Friends of Tibet Wellbeing

Home | Registration | My Booking | Volunteer | Reports | Contributors | Photos | Contact | FAQ

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"For all the suffering beings in this world
May I be the medicine and the doctor
And be the nurse to serve them until everyone is healed"
Shantideva


Photograph of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet addressing a gathering of Friends of Tibet members and supporters at The Gateway Hotel of Taj, Kochi on September 04, 2010. The first Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical Camp in Kochi by was organised by Friends of Tibet to coincide with the first visit of HH the Dalai Lama to Kochi city. Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute is a cultural, charitable and educational institution of HH the Dalai Lama, established on March 23, 1961. (Photo: Jijo Abraham)

Photograph of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet addressing a gathering of Friends of Tibet members and supporters at The Gateway Hotel of Taj, Kochi on September 04, 2010. The first Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical Camp in Kochi by was organised by Friends of Tibet to coincide with the first visit of HH the Dalai Lama to Kochi city. Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute is a cultural, charitable and educational institution of HH the Dalai Lama, established on March 23, 1961. (Photo: Jijo Abraham)


Vision Wellbeing

In a world where everyday wars are waged against humanity and nature, wellness has been narrowed down to a level of mendicancy. In such a scenario, it is important for individuals to go beyond the boundaries of politics and to reach the Inner Self. Our environment too has become a victim of the technologically-advanced world due to mass scale exploitation of the natural resources. These circumstances demand the denouncement of unreal welfarism and the encouragement of genuine efforts to elevate the spiritual, mental and physical vibrations of man and his environment. The focus should be on the harmonious coexistence of society and nature — to bring people closer to the being, enabling them to ensure the safe existence of the natural environment to create good health in the person, which is vital for the being to enjoy happiness. Healthy relationships are results of love and compassion that comes from the Cosmos which is showered as a Universal Energy attracting us to the centre of happiness and becomes the Truth of Life. The thought of sowing happiness and joy becomes the prime purpose of the human being. And it is this Energy of Smile that brings Wellness to All Beings on this planet earth.

(Text: ravindra.ranasinha@friendsoftibet.org)

Hear: 'Vision Wellbeing' Hear: 'Vision Wellbeing' (MP3)

Medicine Buddhas

A Brief History of Tibetan Medical System

Tibetan medicine is a centuries-old traditional system encompassing spiritual, medical science and social behavior in the paradigm of holistic health. It is popularly believed that Tibetan Medical System is essentially a teaching of Buddha himself as part of the ways to liberate the human beings from the vicious cycle of suffering. Disease or imbalance is diagnosed mainly through pulse analysis, urinalysis and healthy interrogation and understanding of one’s dietary and life style factors. Herbo-mineral formulations in the form of pills, powders, decoctions etc and several supplementary therapies are used to treat illness. Proper diet and lifestyle changes along with healthy mental attitude will be strongly emphasised. The Tibetan medical system is based upon a synthesis of Ayurveda, Unani, Greek, indigenous Tibetan, and Chinese medical systems. The Tibetan medical system is practiced in Tibet, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Siberia, China and Mongolia, and more recently in parts of Europe and North America. The Tibetan medical system embraces the traditional Buddhist belief that all illness ultimately results from the "Three Poisons" of the mind: Ignorance, Attachment and Aversion. Therefore, the mind, body and spirit play very crucial role in understanding and the treatment of diseases as a whole. Buddhist philosophy states that everything in the universe is in a constant state of flux — that all phenomenon are characterised by impermanence, and that the only permanent feature is impermanence itself. As Buddha said, "No matter whether perfect beings arise or not, it remains a fact, and a hard necessity of existence, that all creations are transitory." It is this impermanence that causes each and every being to suffer at one stage or another. Suffering is thus not accidental but springs from a specific cause, whether from this life or a previous life. Only through proper learning and the genuine practice of Dharma, one can liberate from the vicious cycle of suffering.

Tibetan Pulse Diagnosis The Tibetan medicines use purely natural herbal recipe that goes down to treat the root of the problem. These medicines are very safe as they are prepared without adulteration and known to have no side effects. In addition to many common ailments, Tibetan Medicines also offers very effective treatment in controlling and even curing may major diseases like Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension, General Cardio-Vascular problems, Nervous Disorders, Gynecological problems, Gastro-Intestinal Disorders, Chronic Cols and Allergic problems, Psychosomatic problems etc. The medicines also help in controlling primary cancer cases. Besides medicines, accessory therapies such as Golden Needle Therapy, Moxa-bustion and Bronze Cupping are being given to support the healing system.

Download

  1. History of Tibetan Medical System (PDF): English | Malayalam PDF
  2. Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar on Cancer (PDF): English PDF
  3. Dr Joseph E Thomas on "Meditation As Cure" (PDF): Malayalam PDF

Hear: 'History of Tibetan Medical System' Hear: 'History of Tibetan Medical System' (MP3)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

About Doctors

Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar of Men-Tsee-Khang does a pulse diagnosis with a patient during the 6th Traditional Tibetan Medical Camp conducted jointly by Friends of Tibet and Men-Tsee-Khang at Ashirbhavan, Ernakulam from February 17-20, 2011. Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar was born in Kyidong, Tibet. Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, he escaped to India with his family in 1969. Dr Dorjee received his medical training at the Tibetan Medical College in Dharamshala where he completed intensive study in the Tibetan Medical System. He acquired most of his practical experience into the more profound level of health & healing through late Dr Tenzin Cheodrak, the former Chief Physician to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. Over two decades of dedicated service in the practice of Tibetan Medicine, he has attended many national and international conferences; presented papers on Tibetan Medicine and has published articles. As the Chief Medical Officer of Men-Tsee-Khang Bangalore Branch, Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar and his medical team covers the Tibetan Medicine health services in south Indian cities and towns regularly. He is also the former chairman of the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine. An alumnus of the Tibetan Medical College in Dharamshala, he is trained in medico-spiritual initiations for the more esoteric prac1ce of Tibetan medicine as well. In recognition of his outstanding contribution in the held of Alternative Medicine, Dr Dorjee Rapten was awarded the Gold Medal & Gem of Alternative Medicine in 1995 & 1996 from the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine, Calcutta. He also received the International Award of Excellence, from the American Organisation of Intellectuals Inc., New York, USA. (Photo: Friends of Tibet)

Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar of Men-Tsee-Khang does a pulse diagnosis with a patient during the 6th Traditional Tibetan Medical Camp conducted jointly by Friends of Tibet and Men-Tsee-Khang at Ashirbhavan, Ernakulam from February 17-20, 2011. Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar was born in Kyidong, Tibet. Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, he escaped to India with his family in 1969. Dr Dorjee received his medical training at the Tibetan Medical College in Dharamshala where he completed intensive study in the Tibetan Medical System. He acquired most of his practical experience into the more profound level of health & healing through late Dr Tenzin Cheodrak, the former Chief Physician to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. Over two decades of dedicated service in the practice of Tibetan Medicine, he has attended many national and international conferences; presented papers on Tibetan Medicine and has published articles. As the Chief Medical Officer of Men-Tsee-Khang Bangalore Branch, Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar and his medical team covers the Tibetan Medicine health services in south Indian cities and towns regularly. He is also the former chairman of the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine. An alumnus of the Tibetan Medical College in Dharamshala, he is trained in medico-spiritual initiations for the more esoteric prac1ce of Tibetan medicine as well. In recognition of his outstanding contribution in the held of Alternative Medicine, Dr Dorjee Rapten was awarded the Gold Medal & Gem of Alternative Medicine in 1995 & 1996 from the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine, Calcutta. He also received the International Award of Excellence, from the American Organisation of Intellectuals Inc., New York, USA. (Photo: Friends of Tibet)

(Left) Dr Tara Ngawang Lodoe was born at Gyaltse in Chinese occupied-Tibet in 1978. He escaped to India in 1989 to study Tibetan Buddhism and Philosophy at the Sera Jhe Monastery. He earned the Kachupa Degree in Tibetan Medicine from the Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama based in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Dr Tara Ngawang Lodoe now works with the Bangalore branch of Men-Tsee-Khang. (Photo: Friends of Tibet) / (Right) Dr Lobsang Zoepa does pulse diagnosis during the 50th Anniversary of Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Kochi, Kerala with two-day long exhibition and free medical and astrological consultation on Tibetan Medicine and Astrological Calculation. The 11th Tibetan Medical Camp at Kochi organised jointly by Men-Tsee-Khang and Friends of Tibet (Kerala) was held at Ashirbhavan, Ernakulam from September 5-8, 2011. (Photo: appu.john@friendsoftibet.org)

(Left) Dr Tara Ngawang Lodoe was born at Gyaltse in Chinese-occupied Tibet in 1978. He escaped to India in 1989 to study Tibetan Buddhism and Philosophy at the Sera Jhe Monastery. He earned the Kachupa Degree in Tibetan Medicine from the Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama based in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Dr Tara Ngawang Lodoe now works with the Bangalore branch of Men-Tsee-Khang. (Photo: Friends of Tibet)

(Right) Dr Lobsang Zoepa does pulse diagnosis during the 50th Anniversary of Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Kochi, Kerala with two-day long exhibition and free medical and astrological consultation on Tibetan Medicine and Astrological Calculation. The 11th Tibetan Medical Camp at Kochi organised jointly by Men-Tsee-Khang and Friends of Tibet (Kerala) was held at Ashirbhavan, Ernakulam from September 5-8, 2011. (Photo: appu.john@friendsoftibet.org)

(Left) Dr Tamdin Sangmo of Men-Tsee-Khang does a pulse diagnosis with a Wellbeing participant during the 13th Tibetan Medical Camp held at Ashirbhavan, Kacherippadi, Kochi from November 7-8, 2011. (Photo: vj.jose@friendsoftibet.org) / (Right) Dr Tenzin Norbu Ganub is was born in Toe Phadrug, Tibet. At the age of six he escaped to India with his father. He did his schooling in Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) in Dharamshala. After finishing his AISSCE Board Exam in year 1996, Dr Tenzin Norbu joined the Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical College in 1997. Dr Tenzin Norbu Ganub was first appointed as the Resident Doctor at Navi Mumbai branch clinic of Men-Tsee-Khang and later in Shillong, Meghalaya before he got transferred to Bangalore Branch Clinic. (Photo: Girish Kumar PG)

(Left) Dr Tamdin Sangmo of Men-Tsee-Khang does a pulse diagnosis with a Wellbeing participant during the 13th Tibetan Medical Camp held at Ashirbhavan, Kacherippadi, Kochi from November 7-8, 2011. (Photo: vj.jose@friendsoftibet.org)

(Right) Dr Tenzin Norbu Ganub is was born in Chinese-occupied Tibet . At the age of six he escaped to India with his father. He did his schooling in Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) in Dharamshala. After finishing his AISSCE Board Exam in year 1996, Dr Tenzin Norbu joined the Men-Tsee-Khang Tibetan Medical College in 1997. Dr Tenzin Norbu Ganub was first appointed as the Resident Doctor at Navi Mumbai branch clinic of Men-Tsee-Khang and later in Shillong, Meghalaya before he got transferred to Bangalore Branch Clinic. (Photo: Girish Kumar PG)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Green Initiatives

Friends of Tibet has a strong No Plastic Policy during its events and programmes. In todays throw-away society culture, the organisation works towards medical camps with no plastic bags to pack and dispense medicines to hundreds of its participants. These paper bags are reused by many of the Wellbeing Participants. A joint-venture between Paper Trail, Design & People and Friends of Tibet produce paper bags from old newspapers which helps financially-backward women to make a living through this initiative. (Photo: suku.dass@friendsoftibet.org)

Friends of Tibet has a strong No Plastic Policy during its events and programmes. In todays throw-away society culture, the organisation works towards medical camps with no plastic bags to pack and dispense medicines to hundreds of its participants. These paper bags are reused by many of the Wellbeing Participants. A joint-venture between Paper Trail, Design & People and Friends of Tibet produce paper bags from old newspapers which helps financially-backward women to make a living through this initiative. (Photo: suku.dass@friendsoftibet.org)

Why Wellbeing Green

  1. The most fatal of all the menaces the modern world faces is the pollution from plastics. The plastic items that we conveniently throw away after use will not degrade or decompose for at least 5000 years, all the while poisoning our soil, our water and our air.

  2. We burn plastic as a disposal method. A deadly toxic gas called dioxin is released when burning plastic which can cause cancer in children and grown ups alike. For their sake, please don't burn plastics. Storing food, cooking or even eating from plastic containers invites dangerous diseases into our lives.

  3. Instead of plastic bags, use and encourage others to use bags made of cloth, jute, paper and other bio-degradable materials. Discourage the use, sale and manufacture of plastic based items to save the Earth and to preserve all her precious gifts.

  4. These paper bags are manufactured for Friends of Tibet Wellbeing camp by 'PaperTrail', an organisation that provides self-employment for women. The bag costs Rs 2/- and we urge you to use this bag, again and again, and thus maximise the utilisation of the resources of Mother Earth.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Products

Rangzen Band

Rangzen Band: It is a traditional Tibetan belief that the Chu-Mik Gu-Dril (Nine Braided 'Water Eyes') has the power to protect you from harm. So wearing the nine 'eyes' in the form of amulets, jewelry or by weaving them onto some item of clothing — becomes a weapon against evil and demonic forces. The design consists of white and black (light and dark) strands interwoven to form 'eyes'. The two colours represent the two state protector-deities of Tibet. Tibetans also believe that wearing a band with the nine 'eyes' on your wrist, where the essential pulse of your body flow, gives you protection from nervous disorders. Herdsmen in Tibet diligently weave the nine 'eyes' onto their slings. They believe this enhances the power of the sling and makes it a more effective weapon. In fact, such a sling is one of the nine ancient weapons of Dra-lha — the War God.

In 1988, led by the late Yulo Dawa Tsering (Ven Yulo Rinpoche), Tibetan political prisoners started wearing wristbands with the nine 'eyes' for protection from the 'evil' Chinese — seen by Tibetans as not only their oppressors but the enemy of the Dharma. It was also a silent protest against Chinese atrocities in Tibet and a mark of solidarity among themselves. Unaware of this symbol, prison guards also started wearing these bands, perhaps because they saw it as a queer but harmless 'native' custom. However, on realising the significance of wearing the band, prison authorities immediately banned its use. Prisoners caught wearing the band were punished — many were tortured and even had their sentence extended.

Popularly known as the 'Rangzen' or 'Freedom Band' — this symbol of resistance against oppression and their undying struggle for freedom — is worn the world over by Tibetans and their supporters. Wearing a 'Rangzen Band' is one way of showing that you know and that you care about the Tibetan people's struggle for independence.

(The Rangzen Bands are made specially for Friends of Tibet by a Tibetan refugee family living in Himachal Pradesh, India. They are sold for the cost price of Rs 10. To buy Rangzen Bands, email us your requirements at: wellbeing@friendsoftibet.org)

Wellbeing Coffee Mugs

This ceramic; durable; non-Made in China coffee mugs from Friends of Tibet Wellbeing are available at Wellbeing camp sites. You may also order a minimum of 5 Wellbeing mugs online to be couriered to you. Postage charges extra. Please write to wellbeing@friendsoftibet.org to know more about Wellbeing Coffee Mugs.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Share

Friends of Tibet

Friends of Tibet Wellbeing, PO Box 16674, Bombay 400050, India.
SMS: +91.9645997002, +91.9995181777, +91.9895103483, +91.8089443495 Fax: +91.11.47615142
Email: wellbeing@friendsoftibet.org Web: www.friendsoftibet.org/wellbeing/