Elemental Astrological Moon Light Rays, as she quotes, “While your functions are not disturbed, you would obtain health and happiness. While your functions are disturbed, sickness and death would occur. Therefore, the aggregates composed of elements, caused by the thought constructions. Diseases, accidents and four enemies, all the suffering and happiness are triggered by the elements. Thus, the astrology is precious, For it reveals the elemental system�. Sonam Palmo will put in words how the mental disorders are caused by lack of knowledge about the reality of the land spirits existing in the years, months, days and time. She will also throw light on how the trigrams and magic squares work from the perspective of Tibetan Astro-science. She will present how the mind is affected by the physical phenomenon of cosmic elements in the natural world due to the revolving of sun, moon, and stars in the universe. In her presentation, it is explained that mental state cannot be disturbed by merely encountering ignorance as the cause with planets, starts, diagrams, magic squares etc as the conditions because it is necessary to meet a matching energy force of the cause and condition for it is mentioned in the principle of calculation of the condition of mother-son-enemy-friend relationship, elemental influences, growth or decline. She will simplify those astrological results in accordance with the textual systems of elemental astrology.
III Body, Mind & Life Conference
DAY TWO - Friday October 16, 2015 DISTURBING FACTORS OF MENTAL HEALTH Perspective :- Modern Psychology Session:- Morning Speaker Dr. Terry Eagan
Time 10:45am - 11:30am
Q & A Session
11:30am - 12:15pm
Dr. Terry Eagan will talk on the factors that disturb the delicate balance of our mental health from the perspective of Western Medicine. In his presentation, he will explain three factors responsible for the mental disorders including intrinsic, extrinsic and a combination of the two. Of the intrinsic factors, Dr. Eagan will explain the significance of genetic predispositions and vulnerabilities, medical conditions, psychiatric conditions and spiritual concerns. Of the extrinsic factors, he will present the issues of proper hydration, nutrition, life style stressors, trauma, poverty, sunlight exposure as well as other issues. In Western Medicine in accordance with his presentation, as far as genetic factors are concerned, we are looking at the DNA underpinnings of our body’s construction and the expression of these genetic factors as they influence our mental health. If a person has a genetic predisposition for a particular illness, they may or may not actually experience the condition. This depends on many factors, including external stressors, internal resilience, fatigue and physical ailments and the like. While we are not able at this point in time to correct our genetic construction, with identification of vulnerability and appropriate life style education, we are sometimes able to forestall or even prevent the manifestation of mental illness. In Terry Eagan’s presentation, he will explain how the mental maladies are experienced and expressed by different individuals in various ways and how these maladies might be expressed in myriad ways affecting mood, affect, cognition, sleep, general health, and so forth. Western Medicine continues to explore and uncover new information regarding the mechanisms behind the effects of various stressors on the mental health of all people. Stress can precipitate a vicious cascade of chemical reactions in the human body and nervous system that renders us weakened and vulnerable to depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia as well as other ailments. On the path of advancement of exploring more about these biological underpinnings and to develop new and more effective medications and strategies to treat mental illness, Dr. Eagan believe in educating the patients in ways to strengthen emotional and mental health resilience, possibly forestalling the onset of mental illness issues.
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute In his presentation, Eagan will explain how the Western science continues to study the various common pathways in the healing process, thought to be medicated by hormones, immune response, and other variables. The more we are able to learn about the healing process in general, the more successful we will be moving forward as we strive to alleviate disease and suffering in the world. Terry Eagan believes that because this is a mutual aim of both Eastern and Western medicine practices, it is through our ongoing conversations and collaborations that the maximal outcomes can be realized.
DAY TWO - Friday October 16, 2015 Remedies For Disorders of Mental Health Perspective :- Buddhist Philosophy Session:- Afternoon Speaker Jadho Rinpoche Q & A Session
Time 02:00pm - 02:45pm 02:45pm - 03:30pm
For the topic: Remedies for Disorder of Mental Health from the perspective of Buddhist System, Jhado will make his presentation on the following theme during the conference. From Treasure of Manifest Knowledge of Hinayana philosophical System, Jhado Rinpoche will talk on breathing meditation which is abstracted from the sixth Treasury Phase for healing mental disorder. From Mahayana Sutra perspective, from the chapter of Tolerance in the Bodhisattvas Way of Life, the healing method of those harms or affects which are influenced by the factors such as life and lifeless. From the Vajranaya System, depending on the channel wind energy, how the mental disorders are recovered.
III Body, Mind & Life Conference
DAY TWO - Friday October 16, 2015 Remedies For Disorders of Mental Health Perspective :- Tibetan Medicine Session:- Afternoon Speaker Dr. Dorjee Rabten Neshar
Time 03:45pm - 04:30pm
Q & A Session
04:30pm - 05:15pm
Dr. Dorjee Rabten will give a talk on Remedies of the Mental Disorder in the context of his own personal practical experience from the unique tradition of Tibetan Medical System. Generally, the subject matter of Mental Disorder is not only vast but also quite complicated topic as far as its remedies are concerned. However, Dr. Dorjee will explain the subject to open the minds of our new learners with his simple words and delight the experts with his secret essential instructions. Since, Dr. Dorjee Rabten has engaged in the great Tibetan Medicine Textual System for a long time and been solving the suffering of sick people persistently without any bias for many years, he will cover the subject with his incomparable insight and exceptional experience within the framework of the following three topics. • The Identity and Nature of Mind •
How the Mind Related to Body, Wind, Channels and Organs and How the Afflictive Emotions are Formed
• Causes, Condition and Treatment of Mental Disorder Dr. Dorjee Rabten will explain how our body is formed in the context of Tibetan Medical system. In the end, Dr. Dorjee will present the reasons behind the importance of transforming the mind in our day to day life and the practical applications or skill means of perfecting the mind through training our wisdom for a better and healthier mental state.
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
DAY THREE - Saturday October 17, 2015 Remedies For Disorders of Mental Health Perspective :- Tibetan Astro-Science Session:- Morning Speaker Dr.&TASP Sonam Rinchen Aepa Q & A Session
Time 09:00am - 09:45am 09:45am - 10:30am
In this presentation, unlike the Tibetan Medical System, it is hard to uncover the therapeutic methods of the physical illness in general and mental illness in particular from the Tibetan Astrological Textual System as far is the understanding of diagnosis is concerned. Thus, this time, Dr. Sonam Rinchen Aepa will discuss the essential matters of the mental disorder that are shown in the general Tibetan elemental astrology with a concise inquest as a seed for those experts who are interested in this context so as to figure out by far and also to explore into this subject matter easily in the future. This article is summarized into four different synopsis including causes & factors, types, symptoms and diagnosis in the form of poetry as root text and would be explained in the form of prose for a better understanding in accordance with the glorious Tibetan Secret Quintessential Instructions. 1. Explanation of the Cause of the Psychological or Mental disorder 2. The Condition of Mental Illness 3. The Types of Mental Disorder 4. The Therapeutic Diagnosis 5. Healing the Mental Disorder In the end, Dr. Sonam Rinchen Aepa will discuss with you his personal experiences which he gained within the context of the Tibetan textual system for treating the mental disorders.
III Body, Mind & Life Conference
DAY THREE - Saturday October 17, 2015 Remedies For Disorders of Mental Health Perspective :- Modern Psychology Session:- Afternoon Speaker Dr. Sonnee Weedn
Time 10:45am - 11:30am
Q & A Session
11:30am - 12:15pm
In this presentation, Dr. Weedn will review the work and research of the American psychiatrist and psychologist, Roger Walsh, M.D., Ph.D., who has identified eight therapeutic lifestyle changes that allow every person to manage and enhance his/her own mental health. These methods, called “TLCs�, which stands for Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, allows people to take responsibility for their mental health in ways that are natural and economical. In addition, these TLCs are easily understood and easily taught, and make clear the intimate relationship between our lifestyle and our mental health.According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, the worldwide financial cost of mental illness, including depression, anxiety and other mental health maladies, is $2.5 trillion per year! This is an astounding figure and does not take into account the huge psychological and sociological cost to individuals and families suffering from mental health problems. While economic and institutional forces push physicians to utilize costly medications to improve mental health treatment outcomes, Dr. Walsh has proven through his research that there is often a simpler, more natural and economically cheaper means of managing mental health issues. This is excellent news for the entire world inasmuch as most people have little or no access to mental health services, but can be educated to understand and implement TLCs. Rather than spend scarce economic resources on treatment for a few lucky individuals; this methodology is useful for prevention for the masses, using an educational approach. In addition, it can be prescribed as treatment in conjunction with other interventions for those who have access to other forms of psychiatric care. This presentation will include a 12.5 minute video describing each of the eight components (TLCs) that when implemented, lead to better mental health, and often enhance physical health at the same time. Each of the eight components will be described in detail. They are as follows: Spirituality, Time in Nature, Exercise, Nutrition, Relaxation, Relationships, Recreation, and Giving Back (Altruism). These concepts are represented artistically by a flower with eight petals of different colors, making the TLCs easy to remember for implementation. The beauty of these TLCs is that, while medications will suppress the symptoms of mental health problems, these lifestyle changes lead to long-term benefits that are natural and rewarding.
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
Biographies of Speakers Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche Dolpo Tulku, also called Tulku Sherab Zangpo, was born into a Lama family in Dho Tarap, Dolpo, in 1982. He became a monk at Kanying Shedrub Ling Monastery, Nepal, at the age of 9 in 1991 and was recognized by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to be the reincarnation of the third Dolpo Nyingchung Drubthob shortly thereafter. He was then sent to Namdroling Monastery, India, to receive his monastic education under the guidance of Penor Rinpoche. In 1994 the Dolpo People’s Welfare Association sponsored his grand official enthronement ceremony at Shechen Monastery, Kathmandu, in the midst of more than ten thousand natives from Dolpo and adjacent regions. Hence he got the responsibility to guide the three main monasteries, three retreat centers and the people of Dolpo. Whilst studying tantric rites and rituals in the monastery, he assumed the responsibility of a Vajracharya. In 1997, when he was just 15 years old, he entered Nyingma Ngagyur Institute, the prestigious monastic college of Namdroling Monastery where he studied, debated and researched all the sutra and tantric teachings of Lord Buddha for ten years under more than forty scholars and masters including His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. He also studied Tibetan literature, Poetry, Tibetan History and Tibetan Religious History. He secured first division marks in all examinations. Owing to the high scholarship and experience, he was appointed junior teacher and a member of the Rigdzod Editorial Committee while he was an eighth year student. Penor Rinpoche instructed him in the practices of the Namchö Cycle, which combines the practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Dolpo Tulku Rinpoche now teaches the instructions according to his students’ abilities. He finished his advanced Buddhist studies in the year 2007 after which he was appointed as a full-fledged teacher at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute. Since then, he has reached a status equivalent to a university professor. In 2008, he returned for the first time to Dolpo in 17 years to visit his monasteries and to get enthroned there. He was accompanied by a German film team, who produced an award-winning documentary ‘Dolpo Tulku – Return to the Himalayas’. Since then, Rinpoche has travelled extensively through Asia and Europe to teach Buddhist philosophy, give public talks on mind training, and conduct seminars on stress & burn out and to raise awareness about the situation in Dolpo. He started implementing projects in Dolpo since 2007, together with the local population. The Dolpo Tulku Charitable Foundation was registered with the Nepali government in 2010 and has the main aims to promote the protection of the environment, the improvement of the health care and the effective combination of modern and traditional education.
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Dr. Sonam Lhamo Dr. Sonam Lhamo came to exile in India, 1960 and was admitted in Dorling Secondary School in 1961 where she had completed tenth class in 1969. In 1969, she joined Tibetan Medical and Astrological College and had completed the studies of Tibetan Medicine in 1975 and earned the medical degree of Kachupa. From 1975 to 1985, she had been the chief medical officer-cum-accountant-cum-dispenser in the Dalhousie branch medical clinic of TMAI. During that period from 1980 to 1982, she also had to undertake the responsibilities of medical treatment in Delek Hospital’s Health Care Center for the school, handicraft, settlement and those communities who are not within the settlements in Dalhousie. From 1985 to 1995, she took the responsibility of Chief Medical Officer of Shimla Branch Clinic. From 1995 to 1999, she took the responsibility of replacement of Dr. Kungyur, personal physician to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Nizamuddin, Delhi. From 1999 to 2012, she served as the chief Medical Officer in Derahdun Branch Clinic of TMAI. From 2012, she resigned from that job and has been doing a job as Doctor. From 1987 to 2015, some of her major contributions to society take account of her visiting in many countries including Norway and guided internship students and also health care guidance to public communities.
TASP Sonam Palmo TASP Sonam Palmo, Astrology lecturer, did her schooling in Bylukkupe in South India where she completed her high school graduation there and then joined Tibetan Medical and Astro-science College in 1993 which was the 5th batch of the college. In 1997, she had graduated the college by studying Tibetan astrological textual system of astrology, astronomy and numerological science for five years and soon earned the certificate of Kachupa degree. Within the college, she did an internship for one year under the college lecturer. Since 1999, she had been working in Astro-science Department for fourteen years. In 2009, she entered in the Tseerampa examination undertaken by the Administration of Tibetan Medical and Astro. Institute and has earned the degree of Tseerampa with excellent
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute performance. Apart from her job, she made lot of contributions and public services by giving training, presentation and elemental astrological guidance to those needy people while making official visits to Spain and South Africa. Currently, she is undertaking the responsibility of the Astro-science lecturer in Tibetan Medical and Astro. College in the service of the vision of the college.
Dr. Terry V. Eagan Terry V. Eagan, M.D. is a prominent Beverly Hills psychiatrist, founder and CEO of Eagan Medical Group, LLC., a thriving mental health practice treating over 2000 patients annually. His private patients have included leaders in industry, politics, and performers from television, music and film, many of whom have been at the extremes of celebrity. Dr. Eagan is an expert in the complexities of mental health and addiction treatment and he specializes in effective treatment regimens for all types of emotional distress that often can arise from being in positions of responsibility and public attention. Dr. Eagan is a highly respected and sought after consultant who serves as Medical Director for several addiction and eating disorder treatment centers throughout Los Angeles including Monte Nido Residential Treatment Center, Carousel Transitional Living and the Eating Disorder Center of California. His range of specialties includes primary psychiatric conditions, eating disorders, substance-abuse disorders, impulse control disorders, trauma & abuse, human sexuality and spiritual therapy. Dr. Eagan’s treatment approach incorporates pharmacologic interventions with evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapies, adjunctive modalities and traditional spiritual practices. Dr. Eagan is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and Medical Board of California as a physician and surgeon License #G067163, and he is a Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners. He served as chief resident in psychiatry at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Medicine from 1990-1992 and he also helps shape healthcare policy in The United States as a consultant to the Physician’s Advisory Board of the National Republican Congressional Committee, serving as Honorary Chairman for the State of California. Dr. Eagan is an internationally respected physician, lecturer and consultant. An expert in Professional Ethics and Compassion Fatigue, Dr. Eagan has guided training programs for individual practitioners, multinational corporations, public school systems, community health centers, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and universities. He has been involved in numerous psychopharmacology studies for eight international pharmaceutical companies and he lectures on psychopharmacology to physicians across the United States. Dr. Eagan has been featured in dozens of publications, including Variety, Forbes, New York Magazine, and has appeared as a mental health consultant on several radio and television programs, including the Today Show.
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Jhado Rinpoche Jhado Rinpoche was born in 1954. At three, he was recognized and enthroned as the 6th incarnation of the abbot of Jhado Monastery. After Chinese invaded Tibet, he fled from Tibet and has studied at Sera Je Monastery in South India, where he received extensive teachings from many great lamas such as Khensur Rinpoche and the great master Lobsang Wangchuk. Rinpoche also studied and had debate on Tantric Commentary at the Gyuto Tantric Monastic University. He received many transmissions from both His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his tutors, as well as from the great non-sectarian lineage masters such as Trulshig Rinpoche and Choeje Trichen Rinpoche. From 1997 to 2004, Rinpoche had been the abbot of the Namgyal Phendhe Lekshey Ling Monastery of thirteenth Dalai Lama. Currently, he is serving the abbot of Gyuto Tantric Monastic University.
Dr. Dorjee Rabten Neshar Dr. Dorjee Rabten completed plus two at Mussoorie Senior Secondary School and was admitted in Tibetan Medical & Astro. College where he earned Kachupa of Tibetan Medicine in 1987 Dr. Dorjee Rabten had been in internship and junior doctor under late Dr. Lhawang and late Dr. Sonam Wangdue from 1988 to 1989. From 1990 to 1991, he undertook the chief medical officer of TMAI’s Bylukkupe branch clinics. When the Bengaluru Branch Clinic was set on June 27 in 1991, he has been undertaken the responsibility of chief medical officer of the clinic till date. During his tenure, he has also been organizing medical camp in many cities in south India including Hyderabad, Chennai and Kerala to help the sick people. As a result, two branch clinics were able to set in Chennai and Hyderabad. Likewise, he participated in international medical seminars and organized Medical Camps in Korea, Japan, South East Asia, US, Canada, Germany and France. He undertook the responsibility of research on treating cancer, New Discipline committee of central Council of Tibetan Medicine, Edition of English Books of Men-Tsee-Khang Publications Department and Editorial member of Four Roots English Translation. He was the team member the Clinical research department of Tibetan Medical Institute in collaboration with All India Medical Institute of Science (AIIMS) for treating the diabetes with the effectiveness of Tibetan Medicine and from 2001 to 2004, he successfully initiated a research on diabetes with a number of 100 patients in Bengaluru Branch Clinic.
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute In 1992, he published a book on HIV/AIDS and the similarities of this infection and infections of parpata virus which was published by TMAI. He published a number of articles related to his practical experience in treating patients in TMAI’s both English and Tibetan journals and also international medical magazines while serving the job. Likewise, in accordance with the request from Health Department of CTA, he translated the medical terms and treatments related to infections and contagious diseases in the international health magazine. In 2007 to 2009, he had remarkably served as the president to Central Council of Tibetan Medicine of CTA and in a nutshell, for more than 30 years, he undertook the service of Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute and general Tibetan Medicine particularly. Likewise, he served those needy and sick beings with his sincerity and commitment without any bias as a result of which he won a number of prizes and awards.
Dr. Sonam Rinchen Aepa Sonam Rinchen Aepa was born at Ae Lhagyari Toezig in Lhokha in 1975. From the age of 10, he started studying both in primary school and secondary school. Apart from schooling, he started studying Tibetan Medicine, Astrology, Buddhism and History. He completed his tenth class and joined in science stream for high school in 1989. He had come to India in 1984 and immediately joined Tibetan Medical and Astroscience College where he completed Kachupa degree in both Tibetan medicine and astrology in 1998. In the meantime, he studied the essential aspects of Tibetan astro-science under Gojo Tsewang Namgyal, the headmaster of the college. From 2004 to 2006, he served as the medical lecturer of Tibetan Medical and Astro. College. Apart from that, he took the responsibility of Tibetan Astrological Exploration Committee and played the role in the revision of the college astroscience subject and modification of the course syllabus. From 2007 to 2011, he did the Tibetan Astro-science lecturer of Tibetan Medical and Astro. College. Since 2012 till date, he is on deputation in Palpung Institute as teacher and has been teaching Tibetan Medicine and Astro-science. He is also visiting lecturer at Tibetan Medical and Astro. College. So far, he has authored and published seven books on Medicine and Astro-science.
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Dr. Sonnee Weedn Dr. Sonnee Weedn is a clinical and forensic psychologist, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and an APA certified specialist in the treatment of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies. She is the founder of the Sonnee Weedn Institute for Integrative Therapies. Dr. Weedn has conducted trainings in group psychotherapy as transformational experience, spirituality for recovering people, treatment for psychological trauma and psychological testing for non-psychologists, including events in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Delhi and Rishikesh, India, and in various venues in the United States. She consults to various treatment organizations in the area of continuing education for mental health professionals, and program development and implementation. She serves on the DSR-30 committee, writing behavioral health protocols for crew selection and maintenance and monitoring of mental health for the astronauts going to Mars in 2030. Her interest in ethno-psychology has inspired her to study with spiritual leaders of various ethnicities and wisdom traditions. Dr. Weedn has been in private practice since 1980, treating individuals, couples, and families, as well as executive coaching. She maintains offices in Marin County and Newport Beach, CA. She is an award-winning author for her book, Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women, and is certified to practice EMDR and Emotional Transformation Therapy. For further information, please see her website at: www.drsonneeweedn.com
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute Some Important Activities of BML
ACTIVITY :- 1
CONFERENCES 1st Conference on Body, Mind and life, 2013
Topics: The Nature of Body, Mind and Life; its principal causes and conditions; their relationship with each other; their disturbing factors and remedies for disorders of mental health. From the Perspective: Tibetan medicine, Tibetan Astroscience, Buddhist philosophy and Modern science .
Participants of the First BML Conference in 2013, during the audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Main Temple.
Participants of the first BML Conference in 2013, during an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Main Temple.
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2nd conference on Body, Mind and life, 2014
Topics: Understanding and identification of Body, Mind and Life; their relationship, disturbing factors and remedies for disorders. From the Perspective: Buddhist Philosophy, Ayurveda, Unani , Siddha, Chinese Medicine and Modern Psychology.
Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche addressing the Opening Ceremony of the Second Body, Mind and Life Conference in 2014, Men-Tsee-Khang Hall.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama delivering a speech to the participants and speakers seated on chairs on the left-hand side.
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute
activity 2:-
Workshops
During the 1st workshop on “Mind and Mental Factors” organized by Body, Mind and Life Department of TMAI for traditional Tibetan doctors and Tibetan Astro-science Practitioners of Men-Tsee-Khang, at Drepung Gomang Monastery at Mundgod, South India in 2013.
During the second workshop on “Mind and Mental Factors” for Astro-science students organized by the BML department at Drepung Gomang Monastery at Mundgod, South India in 2014.
Third workshop on Mind and Mental Factors, for Tibetan Medical and Astro-Science students of Men-Tsee-Khang organized by BML Department of TMAI at Gyumed Tantric Snowlion School, South India, in 2015.
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activity 3:-
Exclusive Talks
Prof. Richard Davidson, world reknowned Geshe Lharampa Thupten Jinpa, principal American Neuroscientist, giving talk on translator of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, “Change your Brain by Transforming your giving talk on “Mindfulness and Compassion Mind” organized by BML department at MenMeditations; Current trends in Clinical Tsee-Khang in 2014. Applications of Contemplative Techniques” at the college hall of Men-Tsee-Khang. The talk was arranged by the BML department in 2013.
Dr. James R. Doty, M.D., Director of Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, giving talk on “Science of Compassion” organized by BML department at Men-Tsee-Khang in 2014.
Dr. Soma Ganesan, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, delivering talk on “Depression in the West” organinzed by BML department at Men-Tsee-Khang in 2015.
Valedictory Function (Afternoon) 3rd BODY, MIND & LIFE CONFERENCE
Saturday, October 17, 2015
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Arrival of Guest and participants - 4:20PM
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Arrival of the Chief Guest - 4:30PM
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Souvenir to be presented to Speakers by the Chief Guest
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Distribution of Certificates for participants
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Feedback or comments from 3 of the participants
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Presentation of the Conference report by Body Mind and Life Department
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Conclusion speech by Mr. Tsering Tashi Phuri, Director of Men-Tsee-Khang
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Thank you note by the Body, Mind and Life Department
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Prayer for World Peace and Prosperity of Tibetan Medicine and Astro-Science
Organizing Committee 3rd Body, Mind and Life Conference, 2015
Front row from left: Dr. Ngawang Jinpa Sunang, Medical Researcher, Geshe Tenpa Tashi, Department Head, TASP Tenzin Nyendak, Astro-science Researcher. Back row from left: Mr. Ngawang Chime, Office Secretary, Miss Tenzin Seldon, Neuroscience Lecturer, TMAI College, Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche, Translalor, Men-Tsee-Khang
CopyrightŠ2015: Men-Tsee-Khang
Published: Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama) Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala-176215 Distt. Kangra (H.P.) INDIA Tel: 0091-1892-223113/223222 Fax: 91-1892-224116 Email : bodymindlife@men-tsee-khang.org Website: www.men-tsee-khang.org (English) www.mentsee.org (Tibetan) www.men-tsee-khang-cn.org (Chinese)