The Healing Heuristic of the Medicine Buddha in Bhutan
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Methodology
3. Vajrayana Buddhism, Medicine Buddha, and Bhutan
3.1. Intersection of Medicine Buddha and Mindfulness Practice
3.2. Body, Speech, and Mind
3.3. Origins of Medicine Buddha
3.4. The Healthcare System in Bhutan
3.5. Two Strands of Nurse Education in Bhutan
“While these topics can certainly enhance the holistic care provided to patients, there may be a belief that nurses can learn these topics through continuing education or professional development rather than being integrated into formal academic programs.”(Dema, Medical Superintendent at JDWNRH, 2022)
“Different nursing programs may have varying educational philosophies and priorities. Some programs may place a greater emphasis on holistic care and integrative therapies, including Meditation and Healing, while others may prioritize a more traditional biomedical approach. The prominence of these subjects can therefore vary depending on the educational institution and its curriculum.”(Deki, Registry and Lecturer at KGUMSB, 2022)
4. The Medicine Buddha in Nursing Practice
“During this practice, visualize blue rays emanating from the Paradise of Medicine Buddha in the east, radiating to the practitioner’s heart, blessing them with compassionate eyes. Imagine these rays multiplying into thousand rainbow colors, healing both oneself and all sentient beings. In treatment, visualize diseases being healed by rays of light, akin to frost melting under the sun’s warmth.”
“Sorig Zheney (gso rig gzhi gnas) mindfulness, rooted in Medicine Buddha and Buddhist tradition, incorporates unique elements such as understanding subtle energy channels and employing healing sounds during meditation.”
“If we consider the invocation of Medicine Buddha and other healing deities, it can significantly impact treatment methods. Though I’m not an accomplished meditator, I have completed my preliminary practices. I recite the mantras of Medicine Buddha daily,”
“Every task I undertake becomes an opportunity for mindfulness. When administering medication, for instance, I remain fully present, mindful of the dosage, its recipient, and the purpose behind the treatment [Mindfulness of the Medicine Buddha is fundamental to skill set; it forms the backbone of the nurse’s practice], without mindfulness, even seemingly routine procedures can impact a patient’s anatomical structure. I prioritize mindfulness in every aspect of my work.”
“I tell the patients that this practice is not for the enlightenment. Its purpose is to cope with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress that people go through. We teach them basic preliminary practices of mindfulness meditation.”
“Whatever medication, may it become medicine to heal, Whatever I practice, may it be beneficial, and Whatever I say may it become clairvoyance. May all the patient I treat to benefit from the outcome of the practice and be free from the pain and suffering.”
“From Sorig Zheney and Luejong, I learned mindfulness meditation and yoga practices. They taught us 32 steps designed to address mental health issues and manage physical pain through yoga. This program was incredibly beneficial not only for me as a nurse but also for my well-being. I was surprised to discover how the practice of medicine Buddha offers powerful tools beyond conventional prescriptions. The primary goal was to calm the mind and focus on breathing. The yoga techniques were tailored to the specific types of physical pain experienced by patients.”
“Although I am not an expert meditator, I have diligently completed preliminary practices and chant mantras of the medicinal Buddha daily to benefit my patients. So far, there haven’t been any complaints that my treatment method has not benefitted my patients.”
“Once, while I was on tour, my patient visited another senior specialist (I prefer not to mention his full name). The Drungtsho prescribed the same medication I had been giving to my patient. When the patient returned for a follow-up, she couldn’t see me and had to consult the same Drungtsho again. She requested that Drungtsho provide the same medication she had previously received from me. The patient noted that the medication the senior specialist Drungtsho prescribed wasn’t as effective as the one she had been taking before. Drungtsho dismissed her concerns, insisting that it was the same medication. This experience highlighted to me the significant role that meditation and mantras play in the work of health professionals like me. From my experience, I believe that meditative contemplation on the medicinal Buddha brings immense blessings and benefits.”
“Mindfulness Medicine Buddha is essential for me as a nurse and an individual. It keeps my mind peaceful and calm. When I feel stressed, a bit of mindfulness practice significantly reduces my stress and soothes my mind. This practice not only alleviates work-related stress but also brings ease to my body and tranquility to my mind. Additionally, practicing with the Medicine Buddha provides me with a deep sense of inner joy, blessing, and energy. I also use this practice to visualize the Medicine Buddha bestowing healing blessings upon my patients.”
“Practicing Medicine Buddha mindfulness has enhanced my communication skills, including active listening and empathetic responses. It has also improved my relationships with patients, fostering trust and contributing to effective care coordination. A core principle of nursing practice is compassion. For instance, during labor, I draw on my own experiences as a mother to empathize with patients, which helps me provide more supportive care during childbirth.”
“I usually pray every morning and chant the Medicine Buddha mantra. This daily practice feels very beneficial. When it comes to mindfulness meditation, I engage in it seriously once or twice a year. While lying in bed, I focus on the Medicine Buddha. Whenever I administer medicine to a patient, I silently pray and visualize the Medicine Buddha, hoping the medicine will help the patient with his blessings.”
“My practice is grounded in the teachings I have received from spiritual and religious masters. This practice enhances my ability to understand my patients with genuine compassion. My work is guided by spiritual and religious teachings, particularly the vision of the Bodhisattva. To truly help others, one must cultivate a heart of love and compassion, which can be developed through mindfulness meditation. I feel fortunate to have been born in Bhutan, where the Buddha Dharma is thriving, and I am grateful to apply these teachings in my professional life.”
“Before practicing Medicine Buddha, I wasn’t as compassionate as today. But now, I am more empathetic and relate to the suffering of the patients. I become more optimistic while delivering the service. It is easier for me to understand the patient’s problems. It helps me to build a good rapport with patients with my genuine heart of love and compassion.”
“Being fully present with our patients allows us to give them our undivided attention and demonstrate genuine empathy. This presence helps build a trusting and compassionate relationship, enhancing the patient’s sense of comfort and well-being.”
“I used to meditate with great Buddhist masters to explore my inner self, examining my mind to see if I could attain greater focus. This practice is typically done before or during prayer to contemplate the mind and develop Bodhicitta awareness. In Buddhism, mindfulness is not just about self-awareness; it also involves cultivating self-compassion and compassion for others, which we refer to as Jangchup Sem (The Bodhicitta mind), the mindset of the Bodhisattva (the compassionate ones). However, the Western interpretation of mindfulness has diverged significantly from its Buddhist roots. While mindfulness in the West is often used as a therapeutic tool for managing anxiety or depression, Buddhist mindfulness encompasses much more than just a treatment approach.”
“Mindfulness has transformed my perception, allowing me to view life differently. The mind is incredibly powerful, and its influence on my way of life is profound, regardless of the circumstances. Through mindfulness, I have developed resilience to cope with challenges, becoming more mindful and attentive in both my personal and professional life.”
“When I practice Medicine Buddha mindfulness, everything feels effortless and gentle when the mind is at peace, like a feather floating on water. This inner tranquility brings me immense satisfaction and happiness, helping me balance family life and work. I can focus on one task without being overwhelmed by other concerns. Even in a hospital setting, mindfulness enhances my focus while providing care, managing diseases, and handling medications. It improves my interactions with colleagues, allowing me to offer higher-quality care to patients, who benefit from this improved approach.”
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Andrews, Molly, Corrine Squire, and Maria Tamboukou. 2013. Doing Narrative Research. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. [Google Scholar]
- Bruner, Edward M. 1986. Experience and its expressions. In The Anthropology of Experience. Edited by Victor W. Turner and Edward M. Bruner. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, pp. 3–30. [Google Scholar]
- Connelly, F. Michael, and D. Jean Clandinin. 1990. Stories of experience and narrative inquiry. Educational Researcher 19: 2–14. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Dorji, Pema, and P. Morisco. 1989. An Introduction to Traditional Medicine in Bhutan; Thimphu: National Institutes for Traditional Medicines, Ministry of Health and Education.
- Dowrick, Peter. 2017. Self model theory: Learning from the future. Cognitive Science 3: 215–30. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Faculty of Traditional Medicine. 2021. Annual Report 2013–2014. Thimphu: Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan. [Google Scholar]
- Garrett, Frances. 2006. Buddhism and the Historicising of Medicine in Thirteenth-century Tibet. Asian Medicine 2: 204–24. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- King, Sallie Behn. 2014. The Buddha nature: True self as action. Religious Studies 20: 255–67. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lhamo, Namgay, and Sabine Nebel. 2011. Perceptions and attitudes of Bhutanese people on Sowa Rigpa, traditional Bhutanese medicine: A preliminary study from Thimphu. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 7: 3–9. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Merriam, Sharan B., and Elizabeth J. Tisdell. 2015. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. [Google Scholar]
- Metzinger, Thomas. 2003. Phenomenal transparency and cognitive self-reference. Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences 2: 353–93. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ministry of Health. 2011. National Health Policy; Thimphu: Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan.
- Phuntsho, Ugyen. 2022. Oral Interview at the Institute of Traditional Medicine Hospital, Kawa Jangsa Thimphu, Bhutan. November 17. [Google Scholar]
- Ray, Reginald A. 2002. Secret of the Vajra World: The Tantric Buddhism of Tibet. Boston: Shambhala Publications. [Google Scholar]
- Riessman, Catherine Kohler. 1993. Narrative Analysis. Newbury Park: Sage. [Google Scholar]
- Riessman, Catherine Kohler. 2008. Narrative Methods for the Human Sciences. Thousand Oaks: Sage. [Google Scholar]
- Suzuki, Yui. 2011. Medicine Master Buddha: The Iconic Worship of Yakushi in Heian Japan. Leiden: Brill, vol. 3. [Google Scholar]
- Thành, Minh, and P. D. Leigh. 2001. Sutra of the Medicine Buddha. North Hills: International Buddhist Monastic Institute. [Google Scholar]
- Thinley, Sangay, Pandup Tshering, Kinzang Wangmo, N. Wangchuk, Tandin Dorji, T. Tobgay, and J. Sharma. 2017. The Kingdom of Bhutan health system review. Health Systems in Transition 7. Available online: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/255701 (accessed on 21 August 2024).
- Thrangu, Khenchen. 2004. Essentials of Mahamudra: Looking Directly at the Mind. Summerville: Wisdom Publications. [Google Scholar]
- Tshering, Dorji. 2022. Health Financing for Universal Health Coverage in Bhutan: A Literature Review. Master’s thesis, Royal Tropical Institute & Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. [Google Scholar]
- Ugyen, Karma. 2022. Oral Interview at the Institute of Traditional Medicine Hospital, Kawa Jangsa Thimphu, Bhutan. November 17. [Google Scholar]
- Wangchuk, Phurpa, and Tashi. 2016. Quality assurance of the university medical education, hospital services and traditional pharmaceutical products of the Bhutanese So-wa-rig-pa health care system. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 16: 283. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wangchuk, Phurpa, Tempa Gyeltshen, and Tashi Tobgay. 2016. Bhutanese Traditional Medical Education. In Education in Bhutan. Education in the Asia-Pacific Region: Issues, Concerns and Prospects. Edited by Matthew J. Schuelka and Tom W. Maxwell. Singapore: Springer, vol. 36. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zopa, Lama. 2009. Teachings from the Medicine Buddha Retreat. Lincoln: Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. [Google Scholar]
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Chophel, K.; Smith, S.E.; Mason, J. The Healing Heuristic of the Medicine Buddha in Bhutan. Religions 2024, 15, 1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15091042
Chophel K, Smith SE, Mason J. The Healing Heuristic of the Medicine Buddha in Bhutan. Religions. 2024; 15(9):1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15091042
Chicago/Turabian StyleChophel, Kunzang, Sue Erica Smith, and Jon Mason. 2024. "The Healing Heuristic of the Medicine Buddha in Bhutan" Religions 15, no. 9: 1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15091042