November 14 - 18
Time: 12-9 pm
Admission: $5.00
MEDICINE BUDDHA SAND MANDALA
The Gomang Monks
Tibetan monks from Drepung Gomang Monastic University in India will construct a Medicine Buddha sand mandala in the Tibet House museum over a four-day period from Nov. 14-18. This program is in connection with the lecture series and workshop on Asian Perspectives on Self-Healing. The workshop on Saturday, Nov. 18, will culminate in a consecration of the mandala by the Gomang Monks (workshop participants only).
A mandala ('circle' in Sanskrit) is a three-dimensional drawing of an architectural abode that can be made from colored sand, powdered flowers, herbs, grains, or stone. An ancient form of art in Tibetan Buddhism, the mandala possesses an outer, inner, and secret meaning. On the outer level, it represents the world in its divine form; on the inner level, it represents a map by which the human mind is transformed into an enlightened mind; on the secret level, it predicts the primordially perfect balance of the subtle energies of the body and the clear dimension of the mind. At Tibet House, the Gomang monks will create the Medicine Buddha sand mandala to generate powers of healing. Millions of grains of sand will be painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days. The mandala will be preserved for the Tibet House museum.
Here are the events for each day from Nov 14th to 18th:
ASIAN PERSPECTIVES ON SELF-HEALING
Mind-Body Medicine in the Indo-Tibetan Tradition
November 14
Time: 7-9pm
By: Joseph Loizzo, MD
Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese arts of healing will be presented in four consecutive evening lectures. Beginning with an introduction and overview on Tuesday, Nov. 14 (Dr. Joseph Loizzo).
The primary role of mental outlook, emotions and lifestyle in health and illness recently discovered in the West has been understood for thousands of years in the traditional healthcare of India, Tibet and China. This talk will introduce the Indo-Tibetan medical model of health through balance and explain how its system of aspects and elements is used by Tibetan doctors to teach changes in outlook, attitude and lifestyle to help treat disorders and restore balance.
Ayurveda and Skin-Care
November 15
Time: 7-9pm
By: Pratima Raichur
This evening's talk will begin with an overview of the ancient Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine, including the concept of the three body-types or doshas and the principle of digestive fire (agni) which underlie diagnosis and treatment. It will continue with a review on Ayurved's treatment of women's health as a distinctive specialty since its inception, and conclude with a focus on Ayurveda's effective alternatives for skin care.
Acupuncture in the Chinese Tradition
November 16
Time: 7-9 pm
By: Dr. Woodson Merrill
Chinese medicine was one of the vital sources of the Tibetan medical synthesis. Dr. Merrill will explain the system of acupuncture meridians incorporated into Tibetan medical education and practice, including the common technique of using needles heated by incense, called moxibustion. In addition, the system of solid and hollow organs adapted by Tibetans serves as an introduction to Chinese theories of health through balance, and helps reveal the extent to which these two great traditions share the timeless wisdom and arts of self-healing.
Tibetan Medicine and Mental Health
November 17
Time: 7-9pm
TBA
In Tibetan medicine, the ultimate causes of disease are mental habits of alienation, attachment and anger, which imbalance the life process and reinforce disease-prone lifestyles. This evening's lecture will present an overview of how the comprehensive system of Indo-Tibetan yoga and meditation promotes stress-protection, self-healing and rejuvenation, and helps tap the elixir of freedom and happiness.
Self-Healing and Visualization in the Indo-Tibetan Tradition
November 18
Time: 10am -12:30pm; 2-4:30pm
A Workshop
The morning session of this all-day workshop will feature a panel discussion by Dr. Loizzo, Pratima Raichur and a Tibetan medical practitioner exploring the commonalties between Ayurvedic and Tibetan medical approaches to physical health and mental well-being.
During the afternoon session, the Gomang monks will explain some of the principles and demonstrate some of the techniques involved in the construction of the Medicine Buddha sand mandala they are creating for the Tibet House museum, and Dr. Loizzo will introduce and lead a guided visualization of the Medicine Buddha mandala. The workshop will conclude with a ceremony by the Gomang monks consecrating the mandala.
