Significance of Buddhism in Tibetan Medicine

Tibetan medicine developed in Tibet and is also popular in central Asia. It is a form of medicine based o­n the teachings of Buddha and, thus, Buddhism has had a large influence o­n Tibetan medicine. The principles of Tibetan medicine began developing before Buddhism entered Tibet. However, by the time the Tibetan medicine was codified in the 11th century, Buddhist philosophy was the underlying perspective for medicine, particularly with respect to the understanding of health and illness.

Buddhism teaches about the Four Noble Truths, o­ne of which is the truth of suffering, or the idea that suffering is part of evolution and o­ne’s life. Disease and its symptoms arise out of the relationship between mind and body. Buddhist teachings and Tibetan medicine do not focus o­n the physical manifestations of disease. Instead, it is necessary to recognize and alleviate negative emotions in conjunction with medicine, diet, and other physical therapies.

Buddhism explains the root of all suffering with the principle that all suffering and, therefore, all disease, is the product of o­ne’s ignorance. In order to be free from disease and suffering, it is necessary to be free from ignorance. Tibetan medicine encourages people to understand the physical, psychological, and spiritual effects of their actions and emotions. It is by addressing all facets of the human existence that o­ne can become healthy.

Buddha’s teachings also addressed medical practitioners, creating a special status for physicians. The process of saving a life using love and compassion, which Buddhism sees as the foundation of moral discipline, is a powerful component to attain enlightenment. Medical practitioners use the principles of Buddhism in Tibetan medicine to help individuals achieve full health, or lack of suffering.

Tibetan medicine is not a purely spiritual field, nor is it a purely scientific field. Instead, it harmonizes the different aspects of o­ne’s life and addresses all the causes of disease, using Buddhist principles to guide the medical practice.