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B ODY, M IND & L IFE C ONFERENCE
22 - 23 No v e m b e r 2 0 1 7 Body, M ind & Li f e De p a r t m e n t M en-Ts ee-K h a n g ( S o wa - Ri g p a )
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE OF 6TH BODY, MIND & LIFE CONFERENCE
Day-1 Session I
II
III
Wednesday, 22 November 2017 Time
Proceeding
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Opening Ceremony
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Buddhist Psychology - Ven. Lobsang Gonpo
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Ayurveda - Dr. Ashish Phadke M.D.
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Siddha Medicine - Dr. T. Thirunarayanan
3:00 - 3:15 PM
Tea Break
3:15 - 4:15 PM
Unani Medicine - Dr. Mohammad Raza
4:15 - 5:15 PM
Tibetan Medicine - Dr. Passang Wangdu M.D.
Day-2 Session IV
V
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Thursday, 23 November 2017 Time
Proceeding
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Buddhist Psychology - Geshema Tenzin Kunsel
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tibetan Astro Science - TASP Sonam Palmo
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Western Medical Science - Dr. Natasha kate M.D.
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Homeopathy - Dr. Subhas Singh M.D.
3:00 - 3:15 PM
Tea Break
3:15 - 4:15 PM
Yoga Therapy - Shri Niranjan Gogia
4:15 PM -
Closing Ceremony
6th Body, Mind & Life Conference
O RGANIZING C OMMITTEE A DVISORS Mr. Tashi Tsering Phuri (Director of Men-Tsee-Khang) Dr. Tsewang Tamdin (C.M.O. & Attending Physician to H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama) Mr. Dharmesh Shah (C.E.O. of Meshco Steels & Conference Sponsor) Dr. Supriya Rai (Acting Director of K.J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies) Ms. Padma Jakani (Administrator, K.J. Somaiya Hospital)
M EMBERS Geshe Tenpa Tashi, Head of BML Dept. TASP Tenzin Nandak, Tseerampa, BML Dept. Dr. Tenzin Choying, BML Dept. Mr. Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche, Translator, Men-Tsee-Khang Mr. Tenzin Desel, BML Dept. Secretary & Coordinator in Dharamshala Mrs. Namgyal Choedon, Coordinator in Mumbai
E DITORS Mr. Kunkyab Pasang Ngoche, Translator, Men-Tsee-Khang Mr. Tenzin Desel, BML Dept. Secretary
L AY O U T
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D ESIGN
Mr. Tenzin Desel, BML Dept. Secretary Published by the Body, Mind and Life Department of Men-Tsee-Khang, 2017 I
Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
I N T R O D U C T I O N T O M E N - T S E E - K H A N G ( S O WA - R I G P A ) Men-Tsee-Khang is a charitable, cultural and educational institution of H.H. the Dalai Lama, registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. The main objective of Men-Tsee-Khang is to preserve, promote and practise Sowa Rigpa, the ancient Tibetan system of medicine, astronomy and astrology. It also aims to improve the health and sanitation of the refugees in particular and the public in general and to establish dispensaries in order to provide accessible healthcare to the people regardless of caste, creed or colour. Historically, Men-Tsee-Khang was established in 1916 by the 13th Dalai Lama in Lhasa, Tibet. In 1959 the People’s Republic of China invaded Tibet and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India followed by more than 80,000 Tibetans. The Institute initially started with a doctor and an astrologer with ten students in two separate campuses in Dharamsala called Chopra House and Gleenmore Cottage. Dr. Yeshi Dhonden and Ven. Dukhorwa Lodoe Gyatso were the forerunners of Medicine and Astrology Schools. At present Men-Tsee-Khang is a full-fledged Institute with a work force of 432 (140 Doctors, 17 Astro Science Practitioners, 274 Staff) employees. The headquarter in Dharamshala works through several departments with their own activity of academic as well as administrative in nature. The Academic field of activity includes, Men-Tsee-Khang College, Pharmaceutical Department, Astro Science Department, Research & Development Department, Materia Medica Department, Documentation & Publication Department, Herbal Product Research department, Body, Mind and Life Department and China Desk. The Administrative fields of activity included Main Office, Accounts, Branch Clinics Management, Internal Auditor, Medicine Store and Sales, Men-Tsee-Khang Exports and Men-Tsee-Khang Panipat. The Institute has 55 branch medical clinics in India (rural/remote areas and city based).
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I N T R O D U C T I O N T O B O D Y, M I N D
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L I F E D E PA RT M E N T
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. 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.
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama 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. 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.
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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.
View of Men-Tsee-Khang, Dharamshala
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
I N T R O D U C T I O N T O S O M A I YA V I D YAV I H A R The Somaiya Vidyavihar Complex was founded in 1959 by late Shri K.J. Somaiya (1902-1999). Endowed with sharp business acumen, balanced perspective and social bent of mind, Karamshibhai set up the Somaiya Trust in 1953 for furthering his dream of shaping young minds through quality education. For this purpose he bought a large area of land at Ghatkopar, then considered to be distant, meagrely populated suburb of Mumbai. Today, Ghatkopar has mushroomed into a formidable residential centre. Karamshibhai laid the foundation for SOMAIYA VIDYAVIHAR in 1959. Construction began in September 1959. Karamshibhai supervised construction personally, motivating and egging the workers on. In a short span of 6 months construction of the first building, which today houses the K.J. Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce, was completed. The first class was held on June 21, 1960. In just five decades it has grown into a large educational complex with 34 institutions catering to diverse fields of education such as Humanities, Engineering, Education, Medicine, Management, Pure Sciences and Mass Communication, with more than 27000 students and 1700 teaching faculty on a throbbing 65 acre campus! K. J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies The K. J. Somaiya Centre for Buddhist Studies was established in 1993, in pursuant of the vision of Dr. Shantilal Somaiya, son of our Founder, who wanted to encourage education in all Indian wisdom traditions. The institute was inaugurated in 1993 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and it has been our privilege to have him visit us in 2003 and then again in 2014, when he stayed on our campus and delivered teachings over four days. Our institute is a post-graduate research institution, recognized by the University of Mumbai. We are committed to creating avenues of learning in all areas of Buddhist studies. We offer an MA and a Ph.D. programme, as well as Diploma courses in Buddhism, Pali and Yoga. In addition we also engage with the community by offering short term courses in Art and Archaeology, Analysis of
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Mind, Sanskrit and Prakrit grammars as well as conducting workshops on ancient scripts. We are the only institution in Mumbai teaching the Tibetan language. Last year, we inaugurated an outreach project at Varigaon, near Shirdi. Jetavan, as this space is called, is a non-sectarian centre for spiritual practice and livelihood support to the community in the villages around. It was built in collaboration with a Buddhist monk from the Czech Republic, Ven. Dhammadipa. Godavari Biorefineries, the flagship company of the Somaiya group, allocated land and provides support to our activities there. The space was built almost completely using natural and waste materials. It has already received international attention and has won an award for design in Vienna.
Smt. Sakarben Karamshi Somaiya Sabhagruh, Somaiya Vidyavihar
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C ONTENTS 1.
Message from His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama...................................................................1
2.
Preface......................................................................................................................................3
3.
Prevention of Mental Disorders from Buddhist Psychology Perspective................................5 Geshema Tenzin Kunsel
4.
Prevention of Mental Disorders from Tibetan Medicine Perspective......................................6 Dr. Passang Wangdu, M.D.
5.
Prevention of Mental Disorders from Tibetan Astro-science Perspective...............................7 TASP Sonam Palmo, Tseerampa
6.
Prevention of Mental Disorders from Western Medical Science Perspective.........................9 Dr. Natasha Kate Kothari, M.D.
7.
Prevention of Mental Disorders from Buddhist Psychology Perspective...............................10 Ven. Lobsang Gonpo
8.
Prevention of Mental Disorders from Homeopathic Medicine Perspective...........................11 Dr. Subhas Singh, M.D.
9.
Prevention of Mental Disorders from Ayurveda Perspective..................................................13 Dr. Ashish Phadke, M.D.
10. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Siddha Medicine Perspective......................................15 Dr. Thirumalaiswamy Thirunarayanan, M.D. 11. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Yoga Therapeutic Perspective.....................................16 Shri Niranjan Gogia 12. Prevention of Mental Disorders from Unani Medicine Perspective.......................................18 Dr. Mohammad Raza 13. Biography of the Speakers......................................................................................................20 VIII
M ESSAGE
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H IS H OLINESS T HE D ALAI L AMA
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
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama 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 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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P R E FA C E
With homage to His Holiness, the great fourteenth Dalai Lama, today on this special occasion
of the Sixth Conference on Body, Mind and Life, I would like to express cheerful and gracious cordial Tashi Delek to our honourable Chief Guest, dignitaries, conference speakers, participants, staff members and students.
Today, it is the sixth conference on body, mind and life. In the past five conferences, various
exchanges of culture, experience, views and opinions were made and a certain degree of success has been achieved so far.
In the process of the conference, the dialogues have been focused mainly on the welfare of
human psychological state and promotion of awareness of mental healthcare knowledge. Two books on abstracts and presentations of past conferences in Tibetan and English languages are published and distributed. This year, two conferences were resolved to hold on the theme of the Prevention of the Mental Disorders of humankind. The Fifth Conference was held on October on this same topic.
Generally, a number of mental disorders are chronic illness spread in the karmic trace of
mind and genes from many lifetimes and generations, and it is hard to stop this continuum. However, since it is necessary and appropriate that prevention must be made in order not to worsen the present situation, it is thus resolved to organize this sixth conference on the same theme. If no response is given from our society at large, the situation will become worse and it will spread much more in the genes of the future generation which will be hard for them and therefore our generation has the responsibility not to spread the afflictive illnesses in the genes of future generation and especially the academic community has more responsibility.
Even though, there is difference in the identification of the mental state from different cultures
including the Buddhism, western science and so on, it is unanimously recognized 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 are happening.
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A number of traditions have been established by our ancestor on the earth through the process
of experience to solve the 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 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 Body, Mind and Life Department, Men-Tsee-Khang 22 November 2017
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BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVE Geshema Tenzin Kunsel
Generally there are various approaches and methods for the prevention of mental disorders.
These approaches have been effective. It is a heavy responsibility for every one of us to work on preventing the problem of mental disorders caused by various wrong behaviors of human beings. It is because today’s age is an era of fast development in terms of material resources as well as of mental disorders because of various problems in human behavior.
Generally, the whole content of the eighty four thousand bodies of Buddha’s teachings were
initially practiced by the Buddha himself and later shown as guidance to prevent the diseases of ignorance and to procure both the temporary and permanent mental state of peace for the mankind.
I will talk about two levels of prevention of the mental disorders with from the Buddhist
perspective. Firstly, the prevention of ignorance of self existence as the primary tool to prevent mental disorders as Dharma Kirti, one of the ancient Indian Buddhist scholars stated, “All mental afflictions arise from the view of perceiving self as an independent existent”.
Secondly, according to Dharma Kirti, the mental disorders can be prevented by applying
mental antidotes to afflictive emotions.Within the given time for my presentation, I will primarily present on the fundamental nature of mind and the cause of mental disorders in accordance with the Abhidharma text which it states, “When subtle tendencies of afflictions are not abandoned, Proximity of object is in presence, And mental activities are incorrect, The causes of afflictive emotions are complete.”
By and large, I will talk in brief on the general Buddhist approach to prevent mental disorders
with special focus on Abhidharma theory.”I will conclude my talk by presenting on the positive impact of preventing mental disorders.
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T I B E TA N M E D I C I N E P E R S P E C T I V E Dr. Passang Wangdu, M.D.
Science and Technology have advanced tremendously over the last few centuries to serve
humanity. Sadly, the service has primarily been in the field of physical wellbeing, leaving aside the mental aspect. Due to negligence of the inner world, various types of mental disorders such as depression and addictions are growing rapidly and visibly in the world. In this hour of need, adopting a middle way approach for “a healthy body with a healthy mind” is very crucial and urgent.
In Tibetan Medicine, both the physical and mental health is taken care of while examining
a patient. In fact, Tibetan Medicine classifies a disease into two; physical disorders and mental disorders. Mental disorders can further be classified two; one caused by disturbance in the physical health and the other caused by destructive emotions. Two different cases of mental disorders with different contributing factors may project similar signs and symptoms but applying same nature of treatment will not produce similar effects. Preventive measures are applied based on the nature of the particular disorder. • Mental disorders caused by disturbances in the physical health should be prevented by physical means such as lifestyle, diet, medicine and therapy. In such cases, a careful attention is paid to the physical energies such as loong (wind energy) which acts as the seat horse of our mind. Proper conduct of lifestyle such as sleep, exercise, bath, sex, seasonal conduct, etc.; proper intake of food and nutrients according to one’s digestive power- specially warm and cooked food; preventive medicines; and wholesome therapy such as oil massage, medicinal bath help maintain these energies in control. • Mental disorders caused by destructive emotions can be prevented through analyzing the various types of mental afflictions such as strong attachment, anger, hatred, etc. and adopting their respective antidotes like cultivating compassion against anger and hatred, realizing the interdependent nature over the fundamental ignorance and so on.
Most importantly, regardless of whether one is theist or atheist, the best and ultimate solution
for all the mental disorders caused by the destructive emotion is to cultivate all the positive emotions and thoughts as raised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama under one term i.e. SECULAR ETHICS. 6
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M E N TA L D I S O R D E R S
T I B E TA N A S T R O - S C I E N C E P E R S P E C T I V E TASP Sonam Palmo, Tseerampa Homage to the Lord Kalachakra!
According to Tibetan Astro-science, Tibetan medicine and various other Tibetan Buddhist
tantra texts, the whole of the universe including the sentient beings, is made up of five elements. Astroscience treatise known as White Beryl states, “All phenomena are made up of five elements; the external universe, bodies of sentient beings and astrological aspects such as eight parkhas, nine Mewas, twelve year cycles, nine planets, twenty seven constellations, directions, etc.”
Similarly, in the conclusion chapter of the medical Tantra also made a statement as it sates,
“All phenomena in this world including human body are made up of five elements. All diseases are manifested due to the imbalance of the five elements. The remedial medicines are of the nature of the five elements. Hence, our body, diseases and remedies are interconnected due to the same nature.” Therefore, understanding the fundamental concept of the five elements is pivotal with a view to understanding the body and mind connection, a health in particular.
Primary Cause of Mental Disorders: According to Astrological Treatise, “Quintessential
Instruction on Elemental Astrology” it states, “Hence, the body which is an aggregate of the elements is influenced by ailments, unexpected obstacles and other hindrances, which are all produced and fabricated by one’s coarse conceptual thoughts. With the functions of the five elements, one goes completely through the experiences of different physiological and psychological state of happiness and sorrow”. Based on this statement, an ignorant mind is said to be the primary cause of all sufferings, whether a physical or mental state.
Arousal Conditions of Mental Disorders: The conditions, which change our lives either
in a positive or negative way, are due to the strong influences of the planets, constellations, earth lords, changes of seasons, environment, etc. These are also the arousal conditions of any mental
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama problem in our life. It is clearly mentioned in the Astro-science textual system named Tseezhung Menngag Nangsel that our health and happiness depend more on the conditioning factors rather than their actual cause. Hence, our mental health is determined by how we deal with these conditions efficiently in our daily life. Prevention of Mental Disorders: Mental disorder can be prevented through proper executions of Tibetan Astroscience instructions as Rinchen Pungyue text clearly mentioned that implementing Astroscience instructions will prevent obstacles and negative outcomes beforehand. For example, a proper funeral ritual service after a death ceases subsequent deaths. In short, we all are suffering because we do not understand the real cause of suffering. From the Tibetan Astro-scientific point of view, as the planets and constellations, etc. act like a trigger or a spark to bring all causes and actions into their fruitions, it is very important to understand the nature and functions of these celestial bodies in order to maintain a healthy body and mind in our life.
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M E N TA L D I S O R D E R S
WESTERN MEDICAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE Dr. Natasha Kate Kothari, M.D.
Mental health is a basic human necessity. Yet, in today’s world, we are seeing a large
increase in mental health problems and disorders across the world. Prevention of these mental health disorders is obviously one of the most effective ways to improve the overall well being and health of the individual and the society as a whole. With scientific advancement, there have been recent developments in the understanding of the cause and also the methods of preventing mental disorders and promoting mental health.
A number of biological, psychological, social and societal risk and protective factors and
their interactions have been identified, which affect the development of mental health issues. Mental disorder prevention targets those factors that have a causal influence, predisposing to the development of mental disorders. Risk factors are associated with an increased probability of onset, greater severity and longer duration of major health problems. Protective factors refer to conditions that improve people’s resistance to risk factors and disorders. There is strong evidence on risk and protective factors and their links to the development of mental disorders. Both risk and protective factors can be individual, family-related, social, economic and environmental in nature.
It is generally the combined effect of the presence of a number of risk factors, the lack
of protective factors and the socio-environmental situation that results in individuals developing a mental problem or disorder. Interventions to prevent mental ill-health aim to counteract risk factors and reinforce protective factors along the lifespan in order to disrupt those processes that contribute to human mental dysfunction. Many of these factors can be changed and are potential targets for prevention and promotion measures.
Prevention strategies can be primary, secondary or tertiary in nature and can also range in
focus from the general population to high risk individuals. Additionally, prevention strategies need to be culturally appropriate and acceptable.
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BUDDHIST PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVE Ven. Lobsang Gonpo
In this modern age of Industrial revolution, consumerism and globalization, material
development has become the main focus of attention. Traditional values concerning mental healthcare has been criticized as being based on blind faith, sometimes even as opium for the people. However, more and more people are becoming aware of the negative consequences of the consumerism, greed and the devastating effects of industrial pollution. People are getting more interested in attaining mental peace. Scientists are progressively doing more research on mental disorders and remedies to overcome them.
However, many people are still suffering from drug addiction. Veterans of war are suffering
from PTSD. New generation of children are suffering from ADHD.
At the 6th Body Mind and Life Conference, I will talk about some of the traditional methods to
overcome stress and the background theories of distress from the perspective of Buddhist philosophy. I will highlight mainly on the root cause and the classifications of afflictive emotions. I will also talk about some of the neuroscientific findings about brain functions, addiction, awareness, memory and some philosophical importance of those findings.
Audience will gain knowledge about some of the studies that have been done on the effects
of mindfulness and single pointed absorption, vipassana meditation and compassion training with measurable outcomes.
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H O M E O P AT H I C M E D I C I N E P E R S P E C T I V E Dr. Subhas Singh, M.D.
The basic principle of Homoeopathy is “Similia Similibus Curenter” which means ‘similar
cures similar’. In order to cure sickness, a similar but somewhat stronger disease is produced by Homoeopathic Medicine in the patient which ultimately removes the natural disease.
Hahnemann, the founder of Homoeopathy believed that there is no separate corporeal or
mental disease because in every disease, the corporeal state and the mind is always altered. The holistic concept which is one of the basic tenets of Homoeopathy believes that a patient is sick as a whole even if disease may be manifested through a part or organ and hence the treatment also should be directed to person as a whole Homoeopathic concept of Mental Disease - Four types: 1. Mental diseases appearing with the decline of corporeal disease (Somato-psychic): 2. Mental illnesses appearing suddenly due to an exciting cause: 3. Mental diseases of doubtful origin: resulting from faults of education, bad practices, corrupt morals, neglect of the mind, superstition or ignorance, etc. 4. Mental diseases arising from prolonged emotional causes (Psycho-somatic). Prevention of Mental Disorders by Homoeopathy: Homoeopathy has been playing a major role in cure as well as prevention of mental disease which can be done at three level, viz. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Prevention. Miasmatic Consideration: Miasmas are the dynamic disease causing inimical agents which is known and identified by its manifestations. Selection of a homoeopathic remedy is not possible unless the physician have a very good conception of the miasma and its manifestations.
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama Homoeopathic Case Taking & Mental Disorders: Hahnemann stated in Aphorism No. 208 of his book, Organon of Medicine - “……the state of his disposition and mind must be attended to, to learn whether that presents any obstacle to the treatment, or requires to be directed, encouraged or modified.” Listening and Ventilation: The methodology of Homoeopathic case taking is such that it through its detailed questioning and enquiry, it creates an opportunity to the patient to ventilate his sufferings which in many cases results in preventing some oncoming mental illness and also have its curative benefits. From homeopathic approach of preventing and treating mental diseases, the emphasis is given on: 1.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation.
2.
Mental status examination.
5.
Through understanding of family history, personal history.
3.
Studying causation/aetiology.
4.
Understanding of personality.
5.
Knowing any adverse early life experiences.
6.
Knowing the constitution of the individual
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Identifying in the patient the characteristic general and mental/ emotional symptoms.
In the conclusion, I will just like to repeat the words of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder
of Homoeopathy: ‘I can confidently assert from great experience that the vast superiority of he homoeoepathic system over all other conceivable methods of treatment is nowhere displayed in a more triumphant than in mental and emotional illness.’
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A Y U RV E D A M E D I C I N E P E R S P E C T I V E Dr. Ashish Phadke, M.D.
Ayurveda is indigenous system of traditional medicine having its root in Vedas since
5000 BC. Ayurveda literally means ‘Science of Life’ or ‘Knowledge about how to live healthy life. The aim of Ayurveda is twofold, first and foremost preventive and then curative. “SwasthasyaSwasthyaRakshanamAaturasyavikaraparimokshanam cha II” meaning maintaining the health of healthy individuals and treating diseased ones to make them free from the diseased state and make them healthy.
The concept of health (Swastha / swasthya) in Ayurveda is very specifically mentions about
equilibrium of not only Dosha (Vital forces / humors), Dhatu (Vital tissues), Mala (Excretory waste Metabolite end products), Agni (Digestive fire) but also that of Panchadnyanendriya (five sense organs), Manas (Mind) and Aatma (Soul / Spirit) which is in a blissful state. So, definition is not merely speaking on the lines of physical plane but also refers to mental as well as spiritual plane.
The concept about disease as discussed in Ayurveda can be understood from different
references - “Tatrarogadwidhasmrit, sharirahmanasachcha I’’. Diseases are classified into two classes viz. that are originated from body i.e. Sharirarioga and that has roots in mind i.e. Mental disorders. They are interdependent on each other. Thus, Ayurveda was aware of the concept of psychosomatic diseases or Body-Mind Medicine since then.
There is a definition of disease in Ayurveda such as – “ Sukhasandyakam Aarogyam Vikaro
Dukhameva cha I” meaning that a state with Sukha (Happiness / pleasure) can be considered to be a state of health whereas if there is unhappiness or pain then that state can be equated with Vikarie diseased state. There is another reference from which it says - “ taddukhasamyogahvyadhatah I” meaning the same way as before i.e. if there is association of dukha, there exists diseased state. While explaining further, commentators mention dukha, means that dushti or vaigunya in those specific spaces (Kha), those specific srotasa, further it has been specifically mentioned that
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama “yatrayatrakhavaigunyahvyadhistaropjayate I” There is another definition of diseases such as ‘Vikarodoshavaishamyamdoshasamyearogata I’, When there is a balanced state of not only dosha but dosha, dhatu, mala and other components, then a person is said to be in a healthy state. Whereas if it is otherwise, then it should be considered as a diseased state(Vikar) .
In different synonyms disease (Roga) is termed as – “Roga Papmajwaro Vyadhi Vikaro
Dukhameva cha I YakshaAatankaGadabaadhShabdahaparyativachinah II” . The Chikitsa (Treatment) described in general way is that which takes care of existing diseased state, cure it or control it without creating another disease entity. The aim of therapy is achieving balance of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, Agni etc. (“Dhatusamyakriya cha uktatantrasyasyaprayojanam I”). Treatment is classified mainly under three categories viz. Aahara (diet regimen), Vihaara (Daily regimen as Dinacharya or Sesonal Regimen as Rutucharya) and Aushadhi (Medicines). This Dinacharya, Rutucharya collectively termed as Swasthavritta. There is also mentioning of code of conduct i.e. Sadvrutta.
Ayurveda also mentions about other classifications of three varieties of treatments
such as Yukivyapashraya Chikitsa (wherein physician uses drugs with certain rationale and logic to treat diseased state), SatvavajayChikitsa (can be compared with Psychotherapy) and DaivavyapashrayaChikitsa (wherein physician makes use of precious stones (Mani), Chanting of sacred syllables (Mantra), performing ‘homa’ or ‘pooja ‘of a specific deity etc.) which may be termed as spiritual healing.
In Ayurveda, there is mention of different mental disorders and detailed discussion of their
treatment strategies as well.
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SIDDHA MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE Dr. Thirumalaiswamy Thirunarayanan
Equal importance for physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing is the hallmark of
Traditional Siddha System of medicine. ‘Siddhi’ the root word from which the term Siddha emerged means attainment of perfection. The physical body is constituted by the seven physical components, the functional body is of the three humors or the life constituents – this encompasses the physical sheath, mental sheath, respiratory or energy sheath, intellectual sheath and the blissful sheath.
Any disease of the body or the disorder of the mind is primarily caused by the external
forces or the intrinsic factor which may be genetically received at birth or acquired during one’s life time. Food, activities or habits and the eight passions are the factors that influence the mind (Kama - Lust, Krotha - hatred, Loba - greed, Moha - temptation, Matha - pride, Macharya - envy or jealousy Idumbai - sorrow and Ahankara - ego).
Mind is influenced by perceptions of the sense organs. The mind thinks of a certain thing,
intellect analyses the thought, Siddh confirms the thought and Agankara provides determination. Therefore, the control of the sense organs is essential for good control of the mind.
The diet plays a significant role in influencing the mind, while Satwik food pacifies and
calms the mind and nourish the body, the Rajasic food triggers the mind to be assertive and stimulate anger and intolerance, the continuous intake of thamasic food leads to a docile, sedate nature and long run causes depression, loss of memory and affects analytical ability of the mind- makes the mind weak and makes people fall prey to mental illness.
The best way to prevent mental illness apart from food is the practice of the eight limbs of
Yoga described by Siddha Thirumoolar. Purity of thought, perfection in action, respiratory practice, postural practice, meditation, engaging the mind in acts that provide positive energy, being part of a natural healthy environment understanding the relationship between microcosm; our human form
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama and macrocosm; the world around us and regulating the stimuli of the sense organs by constant practice are to be followed as instructed by the Siddhas. Most often, loss of a dear one or an object which is valued more leads to depression and expectation and envy lead to aggression. The training of the mind by respiratory practice, chanting of mantra, meditation calming down the agitated mental state with herbs and food which have tranquilizer effect help prevent both excess rajasic or tamasic features and prevent mental illness. The Siddha literature of Thirumantiram holds the key for a sound mental health.
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YOGA THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVE Shri Niranjan G. Gogia
Psychology considers mental disorders as Psycho-pathological conditions similar to the
pathology at the physical level. A pathological condition of body is a state of Homeostatic Imbalance, where the well-being of the organism is under threat. In such an imbalanced condition the body systems and functions do not work properly and cause physical weakness, pain, suffering and impairment of the capacities and functions. Psycho-pathology is a similar condition at the mental level. A lot has been done and needs to be done to understand the psychopathology and the ways to deal with it. How Yoga views this aspect of human experience and where do we find the references of such phenomena in yoga literature and texts? First and foremost, Yoga takes a holistic view of human personality and the term Chitta is used to denote the entire personality.
Thus, mental disorders are included in the concept of Vyadhi mentioned in the Patanjali yoga
Sutra I.30. Vyadhi includes both Physical as well as the mental disorders as can be seen from the clarifications given by Vyas in his Bhasya on the Sutras. Vyasa Bhashya defines Vyadhi as disorders of the humors, secretions and the organs of the body.
(“Vyadhirdhaturasakaranavaishamyam�) Vaishamya means the disorders or imbalance. If we
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take the first two imbalances of humors and secretions as largely physical (though secretions are also connected to the mental states/cognitions/perceptions too), the last one clearly indicates the imbalances at the mind level or mental disorders. As we see above, the term Karan i.e Instruments or organs or faculties include both Antahkarana and Bahyakaran. Manas (mind), Ahamkar (Ego) and Buddhi (Intelligence) are include in the Karanavaishamyam which means the imbalance/disorders/ impairment of these faculties. This is also one of the main characteristics of mental disorder as per the Modern Psychology.
Yoga is a way of life, such that it prevents the occurrences of mental disorders. The Yoga way
of life strengthens the positive states of mind or Aklishta Vrttis and eliminates the pain causing mental states or Klishta Vrttis. In absence of Klishta Vrittis or negative mental states of Anger, aggression, fear, rigidity, desire to control or dominate etc. the Mental Disorders cannot occur. Becoming aware of the harmful mental state/emotion/feeling/thought is the first step in the acknowledgement of presence of a negative or harmful feeling. Such negative states cannot be handled, tackled, removed or effectively dealt with without first accepting and acknowledging them. When one is self aware of these the acknowledgement and removal of these negative states is easier. (“Yoga is a culture of Consciousness� Dr. Jayadev Yogendra).
Living a yoga way of life is a very effective preventive mechanism against the onset of
mental disorders.
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UNANI MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE Dr. Mohammad Raza Brief Introduction to Unani Medicine:
Unani medicine, as its name indicates and owes its origin to Greece (Unan in Arabic/Urdu).
Primarily, the framework of the system is based on the teachings of Hippocrates (460-377 BC); “THE FATHER OF MEDICINE”. Later, the system grew out of the fusion of diverse thoughts and experiences of different countries over the centuries and has developed with the scientific thoughts of that time. Among the distinguished scholars Galen (131-210 AD), Rhazes (850-925 AD) and Avicenna (980-1037 AD) deserve mention. Avicenna has shown his brilliance in classifying & arranging the entire medical knowledge of his time & presented it in logical form. His famous book is “AL-QANOON-FIT-TIBB” (canon of medicine). He has been called as “Prince of Medicine”. In India, Unani system of medicines was introduced by the “Arabs” & soon it took firm root in the soil & flourished tremendously. Today, it is in India that this system is most active and is keeping a very low profile in the country of its origin. Today, India is a world leader in field of Unani medicine with a very well developed network of education, research and healthcare institutions of this system of medicine. Basic Concept:
According to Avicenna, Medicine or Tibb is “KNOWLEDGE OF THE SATE OF THE
HUMAN BODY, in health and decline in health. Its purpose is to preserve health and restore it when lost”. Prevention of Diseases:
Unani system of medicine recognizes the influence of surroundings and ecological
conditions on the state of health of human beings. The system aims at restoring the equilibrium of various elements and faculties of the human body. It has laid down six essential prerequisites for the prevention of disease and places great emphasis, on the one hand, on the maintenance of proper ecological balance and, on the other, on keeping water, food and air free from pollution. These
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essentials, known as “Asab-e-Sitta Zarroriya� are air, food & drinks, bodily movement & repose, psychic movement & repose, sleep & wakefulness and excretion & retention. These Prerequisites can be explained as follows: 1. Air: Avicenna, the famous Unani physician, says that change of environment relives the patients of many diseases. He has also emphasized the need of open air, house with proper ventilation, play grounds and gardens. 2. Food & Drinks: Avicenna was the first to observe that the dirt and polluted water after were the carriers of disease emphasized the need of keeping water free from all impurities. 3. Bodily Movement & Repose: To maintain perfect health and trim body, exercise and rest are essential. 4. Psychic Movement & Repose: Unani physicians maintain that certain diseases like hysteria and mental disorders are mostly caused by emotional strain and judgment and therefore while dealing with such maladies, these factor are taken in to account. The curative effect of music, pleasant company and beautiful scenery are also recognized by Unani physicians. 5. Sleep & Wakefulness: Normal slumber and wakefulness are essential for health. 6. Evacuation & Retention: Natural means of execration are disburses, diaphoresis, vomiting, feces, excretion through uterus in the form of menstruation etc. proper and normal functioning of the excretory process must be ensured in order to maintain perfect health. As per the tenets of Unani medicine, there is a special ability in every individual called the defensive mechanisms of the body (tabiyate mud-dabire badan). By strengthening these defensive mechanisms of the body, Unani medicines will also help the body to prevent the diseases.These are general concepts of prevention of diseases in Unani medicines. The mental disorders can also be prevented by these principles.
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B IOGRAPHY
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1. G E SH E MA TENZI N KUNSEL Geshema Tenzin Kunsel was born in a simple peasant family of a village in Thangkar Township, Takser County in Lhasa prefecture in Tibet in 1972. At the age of six, she was sent to a public school by her parents; Mr. Kalsang Tsering and Mrs. Nyima. However, in account of hardships faced by her family in terms of household chores, Geshema Kunsel had to leave school to return home at the age of twelve. From the age of twelve to nineteen, she became a yak herd to look after her family domestic animals. Geshema Kunsel came to India as a refugee in 1991 and worked as an incense maker for couple of months and studied Tibetan language through self studies. Later, Geshema Kunsel joined in “New Arrivals’ Nunnery” presently known as “Dolma Ling Nunnery” which was founded by Tibetan Women’s Association. During those years, although there wasn’t problem of inadequate food, Geshema Kunsel had to live in tent as shelter in India. Due to extreme scarcity of water, unaccustomed environment, dire living conditions, and so forth, she faced many problems including skin infections and illness. Thereafter, under the Tibetan Nun’s Project initiated by Mrs. Rinchen Khando, Geshema Kunsel was one of the hundred nuns who received opportunity to study Buddhist philosophy by sheltering in local rented house. Along with studies, construction of Dolma Ling Nunnery was started where nuns including Geshema Kunsel engaged in the construction works. Despite of appalling refuge conditions for the nuns, Geshema Kunsel never gave up her core aspiration for coming to exile and indulged in pursuing Buddhist studies with best of her enthusiastic effort and commitment for thirteen years and had become a Sherchin graduate (graduate in the Six Perfections). Thereafter, Geshema Kunsel was offered a period of seven years to pursue further studies in Jangchup Choeling in Mundgod in South India on self sustenance basis by the Dolma Ling nunnery where she studied the explanation to Middleway philosophy and other texts. Along with her Buddhist studies, Geshema Kunsel also studied English language and social work studies in a Christian church for about two months. Thereafter, Geshema Kunsel returned to Dolma
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Ling nunnery to continue her studies. In 2011, under the guidance of Dolma Ling Nunnery, Geshema Kunsel studied English Language and teachers’ training course for four months in the British Council in New Delhi. From February 2012, Geshema Kunsel has been teaching Buddhist Philosophy and Dialectics in Dongyu Gatsal Ling, the newly founded nunnery of Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh. In 2016, along with her teaching works, Geshema Kunsel had completed her Geshema examinations and earned Geshema degree which is equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy. Presently, Geshema Kunsel has returned to Dolma Ling nunnery to pursue further in tantric studies.
2. TA SP SO N AM PALMO, TSEERAMPA TASP Sonam Palmo is the Vice-Principal cum senior lecturer of Tibetan Medical and Astro College at Men-Tsee-Khang. Mrs. Sonam Palmo earned her doctorate in Astro-science (Tseerampa) and also serves as the Astro oral Consultant and lecturer in various conferences and seminars in India and abroad. TASP Palmo did her schooling from South India. After her graduation from school in 1993, she had joined Tibetan Medical and Astro College in Dharamshala. TASP Palmo had completed her college graduation and earned “Kachupa” degree in the field of Tibetan Astro-science at Men-Tsee-Khang College in 1997 and then did a year long internship under the mentorship of senior Tibetan Astroscience Practitioners. TASP Palmo had served as an Astroscience Practitioner for the last 14 years in the Astro-science department of Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute. After her successful result in the theoretical and practical tests conducted by the institute in 2009, TASP Palmo received her “Tseerampa” degree which is equivalent to M.D. in Tibetan Astro Science. Over the years of her professional experiences, she has exhibited extensive knowledge and expertise in her field. In 2015, on 3rd Body, Mind & Life Conference held in Men-Tsee-Khang in Dharamshala where scholars from different fields of knowledge such as Buddhist Philosophy, Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Astro Science and Modern Science were invited, TASP Palmo was one of the speakers on Disturbing Factors and Remedies for Disorders of Mental Health from the perspective of Astroscience.
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama In recent years, TASP Palmo was invited officially to different countries including Europe and South America to give courses, lectures, oral consultations and to conduct workshops on Tibetan Astroscience. She has also participated in various workshops, conference and events related to Tibetan Astro-science in India. 3. D R . N ATASHA KATE KOTHARI MD, DNB (Psych), MRCPsych (UK) Dr. Natasha Kate is an alumnus of the prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh and the Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai. Presently, Dr. Natasha Kate is a Consultant Psychiatrist Nanavati Super speciality Hospital in Mumbai. Dr. Kate has a number of national and international awards and she has authored multiple chapters in psychiatric books and has more than fifty research publications in national and international journals. Dr. Natasha Kate’s special interests lie in positive psychology, mind-body interaction and neuroscience. She believes in the importance of early intervention strategies in the management and prevention of mental health problems. 4. V E N . LOBSANG GONPO Ven. Lobsang Gonpo is a Buddhist monk from Mongolia studying at Drepung Gomang monastery in South India. After studying Buddhist philosophy for 22 years, Gonpo had completed his 5 major Subjects of Tibetan Buddhist studies, namely Logic, Metaphysics, Philosophy, Psychology and Ethics. Presently, Gonpo is pursuing the Buddhist doctoral degree of Geshe. Ven. Lobsang Gonpo has also been studying in Modern Science since 2006 and has enrolled in Science meets Dharma Project, which was supported by TIR, a Swiss based institute to impart modern scientific education to the Tibetan Monastics throughout India. Ven. Gonpo had completed several intensive science workshops including Science for Monks workshop for 3 years and Emory Tibet Science initiative for 5 years. In 2013, Gonpo did his further studies in science at Emory University, US for two years where he
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got training in the science disciplines including Physics and Math, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology and Neuroscience. Ven. Lobsang Gonpo’s areas of research interests are the effects of mental training, brain studies, neurological basis of mental states and meditation states of Shamatha and Vipassana. 5. D R . SUBHAS SI NGH, M.D. Dr. Subhas Singh, M.D. (Hom.), Ph.D. (Homoeopathy) is designated as head of the Deptt. & Reader/Associate Professor at Department of Organon of Medicine, Homoeopathic Philosophy, Chronic Disease & Psychology of National Institute of Homoeopathy (Govt. of India), Kolkata. Dr. Singh is P.G. Guide (approved by Central Council of Homoeopathy) of West Bengal University of Health Sciences, West Bengal, B.A. Marathwada University, Aurangabad (M.S.), Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik (M.S.), J.R.N. Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur (Rajasthan), & others. Dr. Singh is Chief Editor at National Homoeo Recorder (A Peer Reviewed Quarterly Homoeopathic Journal). In 1994, Dr. Singh did Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery from the Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital under University of Calcutta, West Bengal. In 2001, Dr. Singh did his M.D. (Homoeopathy) at S.K. Homoeopathic Medical College under B.A. Marathwada University with Organon of Medicine. He did his Ph.D. in Homoeopathic Faculty from the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik in 2017. Dr. Singh was awarded highest marks (Honours) in the subject of Organon of Medicine in 1st B.H.M.S. Examinations held in 1988 under University of Calcutta. He stood first & was awarded Honours & Highest marks in the subject of Homoeopathic Materia Medica in Part-III, Final B.H.M.S. Examinations in University of Calcutta in 1993. He was awarded the Order of Merit by the University of Calcutta, 1994. Dr. Singh had authored & edited number of books like “An Introduction To Homoeopathic Pharmacy”, “Tongue Indications”, “Therapeutics of Plague”, “A Short Biography of Franz Hartmann”, “Rheumatoid Arthritis - Its Curability In Homoeopathy”, “Mind – A Simplified Study”, “Doctor-Patient Relationship - The Concept”, “Samuel Hahnemann’s Organon of Medicine: A Study in its History & Evolution”, “Textbook of an Introduction to the Study of Homoeopathic
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama Materia Medica” etc. Dr. Singh has presented more than 134 papers and delivered lectures in Seminars, Conferences, Symposiums and Workshops of National and International level and also has published more than 40 articles and papers in different Homoeopathic journals. Dr. Singh is examiner & paper setter at P.G. and U.G. level at University of Calcutta; the West Bengal University of Health Sciences; B.A. Marathwada University, Aurangabad, M.S.; Jabalpur University, M.P.; Nagpur University, (M.S.); Council of Homoeopathic Medicine, W.B.; B.R.A. Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, (Bihar), etc. He is visitor and inspector of Central Council of Homoeopathy in different Homoeopathic Colleges of India. Dr. Singh speaks languages like English, Hindi, Maithili & Bengali. Dr. Singh serves as the secretary of National Teacher’s Wing, the Homoeopathic Medical Association of India, chairman of Teachers’ Wing, the Homoeopathic Medical Association of India (HMAI), member of National Homoeopathic Association (NAHA), life-time member of Homoeopathic Medical Association of India (HMAI) and member of Theosophical Society. Dr. Subhas Singh is dedicated for the development of Homoeopathy and volunteer in many social activities. 6 . D R. A A S H IS H PH A D K E, M.D., M.S. ( PSYCHOTHERAPY) Dr. Aashish Phadke has successfully completed his graduation BAMS from Mumbai University and pursued his M.D. (Ayurveda) from the same university. He was a rank holder throughout his academic career. Dr. Phadke also did M.S. (Psychotherapy and Counseling) from IPMS and certification in Clinical hypnotherapy from CHII, EKAA - India, HMI, California, USA, Society for Clinical and experimental Hypnosis, Indian chapter. Dr. Aashish Phadke also has to his credit a number of yoga programmes such as Advanced Diploma in yoga from Yoga Centre, Dept. of philosophy, Mumbai University, Diploma in Yogic Education Teachers Training Course in Yoga from Yoga Vidya Niketan, Mumbai and M.A. (Philosophy-Yoga) from Mumbai University. Dr. Phadke also learnt Reiki healing, Chakra Healing, Aura reading. He is Reiki Grand Master in traditional Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki. He is a Certified Bio Field Viewer (expert in Aura Photography) from the Centre for Bioenergy Sciences, MIT, Pune, affiliated to Centre for Bioenergy
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Sciences, UK. He has to his credit several diplomas and certificates in Management, Languages, Music, Photography, Journalism, Computer Graphics, I.T., Pharmacy, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics, Gynaecology and many more. Dr. Aashish Phadke is a certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9000:2001 Audits from I.R.C.A. (U.K.) and he is certified resource personnel for ISO 9000:2001 Audits of Health establishments by I.I.Q.M, Jaipur, Govt. of India. Having his clinics ‘Centre for Ayurved & Panchakarma Therapy’ at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Chembur & Vileparle, Dr. Aashish Phadke has been practicing as Ayurveda-Yoga & Eye Consultant for the last 27 years. Dr. Phadke has worked as an Associate Professor and Head, dept. of Dravyaguna in YMT Ayurvedic Medical college, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. He is Ex. Hon. Ayurvedic consultant at Ayurved Research Centre at, KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai. Presently, apart from his profession, Dr. Aashish Phadke is also working as a visiting faculty for number of yoga institutes. 7. D R . PASSANG WANGDU Dr. Passang Wangdu is a senior lecturer at the Tibetan Medical & Astro. College (T.M.A.C.). His educational background includes a Humanities degree from the Central School for Tibetans, Dalhousie; Menpa Kachupa (Bachelor) and Menrampa Degrees (M.D.) in Traditional Tibetan Medicine from the Tibetan Medical & Astro. College, Dharamsala, and a 2 year-course on Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy from the College for Higher Tibertan Studies, Sarah. With over 18 years of experience in the field of Tibetan Medicine, he had served in various departments of MenTsee-Khang: OPD Clinic; Translation Dept. of Gyueshi, the fundamental text of Tibetan Medicine; Pharmacy Dept, and at College as its Vice Principal. Dr Passang continues to serve the institute as Registrar and Lecturer at T.M.A.C. and a review committee member of Gyueshi. He is one of the leading resource persons for courses on Tibetan Medicine. As a part of Centenary Outreach Tour Team of Men-Tsee-Khang, he visited the European regions like Swiss, France providing health care consultation and sharing his knowledge on Tibetan Medicine. Besides teaching, Dr. Passang utilizes his weekend holidays providing health consultations to patients at Mcleod Branch Clinic, Dharamshala on Sundays.
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama 8. S H R I NI RANJAN GOGI A He is a teacher and lecturer of Yoga. He has been associated with “THE YOGA INSTITUTE” Santacruz, Mumbai as a regular faculty for the Teachers Training since September, 1986, teaching Yoga Technology, philosophy and applied Yoga Psychology based on the yoga scriptures like Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Samkhya Karika, Hatha Yoga Pradipika etc. Since 1999, he had served as a faculty member to teach Yoga based programs on Health Care, Stress Management, Improving Concentration and Memory at National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics (NACEN) in Mumbai . Shri Gogia has also served as a visiting faculty in Philosophy Department of Mumbai University to teach the Yoga Text, Samkhya Metaphysics and Practical Yoga Techniques of yoga like Asana, Pranayama and Bandhas Mudras to the M.A. (Phil) students. He is also a visiting faculty at K.J. Somaiya Bharatiya Sanskriti Peethan for teaching Patanjali Yoga Sutras and VyasaBhashya on Patanjal Yoga Sutras to M.A. (Yoga Shastra) students of Kavi Kulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit Vishvavidyalaya, Ramtek. Currently, he is a regular faculty member for 3 year degree course and 2 years post graduate course in Yoga Shastra as well as Post Graduate Diploma course in Yoga. He is also a regular faculty at the Yoga Institute, Santacruz and examiner for Yoga Instructor and Yoga Teacher conducted by QCI. He is an examiner in Viva and practical examinations for the certificate and diploma courses being conducted by the University of Mumbai. He has delivered lectures to the participants of the Certificate and Diploma Courses in Yoga being conducted by the Department of Philosophy, Mumbai university, Kalina. He had the honour to deliver one hour lecture on the topic of Yoga Education at the Convocation Hall, Mumbai University in the presence of Vice Chancellor, Registrar and Smt. Hansa Jaydev, Dean, Yoga Institute. Shri Gogia has carried out research under the guidance of Doctor Jaidev Yogendra, Director, Yoga Institute Santacruz, Mumbai related to various Concepts and Techniques of Yoga. He has also contributed for Preparation and publication of number of books including Yoga Cyclopaedia Volume I (Related to research of the Concept & Technique of Asana since the time of Vedas) and alphabetical topics of yoga, Yoga Cyclopaedia Volume II (related to research in the area of Yoga Education) and alphabetical topics of yoga, Yoga Cyclopaedia Volume III (related to the Yoga Psychology and mental health) and alphabetical topics of yoga, Yoga for Children-Teacher’s Manual (ways and methods to teach the yoga concepts like body awareness, concentration, Relaxation,
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Humility, Tapa (Manual) etc., Yoga Cyclopaedia Volume IV (related to a comparative study between Yoga & Mysticism) and alphabetical topics of yoga. He also contributed and acted in a short film made on Yoga and Yoga Institute which also demonstrated Yoga techniques in a popular TV serial of 50 episodes on Yoga for better living. Shri Gogia had represented Yoga Institute in a conference on Classical Yoga held at George Brown College, Toronto, Canada in May, 2012 and presented paper on Yoga Education. He has conducted interactive and practical sessions on Pranayama and Kriyas (shatakarma) and he also demonstrated and conducted practical yoga session at University of Guelph, Canada. He has given lecture on the topic of Yoga as Balanced Body and Balanced Mind in the two days National Symposium on Phyto Zoo Medicines & Ayush Therapy: Total Health Management held at Oriental College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai. He has presented a paper on Bhavas (Dispositions of Buddhi) according to Samkhya/Yoga texts and their connection to the various techniques of Yoga like asana, Pranayama, Bhandhas, Mudras, Kriyas, Meditation etc. in the conference on Yoga held at K.J. Somaiya Bharatiya Sanskriti Peetham, Vidyavihar. Shri Gogia is also a contributor to the in house journal of the Yoga Institute “Yoga & Total Health”. Under guidance of Dr. Jaidev, he has carried out the research on the topics of Sauca i.e. Yoga Hygiene, Dreams and Sleep and Prana and presented the papers before the Sadhakas of the Yoga Institute. Shri Gogia has conducted Yoga classes for Medical Doctors, students and also for general public in different places in Mumbai. He has assisted in the special camps being conducted by the Yoga Institute on different ailments like cardiac problems, asthma, orthopaedic problems etc and also assisted in the children’s camps being conducted at the Institute.
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9. T H IR U MA L A ISWAMI THI RUNARAYANAN Dr. T. Thirunarayanan, an alumnus of the Govt. Siddha Medical College, has 30 years of experience in different spheres of Indian Systems of Medicine including teaching, training, clinical and industrial research. Dr. Thirunarayanan is the secretary of Center for Traditional Medicine and Research (CTMR), an NGO. CTMR functions in the traditional healthcare space and runs two AYUSH health centers and two mobile clinics catering to Fishermen and other marginalized communities. Dr. Thirunarayanan and his team focuses on treating lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, immune related diseases like bronchial asthma and skin diseases and provides palliative care for cancer through traditional medical wisdom of India. Having authored four books in Siddha medicine and translated a few books and published research papers in peer reviewed journals, Dr. Thirunarayanan is also the principal investigator in documenting Traditional health practices in different districts of Tamil Nadu and involved in digitizing, indexing and cataloguing of ancient Siddha Palm manuscripts and other research projects on drug standardization. During the course of his career, he was invited to deliver lectures in various universities and institutions in India and abroad. He was a member of the Working Group of Planning Commission in AYUSH, actively involved in various Govt. committees on Medicinal Plants, Public Health interventions through equitable growth initiative, fixation of fees in private medical colleges and Reproductive and Child Health. He is currently a member of Ayurveda, Siddha Unani Drug Technical Advisory Board of Govt. of India. He has authored ‘Development of ISM’ report for the state under the Tamil Nadu Govt. aiming at equitable growth initiative programme along with members of the Health sector subcommittee. Has served as expert member in earlier ‘Mother and Child healthcare’ programme and subsequently in designing training module and kit for RCH programme of Govt. of Tamil Nadu and in evaluating, monitoring and review. Has been expert member of the Medicinal plant committee of Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical Board and co-authored report on establishing large scale Medicinal plant gardens in Tamil Nadu apart from serving a member of the Indian delegation for International Cooperation in AYUSH of the Deptt. of AYUSH to Government of Malaysia. He has prepared the report on reviving and development
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of Siddha in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. Served as subject expert in traditional knowledge digital library programme, ICD, Intellectual property of Traditional Knowledge, he is involved in training in specialties of Siddha system both to government physicians and shaping young ISM graduates. He regularly conducts lifestyle training programme for healthy living through Siddha in Malaysia, Russia and other countries. He has done many health awareness shows on ISM to ‘Arogya Baratham’ health programme of Doordarshan sponsored by Ministry of Health – promoting awareness through Mass Media for Healthy living. Dr. T. Thirunarayanan develops new products based on Traditional medical systems adopting rigorous scientific validation methods and also in designing standard operating procedures to comply with Good Manufacturing Practices. Establishing medicinal plant garden and conservation of medicinal plants by ex-situ methods is his passion. He has been implementing the herbal gardens with the help of various NGO’s including Green kovai, a part of AIM for Sewa. 10. D R . MOHAMMAD RAZA Dr. Mohammad Raza, born on 7th July, 1956, is a Consulting Physician for Unani Medicine in Mumbai and general secretary of All India Unani Tibbi Conference. With high performance during his schooling mostly securing first and second divisions, Dr. Raza joined in Jamia Urdu, Aligarh and had earned first division in B.U.M.S in 1979 and did his M.A. (Urdu with Persian) at Mumbai University in 1986. He speaks many languages such as English, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, and Persian. Dr. Raza, has joined CCRUM in 1981 as Research Assistant in Clinical Research Unit Mumbai and served for last 35 years. He was retired from CCRUM in 2016 as Dy. Director I/C in Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Mumbai. Raza’s studies in the field of Clinical Research in Unani Medicine mainly includes diseases of national as well as of general interest such as Bronchial asthma,
Helminthiasis, Malaria, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Vitiligo, Arthritis, Eczema,
Psoriasis, Leucorrhoea etc. He has keep interest in History of Medicine. Dr. Mohammad Raza has attended many seminars and medical camps for awareness of health issues & promotion of Unani Medicine throughout the country. He also presented and published many selected studies and other articles. In addition to consultancy works in the field of Unani Medicine, Dr. Mohammad Raza also serves as general secretary of All India Unani Tibbi Conference (Maharashtra State).
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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
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 A still from a session of 2rd Body Mind and Life Conference
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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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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
5th Conference on Body, Mind and Life, 2017 A still from a session of 5th Body, Mind and Life Confenrece
A still from Buddhist Psychology Session during the 10-Day Course on Mental Healthcare Services, Level-1, 2016
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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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Tibetan Medical & Astro. Institute of H.H. the Dalai Lama
STAFF MEMBERS OF BODY, MIND & 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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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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