First International Congress On Tibetan Medicine

The following article is from the Spring, 1998 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here.

 

Revealing the Art of the Medicine Buddha

November 7-9, 1998; Washington, D.C., USA

images

A three-day international congress, to initiate a dialogue between traditional Tibetan Medicine and Western Science, will be convened in Washington, DC on November 7-9, 1998. This will be the first world congress dedicated specifically to Tibetan Medicine.

The Tibetan system ranks among the oldest continuously used medical systems in the world. As one of Asia's most important and successful medical traditions, Tibetan medicine has yet to take its place in the history of medicine, and could contribute significantly to our expanding understanding of health and healing.

The International Congress on Tibetan Medicine will provide, for the first time, a global forum for:

  • Practitioners of traditional Tibetan medicine from around the world to compare their diverse practices, methodology, and adaptations
  • The presentation of the latest research initiatives
  • Serious dialogue between traditional Tibetan medical practitioners and Western scholars, scientists and clinicians
  • Establishing biodiversity and medicinal plant conservation programs in the Himalayan regions
  • Identifying and establishing future research and international action plans.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will open the proceedings with teachings on the Medicine Buddha. The Plenary session will include prominent guest speakers.

Breakout sessions will be organized around six main sections:

  1. Traditional Tibetan Medicine: its Status and Practice
  2. Reports on Current Clinical and Scientific Research
  3. Methodology and Translation of Tibetan Medical Texts and Terminology
  4. Mind/Body Relationship and Mental Health in Tibetan Medicine
  5. Tibetan Medicine and Environmental Threats
  6. The Spiritual Teachings of the Medicine Buddha

Throughout the Congress there will be film and slide presentations, the creation of a Medicine Buddha sand mandala, information booths, book sales, and demonstrations of the practice and art of Tibetan medicine. Audio clips and selected text shall be made available on the World Wide Web with supporting interactive chatrooms.

Continuing Medical Education credits (CME) will be available through George Washington University Medical School.

The Congress is organized and managed by Pro-Cultura, Inc. with assistance from the Conservancy for Tibetan Art and Culture.

For more information please check our Web Site at:

www.tibetmedicine.org Registration Information at:

1-800-805-3976.