5TH CONFERENCE ON
BODY, MIND AND LIFE
4 - 6 October 2017 Body, Mind and Life Department Men-Tsee-Khang (Sowa- Rigpa)
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE OF 5TH BODY, MIND AND LIFE CONFERENCE
DAY-1 Time
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017 Proceeding
02:00 - 02:30 pm
Opening Ceremony
02:30 - 03:30 pm
Geshe Tenpa Tashi - Buddhist Psychology
03:30 - 04:30 pm
Dr. Tenzin Thaye - Tibetan Medicine
04:30 - 04:45 pm
Tea Break
04:45 - 05:45 pm
TASP Tenzin Nandak - Tibetan Astro-science
DAY-2
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2017
09:00 - 09:30 am
Dr. Helen Lavretsky - Western Medical Science
09:30 - 10:30 am
Q & A session
10:30 - 10:45 am
Tea Break
10:45 - 11:15 am
Geshema Namdol Phuntsok - Buddhist Psychology
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Q & A session
12:30 - 02:00 pm
Lunch Break
02:00 - 02:30 pm
Dr. Ngawang Jinpa Sunang - Tibetan Medicine
02:30 - 03:30 pm
Q & A session
03:30 - 03:45 pm
Tea Break
03:45 - 04:45 pm
Panel Discussion
05:30 - 06:15 pm
Dinner
06:30 pm -
Cultural Show
DAY-3
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2017
09:00 - 09:30 am
Dr. Sudhir K. Khandelwal - Western Medical Science
09:30 - 10:30 am
Q & A session
10:30 - 10:45 am
Tea Break
10:45 - 11:15 am
TASP Kunchok Tenzin - Tibetan Astro-science
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Q & A session
12:30 - 02:00 pm
Lunch Break
02:00 - 03:00 pm
Face to Face session with the speakers
03:00 - 03:15 pm
Tea Break
03:30 pm -
Closing Ceremony
5th Conference on Body, Mind and Life
ORGANISING COMMITTEE ADVISORS Mr. Tashi Tsering Phuri (Director of Men-Tsee-Khang) Dr. Tsewang Tamdin (C.M.O & Attending Physician to H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama)
MEMBERS Geshe Tenpa Tashi, Head of BML Dept., Chairman TASP Tenzin Nandak, Tseerampa, BML Dept. Dr. Ngawang Jinpa Sunang, M.D., BML Dept. Dr. Tenzin Choying, BML Dept. Mr. Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche, Translator, Men-Tsee-Khang Mr. Tenzin Desel, BML Dept Secretary
AUDIO-VISUAL Mr. Tsering Paljor, Head of Audio-Visual & Computer Dept. Mr. Kelsang Damdul, Audio-Visual & Computer Dept. Mr. Tenzin Tsepak, Audio-Visual & Computer Dept.
CONFERENCE TRANSLATORS Buddhist Psychology & Western Science: Mr. Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche Tibetan Medicine: Dr. Tenzin Lhundup Tibetan Astro-science: TASP Tenzin Loden
EDITING Mr. Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche, Translator, Men-Tsee-Khang Dr. Tenzin Choying, BML Dept. Mr. Tenzin Desel, BML Dept. Secretary
LAYOUT & DESIGN Mr. Tenzin Desel, BML Dept.Secretary Published by the Body, Mind and Life Department of Men-Tsee-Khang 2017
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
INAUGURAL FUNCTION Wednesday, 4 October 2017
1. 1:30 P.M.: All the participants, dignitaries and guests to be seated in the
College Hall.
2. 2:00 P.M.: The arrival of Chief Guest.
3. Auspicious butter lamp to be lighted by the Chief Guest.
4. Aspiration prayers of Yuthok to be chanted while sweet rice and tea is
5. Welcome speech for 5th BML Conference to be given by Geshe Tenpa
served.
Tashi, the Head of Body, Mind & Life Department. 6. Books by Men-Tsee-Khang publications to be launched by the Chief
Guest.
7. Address by the Chief Guest.
8. Vote of Thanks by TASP Tenzin Nandak, Tseerampa, of BML Department.
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1st Conference on Body, Mind and Life, 2013 Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay presenting memento of appreciation to one of the speakers of 1st BML Conference.
2nd Conference on Body, Mind and Life, 2014 Inaugural Ceremony graced by Chief Guests His Eminence Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche and Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
3rd Conference on Body, Mind and Life, 2015 A still from a session of 3rd Body Mind and Life Conference
4th Conference on Body, Mind and Life, 2016 Inaugural Ceremony of 4th Body Mind and Life Conference graced by Chief Guests His Holiness Gyalwang Karmapa and Mr. Choekyong Wangchuk, Health Kalon, Deptt. of Health, CTA
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5th Conference on Body, Mind and Life
Speakers and participants of 10-Day Course on Mental Healthcare Services, 2016 with the Director of Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama.
A still from Buddhist Psychology Session during the 10-Day Course on Mental Healthcare Services, Level-1, 2016
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
Speakers and participants of 10-Day Course on Mental Healthcare Services, 2017 with the General Secretary of Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama.
A still from Tibetan Medical session during the 10-Day Course on Mental Healthcare Services, Level-1, 2017
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CONTENTS 1. Message from His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama.....................................................................1 2. Preface........................................................................................................................................3 3. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Buddhist Psychology Perspective..................................5 Geshe Tenpa Tashi 4. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Tibetan Medicine Perspective........................................6 Dr. Tenzin Thaye, M.D. 5. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Tibetan Astro-science Perspective.................................8 TASP Tenzin Nandak, Tseerampa 6. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Western Medical Science Perspective..........................11 Dr. Helen Lavretsky, M.D., M.S. 7. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Buddhist Psychology Perspective.................................12 Geshema Namdol Phuntsok 8. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Tibetan Medicine Perspective.......................................13 Dr. Ngawang Jinpa Sunang, M.D. 9. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Tibetan Astro-science Perspective................................14 TASP Kunchok Tenzin, Tseerampa 10. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Western Medical Science Perspective.........................15 Dr. Sudhir K. Khandelwal, M.D. 11. Biography of the Speakers.......................................................................................................18 12. Introduction to the Body, Mind and Life Department.............................................................25
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA
There are lot of problems happening in the world and the root cause of all these problems is
because of mental disorders which may lead to homicide in the case of desperateness or become a biased person. It is clear that these human made problems are conditioned by mental disorders. Due to mental disorders, using of drugs may give a temporary comfort but it doesn’t have any benefit in the long run. The mental disturbance is conditioned on the account of anger, arrogance, jealousy and hatred. The causes and conditions of mental disorders are not directed from outside influences. The mental disorders are caused due to lack of training the mind. It needs to be approached from within. The external approaches like using drugs and consultation with doctors won’t solve the mental problems at the end of the day.
In this way, when the body, mind and speech are not disciplined, the problems like homicide
and brutality are happening in the world and there is a huge gap between rich and poor. These poor people live with full of worries even for getting enough meal in their daily life. This is a really sad thing. Basically, they are same human beings as we are. Some people don’t pay attention even though they are aware of others dying in hunger. In India, for instance, in the name of caste, poor people remain as poor. In the diasporas of the poor people, they lack peace of mind which leads them to face more problems. To overcome this kind of problem, the encouragement for mental peace is needed which can naturally reduce the mental disturbance and disorders.
For example, it is nature that when there is brighter light, the darkness will be reduced.
When there is hot temperature, the coldness will be naturally reduced. More the coldness in the environment, hotter the temperature will be. In the Awareness and Knowledge Treatise, it says that when there is contradiction in the conceptual pattern, there are disagreements between perceptions. Even though mind is not matter, it is an entity of mere experiential and mere tangible. Due to contradiction in concept, disagreements are there. To reduce the degree of mental disturbance, the peace of mind needs to cultivated.
Firstly, it is important to know how the state of mental peace is, what the causes and conditions
are, how the state of mental disturbance is and what its causes and conditions are. Therefore, it is very important to the know the nature of mind. It is very important to learn the secular ethics which has been passed down from Ancient India. Nowadays, I am emphasizing on this matter. I usually talk to people that psychology should be learned not as a spiritual purpose but to make a happy
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individual, happy family, happy society and finally happy seven billion human beings on earth.
In the years to come, psychology should be put in the syllabus and then gradually
it would help in building a happy individual and happy family. The most important thing is that, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and the future generation with certain knowledge in the field of psychology and to make world peace through the inner peace. (This is an abstraction of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching in Dharamshala for Tibetan youth on 5 June 2017.)
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
PREFACE
With homage to His Holiness the Great Fourteenth Dalai Lama, today on this special occasion
of the Fifth Conference of Body, Mind and Life, we would like to express gracious and cordial Tashi Delek to our Chief Guest, the Honourable President of C.T.A., other dignitaries, specially invited speakers, participants, staff members and students.
This is the Fifth Conference of Body, Mind and Life. In the past four conferences, exchanges
of various cultures, experiences, views and opinions were made and so far, we can say that a certain degree of success has been achieved. In the process of dialogue, the conferences were held focusing mainly on the welfare of human psychological state and promotion of awareness which are related to this particular knowledge. Also, two books each on the abstract and the presentations of each conference in Tibetan and English languages are published and distributed. This year, two conferences are being held on the theme of “Prevention of the Mental Disorders�.
Generally, a number of mental disorders are chronic illnesses infested in the karmic traces
of mind and genes dating back to many lifetimes and generations which cannot be eradicated easily. However, since it is necessary and appropriate that preventive measures must be taken in order to not worsen the present situation, hence we are convening this conference. If in case, there is no contributing response from the society at large, it can worsen the situation and spread the illness more in the genes of the future generation. Therefore this generation has the responsibility to safeguard and put an end to the spread of this afflictive illness in the genes of the future generation and as such the academic community has more responsibility towards it.
Even though, there are differences in the identification of mental state from different cultures
including Buddhism and Western Science, it is unanimously accepted that human beings have various mental state of happiness, sadness, attachment, hatred, wrong thoughts, malice, sense of competition, feeling of pleasure and sorrow due to which unhappiness, disease and inauspiciousness occur. A number of traditions have been established on the earth in the process of solving these problems. Even today, as we keep on debating on the basis of cultural heritage of the experts and experienced ones, there are different viewpoints on the concept of psychological state, mental disorders, their causes, remedies and preventive measures. Since the conference is a platform wherein different viewpoints are to be drawn together, exchanged and debated, we are hopeful that the causes and conditions of the mental disorders and the preventive measures of those causes and conditions would
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be understood clearly during these three days.
We are sure that each of the participants who have gathered here would gain new knowledge.
So, on the basis of the views and experiences, we are highly looking forward to your practice and contribution in your respective community. We also have great expectation that all the mental disorders in the future world would be freed through combining these shared views from the conference and your own newly found preventive measures of mental disorders. Tashi Delek and thank you. From the Body, Mind and Life Department of Men-Tsee-Khang 4 October 2017
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PREVENTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS FROM BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVE Geshe Tenpa Tashi Homage to the Supreme Physician, Whose lightning of great love flashes from the space of knowledge, And who dispels all kind of afflictions with the words of dependent origination, May I pithily talk on how to prevent the mental disorders.
With these words of reverence, I would like to make presentation from the Buddhist
Psychology Perspective, with some illustrations backed up by logics and textual references from the Buddhist texts, on what the identification of mental disorders are, what the types of mental disorders there are, what the modes of suffering from mental disorders are and what the preventive measures there are for the mental disorders.
In the Buddhism, mental disorders are more severe than that of physical disorders. Having
said this, the root afflictions and secondary afflictions are identified as the mental disorders. These are the most chronic illnesses in us which are hard to cure. Therefore, you must eliminate the mental disorders in order to prevent the physical illnesses. To eliminate the root afflictions, the ignorance as the cause and false thoughts as the conditions, from where the afflictions arise, are required to be understood. Every aspect, function and fruition of these afflictions are needed to be aware of and also the antidotes should be applied methodically. When you apply them correctly, the body and mind will certainly be balanced and calm.
Thus, I would like to state the evidences of my rational analysis and references from the
infallible truth of the law of causality. I also would like to present the false way of thinking which are by nature problematic and are source of mental disorders. I would like to present the steps of prevention and stages of applying the antidotes. To sum up, my presentation is categorized into five points; 1) Identification of Mental Disorders, 2) the Process of Mental Disorder, 3) the Causes and Conditions of Mental Disorders, 4) the Nature of Mental Disorders and 5) the Prevention of Mental Disorders. Again, all these can be further summed up into two points; mental disorders as object to be prevented and remedies as subject of prevention.
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PREVENTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS FROM TIBETAN MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE Dr. Tenzin Thaye, M.D. To the victorious one who serves all the sentient beings with great compassion, Who dispels the suffering of the lower realms even upon slightly hearing his name, The healer of all illnesses which are caused by the three mental poisons, I prostrate to the Medicine Buddha, the light of beryl.
With this admiration and salutation to the special object in the beginning, to present my topic
here, Tibetan medicine is a profound and extensive system of knowledge rich in practice that imparts the true understanding of the natural elements, nature of human existence and nature of the diseases. Generally, physiological and psychological illnesses and disorders are held to be originated from ignorance and particularly, mental disorders are significantly known to be triggered off from the root mental afflictions including hatred and attachment.
I would like to briefly bring to light the following five points of preventing the mental
disorders; 1) how the mental disorders are caused by the three mental poisons which are the source of three humours; 2) detail explanation of loong humour as a condition of mental disorders; 3) real conditions that give rise to mental disorders; 4) methods of preventing the mental disorders and 5) approaches to mental disorder treatment. 1. The nature of the desire is light and moving and it triggers the loong or wind humour which shares similar aspects and functions. The nature of hatred is hot and burning. The similar physiological aspects increase the hotness and it triggers the tripa energy which generates passion in the mind. Ignorance is heavy and dull in nature which gives rise to badkan energy which deludes the physiological and psychological state of solidity and stability. Hence, a gist of how the three humours becomes the essence of all the concepts in the Tibetan healing science will be presented. 2. Loong is caused by desire and the functions of desire are similar to that of the aspect of loong’s functions of light and moving that are taking place in both the body and mind. Given that, in the Explanatory Tantra, it is stated that the aspects of loong is coarse, light, cold, subtle and moving. Again in the Quintessential Instruction, it states, “loong is the root cause of all the illnesses as it
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama provokes, brings to an end, disperses and spreads the illnesses.” The detail explanation will be given on how all the illnesses and disorders including mental disorder are brought about. 3. In the Medical Treatise of the Quintessential Instructions, it states, “the causes and conditions are timidity, grief, mental discomfort, over thinking, lack of proper diet, imbalanced conduct and evil spirit influences, the humours get imbalanced and enter into the medium of consciousness which leads to wrong mental functions, loss of memory and madness.” Again in the Explanatory Tantra, it states, “Causes and conditions are prolonged exposure to cold breeze, exhaustion from prolonged crying, mourning, over thinking, over speaking etc.” There are many other references as well.
In short, out of the competitiveness of today’s society, all the activities of the body, mind
and speech are influenced by the lack of conscientiousness, people are following an improper diet, conduct and lacking proper knowledge in lifestyle which leads to imbalance of physiological state in general and mental disorders like depression, anxiety, dissatisfaction, restlessness etc. due to jealousy, arrogance and greediness in particular. 4. In the Explanatory Tantra, as it states, “these two conditions that give rise to illness should be avoided forever,’’ one should follow a proper diet, lead a healthy lifestyle, be sociable and calm by practicing the spiritual advice or ethical discipline which are not related to faith or religion, live with welcoming friends, practice giving of food and clothes to the destitute and disabled people or animals as a matter of fact that they have same feelings. In this way, one can transform the mind. Furthermore, one should protect environment to avoid external harm of evil spirits. Particularly, the methods to prevent mental disorders by avoiding the factors and conditions in terms of one’s age will also be underlined. In a few words, one should properly follow the different instructions given by your doctor based on correct diet and lifestyle in order to prevent mental disorders. 5. On the basis of the prevention, identification and treatment of mental disorders and loong disorders, I would like to present the various preventive measures and remedies practiced daily by doctors and healthcare professionals from the perspective of Tibetan Astroscience, Buddhist Science and Western Psychology. Finally, I would like to conclude with the following aspiration prayer; As many as sick beings are uncovered, May all of them be free from the sickness right away, May all the illnesses of sentient beings, Be never ever rise again.
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PREVENTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS FROM TIBETAN ASTRO-SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE TASP Tenzin Nandak, Tseerampa
From the perspective of Tibetan Astro-science for prevention of mental disorders, I would
like to make a brief presentation on the following topics; Theory of the Mind, the Theory of the Body and Mind, the Relationship Between Body and Mind with Planets and Stars, the Modes of how the Body and Mind are affected by the Planets and Stars and the Prevention or Treatment of Mental Disorders affected by the Elements, Planets and Stars. 1. A Brief Presentation on Mind
To make a brief presentation on mind, there are numerous hypotheses on mind from different
traditions. According to Buddhist tradition, again there are scores of presentations on the mind from different vehicles of Sutra and Tantra. Within the tantric tradition, again there are many traditions like Action Tantra, Performance Tantra, Yoga Tantra, and Supreme Yoga Tantra. Within the Supreme Yoga Tantra, there is Father Tantra and Mother Tantra. There are many viewpoints on mind in accordance with one’s own mental dispositions and intelligence.
However, according to the Supreme Yoga Tantra including the Kalachakra tradition, mind
is explained as primordial mind. In Kalachakra, it is stated that the one which is existing in the heart of all the sentient beings is the primordial wisdom. This wisdom is indestructible sound which remains in the aspect of nada syllable. It is said that the wisdom immaculately intermingled with the emptiness and it is here said to be pervaded and pervading in the body at conventional level and it is the wisdom pervading within the body of sentient beings which is empty by itself. Even in the Two Chaptered Treatise, it states, “the primordial wisdom exists in the body, the conceptual thoughts are to be purified, with this wisdom that is pervaded in all the phenomena, all the sentient beings are Buddhas, but it is obscured by the adventitious defilements, when it is purified, all beings are Buddhas”.
Even in the commentary of the Heart of the Enlightenment, Mahasiddha Sahara said, “from
the time immemorial, all the sentient beings are innately Buddhas, but the ordinary beings lack
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama this realization of the innate mind. Thus, the ordinary beings are deceived by the ignorance of this reality.”
In view of the innate state of all the sentient beings entered from the time immemorial in
which all the cognitive states of the virtuous, non-virtuous and neutral activities are concomitant without lacking any of the extremes of inherent existence and non-existence including mere clarity, dream, illusion so on and so forth, it is stated in the Kalachakra Tantra that the sentient beings are Buddhas because there are no so called other great Buddhas in the universe. 2. Brief Presentation on the Theory of the Body and Mind
Regarding the brief presentation on the theory of the body and mind, in the Great Commentary
of Kalachakra, it states, “in the time of death, the seed of the five subtle elements certainly takes place within and again like dream body, the empty body of the tendency which is unobstructed and free of accumulated subtle particles will come into being and then this unobstructed body emerged from the karmic tendency will again take new body of accumulated subtle particles.”
In the zygote of egg cell and sperm cell in the female’s womb after mating with male, the
subtle mental consciousness which is known as the store consciousness of clear mind ceases from the intermediate state to enter in the fertilization from which the body of the sentient beings come into existence. This view of the conception to death is explained by applying the concept with the ten incarnation of Vishnu.
In the Imperial Condensed Tantra of the Glorious Kalachakra, it is stated that the basis of
aggregates is elements and the basis of the accumulated elements for the supreme body are the channels. Channels will become the ten aspects of life winds and the winds of life are the mind. 3. The relation of Mind and Body with the Elements and Celestial Bodies
On the flow of wind from nostrils, in All-seeing Swarodaya, it’s stated: “From our right: as
earth, water, fire; wind and space flows; Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun and Ketu; self-reflects and is considered unwholesome and wrathful; from the left: its space, wind, fire, water and earth; for this: Rahu, Moon, Mercury, Venus; Ketu self-reflects and is peaceful and meritorious; it is same as the Kalachakra system”. 4. The Effects caused on Mind and Body by the Elements and Celestial Bodies
On the result of effects caused by winds of Elements and Planets from the right nostril, in
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the Swarodaya, it’s stated: “As Ketu appears on the space; there is either war or the sick will die; the healthy ones will experience illnesses and is miserable; as Sun is in wind, there will be defeat in war; for others, afflictive emotions will over-power; as Mars appears in fire, there is suffering of wound in war; all will suffer blood related infectiousness and is considered negative”.
On the result of effects caused by the winds of Elements and Planets from the right nostril,
in the Swarodaya, it’s stated: “As Rahu appears in space, you will overpower enemies; flag will be raised over mountains and is good for all; as Moon is in wind, enemies will lose; it is favourable for wholesome activities of peaceful and expansive nature; as Mercury appears in fire, enemy will suffer wounds; with Venus in water, great means will be found; as comet appears in Earth, enemies will be controlled; like this, do analyze other progresses, marital matters; works and issues of all kinds”. 5. Prevention and Treatment of Mental Disorders Affected By Elements, Planets and Stars.
If the external natural elements including earth, water, woods etc. are disturbed with greed
and craving for pleasure, as an opposite response, there will be mental and physical disturbance in us. Thereby, one must be kind and engage in the benevolent works. In accordance with the preventive measures and treatments for elements of the year, month, day and hour shown in the Astro-science practices, there are various remedies and preventive measures of mental disorder. If we practice them properly, I am sure that it will be very effective for the prevention of human mental disorders.
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MIND-BODY MEDICINE FOR TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS FROM WESTERN MEDICAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE Dr. Helen Lavretsky, M.D., M.S.
Dr. Lavretsky will provide an overview of the use of mind-body medicine for treatment
and prevention of mental disorders. Participants will gain familiarity with the potential uses of mindfulness meditation, yoga, Tai Qi/Qi-Gong used to reduce stress and treat and prevent depression, and cognitive decline, and will be provided with an overview of the current research evidence of the efficacy and mechanisms of action of several mind-body interventions.
The use of mind-body medicine is increasingly recognized by healthcare practitioners as an
important factor to consider in formulating treatment plans even in “traditional Western� medical settings. Mind-body medicine has increased in popularity in the US and worldwide over the past two decades, particularly in the area of mental health and management of chronic pain. Mood and anxiety disorders, insomnia, chronic pain and impaired cognition are one of the most common reason for which people seek out mind-body interventions.
There is a growing database of the physiological effects of meditation, yoga,Tai Qi and Qi
Gong have been shown to promote relaxation and decrease sympathetic output, and to benefit anxiety, depression,decreasing elevatedblood pressure, reduction in chronic pain, and aided recovery from immune-mediated diseases. Tai Qi and Qi Gong have been shown to improve immune function and vaccine-response. These practices have also been shown to increase blood levels of endorphinsand baroreflex sensitivity, and to reduce levels of inflammatory markers (CRP), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol, implicating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as a mediator of stress and anxiety reduction.
Studies of meditation also report decreased sympathetic nervous activity and increased
parasympathetic activity associated with decreased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased respiratory rate, and decreased oxygen metabolism. There is a growing number of studies evaluating epigenetic changes with mind-body intervention, and anti-aging effects with the effects on telomere length and telomerase activity. There is also a growing interest in enhanced neuroplasticity and brain connectivity via meditation and other mind-body practices that offer promise for treatment and prevention of cognitive disorders and decline.
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Dr. Lavretsky will present the results of her studies of yoga and meditation for stress and
depression in stressed family dementia caregivers; as well as in aging adults with subjective cognitive decline; and the study of Tai Qi for treatment of depression in older adults. The final discussion will provide an overview of the future applications of mind-body medicine to treatment and prevention of mood and cognitive disorders in high risk populations.
PREVENTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS FROM BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVE Geshema Namdol Phuntsok
In order to give a brief summary on prevention of mental disorders from Buddhist Psychology
perspective, I will present the pith instructions of the mind training stages with the six perfections especially the practice of giving, ethical discipline, patience and wisdom for preventing the mental disorders mentioned in the Buddhist textual systems.
Generally, human beings have so many different kinds of mental sufferings and mental
disorders which are affected by the causes and conditions including the way of thinking or attitudes and mode of controlling the mind. The mental disorders according to the Buddhist system are proved to be inner experience. It is stated that the mental problems are heavier than that of physical problems and also it is held that the physical problems are brought about by mental disorders where the mind is the fundamental cause. Therefore, to prevent such mental disorders, it is very important to identify the nature of mental disorders and show the remedies clearly.
Whether you believe in Buddhism or not, if you contemplate on the sixfold perfection that I
am going to present and practice them daily, I believe that these are the best remedies for preventing the mental disorders. If a patient practices them regardless of his or her background, it would be very beneficial in preventing and freeing them from the mental disorders and therefore, it’s not correct to think that the six perfections are meant only for Buddhists; rather it is universal remedies for the whole humanity. Therefore, I would be presenting the following six points; 1. Nature and function of Mental Disorders. 2. Identification of the Causes and Conditions of Mental Disorders. 3. Mental Disorders and their Consequences on the Basis of Identifying the Causes and Conditions. 4. Practice of the Six Perfections including the Giving as the Best Remedies in Daily Life.
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama 5. Ways to reduce Mental Disorders through Mental Training with the Six Perfections during Suffering from Mental Disorders. 6. Textual References, Logics and Instructions from Sutras and their Commentaries.
PREVENTION ON MENTAL DISORDERS FROM TIBETAN MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE Dr. Ngawang Jinpa Sunang, M.D. I hold you in my highest esteem, the Greatest Supreme Physician, Who heals the physical disorders of loong, tripa and baekan that dwell in the body, And the mental disorders of desire, hatred and ignorance that present in the mind, And also those physical and mental disorders that gamble even with the life.
With this eulogy towards the Medicine Buddha, I would like to present my abstract on the
particular given topic. In accordance with the today’s active modern society that completely lacks the practice of the ten virtues, if I summarize the preventive measures of mental disorders, these can be overviewed within the following six points: 1. Prevention through Proper Diet 2. Prevention through Correct Conduct 3. Prevention through Healing Microbe Disorders in Body 4. Prevention through Healing Evil Spirit Influences 5. Prevention through Training Mind 6. Prevention through Healing Life Sustaining Loong Disorder.
From these points, even though it is held that prevention through training one’s own mind
is the best way, yet in one’s daily life, due to lack of engaging body, speech and mind in the ten virtues and also lack of self contemplation practice, one ends up in the five wrong livelihoods. These five wrong livelihoods increasingly cause in oneself and in others, various mental disorders and suffering in every moment directly, indirectly and influentially. In view of this fact that you must diligently be the victorious one who can raise the flag of right practice of preventing the mental disorders by climbing up on the mountain of the modern civilization which is built up with richness of the three mental poisons.
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PREVENTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS FROM TIBETAN ASTRO-SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE TASP Kunchok Tenzin, Tseerampa
Salute to Manjushree, the Buddha of wisdom! With this offering of expression, what I would
like to talk is that; in the Elemental Astrology of Moon Ray Treatise, it states, “it gives happiness if it lacks functional imbalance; it cause illnesses, mortality and suffering if the functions are imbalanced, therefore body which is the aggregates of elements, is taken up by illness, accidents and adversary occurred out of conceptual thoughts, as all the states of happiness and sorrow are generated by elements, thus, this elemental Astro-science is thereby essential.”
In White Beryl Treatise, it states, “the external evils are of the five elements; the internal
aggregates and bodily constituents are of the five elements; the visceral organs and vital organs are of the five elements; nine magic squares are also of the five elements; twelve circle of years are also of the five elements; eight great planets are also of the five elements; twenty eight constellations are also the five elements; four directions and eight cardinal points are of the five elements; there is nothing that is not included in the five elements.”
Here in order to say few words for prevention of the mental disorders through the means of
the nuptial astrological reading, it is stated in the Tibetan Astro-science that within our appearance at the level of conventionality, the ignorance is the primary cause of all the sufferings of the sentient beings of outer and inner world in general and the human beings in particular who are composed of the five elements. Out of the ignorance, the conceptual thoughts take place and with conceptual thoughts, the five elements get imbalanced. As a result of the imbalance of functions of the five elements, both the mental and physical states are disturbed and the disorders and sufferings are being caused.
Astro-science is a discipline that shows the path of rights and wrongs and those who wish to
be better individuals can accept it. From the point of view of my own experience from practicing the Tibetan Astroscience for more than twenty years, besides the celibate community, everyone in the world needs a life partner regardless of gender background and desire for a happy life with family and prosperity. However, as nowadays, people are doing whatever they feel like or whatever they
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama might imagine without following correctly or lacking the proper knowledge of the instructions on nuptial compatibility calculation of Astro-science due to which a number of problems are being faced by the humanity which is the major immediate condition of mental disorders.
As a popular Tibetan saying goes like this, “bulwark before flood, alertness before disaster”,
as per doctors’ advice for proper lifestyle and preventive measures to keep away from illness even during the time of sound health, the nuptial compatibility calculation is also given as one of the remedies for the prevention of the mental disorders. Firstly, the calculation is all about the matters concerning the activities of the bride or groom. Secondly, the activities are concerned to the astro logical reader as it is stated in the White Beryl Treatise that the astrological calculations are to be done on the basis of year, future path of life and remedial measures during the unfavourable time by the practitioner of Astrology and Astronomy.
PREVENTION OF MENTAL DISORDERS IN A LOW RESOURCE COUNTRY FROM WESTERN MEDICAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE Prof. Sudhir K. Khandelwal, MD, MRCPsych
Historically, prevention of diseases has been part of medicine, whether it is physical diseases
or mental disorders. A number of strategies have been used to prevent mental disorders. Mental hygiene, the public-health perspective within psychiatry, was influential from 1910 until about 1960, when it ceased to exist as a separate movement. During 1960s and 1970s, viral theory was discussed as a possible aetiology of schizophrenia, and scientists had started working on developing a vaccine for it. Now we all know that the life style and psychosocial factors are important for causation as well as prolonging the course of mental illnesses. These are modifiable factors and have a promotive effect on health, and preventive influence on mental illnesses.
Prevention is better than cure - is an age-old adage that we all have been reading and talking
about since our school days. But what exactly is the meaning of this proverb; we have not understood it clearly either in the society or in medical fraternity. The big question is how to measure ‘better’. Of course, any preventive measures would not come free or cheap. It is quite possible that the costs of prevention may outweigh the cost of disease itself. To understand the concept of prevention in the times of modern science is to comprehensively understand its dimensions. Actually, in the contemporary society, it is given that everything has to be measured in terms of costs and finances.
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Finances will come only if the medical world is able to convince the economists and health planners that the cost of prevention is going to be far less costly than the cost of burden of a mental disorder. While discussing it, we must consider the Global Burden of Diseases study.
However, another important consideration to think and plan for prevention is the ‘human
rights’ dimension of this debate. It is a common knowledge that the human rights of mentally ill persons are severely violated. The stigma and discrimination faced by these people take away all the dignity of their existence, and they become recluse and isolated in the very society that should be giving them equal rights of survival. Hence, prevention is better since it protects rights of vulnerable population. It should not be seen only as being a measure to save financial costs.
In large sense, preventive measures should achieve a number of objectives. First of all, it
should lead to improvement in the health status, measured in health indices, of the society. For example, decrease in infant mortality or maternal mortality rates, or increased rates of vaccinations. It should lead to better life styles. It should also influence social factors and their role in health. It should remove health inequalities due to socio-economic or political reasons, or cast, religion or creed. In a developing country such as ours, it is extremely important that health services are available to all its citizens without discrimination.
Prevention should also lead to health protection. Prevention of infectious diseases is a prime
example. In psychiatry too, preventive measures should lead to avoidance of a problem or a disease. It has been shown that certain life styles measures may improve the chances of avoiding anxiety and depressive states. Similarly, health promotion measures can influence people to avoid use of alcohol and substance use.
For effective preventive measures, the health services have to have meticulous planning
to improve the health delivery efficiency. There has to be a proper audit of services to gauze the resources and outcome measures. Regular evaluation and monitoring systems have to be put in place. It is imperative that Preventive medicine is seen as part of public health. There is a close link between preventive medicine, social factors and society efforts, and life expectancy.
In psychiatry, the efforts have made been since time immemorial to find effective measures
towards prevention of mental disorders. Mental hygiene movement started in mid-19th century as the art of preserving the mind against all incidents and influences likely to deteriorate its qualities and functioning. A number of mental health institutions sprang up housing people with mental difficulties, but there also they remained neglected and unattended. Unfortunately, mental hygiene went into disrepute, when it along with the social hygiene movement, was seen to be advocating
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama sterilization of those considered mentally deficient. Post World War II, the mental hygiene movement was replaced by concepts of mental health.
During 1960s, scientists were studying virus hypothesis to cause schizophrenia. It was
presumed that if a virus was found to cause schizophrenia, a vaccine could be developed to inoculate vulnerable people to defend them from the onset of illness. However, research did not yield any worthwhile results; no virus causing schizophrenia could be isolated.
Psychosocial factors are important causes to precipitate common and severe mental illnesses,
or adversely affecting their prognosis and outcome. Improving the psychosocial situation of a society, we can expect to mitigate the suffering caused by such disorders. Disaster preparedness, life style modifications are very useful prevention strategies for many psychosocial problems.
Why prevention is crucial? We now know that mental disorders constitute a major burden,
not only to the sufferer, but also to his/her family and society. Nations bear burden and cost of mental illness, which is more than many of other public health problems. The cost of burden of mental illness is in no way insignificant as compared to the cancer or cardiovascular disorders. The burden and costs of illnesses can be significantly reduced by common public health strategies. India has a huge mental health gap (mhGAP). Nearly 80 percent of sufferers do not receive timely, or complete, or no treatment at all. We can ill-afford to create a huge manpower or infrastructure in a short time to look after ever increasing burden of mental illness in the country. Effective and scientifically validated public health strategies can be employed at various levels of prevention, primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Mental health is intrinsically linked to a nation’s development and prosperity. A nation
progresses only if its citizens are mentally healthy and enjoy a sound cognitive abilities and reserve. If Nations have to prosper, they have to look after mental well being of its peoples. No strategy can work in isolation. Efforts have to be multi-pronged. Good parental health (pre-marital and pre-parental counselling), better maternal and child care facilities (antenatal and postnatal care), childhood development programme, adolescent and school mental health programmes, prevention of life style disorders and alcohol and substance abuse during entire adolescent and adulthood, wellbeing of older people, healthy work environment are some of the crucial strategies and programmes to successfully prevent and mitigate the burden of mental disorders in the society. Time to act is now.
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BIOGRAPHY OF SPEAKERS DR. TENZIN THAYE, M.D. Dr Tenzin Thaye is an Attending Physician to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was born in Ngaba District, located in the Southeastern Province of Tibet. He did his secondary and medical studies at his native place. After completion of his medical studies in 1985, he served at Zungchu District hospital for two years and then fled to exile in 1987. He joined Tibetan Medical & Astro. College in 1988 and successfully graduated with a Kachupa Degree in 1991as a 7th batch Medical Student. He has served the institution at various capacities like doctor in charge of Tawang, Bomdila and Ladakh branch clinics, pharmacy doctor, and deputy head of Pharmacy Dept. He earned his Menrampa Degrees (M.D.) in 2003 and 2011.
Since 2014, Dr. Thaye has been serving as a special Visiting Doctor for outreach tours,
medical camps and branch clinics in Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute. He is also a leading doctor of acupuncture at the institute. He travels extensively throughout India as well as worldwide providing health consultations, attending conferences, presenting lectures, and exhibitions.
DR. SUDHIR K KHANDELWAL, MD, MRC PSYCH Retired as the Professor and Head, Dept of Psychiatry & Chief, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; also Chief Suptd. of Hostels of AIIMS. Currently, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at the Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi. Areas of Interest: General Adult Psychiatry, Neuro-psychiatry, Public Mental Health, Rehabilitation. Major Achievements: Various awards instituted by the Indian Psychiatric Society; More than 100 papers in national and international journals and book chapters. Memberships:
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama 1. Formerly, chairperson and board member of Global Network for Mental and Neurological Health Research; 2. Formerly, Board member, International Consortium of Mental Health Policy and Research. (Both above organizations were funded by the World Bank, and Govts. of UK and Australia.) 3. Board member and formerly chairperson of National Board of Richmond Fellowship Society for Psycho-social Rehabilitation. 4. Membership to Professional Bodies: Indian Psychiatry Society, Indian Association for Social Psychiatry, Royal College of Psychiatrists. 5. Served on various committees within AIIMS; in ministerial bodies. Other Achievements: 1. He has been an avid trekker, regularly trekking in the Himalayas. He has participated successfully in the Kailash-Manasarovar expedition organised by the M.E.A., G.O.I. 2. He was selected for the Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, G.O.I., and spent 5 months in Antarctica. 3. He maintains his travel blog: www.himalayanadventurer.blogspot.in
TASP KUNCHOK TENZIN, TSEERAMPA TASP Kunchok Tenzin is a senior Tibetan Astro-Science Practitioner (TASP) at Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute, Dharamsala. He was born in 1962 in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. He joined Tibetan Medical & Astro. College (TMAC) in 1983, and formally graduated with Kachupa Degree in 1988. Since 1990, he served in the Astro. Department for over 17 years casting numerous astro-calculations, and preparing almanacs etc. He has also served as a member of Tibetan Medicine and Astro. Council. He earned Tsee-Rampa Chhungwa degree in 2000, and Tsee-Rampa Dringwa Degree in 2009. Since 2003, he has been serving as an Astro. Science Lecturer at Tibetan Medical & Astro. College, teaching Tibetan Astro. Science to both astro. and medical students.
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DR. HELEN LAVRETSKY, M.D., M.S. Helen Lavretsky, M.D., M.S. is a Professor of Psychiatry and the Semel Scholar in Integrative Mental Health. She directs a research program in Late-life depression, stress, and wellness program and a program on Integrative Mental Health at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at U.C.L.A.
Dr. Lavretsky is a recipient of the career development awards and other
research awards from National Institute of Mental Health (N.I.M.H.) and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (N.C.C.I.H.), and other research grants. Her current research interest is in developing biomarkers of treatment response in older adults with depression and in developing mind-body approaches to treatment and prevention of mood and cognitive disorders in older adults using Tai-Qi, yoga and meditation, and memory training. Her research into the effects of yoga on cognition in older adults just received a research award from the 2017 International Psychogeriatrics Association, and she was selected to chair a 2018 International Congress of Integrative Medicine in Baltimore. She is the author of over 170 scientific articles and “Resilience and aging: research and practice;” and the Chief-editor of the “Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Mental Health and Aging.”
After receiving her Medical Degree from the Moscow Medical Institute, Dr. Lavretsky
performed her residency in Psychiatry at U.C.L.A.-San Fernando Valley Residency Program, followed by the U.C.L.A. Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry, and the national VA Research Fellowship in Neurosciences.
She received her Degree of Master of Science in Clinical Research from U.C.L.A. in
2004. She is Board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with added Geriatric Qualifications, and by the American Board of Holistic and Integrative Medicine. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and Collegium Internationale Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum.
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
GESHEMA NAMDOL PHUNTSOK In 1993, she entered Kopan Nunnery in Nepal and became a Buddhist nun. She studied both Tibetan and English language through primary school, and also secured the top position in the five major courses including Collected Topics of Prime Cognition, Epistemology, Signs and Reasonings, Middle Way and Perfection of Wisdom. In 2015, she was honoured with the Geshema degree after clearing the Gelug Examination through the six years of study in accordance with the tradition of “Gelug Educational Committee”.
Under the guidance of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, from 2013 to 2016, she entered
“The Great Tibetan Gelug Nuns’ Examinations” where she secured the top position except during the second year. In the year 2016, at Drepung Monastery in South India, in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, she was awarded the certificate of excellence as the first rank holder.
TASP TENZIN NANDAK, TSEERAMPA TASP Tenzin Nandak is a senior Tibetan Astro-Science Practitioner (TASP) at Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute, Dharamsala. He was born in 1969 in Tsang Tingkye, Tibet and had his primary schooling from his native place. He came into exile in 1985 and studied Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy at Sakya Monastery, Darjeeling from 1986 to 1991. He joined Tibetan Medical & Astro. College in 1993, and graduated with a Kachupa Degree in Tibetan Astro. Science in 1998. He was placed in the Astro. Department where he served for three years, preparing almanacs, casting astro calculations etc. and then later as the Deputy Head of the department. He has also worked in the Sorig Literary Department for three years, and featured on television presenting daily astrological predictions as well.
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He was awarded Tseerampa Chhungwa Degree in 2011. He was designated as a literary researcher for astro.science at the Body, Mind & Life Department since the inception of the department in 2013. He is one of the keynote speakers for Tibetan astro science workshops, and mental health care courses. He is also an active member of the Committee for Prevention of Diseases.
DR. NGAWANG JINPA SUNANG, M.D. Dr. Ngawang Jinpa Sunang is an alumnus of Central School for Tibetans, Hunsur. Following the completion of his primary schooling, he joined Drepung Gomang Monastic University where he studied till the academic course of “Perfection of Wisdom class” in the Five Major Buddhist Courses.
Having memorized all the root treatises such as Ornament
for clear Realization, Entry to Middle Way, Root Text of Tenets, and Precious Garland of Tenets, he presented oral recitation of these treatises in the annual oral examinations successfully. He was many times conferred with awards by the Dept of Religion and Culture, for securing distinctions in the Monastic exams.
He has also studied Tibetan Grammar, Tibetan Calligraphy, Ancient Indian Calligraphy of
Devanagari and Vatteluttu Tradition. In 1990, on the occasion of the 25th Founding Anniversary year of Tibet House in Delhi, he participated in the Open Handwriting Competition and was awarded the ‘Certificate of a Rank Holder’.
In 1993, he was enrolled in Tibetan Medical & Astro. College, and in 1998, graduated with
a Kachupa Degree in Tibetan Medicine. He has served as a Residential Doctor at three different branch clinics for 14 years, during the course of which he did research on the efficacy of particular drugs on certain specific diseases thereby beginning the trial with eleven specific herbs. For instance, in the case of piles treatment, application of Sorig Soothing balm or Zablak 8(Powder Medicine) mixed with Looh dhue 18 (Pill Medicine) is very effective. Based on his clinical trial experiences, he submitted his report to the Chairman of the Council for Tibetan Medicine and Astro. Science in 2012, urging for the need to produce a separate balm for pile.
In 2011, he was awarded the Menrampa Degree on clearing the Promotional Exam
successfully. In 2013, he was transferred to the Body, Mind & Life Dept. of Tibetan Medical &
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama Astro. Institute, Dharamsala. Since then, he has been actively involved in researching on the Tibetan Medical Perspective on “Life”, and has compiled a booklet on the same.
Dr. Sunang is one of the resource person for all the courses on Mental Health Care organized
by the Body, Mind & Life Dept. Besides, he is also a member of the ‘Committee for Prevention of Diseases’ and has two booklets titled “Prevention of Stomach Cancer,” and “Piles” to his credit.
GESHE TENPA TASHI Geshe Tenpa Tashi was born in 1964, in Lhalhung Paldhe, which is located in Shardrang Chigyal region in the Northeastern Province of Tibet. Having completed his primary schooling at his native place, he fled into exile and was ordained at Drepung Loseling Gomang Monastery, South India in 1987. He earned his Geshe Degree in 2004 after receiving teachings on the major treatises of Buddhist philosophical texts from Great Buddhist Masters. He has received the empowerment (dbang), oral transmission or authorization (lung), and explanation (khrid) of many Tantras and Sutras from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other great masters.
In 2005, he was bestowed with the opportunity to pursue tantric studies at Gyume Tantric
College, and in 2014, served as a Disciplinarian there. He has also served as Buddhist Philosophy and Language Teacher at Tibetan Medical & Astro. College. He has to his credits many articles and books, and contributions as an advisor and editorial board member to both Governmental and NonGovernmental publishing houses.
In 2007, he visited England and Japan for Peace Conference, and introduced Mindfulness
training at Mental Health care hospitals there. Similarly, he had the opportunity to participate in many prestigious conferences like Mind and Life Conferences. He was appointed as Additional Election Commissioner of Central Tibetan Administration in 2016.
He is currently the Head of Body Mind & Life Department of Tibetan Medical & Astro.
Institute. Since then, he has been entrusted with the work of researching on “Life” factor as from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhism. He is actively involved in organizing conferences, and teaching Buddhist Psychology and Philosophy during courses on Mental Health care and Tibetan Medicine.
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INTRODUCTION TO BODY, MIND & LIFE DEPARTMENT 1. Establishment of Body, Mind & Life Department In the gracious presence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tibetan doctors and Tibetan Astroscience Practitioners of Men-Tsee-Khang participated in the Mind and Life Conference held at Drepung Monastic University, South India in 2012. The venture served as a gateway for Men-Tsee-Khang to start the Body, Mind and Life Department. In July 2013, Men-Tsee-Khang organised the first Body, Mind and Life Conference where five major topics; (1) General Concept of Body, Mind and Life, (2) Seeds of Body, Mind and Life, (3) Relationship between Body, Mind and Life; (4) Factors Responsible for the Disturbance of the Body, Mind and Life, and (5) Maintaining and Restoring a Healthy Body, Mind and Life were selected for deliberation. These five major topics were discussed from four different perspectives; Buddhist Philosophy, Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Astro-science and Western Medical Science. Moreover, all the participants had been very fortunate to have a special audience with the His Holiness and were blessed with his inspiring guidance. The Body Mind and Life Department has hence come into existence. Logo Description
1. Dharma wheel symbolises Buddhist psychology and philosophy 2. Terminalia chebula (arura) plant in the alms bowl symbolises Tibetan medicine
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama 3. Cosmic sign on the alms bowl symbolises Tibetan Astro-Science. Hence, the achievement of our goal is primarily based on Buddha Dharma, Tibetan Medicine and Tibetan Astro-science. 2. Aims and Objectives We aim to provide better health care especially in the field of mental health by implementing the advice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama related to Buddhist Psychology, Tibetan Medicine and Tibetan Astro-science, and also by integrating with various traditional and modern conventional medicine. 3. Functions of Body, Mind & Life Department a) The Nature of work carried out by Body, Mind and Life Department: This department offers health care services, which are mainly relevant to mind rather than body. This is because, many people in today’s world are caught up in the rat race out of false thoughts and jealousy. Thus, people indulge in various immoral activities that lead to an increasing mental disorders and problems. By keeping this as fundamental ground reality in mind, we persistently aim to reduce the mental disorders through effective implementation and utilization of those skills and techniques wrapped up in our culture, and especially by extracting those theories and principles which are mentioned in the ocean of knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism by Tibetan ancestors with their profound insight and vast experiences and putting them into simple and effective practical method to meet the needs of the people across the world. b) Core Projects: i. To do literary research on body, mind and life aspect based on the texts such as Kagyur and Tengyur for Buddhist Psychology, Sorig Kuntue for Tibetan Medicine, and Kalachakra for
Tibetan Astro-science. ii. To organize international conferences on body, mind & life. iii. To organize courses and workshops on body, mind & life. iv. To organize talks on various practices to improve body, mind & life. v. To do spiritual activities with regards to four rituals. These five main projects can be further simplified into some thirty sub-activities. One of them is publication of conference books in Tibetan and English.
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4. Execution of the Project Activities a) The literary research project activity is carried out in the following stages; i. Preparatory and preliminary stage of collecting source materials. ii. Fact finding and searching materials stage iii. Subject verification stage/analytical stage iv. Structure building stage v. Compilation stage vi. Editing stage vii.Publication stage b) Organising international conference is implemented by sharing and enriching knowledge on body, mind and life with other traditions such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Chinese system of Medicine and Western Medical Sciences under one platform known as Body, Mind & Life Conference. Documentation of conference presentations in books and DVDs are being published. c) Workshops on mental health is executed as; 1. Basic level workshops and courses 2. Intermediate level workshops and courses 3. High level workshops and courses d) Introducing and teaching various forms of meditation irrelevant of whether it is religious or not. e) Collectively practicing rituals of dharma, Tibetan Medicine and Tibetan Astro-Science.
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
CLOSING CEREMONY Friday, 6 October 2017 1. 3:15 P.M: All the participants, dignitaries and guests to be seated in the
College Hall. 2. 3:30 P.M.: The arrival of Chief Guest. 3. Souvenir to be presented to the Speakers by the Chief Guest. 4. Distribution of Certificates to the participants. 5. Feedback or comments from three participants. 6. Conclusion speech by Mr. Tashi Tsering Phuri, Director of
Men-Tsee-Khang. 7. Address by the Chief Guest. 8. Thank you note by the Body, Mind and Life Department. 9. Prayer for World Peace and Prosperity of Tibetan Medicine and Tibetan
Astro- science.
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View of Men-Tsee-Khang, Dharamshala
Staff Members of Body, Mind and Life Department, 2017 From right to left: Mr. Tenzin Desel (Office Secretary), TASP Tenzin Nandak, Geshe Tenpa Tashi (Dept. Head), Dr. Ngawang Jinpa Sunang, Dr. Tenzin Choying, Mr. Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche (Translator)
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
CopyrightŠ2017: Men-Tsee-Khang Published by: Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama) Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamshala-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)
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