Shang Shung Institute in America News
Shang Shung Institute in America Fall Semester Programs
Tibetan Medicine Program


In September, Shang Shung Institute in America inaugurated its Fall Semester courses in Tibetan medicine as part of a newly developed four- year curriculum designed by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, the Director of the Tibetan medicine department. Five strong candidates were selected as the first cohort to begin the intensive training to take place over the next eight semesters. They are Joey Mella, a student at Hampshire College; Malcolm Smith, a translator and also Tibetan language instructor in the program; Matthew Schmookler from Berkeley, California; Anasuya Weil; and Mira Weil, a massage therapist from Williamsburg, MA. The Institute is currently accepting applications for the next cohort to begin the program.

During their first semester, students will study KuNye Massage, Tibetan Medical History, the Root of Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan medical anatomy, a clinical observation, in addition to complementary studies in Tibetan culture and language for a total of 320 hours. A full program description and course outline can be seen on the Institute’s US website at http://www.shangshung.org.

Three of the five students are living in the Tsegyalgar dorm by special arrangement with the Dzogchen Community of America, which has collaborated with the Institute to create an affordable option for students relocating to the Conway, MA area to attend the four-year program.

Lhajeh (Dr.) Phuntsog Wangmo received her advanced degree from the Lhasa University School of Traditional Medicine in 1988. Between 1996-2002 she was the A.S.I.A. project coordinator in Tibet for the development of Gamthog Hospital in collaboration with expatriate personnel as well as the overall health coordinator and practitioner of traditional Tibetan medicine supervising health activities through out the surrounding region of Chamdo Perfecture. Prior to 1996, she was on the faculty of Shang Shung Institute in Italy where she gave numerous seminars and conference presentations on Tibetan medicine. Dr. Wangmo has been in residence at the Shang Shung Institute in America since May 2001

Introduction to Classical Tibetan Open to the Public
Monday afternoons, 1:30-3:30; twelve weeks beginning Sept 26th.
Tuition: $180.00

As part of the Tibetan Medicine program, Malcolm Smith will offer an introduction to the grammar of classical Tibetan. In this course, participants will cover the basic grammar of classical Tibetan, focusing on developing reading and spelling skills as a preparation for intermediate and advanced courses in classical and colloquial Tibetan language at the Shang Shung Institute in America. This course is invaluable for anyone who wishes to deepen their knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, language and culture.

Malcolm Smith has studied the Tibetan language since 1990, and has been granted the Kazhipa and Loppon degrees by the Sakya Institute of Buddhist Studies. He is a lead participant on several translation projects, and has been associated with Shang Shung Institute since 2002.

Recommended Text: "Introduction to the Grammar of the Tibetan Language" by Das

New courses are being developed in Tibetan cultural studies through out the year including several modules on Tibetan medicine topics that will be available for students not yet ready to commit to the full four—year program in Tibetan medicine. To receive the most updated program listings or to inquire about the current programs, contact:

Contact:

The Shang Shung Institute
at Tsegyalgar
18 Schoolhouse Road
Conway, MA 01341
(413) 369-4928
email: will@shangshung.org

(Photos by Naomi Zeitz, 2005)