Shang Shung Institute of America Newsletter

A Rare Visit from an Eminent Tibetan Medicine Scholar

2008-10-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Free Public Lecture:
Thursday, December 4th, 4 - 6 pm
Paino Lecture Hall, Earth and Science Building, Amherst College

A free public lecture and weekend workshop at Amherst College with Dr. Lhusham Gyal, a prominent Tibetan Scholar visiting from the Tibetan Medical College of Qinghai University in Tibet. Dr. Lusham Gyal is currently Dean and Associate Professor of the Qinghai University's Tibetan Medical College. His visit to Western Massachusetts is a rare window of opportunity for all levels of interest to learn practical Tibetan Medical knowledge from a highly skilled scholar of Tibetan Medicine.

Transporting the Elixir: A Look at Tibetan Medicine Inside Tibet

Tibetan Medicine is one of the most ancient practices of healing known to humanity, dating back nearly 4,000 years. Until quite recently this ancient wisdom was practiced throughout Tibet virtually unchanged, its knowledge handed down through generations of lay and monastic doctors. Today, carried by the Tibetan diaspora, practices of this ancient healing wisdom are being offered in the West as an alternative to mainstream medical practices.

As a result, Westerners have begun to adopt it as a complementary medicine, but how is Tibetan Medicine practiced in its native homeland today, especially given China’s economic development over the past 30 years? What are the strengths and cultural constraints that could influence this practice’s effectiveness?

This talk is co-sponsored by the department of Asian Languages & Civilizations, Amherst College, and the Shang Shung Institute.

Weekend Workshop:
Friday, December 5th, 4 - 6pm
Saturday and Sunday, December 6th - 7th, 9:30am - 12:30pm & 2 - 5pm
Paino Lecture Hall, Earth and Science Building, Amherst College
Cost: $110 for whole weekend / $60 per day for Saturday or Sunday, includes Friday (20% discount for students)

Foods and Gems: Tibet's Wealth of Practical Prevention for Modern Daily Life

In this workshop Dr. Lusham Gyal will present the healing properties of common foods and gems as taught in Tibetan Medicine. Emphasis will be put on how to use both foods and gems in simple everyday ways to protect and balance the health. Friday will be an introduction to the workshop; on Saturday we will focus on nutrition and on Sunday on precious gemstones and metals.

Saturday, December 6th:

In Tibetan Medicine diet is considered the foundation for both maintaining health and treating imbalances. It is understood that each individual food has a differing level of the five elements. Every type of grain, meat, dairy product, vegetable and fruit can be analyzed individually based on its specific composition of the five elements and how it will effect the five elements of the human body. With this knowledge, the relationship of these two can be brought to a perfect balance. The result is a properly functioning digestive system, the ultimate means of a long and healthy life. This topic will provide essential information on what foods to eat based on ones individual condition and the season.

Sunday, December 7th:

Likewise, Gems are one of the eight medicinal substances in Tibetan Medicine. In Tibetan culture jewelry is very important. In part, jewelry is worn to decorate and beautify. It is also used to display social status. However, the origins for wearing gems comes from its application in medicine. Traditionally gems were worn on specific points to help restore the health, for preventative measures, and to protect against negativities. This topic will offer simple ways to use jewelry and gems in everday life based on ones individual health needs.

For more information or to register for the workshop, please call (413) 369 - 4928 or visit: www.shangshung.org
For a map of the college please visit: www.amherst.edu/map/index.html

Tibetan Medicine Monthly Talks

2008-08-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Tibetan Medicine Monthly Talks
With Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
first Friday of each month in Northampton, MA, at the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center

Seasonal Diets

Friday, September 5th, 7 - 9pm

In Tibetan Medicine it is not considered that there is one diet that is good for everybody. In order to know what diet will benefit a person, the Tibetan physician will take into consideration the persons age, constitution, living environment, lifestyle and other specific conditions of the individual. One key factor for understanding an appropriate diet is the influence of the seasons. Based on the particular elements of each season different foods should be eaten to maintain good health.

Aging in Good Health

Friday, October 3rd, 7 - 9pm

Every human wants to live a long and healthy life, but there are many factors that effect this possibility. In Tibetan Medicine the two main ways of staying healthy through old age are ones diet and lifestyle. In this talk, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will discuss this understanding and give key tips on how to maintain good health in the aging process.

Pediatrics in Tibetan Medicine

Friday, November 7th, 7 -9pm

Tibetan Medicine has many unique and practical methods of caring for infants and children. This talk will provide a basic background of this topic and offer everybody some helpful knowledge to support the health of children.

Recommended donation of $15 per talk. Limited space available. Please RSVP for each talk by emailing matt@shangshung.org or by calling (413) 585-1081. Address: Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center, Central Chambers Building,16 Center St. Suite 323, Northampton, MA 01060.

Ask about our free introductory massage offer!

"Tibetan Medicine in America: 2008 Symposium of Tibetan Medicine

2008-06-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

“Tibetan Medicine in America”: the 2008 Symposium of Tibetan Medicine.

This June 13th through 15th, the American Tibetan Medical Association(ATMA) hosted its debut public event, “Tibetan Medicine in America”: 2008 Symposium of Tibetan Medicine. The symposium was co-sponsored by the Shang Shung International Institute for Tibetan Studies, USA, and the local university of Amherst College. This unique event was held in two of the stately lecture halls of Amherst College, in Amherst Massachusetts. The symposium was made possible largely due to the inspiration of Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, president of the board of ATMA and director of the Shang Shung Institute School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine; also by the invaluable efforts of Paola Zamperini, President of the board of the Shang Shung International Institute for Tibetan Studies, USA, and professor of Asian Languages and Civilizations at Amherst College. After much hard work, the circumstances for the symposium arose favorably; the auspiciousness of the event greatly increased when our precious master Chogyal Namkhai Norbu graciously accepted to personally inaugurate the event.
The symposium participants consisted of numerous Tibetan physicians, including the guest keynote presenters as well as physicians residing in the local region, Tibetan medical students of the Shang Shung Institute, members of the academic community from across the country, and interested people of the local community.
Chogyal Namkhai Norbu inaugurated the symposium with an opening keynote address. He described the ancient roots of Tibetan culture in the kingdom of Shang Shung, and the necessity to protect Tibetan knowledge and culture today. He encouraged the participants to utilize the opportunity to learn from traditional Tibetan physicians, who carry the valuable ancient knowledge of the Tibetan Healing Science.
In the following two days the keynote speakers delivered presentations on topics of traditional Tibetan Medicine, and its current situation throughout the world. The guest speakers consisted of Tibetan physicians trained in the traditional Tibetan Healing Science both in Tibet and India. All of the presenters had extensive experience with their specialized practice of medicine, as well as with teaching and practicing abroad in countries beyond their homeland.
Dr. Yang ga, professor at the Tibetan Medicine Institute of Lhasa and board member of ATMA, presented from his current PHD research on the historical precedent of the traditional texts of the Tibetan Healing Science lineage. Dr. Kunchok Gyaltsen, doctoral student at the UCLA School of Public Health and current board member of ATMA, demonstrated the fundamental theory of the Tibetan Medicine system. He also shared his broad experience in teaching and applying Tibetan Medicine among diverse groups of patients and medical professionals, from the far East to the far West.
The presentations continued with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, graduate of the Tibetan Medicine Institute of Lhasa. Citing the classic Tibetan Healing Science Text, “Remaining Free from Disease”, Dr. Wangmo lectured on vital themes such as seasonal and dietary considerations for maintaining health and wellness. These topics were further expounded by Dr. Yangdron Kalsang, graduate of the Tibetan Medicine Institute of Lhasa, the Five Branches Acupuncture Institute in Santa Cruz California, and current board member of ATMA. Dr. Kalsang offered health tips and lifestyle guidelines for modern living, from the Tibetan medical perspective.
Dr. Tenzin Dakpa, current instructor at the Shang Shung School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, provided a thorough account of the current situation of Tibetan medicine in India, and described in detail the curriculum for contemporary students at Men Tsi Khang University in Dharamsala, the largest school of Tibetan medicine and astrology outside of Tibet. Dr. Yangbum Gyal described the current condition of Tibetan Medicine inside Tibet, presenting the successes and the challenges facing modern practitioners. Dr. Tashi Rabten lectured on the opportunities and challenges of practicing Tibetan medicine in the United States, insightfully recounting his experience in the context of modern urban communities in America.
The keynote presentations of the symposium provided clear insight into the world-wide Diaspora of the Tibetan Healing Science, its burgeoning seeds across the modern world, and its role in modern society. Tibetan medicine has endured for so many centuries as a highly regarded science of healing. However today Tibetan medicine faces modern challenges. It must maintain the integrity of its ancient tradition, while adapting to share its rich benefits around the world of today. Through the works of the American Tibetan Medical Association(ATMA), and other groups, Tibetan physicians world-wide are beginning to collaborate to continue the authentic lineage of the Tibetan Healing Science, and secure its legal protection and precedence in the United States.
For the fortunate medical students of the Shang Shung Institute, the symposium was an unprecedented privilege to learn from these eminent physicians of renowned lineage. The physicians shared with the students moving accounts of their personal experience. They described their reverence for their teachers above them, their exhaustive studies and rigorous training. They shared their individual practice, innovative research, as well as their experience within the United States. These laudable senior physicians reiterated the pivotal role of the students in perpetuating the authentic Tibetan Healing Science, and their continuing support in that work. Thus the Shang Shung Institute Tibetan medical students, representative of many different nations, developed their global perspective on the contemporary situation of the Tibetan Healing Science, and were greatly inspired in their pursuit of this dynamic medical lineage.
Thanks to the dedicated work and generous contributions of the sponsors, organizers, symposium volunteers, and of course the continual support and blessings of Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, “Tibetan Medicine in America” was a complete success. The Tibetan Healing Science lineage is rooted in thousands of years of history. Compared to this root, its seeds here in the West are tiny young sprouts. But as one keynote guest observed, America is the Land of Opportunity. In this fertile soil, Tibetan medicine is free to develop, to continue its ancient lineage for the benefit of people today, and for all beings.

Tibetan Kunye Massage Level II

2008-06-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Tibetan Kunye Massage Level II
with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo

July 17th – 20th, 2008
Fee: $380

Starts Thursday evening and meets all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

Kunye Level second consists of:
• How to massage the points
• How to apply the oils
• Kunye massage indicated for healthy people
• Kunye massage indicated for sick people
• Kunye massage for neurological disorders
• Kunye massage for muscular problems
• Kunye massage for people with mental disorders
• How to massage points related to internal organs
• The medical properties of the application of hot and cold compresses and stones, their use and benefits

Summer Intensive Cours: Moxibustion

2008-04-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

with Dr. Tanzin Dargye

June 7th – 9th, 2008
Fee: $225

This introductory course in moxibustion meets Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 8:30 am -12:30 pm & 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Shang Shung Institute on 18 Schoolhouse Rd., Conway, MA 01341.

The course is led by Dr. Tanzin Dargye. A graduate of the Tibetan Medical School in Lhasa, Dr. Tanzin Dargye has taught at the University of Lhasa and has instructed physicians in a hospital in Southern Tibet.

Moxibustion is a method of curing disease by applying heat to specific points on the body, and is one of the most important treatments in Tibetan Medicine. In Tibetan, moxibustion is called Me bRtsa, Me meaning fire and bRtsa meaning to burn. Moxibustion treats disease by applying heated herbs, oils and/or minerals to specific points on the body. Depending on the disease various degrees of heat are applied. These are mainly classified as warming, cooking and burning. The root text of Tibetan Medicine describes 72 points to which heat can be applied, although additional texts describe many more. Moxibustion primarily treats what Tibetan Medicine classifies as cold natured diseases. These include: indigestion, cancer and tumors, nerve problems, lymphatic problems, depression, amnesia, and many other illnesses.

For more information please call (413) 369-4928 or email secretary@shangshung.org.

To learn more about the Shang Shung Institute and register online, visit http://www.shangshung.org.

Words from International Shang Shung Institute founder, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2008-04-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

Spoken in Merigar, November 3rd, 2007, during the Shang Shung Lottery extraction, at the end of the Chang Chog of Namcho Shitro Retreat:
"I want to say people of the Shang Shung Institute are working very well and I want to say thank you very much. Because it is something important, Shang Shung Institute and our organization of ASIA, because each of these organizations, there is a very precise aim for realizing something. You know, the Dzogchen Community is more community for spirituual field and they are more interested in the teachings and practice, but then if we are interested in teachings, we must understand from where teachings are coming, until today who maintained these teachings, (kept them) alive. Most of the field of teachings is Tibet. For example, we say in ancient time from India, Oddiyana, Shambhala, etc., but everything is history today. All teachings, Sutra, Tantra, Dzogchen, etc., ancient texts, for example, at that period, were translated in Tibet, and in Tibet, they are alive until today. so we must maintain Tibetans, Tibetan culture, and spiritual knowledge. The base we are supporting. And doing like Shang Shung Institute and ASIA, is for that reason. So, they are working very hard, and, also, I want to say to all people try to understand, and to collaborate."

Medicine Buddha Empowerment by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

2008-04-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has very kindly accepted the Shang Shung Institute’s request to give a Medicine Buddha Empowerment, to promote health and well being among practitioners. This will happen during the course of the retreat scheduled for early June 1st from 5-6pm at Tsegyalgar East in Conway, MA.

Shang Shung Institute continues to offer intensive courses in Tibetan Medicine to interested participants. The intensive courses provide an opportunity to study and learn Tibetan Medicine from qualified Doctors on subjects including Tibetan massage, astrology, herbal medicine, mental illness, and other key subjects which are part of this healing science.

Tibetan Medicine Symposium

2008-04-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

The American Branch of Shang Shung Institute is planning a Tibetan Medicine Symposium, to be held on June 13th – 15th, 2008, in Conway, Massachusetts. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has kindly agreed to be the keynote speaker at the symposium.More details (venue, times, and soon) will be released closer to the symposium date. The conference will be open to the public, and all scholars, students, and practitioners of Tibetan medicine are welcome to participate.

New Faculty at the Tibetan Medicine School

2008-04-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Institute has been working to have a new Tibetan Doctor join the faculty of the Tibetan Medicine Four Year Program, and we are very fortunate to have Dr. Tenzin Dakpa joining us. He comes to the Institute highly qualified in Tibetan Medicine. The Institute will send out a formal announcement on the new teacher and his education and background in the field of Tibetan Medicine in the coming posts.

Personal Experiences in the Shang Shung Institute

2008-04-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, I met the Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for the first time and it was destiny that brought me from my work as a nurse to being the secretary at the Shang shung Institute in Italy

Thanks to this fabulous opportunity, and the kind international staff working with me, I have discovered the main point of the Shang Shung Institute: the transmission, and supporting that through the physical diffusion of the Master’s wisdom (book, audiovisual materials, arranging courses, and so on) for the welfare and wellbeing of the spirit, as well as the body, of all human beings.

The second point is that Shang Shung brings the Dzogchen Teachings to all students of the Dharma, and to all people who are interested in becoming a practitioner. This is why Shang Shung Institute works so hard to realize many projects such as editing new books, organising courses in Varja Dance, Yantra Yoga, Tibetan language and translation, Tibetan medicine, and Santi Maha Sangha Training. We also participate in the Master’s retreats, where we offer our products for sale. Yet there are many projects and objectives for the future still to be realized by Shang Shung. So many good ideas come out every day in the office, or during each meeting, when we discuss together, and try to understand, how we can become more useful for practitioners and meet their pressing, and more ongoing, needs, how we can better work together for the preservation and continuation of the Dzogchen teachings and Tibetan culture, now, and in the future.
I’m not alone. All around me, and ready to help, are the members of the Shang Shung Staff. Full of young, and more experienced, people working in many areas, you can feel, here, an atmosphere full of collaboration, tolerance, openness, and relaxed attitudes. Clime and I share the perception that everyone on the staff comes to the office every day with a strong motivation and intention to give their best.
I see this Institute as a small baby ... slowly, slowly, we are growing, calmly and with patience, learning to walk, and each step is success for us, a nice present, and a good sign of our efficient work. It is for this reason that I hope that all the members of the International Dzogchen Community will join us, and help us to increase an develop,
and to accomplish, all of our tasks.
Tashi Delegs,
Luisa Velasco Luna

Supporting the Shang Shung Institute Through Membership

2008-04-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

It began more than 4000 years ago in Shang Shung, the first kingdom of the land that would later become known as
Tibet. We are fortunate for the heritage that has come to us today in all its beauty and complexity. The International Shang Shung Institute is committed to the preservation of this vast and significant body of knowledge. All of our activities aim to sustain the unique culture and understanding of the Tibetan people, and keep the essential values of these traditions alive and thriving. Founded in 1989 by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the International Shang Shung Institute promotes various initiatives for the preservation and diffusion of knowledge related to Tibet, past and present; from expertise and instruction on various aspects of Tibetan culture to the production of a
variety of items related to Tibetan teachings. Its staff is composed of people from all nationalities – Tibetan, Indian, Italian, and Austrian
– and from all walks of life, with 30 years of lived experience in dealing with Tibetan wisdom. For many years now we have been working on several large projects. They are all equally important and cover a wide range of Tibetan knowledge. Here are
some examples of our activities:
• the programs in Tibetan Medicine
• the translation work of ancient texts of wisdom (Ka-ter Translation Project)
• the preservation of the Teachings of Tibetan Masters
• the work on the immense archive
• the work on publications of books and practice materials such as DVDs, CDs and MP3s
By joining us as a member you will prove your interest in Tibetan culture and your commitment to preserve it for future generations. Your concrete support will help us ensure that the wisdom and knowledge of such a rare and unique civilization will not be further endangered.
There are four levels of membership:
Preliminary membership:
5 Euros or $ 7
This is a limited form of membership, and a mandatory requirement to purchase any of the products offered by Shang Shung Institute. The membership lasts from your first purchase until December 31st of the same year, and is
not renewed automatically. Please note access to the web shop of Shang Shung Institute is already included in membership to the International Dzogchen Community.

Ordinary membership:
50 Euro or US $ 70
This membership lasts from your payment of the membership fee until December 31st of the same year, and
is not renewed automatically. Ordinary members have the right to attend the annual general assembly of members. In addition, each ordinary member receives:
• a crystal with the logo of Shang Shung Institute printed inside
or a calendar with photos from Tibet produced by Shang Shung Institute
or choose one item, free from our web shop – a CD, DVD or book, produced by either SSI or Shang Shung Editions;
• a fine quality ballpoint pen inscribed with the name Shang Shung Institute;
• free mailing of these gifts anywhere in the world;
• full access to our web shop.

Sustaining membership:
108 Euro or US $160
This membership lasts from your payment of the membership fee until December 31st of the same year, and is not renewed automatically. Sustaining members have the right to attend the annual general assembly of members. In addition, each sustaining member receives:
• a crystal with the logo of Shang Shung Institute printed inside
or a calendar with photos from Tibet produced by Shang Shung Institute;
• choose one item, free from our web shop – a CD, DVD, or book, produced by either SSI or Shang Shung Editions;
• a fine quality ballpoint pen inscribed with the name Shang Shung Institute;
• free mailing of these gifts anywhere in the world;
• full access to our web shop.

Meritorious membership:
360 Euro or US $ 500
This membership lasts from your payment of the membership fee until December 31st of the same year, and is not renewed
automatically. Meritorious members have the right to attend the annual general assembly of members.
In addition, each meritorious member receives:
• a 10% discount on all courses and seminars of the ISSI;
• a crystal with the logo of Shang Shung Institute printed inside,
or a calendar with photos from Tibet produced by Shang Shung Institute;
• a crystal with the Tibetan letter A printed inside;
• choose two items, free from our web shop– CDs, DVDs, or books, produced by either SSI or Shang Shung Editions;
• a fine quality ballpoint pen inscribed with the name Shang Shung Institute;
• a calculator of the Shang Shung Institute;
• free mailing of these gifts anywhere in the world;
• full access to our web shop.
Thank you
for your support!
You can become a member, or renew for 2008, on our website www.shangshunginstitute.org
(the prices in dollars apply to North Americans only)

2008-03-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

The International Shang Shung Institute presents,
in Berkeley California
Tibetan Kunye Therapy Certification Courses
Traditional Tibetan massage and gentle external therapies

With Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo and
Dr. Kalsang Yangdron

Basic Level: July 30th –September 10th 2008 (250 hours)
Advanced Level: January 5th –February 16th 2009 (250 hours)

Kunye Therapy is the traditional system of gentle external therapies taught in the Tibetan Healing Science Tantras. The function of Kunye Therapy is to soothe and relax tensions, balance the elements of the body, and therapeutically relieve many ailments. Kunye Therapy includes massage, treating crucial points, medicinal oils and gemstones, and hot/cold stones and compresses.

The Basic Level course includes 250 hours of basic training in the theory and techniques of Kunye Therapy. It also presents a broad foundation of instruction on traditional Tibetan Medicine theory from the Tibetan Healing Science Tantras. This is a rare opportunity for intensive study of the profound root texts which encompass the vast teachings of the Tibetan Medicine lineage.

The Advanced Level course of 250 hours expands on the basic level teachings with more specific theory and practice of treatment. The course presents detailed training in the formulation and application of medicinal oils extracted from raw herbs and other applications. Students receive their advanced level Kunye Therapy certificate from the Shang Shung Institute upon completion of this course.

This course will be held at:
Dondrubling
2748 #D Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703
info and registration by phone: 413 369 4928
email: secretary@shangshung.org

For more information about Kunye Therapy, Tibetan medicine and the
Shang Shung Institute, or to register online please go to:
ShangShung.org

or Main International Webpage:

ShangShungInstitute.org

Calendar of Public Courses in America

2008-03-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

2008 Calendar of Public Courses in America:
In addition to the four year Tibetan medicine training, there is an exciting schedule of courses for 2008 for all interested in learning about Tibetan medicine. There is something for everyone!

Monthly Public Talks on Topics of Tibetan Medicine with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
Join Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo for her fascinating talks on various topics of Tibetan medicine. These lectures are a rare opportunity to acquire a wealth of knowledge in one evening. The talks are held on the first Friday of each month from 7-9 pm at the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center, 16 Center St., Suite 323, in Northampton, MA. Suggested donation for each monthly talk is $15. Please RSVP at: (413) 585 1081.

Friday, April 4th, 7 -9pm: Sacred Conduct of the Tibetan Physician
This discussion covers the high standards of ethical conduct required to carry the title of physician in Tibetan society.

Friday, May 2nd, 7 -9pm: Properly Harvesting and Processing Herbs in Tibetan Medicine
This discussion focuses on the identification of medicinal herbs, the correct season and method of harvesting, detoxifying, drying and storing herbs, and preparation of herbal medicines.

Summer Intensive Courses 2008
The Shang Shung Institute features special guest teachers from around the world who offer valuable intensive courses in Tibetan medicine. The following summer classes will be held at Tsegyalgar the seat of the International Shang Shung Institute USA Branch at18 Schoolhouse Road, Conway MA, 01341. They are open to the public and preregistration is encouraged. For more info visit ShangShung.org

June 7-9: Tibetan Moxibustion--with guest instructor Dr. Tanzin Dargye
The Tibetan Healing Science Tantras list moxibustion as one of the ‘strong’ external therapies. Moxibustion treats disease by applying heated herbs, oils and/or minerals to specific external points on the body.

June 17-19: Mental Illness, Health of Body, Mind and Spirit in Tibetan Medicine--with guest instructor Dr. Konchog Gyaltsen
This course will explore the interdependent relationship between the body and mind, and the many factors which contribute to our mental health and illness.

June 25-29: Tibetan Kunye Therapy Level I-with resident instructor Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
Kunye Therapy is the traditional system of gentle external treatments taught in the Tibetan Healing Science Tantras. The function of Kunye Therapy is to soothe and relax tensions, balance the elements of the body, and therapeutically relieve many ailments. Kunye Therapy includes techniques such as massage, treating crucial points, medicinal oils, gemstones, hot and cold stones and compresses, medicinal vapors and baths.

July 17-20: Tibetan Kunye Therapy Level II-with resident instructor Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
Kunye Therapy Level II explores the techniques indicated for both healthy and sick people including massage, treating crucial points related to the internal organs, the properties and applications of medicinal oils, hot and cold stones and compresses. Kunye Massage Level I is a prerequisite.

September 2: Four Year Complete Tibetan Medicine Training – New Fall Semester Begins
Classes are held at the Shang-Shung Institute in Conway, MA.
Weekly schedule includes classroom study of the four Tibetan Healing Science Tantras, Tibetan language instruction, instructional and applied Kunye Therapy, and the history of Tibetan medicine and culture. Regularly scheduled guest instructors offer supplementary intensives in traditional herbology, astrology, external therapies, advanced medical theory, and related topics. Apply online for the new incoming class at: ShangShung.org

All New Kunye Therapy 250 & 500 Hour Certification Courses in Berkeley, CA.
Basic Level: July 30th – September 10th 2008 – 250 hrs
Advanced Level: January 5th – February 16th 2009 – 250 hrs
The Shang Shung Institute commences 250 & 500 hour certification courses of traditional Kunye Therapy in Berkeley, California. The courses are divided into a 250 hour basic level and a 250 hour advanced level. The basic level course provides training in the theory and techniques of Kunye Therapy, as well as a broad foundation of instruction on traditional Tibetan medicine theory from the Tibetan Healing Science Tantras. The course includes history, anatomy & physiology, diagnostics, etiology, preventative medicine, and treatment of disease. Those who wish to fulfill the 500 hour certification can move on to the advanced level which includes advanced Kunye theory and methodology, medicinal oils theory and practicum, advanced practice and final examination. The course instructors are Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo and Dr. Kalsang Yangdron and it will take place at Dondrubling, the Dzogchen Community center in Berkeley, CA. Learn more about Kunye Therapy and this course at ShangShung.org

Summer Intensive Courses in Tibetan Medicine

2008-01-10T16:03:00.001-08:00

Upcoming Intensive Courses in America

January 2008:
Tibetan Kunye Massage Level I with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
January 18 – 23rd, 2008
Shang Shung Healing Center, Northampton, Massachusetts USA
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

Summer Intensives 2008:
Tibetan Kunye Massage Level I with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
June 25th – 29th, 2008
Starts Wednesday Evening and meets all day Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

Tibetan Kunye Massage Level II with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
July 17th – 20th, 2008
Starts Thursday evening and meets all day Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

Moxabustion with Dr. Tanzin Dargye
June 7th – 9th, 2008
Weekend after Tsegyalgar retreat with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche. Dr. Dargye, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo’s brother, joins us from Tibet for this course in moxabustion.
Meets daily Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm & 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Mental Illness with Dr. Konchog Gyaltsen
June 17 – 19th, 2008
Dr. Gyaltsen will be staying in the area after the Tibetan Medicine Symposium to give this three day course on mental illness as seen in Tibetan Medicine

Additional Courses Offered:

Advanced Astrology with Dr. Chime Rabten & Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
August 22nd – 27th, 2008
Prerequisite of Astrology I necessary to attend this course.
Offered for SSI Medicine Program Class of 2009 & 2011 & previous astrology course attendees.

For more information contact us directly at info@shangshung.org or 413.369.4928

Kunye Massage Level I: Jan 2008

2008-01-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

Greetings and Happy New Year,

We are happy to confirm that Shang Shung Institute with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will be offering Kunye Tibetan Massage Level I this January 2008.

Tibetan Kunye Massage Level I with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
January 18 – 23rd, 2008 – Starts at 9 am and meets all day (36 hrs total)
Shang Shung Healing Center, 16 Center Street Suite 323, Northampton, Massachusetts USA
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course

To register please contact Shang Shung Institute by phone or email: info@shangshung.org or greta@shangshung.org by phone 413.369.4928.

Kunye Massage TherapyKunye, a massage that is taught in the Tibetan Medical tradition, is unique to that tradition. Mentioned in some of the ancient texts of the Bon and Buddhist religions, Kunye has been practiced for centuries in the Himalayan regions by Tibetan peoples. The term kunye is the combination of two words: “ku” and “nye.” “Ku” means to anoint the body of a sick or healthy person with oils which are appropriate to that person’s specific illness or constitution. “Nye” means to externally rub or massage crucial points such as nerves and tendons. The combination of ku and nye is a method to cure internal imbalances and disease. The Conclusive Tantra, the last of the four medical tantras, states that the mild therapies consist of compresses, medicinal baths and massage." Kunye massage is considered a mild therapy.The practice of massage is very beneficial and does not have negative effects; moreover, it can be done by anyone, regardless of whether they are doctors, yogis, or not. For this reason, this therapeutic modality has always been practiced throughout the centuries by the Tibetan people and continues to be practiced today.
The study of Tibetan massage is structured on three levels. Each of the three levels comprises a total of 36 hours.

The first level consists of:
A brief history of Tibetan medicine
The principle of the five elements as taught in the Tibetan medical texts
The principle of the three humors
The humoral characteristics of different types of people
The diagnostic procedure of pulse-taking
The diagnostic procedure of urine observation
A review of cases in which massage is appropriate or contraindicated
Finding massage points
Measurement for finding massage points
How to perform the actual kunye massage
Benefits of kunye massage

Kunye Level II will be offered July 17th – 20th, 2008 in Conway, MA
Fee: $380
36 PDA credits from the NCCAOM are available for this course
Kunye Level second consists of:
How to massage the points
How to apply the oils
Kunye massage indicated for healthy people
Kunye massage indicated for sick people
Kunye massage for neurological disorders
Kunye massage for muscular problems
Kunye massage for people with mental disorders
How to massage points related to internal organs
The medical properties of the application of hot and cold compresses and stones, their use and benefits

For the complete list of Summer Intensives in Tibetan Medicine & the Tibetan Medicine Symposium, go to www.shangshunginstitute.org, click on the US site and the Courses tab.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year and Good Health!

Tibetan Medicine Monthly Talks

2007-10-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

Tibetan Medicine Monthly Talks
With Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo

Friday, November 2nd , 7-9pm, The Seven Constitutional Types in Tibetan Medicine
During this course, Dr. Wangmo will introduce the seven constitutions in Tibetan Medicine. Every person is considered to be one of these seven constitutions, based on how the diet and behavior of one’s mother affected the five elements during the gestation period. This class will discuss how to recognize these seven constitutions, their application in the Tibetan medicine, and the useful application of this knowledge in daily life.

Friday, December 7th, 7 -9pm, Conception & Embryology
Dr. Wangmo will introduce the basic theory in Tibetan Medicine of how conception is considered to take place, as well as how the body is formed inside of the mother’s womb. You will be introduced to Buddhist concepts, such as karma and consciousness, and learn the biological phases of development that the fetus goes through according to Tibetan Medicine.

February 1st, 7 -9pm, Understanding & Treating Menopause in Tibetan Medicine
In the ancient texts of Tibetan Medicine menopause is included in the chapters on gynecology. There are many types of female disease, but most are connected with the menstrual cycle. In this system they are divided in two: trag tsab – early stage menstruation problems and lung tsab – which includes chronic problems. Dr. Wangmo will be discussing the view of gynecology and treatment of menopause according to Tibetan Medicine in this course.

1st Friday of the Month

Located at the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center
16 Center St. Suite 323, Northampton, MA.

Please RSVP at 413.585.1081
Suggested Donation of $15

Protecting your Health According to Tibetan Medicine

2007-10-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Talk on Tibetan Medicine

Shang Shung Institute will be participating in the local event held at Smith College called the “Many Flavors of Buddhism” with a talk on Tibetan Medicine by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo and an informational table. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will be giving a workshop on Protecting Your Health According to Tibetan Medicine, Sunday, October 14th at 12 noon in the Dewey Lounge.

Protecting Your Health According to Tibetan Medicine

Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, Tibetan Doctor and Director of Shang Shung Institute’s Tibetan Medicine Program, will present on Tibetan Medicine’s knowledge of the healthy body. Dr. Wangmo will discuss what it means to be healthy in Tibetan Medicine. And how to maintain health throughout one’s life through preventative measures including diet and lifestyle. Dr. Wangmo received her advanced degree from the Lhasa University School of Traditional Medicine. As a teacher and doctor she has over 25 years of training and experience. She is a prominent and sought after lecturer and teacher internationally. She teaches, offers Tibetan Medicine consultations, and resides locally, here in the Pioneer Valley.

Many Flavors of Buddhism
In its past incarnation, this local Pioneer Valley event was known as the “Many Flavors of the Dharma”. It brings together the various Buddhist groups from different traditions in the area to celebrate the diverse expressions of the Dharma. Held and hosted by Smith College on October 13th and 14th, the main activities are Sunday at 12 noon until 5:00 pm. This year’s event features lectures, workshops, a dinner, informational tables, and the construction of ‘butter sculptures’ by several monks from the Gyuto Monastery. Shang Shung Institute joins this event with an informational table on the center, medicine program, and intensive courses. Visit http://www.geocities.com/shin_sangha/manyflavors.html for more information on the event.

Fall Updates

2007-09-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Fall 2007 Update
Autumn has arrived to New England: as the weather gets cooler and leaves begin to turn, the Tibetan Medicine students have begun the Fall semester, and the summer intensive courses in Tibetan Kunye Massage and Tibetan Astrology have come to a close. The Shang Shung Institute has already hosted the Tibetan Herbal Medicine course with Dr. Kelsang Wangyal, and on the near horizon are the Pioneer Valley’s The Many Flavors of Buddhism event at Smith College, and incoming applications for the new class beginning in February 2008.

To view the Fall Update in its entirity go to
http://www.shangshunginstitute.org/pages/usa/updates.php

And stay tuned for information on upcoming intensives courses with Dr. Kelsang Wangyal on Tibetan Herbal Medicine preparations and Kunye II with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo.

Limited Room Available for Upcoming Astrology Course

2007-08-16T10:12:00.001-07:00

Tibetan Astrology - August 24 - 29th
We are fortunate to have Dr. Chime Rabten, professor of Tibetan Medicine & Astrology at the Eastern Tibet University, and Khenpo Sonam as a translator for the upcoming course in Tibetan Astrology.
A limited amount of spaces remain for the course starting Friday, August 24th.
For more information please contact Shang Shung Institute in Conway, MA at:
info@shangshung.org, Phone #: 413.369.4928

Tibetan Literary Arts Catalogs Available

2007-08-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tibetan Literary Arts Catalog & Exhibit
An exhibition curated by Marit Cranmer at Neilson Library – Smith College, May 2007
Exhibit Ends August 23rd

The Shang Shung Institute sponsored in part the production of this illustrated catalog for Smith College's "Tibetan Literary Arts" exhibit. This collection of essays and poetry from the exhibition includes an article on Tibetan Literature by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, as well as poetry and prose by Per Kvarene, Tulku Thondup, Thupten Jinpa, Steven D. Goodman, Per K. Sorensen, and Jacqueline Gens. It also contains a translation of the Song of the Vajra, in addition to a foreword by the Shang Shung Institute International board and Introduction by Marit Cranmer, the Curator of the exhibition.

$20.00 - Tibetan Literary Arts Catalog
To purchase this beautiful collection, orders can be placed by email, fax or phone.
Please contact us at:
greta@shangshung.org
Phone: 413.369.4928
Fax: 413.369.4473

Thank you.

Licensed by Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Dept. of Education

2007-07-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to write you to share with you the wonderful news that the Shang Shung Institute of America's Tibetan Medicine Program has officially received its License from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education.
This is the result of much hard work on the part of many individuals -- Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, past and present SSI's Board members, the pioneering students of the Traditional Tibetan Medical program, among others-- to whom we convey our most heart felt thanks. As many of you already know, this was a long process, and it is just one of the steps towards getting accreditation in the United States for the Tibetan Medicine Program. It is also a fundamental cornerstone for the Shang Shung Institute, and its future goals of expansion and growth as a cultural and educational institution with the mission to preserve and promote Tibetan Culture, Arts, Language, History, Medicine and Philosophy.

Details of the license:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education License to Operate a Private Occupational School in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws. License No. 061201B

As always please feel free to contact the SSI board members or staff with any questions.
Warm regards,
The SSIoA Board and Staff

First International SSI Lottery

2007-06-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

I am sending you a reminder about the first international lottery of the Shang Shung Institute.

In case you have not got your ticket, please go to http://www.ssi-austria.at/shop/shope57.php.

The total income of this lottery is a donation for all our projects and every donor can win wonderful and fantastic prizes. There are only 600 tickets available and you can win 30 prizes - so the chance to win is 1:20. In this lottery you have a much higher chance to win than in any other lottery.

Furthermore it is ensured that everybody who gets a ticket of this lottery is a winner, as you gain a lot of merit by supporting the mission of the Shang Shung Institute, to work for the preservation of Tibetan culture.

Please read more about the lottery here at http://www.shangshunginstitute.org/pages/mission/ssi-lottery.php.

Thank you for your support and very best wishes,
Oliver Leick
Project manager of the lottery of the ISSI
office@ssi-austria.at

2007-06-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Shang Shung Institute’s
Upcoming Intensive Courses held in Conway, MA

Tibetan Astrology with Dr. Chimed Rabtan

August 24 – 29th, 2007

Taught by Dr. Chimed Rabtan, professor of Tibetan Medicine & Astrology at the Eastern Tibet University. Tibetan Astrology & Medicine are intrinsically connected. To be a Tibetan doctor you must have knowledge of astrology. Tibetan Astrology is a traditional practice used by Tibetan doctors & lamas. The study of the five elements, combined with trigrams, numbers, and animal signs form the basis for astrological calculations.
Course Details:
Time: Friday, August 24th Evening only. Saturday, Aug 25th – Wed., Aug 29th: Class meets all day.
Fee: $340 regular registration Early registration before August 9th: $300

Tibetan Medicine Herbal Course with Dr. Kalzang

September 7 – 9th, 2007

Herbal Medicine is one of the four lines of treatment in Tibetan medicine; diet, behavior, external therapies, and medicines. This course will present an overview of the theory and practice of Tibetan herbal medicine including plant identification. 30 % of the course will be spent in lecture and 70% of the course will be spent in the field, outdoors.
Please make sure to bring and wear appropriate clothing for the weather and time that will be spent in nature.
Course Details:
Time: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: All Day – regardless of weather. Come prepared with raingear.
Fee: $300 regular registration Early registration before August 20th: $275

Course Registration

By email: greta@shangshung.org Or Phone: # 413.369.4928

Kunye Tibetan Massage Course

2007-05-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Shang Shung Institute is happy to announce
Kunye Tibetan Massage Level 1 with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
June 12 - 16th, 2007
Conway, Massachusetts

Due to a change in travel schedules we are able to offer this rare opportunity of hosting this intensive course on Kunye massage at the home of the Traditional Tibetan Medicine program in Conway, Mass.

Kunye Massage Therapy Kunye, a massage that is taught in the Tibetan Medical tradition, is unique to that tradition. Mentioned in some of the ancient texts of the Bon and Buddhist religions, Kunye has been practiced for centuries in the Himalayan regions by Tibetan peoples.

The term kunye is the combination of two words: “ku” and “nye.” “Ku” means to anoint the body of a sick or healthy person with oils that are appropriate to that person’s specific illness or constitution. “Nye” means to externally rub or massage crucial points such as nerves and tendons. The combination of ku and nye is a method to cure internal imbalances and eliminate causes for disease.The Conclusive Tantra, the last of the four medical tantras, states that the mild therapies consist of compresses, medicinal baths and massage."

Kunye massage is considered a mild therapy.The practice of massage is very beneficial and does not have negative effects; moreover, it can be done by anyone, regardless of whether they are doctors, yogis, or not. For this reason, this therapeutic modality has always been practiced throughout the centuries by the Tibetan people and continues to be practiced today. The study of Tibetan massage is structured on three levels. Each of the three levels comprises a total of 36 hours.

The first level consists of:• A brief history of Tibetan medicine• The principle of the five elements as taught in the Tibetan medical texts• The principle of the three humors• The humoral characteristics of different types of people• The diagnostic procedure of pulse-taking• The diagnostic procedure of urine observation• A review of cases in which massage is appropriate or contraindicated• Finding massage points• Measurement for finding massage points• How to perform the actual kunye massage• Benefits of kunye massage

Course Details:
Tuesday, June 12th: 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: All day class
Fee: $340
Register and information:
by email: Greta@Shangshung.org SSI # 413.369.4928
Housing, directions, and local information available upon request.
Shang Shung Institute in America is located at 18 Schoolhouse Road in Conway, Massashusetts and is 30 minutes north of Northampton, MA and 2 1/2 hours West of Boston.

May 18th - Good Digestion Talk

2007-05-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
You are invited to join the next upcoming talk on Good Digestion: The Basis for Vitality, with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo on Friday, May 18th at the ShangShung Healing Center in Northampton, MA.

The monthly talk series entitled "Tibetan Medicine for Everyone" covers the main topics and ideas in Tibetan medicine. Held on the third Friday of every month at the Shang Shung Healing Center in Northampton, we are delighted to offer this opportunity of an intimate setting to learn about Tibetan Medicine from Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo trained in Lhasa Tibet. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, the director and resident teacher of the Shang Shung School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine four year program is the main speaker for this series. We invite you to join us for this wonderful opportunity.

The Shang Shung Healing Center also offers Tibetan medicine consultations and Kunye massage sessions on a regular ongoing basis. We are currently now offering Free Introductory Kunye Massage Sessions by appointment. For more information please call the center at 413.585.1081 .

Friday, May 18th - Good Digestion: the Basis of Vitality. An introduction to the importance of healthy digestion and how the rest of the body relies upon it, and how to treat indigestion and maintain digestive health.
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Suggested Minimum Donation $ 15
Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center
16 Center St.Suite 323
Northampton, MA
RSVP: (413) 585 -1081 or matt@shangshung.org.
For additional information on Shang Shung Institute, the four yearTibetan Medicine Program, and resident doctor and teacher Dr.Phuntsog Wangmo please visit our website at www.shangshunginstitute.org.

May All Beings Be Healthy!

Updates

2007-05-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

Greetings friends,

Shang Shung Institute has posted updates on its courses for the summer and activities this spring on the International Shang Shung website under the USA tab.

Please visit http://www.shangshunginstitute.org/pages/usa/updates.php for the updates.

May all beings be healthy.

Tibetan Literary Arts Exhibition

2007-05-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Shang Shung Institute is happy to announce the opening of the Tibetan Literary Arts Exhibition, organized by Marit Cranmer in collaboration with Smith College.

Tibetan Literary Arts is an exhibition on the history of the Tibetan written language from Ancient times to the 19th century. The exhibit highlights selected poems from all of the five schools with the primary emphasis on experiential poems and advice from many historic masters. Poetry, along with logic, medicine, astrology, art and architecture belongs to the five secular sciences in the Tibetan literary tradition.

The exhibition will open at Neilson and Hillyer Art Library at Smith College in early May in honor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to the campus on May 9, 2007. It will be on view from May 9th through July in four locations: on the lawn in front of Neilson Library, in the Morgan Gallery, the Mair Reference Room (Neilson Level 1), and Hillyer Art Library. An exhibition catalog together with a free exhibition guide accompanies the exhibition.

Marit Cranmer, a long time student of Choegyal Namkhai Norbu who is curator at the Neilson Library at Smith College, organized the event. She also edited its beautiful catalogue, which contains scholarly essays and the poetry included in the show, and that will be available through the Shang Shung Institute in the future.

Co-Sponsored by The Shang Shung Institute

Contact TibLit@email.smith.edu

NYC Workshop: The Principles of Gems

2007-04-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK DZOGCHEN COMMUNITY
TIBETAN MEDICINE & HEALING

Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
Workshop on The Principles of Gems

Saturday May 12, 2007
9 am to noon; 2 pm to 4 pm Open to all
Kundrolling, 151 West 30th Street, Suite 403, Level 4, New York, 10001

In this workshop Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo from Lhasa, Tibet will discuss the healing properties of various gems including their history, application, names, qualities, and functions.

Gems are one of the eight medicinal substances in Tibetan Medicine. In Tibetan culture, jewelry and wearing gems is very important. In part, jewelry in Tibetan culture is worn to decorate and beautify. It is also used to display social status and standing. However, the origin of wearing gems comes from its knowledge and application in medicine which is based on balancing the constitution and health of the individual. Depending on the health of an individual, certain gems were applied and suggested to wear on certain points to help restore the health, for preventative measures, and to protect against provocation and invasive energy.

To register please contact by e mail to Pilar at: kekeusa2@juno.com
Suggested donation for this 5 hours workshop $40.00.

Visa/Mastercard/Cash/Check payable to the NY Dzogchen Community.

Upcoming events with Dr. Phuntsog Wagmo at Kundrolling

SEPTEMBER 8/9: Kunye Massage Course Level II

April 20th Kunye Tibetan Massage Talk

2007-04-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

You are invited to join the next upcoming talk on Kunye Tibetan Massage with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo on Friday, April 20th at the ShangShung Healing Center in Northampton, MA.

The monthly talk series entitled "Tibetan Medicine for Everyone" covers the main topics and ideas in Tibetan medicine. Held on the third Friday of every month at the Shang Shung Healing Center in Northampton, we are delighted to offer this opportunity of an intimate setting to learn about Tibetan Medicine from Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo trained in Lhasa Tibet. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, the director and resident teacher of the Shang Shung School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine four year program is the main speaker for this series. We invite you to join us for this wonderful opportunity.

The Shang Shung Healing Center also offers Tibetan medicine consultations and Kunye massage sessions on a regular ongoing basis. We are currently now offering Free Introductory Kunye Massage Sessions by appointment. For more information please call the center at 413.585.1081 .

Friday, April 20th: Traditional Tibetan Kunye Massage: What is Kunye? How is it done and what are its benefits?

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Suggested Minimum Donation $ 15

Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center

16 Center St.Suite 323

Northampton, MA

RSVP: (413) 585 -1081 or matt@shangshung.org.

For additional information on Shang Shung Institute, the four yearTibetan Medicine Program, and resident doctor and teacher Dr.Phuntsog Wangmo please visit our website at www.shangshung.org.

Future "Tibetan Medicine for Everyone" Talk

May 18th, Good Digestion: the Basis of Vitality. An introduction to the importance of healthy digestion and how the rest of the bodyrelies upon it, and how to treat indigestion and maintain digestive health.

May All Beings Be Healthy!

Shang Shung Institute

413.369.4928

www.shangshung.org and internationally at

www.shangshunginstitute.org

Friday, 3/23 The Ancient Art of Heat & Cold Therapy Talk

2007-03-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to announce this Friday's monthly talk held at the Shang Shung Healing Center in Northampton, MA on The Ancient Art of Heat & Cold Therapy with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo.

We are resuming our monthly talk series titled “Tibetan Medicine for Everyone” after a hiatus last month. These talks cover the main topics and ideas in Tibetan medicine. Held on the third Friday of every month at the Shang Shung Healing Center in Northampton, we are delighted to offer this opportunity of an intimate setting to learn about Tibetan Medicine from Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo trained in Lhasa Tibet. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, the director and resident teacher of the Shang Shung School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine is the main speaker for this series.

We invite you all to join us for this wonderful opportunity. The Shang Shung Healing Center also offers Tibetan medicine consultations and Kunye massage sessions on a regular ongoing basis. We are currently now offering Free Introductory Massage Sessions until April 20th. For more information please call the center at 413.585.1081 .

Friday, March 23rd - The Ancient Art of Heat & Cold Therapy with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center
16 Center St.
Suite 323
Northampton, MA
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Suggested Minimum Donation $ 15
RSVP: (413) 585 -1081 or matt@shangshung.org

If additional information on Shang Shung Institute, the four year Tibetan Medicine Program, and resident doctor and teacher Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo please visit our website at www.shangshung.org.

Warm regards,
Greta Williams
Administrative Assistant
Shang Shung School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine
(413) 369 - 4928
greta@shangshung.org
http://www.shangshung.org

"Tibetan Medicine for Everyone": Scheduled Monthly Series
Current & Upcoming 2007
March 23rd, The Ancient Art of Heat and Cold Therapy: Dr. Wangmo will explain how to make and use hot and cold packs according to the traditional Tibetan methods.

April 20th, Traditional Tibetan Kunye Massage: What is Kunye? How is it done and what are its benefits?

May 18th, Good Digestion: the Basis of Vitality: An introduction to the importance of healthy digestion and how the rest of the body relies upon it, and how to treat indigestion and maintain digestive health.

Past 2006
October 20th, Life Stories of a Doctor from the Land of Snow: Dr. Wangmo will talk about the work doctors of Tibetan Medicine practicing in remote villages, their responsibilities, and their place in the community

November 23rd, Exploring the Relationship between the Sciences of Healing and Astrology : Introduction to the ways in which astrology relates to and augments the Tibetan science of healing.

December 22nd, Tibetan Herbs & Everyday Health: Common Tibetan Herbs and simple ways to use them to maintain everyday well-being.

May All Beings Be Healthy!

Welcome Greta!

2007-02-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

The Shang Shung Institute of America is delighted to announce that Greta Williams has just joined its “ranks” as its Administrative Assistant in Conway, Massachusetts. Greta brings to us not only over six years of experience as an administrative assistant and operations manager for newly developing companies with domestic and international presence. She also brings her background in Eastern medicine, as a practicing acupuncturist in Massachusetts incorporating Japanese and Chinese treatment styles, to her new role. She has previously studied with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo as a student in Kunye Massage and has been a student of Tibetan Buddhism and Dzogchen. We know that Greta is looking forward to collaborating with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, Shang Shung Institute, and SSI’s Tibetan Medicine students in manifesting its vision, and we at the SSIoA board, as well as the International Shang Shung Institute team, are thrilled to have successfully concluded our first hire ever for such a position here at Conway. Welcome, Greta, and also thanks to all of you who have applied and helped in this process!

Paola Zamperini, SSIoA president

Losar Celebration at Shang Shung Institute of America

2007-01-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Fellow Practitioners,

We are writing you today to invite you and your loved ones to join us all here at the Shang Shung Institute of America in celebrating Losar, the traditional Tibetan New Year festivity. This year Losar will fall on Sunday, February 18th, 2007, and will mark the beginning of the year of the Fire Boar. Celebrations will begin at 5pm at the Conway Schoolhouse, the seat of the Shang Shung Institute of America for the Preservation of Tibetan Culture: it will be our pleasure to offer you a traditional Tibetan dinner, followed by singing and dancing by members of our local Tibetan community.

We sincerely hope that you will be able to be with us on this joyous occasion that we see as a tribute to the Tibetan culture thriving in our Pioneer valley. Attendance is free, we just kindly ask you to RSVP to this email address, matt@shangshung.org, if you plan to attend. We are located at 18 Schoolhouse Rd. in Conway, Massachusetts, and have included detailed directions below.

Best Wishes and Happy Losar,

The Shang Shung Institute of America Staff

www.shangshung.org

Coming from Northampton:

Take 91 North to exit 24.

Take a right off the exit onto Rtes. 5 & 10, which take you Rte. 116N.
-Go to 3rd set of lights (you are on Rtes. 5&10 at the moment) and
take a LEFT onto Rte. 116N towards Conway.

-You will drive 15 minutes (about 6 miles) to the center of Conway.

- Look for the Conway Inn on your left.

- Go through the center of town and follow 116 up the hill to the Left.

- You will pass a small Sunoco station/store called Baker's on the Left.

- At the top of this hill is a 90 degree angle where 116N turns to the right &

- there is a sign that points to Ashfield.

-You will NOT go right but rather straight around a little triangular island and take
your immediate Left onto Maple St.and another immediate Left onto Schoolhouse Road.

> We are the big old yellow schoolhouse at the top of the hill.

Coming from Amherst:

Take 116 all the way through Sunderland until you get to Rtes. 5 &10.

Take a right on 5 &10.

-Go to 2nd set of lights (you are on Rtes. 5&10 at the moment) and
take a LEFT onto Rte. 116N towards Conway.

-You will drive 15 minutes (about 6 miles) to the center of Conway.

- Look for the Conway Inn on your left.

- Go through the center of town and follow 116 up the hill to the Left.

- You will pass a small Sunoco station/store called Baker's on the Left.

- At the top of this hill is a 90 degree angle where 116N turns to the right &

- there is a sign that points to Ashfield.

-You will NOT go right but rather straight around a little triangular island and take
your immediate Left onto Maple St.and another immediate Left onto Schoolhouse Road.

> We are the big old yellow schoolhouse at the top of the hill.

Kunye Massage Levels I and II in Tashigar Norte, Margarita Island, Venezuela

2006-12-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

Tashigar Norte is very happy to announce Kunye Courses with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo:

Level 1: January 26th- 30th, 2007
Cost: Bs. 200.000

Level 2: February 5th – 9th, 2007
Cost: Bs. 200.000

Kunye Massage Therapy
Kunye, a massage that is taught in the Tibetan Medical tradition, is unique to that tradition. Mentioned in some of the ancient texts of the Bon and Buddhist religions, Kunye has been practiced for centuries in the Himalayan regions by Tibetan peoples.
The term kunye is the combination of two words: “ku” and “nye.” “Ku” means to anoint the body of a sick or healthy person with oils that are appropriate to that person’s specific illness or constitution. “Nye” means to externally rub or massage crucial points such as nerves and tendons. The combination of ku and nye is a method to cure internal imbalances and eliminate causes for disease.

The Conclusive Tantra, the last of the four medical tantras, states that the mild therapies consist of compresses, medicinal baths and massage." Kunye massage is considered a mild therapy.The practice of massage is very beneficial and does not have negative effects; moreover, it can be done by anyone, regardless of whether they are doctors, yogis, or not. For this reason, this therapeutic modality has always been practiced throughout the centuries by the Tibetan people and continues to be practiced today. The study of Tibetan massage is structured on three levels. Each of the three levels comprises a total of 36 hours.

The first level consists of:
• A brief history of Tibetan medicine
• The principle of the five elements as taught in the Tibetan medical texts
• The principle of the three humors
• The humoral characteristics of different types of people
• The diagnostic procedure of pulse-taking
• The diagnostic procedure of urine observation
• A review of cases in which massage is appropriate or contraindicated
• Finding massage points
• Measurement for finding massage points
• How to perform the actual kunye massage
• Benefits of kunye massage

The second level consists of:
• How to massage the points
• How to apply the oils
• Kunye massage indicated for healthy people
• Kunye massage indicated for sick people
• Kunye massage for neurological disorders
• Kunye massage for muscular problems
• Kunye massage for people with mental disorders
• How to massage points related to internal organs
• The medical properties of the application of hot and cold compresses and stones, their use and benefits

Please confirm your participation to: secretary@tashigarnorte.org

Instructions on paying - please visit http://tashigarnorte.org/pages/how_to_pay.htm

Friday, December 15 Lecture on Tibetan Herbs & Everyday Health

2006-12-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

This Friday December 15th from 7 – 9pm you are invited to join us for Tibetan Herbs & Everyday Health, the third in a monthly series by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo. Suitable for all levels of interest this is a special opportunity to learn from a highly trained Tibetan doctor. In this talk she will be covering Tibetan Herbs and simple ways to use them to maintain everyday well being. Many of the herbs can be found in your own home or at the supermarket!

The talk will be located at the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center in Northampton, 16 Center St., Suite 323. Please RSVP (limited space) or call for more information (413) 585-1081.

Friday, November 17 lecture on the Relationship between the Sciences of Healing and Astrology

2006-11-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

You are invited to join us this Friday, November 17th (DATE CHANGED)) 7 - 9pm for the second of our new monthly series on Tibetan Medicine. This month’s talk is on Exploring the Relationship between the Sciences of Healing and Astrology. It is an introduction by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo to the ways in which astrology relates to and augments the Tibetan science of healing. Dr. Wangmo is the director and teacher of the traditional Tibetan medicine program of the Shang Shung Institute. She has over 20 years of experience in Tibetan Medicine and trained, taught and practiced in traditional Tibetan schools and hospitals.

This monthly series is open to everyone and can be joined at any time. Space is limited, so please RSVP at (413) 585 -1081. It is located at the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center, 16 Center St., Suite 323 in Northampton, MA next to the IronHorse. The fee is a $15 or more suggested donation. We hope to see you there.

Shang Shung Institute Lecture by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo

2006-10-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will present a lecture on exploring the relationship between the sciences of haeling and astrology : How astrology relates to and augments the Tibetan science of healing.

November 23, 2006
7 - 9pm
$15 Suggested Donation

At the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center in Northampton, MA
16 Center St. Suite 323
Northhampton, MA

Lhajeh (Dr.) Phuntsog Wangmo received her advanced degree from the Lhasa University School of Traditional Medicine in 1988 where she also served a two-year residency after completing her five year training program (1983-1990). During that time she studied with the Khenpos Troru Tsenam and Gyaltsen, two of Tibet's foremost doctors who are credited with the revival of Tibetan Medicine within Tibet under the Chinese. Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo had the exceptional opportunity of extensive clinical training under Khenpo Troru Tsenam for four years. Thereafter, she dedicated many years of work as a doctor in Eastern Tibet where she collaborated and directed the implementation of A.S.I.A. the non-profit organization founded by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu. Since that time, she has worked on behalf of A.S.I.A. setting up hospitals and training centers in the remote regions of Sichuan Province and Chamdo Perfecture.

From 1996-present, she has been 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 remains in residence at the Shang Shung Institute in America where she is the director of the Institute's Traditional Tibetan Medicine Program.

Shang Shung Institute and the Dzogchen Community of Rome present a conference on Tibetan Medicine

2006-10-05T17:27:00.001-07:00

The Dzogchen Community of Rome

Funded by the City of Rome in collaboration with:
Shang Shung Institute and A.S.I.A.

Presents an exhibition, conferences and demonstrations
of Traditional Tibetan Medicine

at their Rome branch Zhenphenling - via Giovanni Miani 5

SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER 2006

The program includes:

MOSTRA
Thanka (pitture) dalla collezione del Berillo Azzurro della Scuola di
Medicina di Lhasa - realizzata in collaborazione con l'Ong ASIA e
l’Istituto Internazionale di Studi Tibetani Shang Shung

CONFERENZE
Ore 16.30
“La religione pre-buddista Bön ed il suo contributo alla formazione
della scienza medica tibetana”
Donatella Rossi - docente di Religioni e Filosofie dell’Asia Orientale
presso la Facoltà di Studi Orientali dell’ Università degli Studi di
Roma “La Sapienza”

Ore 17.30
“La medicina tibetana tra Oriente e Occidente”
Giacomella Orofino – docente di Civiltà e Religioni
Indotibetane presso l’Università degli Studi di Napoli “L’Orientale”

----- Tea break ----

DIMOSTRAZIONI
Ore 18.45
“Yantra Yoga o Yoga del Movimento”
Fabio Andrico – insegnante di Yantra Yoga della Comunità Dzogchen
Internazionale

Ore 19.15
“Ku Nye – antico massaggio tibetano”
Michele Corrado – istruttore di Ku Nye qualificato presso l’Istituto
Internazionale di Studi Tibetani Shang Shung

INCONTRO
Ore 19.45
“Progetti di cooperazione in Tibet”
a cura dell’Ong ASIA

ZHENPHENLING
Via Giovanni Miani 5 – Roma
(zona Piramide)
tel. 06.57300346 oppure 335.7175582
e-mail posta@zhenphenling.it
sito web www.zhenphenling.it

Tibetan Medicine Lecture Series by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo in Northampton, MA

2006-09-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Ancient Knowledge of Tibetan Healing
A monthly series with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo
At the Shang Shung Tibetan Healing Center in Northampton, MA
16 Center St. Suite 323
the third Friday of every month from 7 - 9pm
$15 Suggested Donation or more….

October 20th: Life Stories of a Doctor from the Land of Snow : what it is like to be a doctor of TM practicing in a remote village, the responsibilities they hold, and their place in the community

November23rd: Exploring the Relationship between the Sciences of Healing and Astrology : how astrology relates to and augments the Tibetan science of healing.

December 22nd: Tibetan Herbs & Everyday Health : common Tibetan Herbs and simple ways to use them to maintain everyday well being.

February 16th Jewelry for Beauty or Health?: specific gems and stones are worn not only as decoration but also to protect one's health and prevent certain diseases.

March 23rd: The Ancient Art of Heat and Cold Therapy: how to make and use hot and cold packs according to the traditional Tibetan methods.

April 20th : Traditional Tibetan Kunye Massage: What is Kunye? How is it done and what are the benefits?

May 18th: Good Digestion: the Basis of Vitality: the importance of healthy digestion and how the rest of the body relies upon it and how to treat indigestion and maintain digestive health.

For further information contact: 413-369-4928 or email: will@shangshung.org

May All Beings Be Healthy!

Choegyal Namkhai Norbu to teach on Medicinal Herbs

2006-04-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

Azienda Agricola Antichi Rimedi By Rasa Lukstaite and Salvatore Azzolini is pleased to inform you that on 3rd June 2006 ( h.10.30-12.30) At Castello Aldobrandesco in Arcidosso (GR) - Tuscany - Italy

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
will give a conference on
"The use of officinal herbs in Tibetan Medicine’’

The conference is part of a wider program of conferences,
bothanical excursions and photo exhibitions which will take place
on the 3rd and 4th June in Arcidosso.

For detailed program:
www.laviadelleerbe.it
tel.329 0832513
Associazione Arborea
arborea2006@libero.it

Ancient healing system meets modern health challenges

2006-04-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Berkeley – Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, director of the Shang Shung Institute of America, will teach an introductory course in Traditional Tibetan Kunye Massage Therapy this Memorial Day weekend at the Dzogchen Commmunity West Center in Berkeley.

“Tibetan medicine is an ancient living knowledge that is beneficial for many modern diseases,” said Phuntsog Wangmo, director of the Traditional Tibetan Medicine certification program at the Shang Shung Institute of America. “In today’s society it is easy to become unbalanced, and Tibetan medicine can effectively prevent and treat these imbalances at both the mental and physical level. The Shang Shung Institute is helping the future of Tibet by preserving our culture and making the wisdom of our ancient lineage available to the world.”

Who
Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, director of the Shang Shung Institute of America

What
Kunye Massage Therapy: Level 1 Intensive

When
Memorial Day Weekend 2006 (May 26-31)

Where
Dzogchen Community West Center
2748 Adeline Street, Suite D
Berkeley, CA 94702

How
Course: $340 before May 1 and $380 after.
To register, call Adam Okerblom on (415) 283-7493 or email ACInSpirit@Yahoo.com.

Dr. Wangmo earned her advanced degree in Traditional Tibetan Medicine from Lhasa Universtiy. Working on behalf of the ASIA organization, she has helped set up hospitals and training centers throughout her homeland. She now directs the Shang Shung Institute’s Traditional Tibetan Medicine Program.

Kunye Massage Therapy

Kunye Massage Therapy is unique to Traditional Tibetan Medicine. “Ku”, to anoint with oil, and “Nye”, to massage key points, is an ancient healing practice that involves the application of prescribed medicinal herbs through specialized massage techniques that focus on muscles, nerves, tendons and other external body points. Dating back to 8th century texts, Kunye Massage Therapy has been proven effective for range of acute modern health issues including anxiety, insomnia and fatigue as well as variety of other nervous system disorders.

Glen Eddy (May 17, 1941-April 5, 2006)

2006-04-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

Glen Eddy, reknowned Thanka painter and founder of the Golden Vajra Guild at the Shang Shung Institute in America passed away on April 5.2006 in Cordoba, Argentina.
Glen was among the first Westerners fully trained in traditional Tibetan thanka painting using handmade mineral paints and other methods. For over thirty years, his deity drawings have been widely published in early works by the late Chogyam Trungpa (1939-1987) and Choegyal Namkhai Norbu, his primary Buddhist master and founder of the Shang Shung Institutes.In recent years, he experimented with watercolor and mixed media producing exquisite non-traditional works of Tibetan deities from the lineage of Choegyal Namkhai Norbu, including Tara, Goma Devi, and Mandarava. At the time of his death, he was working on a step by step manual on Tibetan art, "The Treasury of Luminious Manifestations." A gallery of recent paintings is available on the Shang Shung Institute in America website. Clen was cremated on April 9, 2006.

Photo credit: Ellen Pearlman

April 8, 2006 Fundraising Tibetan Dinner

2006-04-04T18:16:00.000-07:00

Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will sponsor a fundraising dinner
with traditional Tibetan Food, Singing and Dancing!

The event will take place at 6:30 PM on Saturday, April 8, 2006 in the Tsegyalgar Gompa located at 18 Schoolhouse Road in Conway, MA. All proceeds will benefit the local Tibetan Community to cover necessary legal fees.

Please R.S.V.P. Dr. Wangmo by Friday April 7, if you plan to attend by writing to her at phuntsog@hotmail.com

For directions go to: http://www.tsegyalgar.org

Click here for link February 23 talk on Tibetan Medicine by Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo on Pacifica Radio

2006-02-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

Below is a link to an interview with Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, director of the Tibetan Medicine program at Shang Shung Institute in America recorded live on Pacifica's Radio station KPFA on February 23.

http://www.kpfa.org/archives/index.php?arch=12764&page=1&type=all

2006-02-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

NEWS from Shang Shung Austria
The Dzogchen Tantra Translation Project

A brief description of the texts on which Choegyal Namkhai Norbu, Rinpoche, Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby and Elio Guarisco have worked up to now in the Ka-ter Translation Project.

The Marvelous Primordial State
Tibetan title: byang chub sems rmad du byung ba
Sanskrit title: bodhicittasopashika
Folios 82
Status: translation in progress.
Translators: Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby, Elio Guarisco

The Marvelous Primordial state is a very important Dzogchen tantra of the Semde series. The style and the tantra’s way of treatment of the subjects, random and at times highly cryptic with almost no use of Buddhist technical terminology, suggests that this could as well be the oldest of all the extant Dzogchen Tantras. It is found in different versions as translated by different masters in the various editions of the tantras of the Nyingma. Eight different versions of this tantra are being consulted in the process of translation:

• three versions found in the mtshams brag edition of the Nyingma tantras, the first translated by Vimalamitra and Jnanakumara, the second by Shri Singha and Vairochana, the third bearing no name of the translators;
• one version of the Vairo edition of the Nyingma tantras, translated by Shri Singha and Vairochana;
• three versions from the mkhyen brtse editions of the Nyingma tantras, the first translated by Sri Singha and Vairochana, the second by Vimalamitra and Jnanakumara and, the third bearing no names of the translators;
• one form the Derge edition of the Nyingma tantras, translated by Shri Singha and Vairochana.

This tantra is written mostly in prose, comprises forty chapters of various length, including an introductory chapter explaining the setting for the teaching of the tantra. The subjects of the various chapters vary, including the primordial state, the fundamental nature of everything, liberation; Body Voice and Mind; conduct, the secret mandala of bliss, meditation, the path, the view, accomplishment without seeking, pledges, amendment, lights, samsara, five Buddha families, the purity of everything, nirvana, the motive, the disciples of this teaching and, the instructions. However, no matter how many subjects are dealt with, these are always explained as one’s own primordial state and what is emphasized is that there is not a single thing which is not one’s own primordial state.
The suggestion to translate this tantra came from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, and the appearance of its translation in a western language will certainly be an unprecedented event connecting us with one of the most authentic and very ancient sources of the Dzogchen teaching. It will furthermore set the guidelines for future translation of this kind of literature which for the most is still unexplored.

Sky-like Vast Space Tantra of the Great Perfection (of) the Primordial State
Tibetan title: byang chub kyi sems rdzogs pa chen po mkha’ mnyam klong gi rgyal po zhes bya ba
Sanskrit title: bodhicitta mahasandhi khasame alankara tantra raja na ma
Folios 164
Status: translation in progress
Translators: Adriano Clemente, Jim Valby, Elio Guarisco

This Tantra of Semde was suggested for translation by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu at his own special preference.
It is a text composed in verses of short lines and comprising 26 chapters. Its style and language suggest a text whose appearance is latter than the Marvelous Primordial State, however its special treatment of various subjects makes it a wonderful and very deep tantra. Its subjects include self-originated wisdom, the vast space of the mind, nothing to train in, no birth and no death, nothing to search and nowhere to travel, the total quality, the pledges etc. All these are revealed as the vast space itself of one’s own primordial state. Because of its direct, deep way of introducing the view, meditation and conduct, the translation of this tantra will be an unprecedented possibility to access the very source of the present Dzogchen teaching.

On Birth, Life and Death
Tibetan title: skye zhing ‘tsho la ‘chi ba
Tibetan pages 161
author Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
translated from Tibetan by Elio Guarisco
Status: published in English by Shang Shung Editions, 2006

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu wrote a text entitled Nascere e Vivere in conjunction with the International Congress of Tibetan Medicine held in Venice, Italy, in 1983. Taking this text as a base and driven by new needs he added another section on death and modified somewhat the two preceding sections completing the book in November 2001 at Tashigar Norte (Isla Margarita, Venezuela), one of the seats of the Dzogchen Community in South America.
In the general introduction to this book the Author presents the basic principles of traditional Tibetan medicine that help to grasp some of the points discussed later. In the first section on birth, the Author touches on numerous related topics, ranging from the causes of conception of life in the womb to the behaviour that the pregnant woman should follow. In the second section on life Chögyal Namkhai Norbu starts with an explanation of the so-called ‘three doors’ of body, voice and mind and explains how to live in good health. He presents the causes leading to humoural imbalances that provoke the arising of illnesses, the properties of foods and drinks, various types of behaviour to be followed in different circumstances, and so forth. These topics are largely taken from the context of traditional Tibetan medicine.
However in the last part of this section, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu stresses the importance of maintaining a continuous stream of presence and awareness throughout all aspects of our life. He underlines this principle as the very basis on which we can live in good health and happily and also as qualities that practitioners of Dzogpa Chenpo must definitely possess. The Author expresses the need to diminish our selfishness and worries, and to be content with our lot. Then he introduces the system of Dzogpa Chenpo by distinguishing mind and its nature. He explains that the nature of mind is known in Ati Dzogpa Chenpo terminology as ‘self-perfected primordial potentiality’, and describes its three qualities of empty essence, clear nature and uninterrupted potentiality, according to the ancient texts of this system, using the example of a mirror and the images appearing in it. He introduces the state of instant presence, the principle of Ati Dzogpa Chenpo and how to approach and follow this system in the correct way beyond any idea of accepting and rejecting with regard to our condition.
The section on death deals with the nature of death and our attitude toward it, but most of the discussion deals with the four types of intermediate state: the intermediate state between birth and death, the intermediate state of the moment of dying, the intermediate state of the real condition of existence, and the intermediate state of becoming. For each intermediate state, the Author outlines the essential instruction that enables a person to attain liberation.
Overall the book is an unprecedented, masterful, wise and compassionate attempt to show that the principle of presence and awareness should govern all circumstances of our life, and is also the same principle that underlines the Dzogpa Chenpo teachings and practice.

A Concise Practice of Moxibustion
The Clear Crystal Mirror
Tibetan title: me gtsa’i lag len nyung bsdus dwangs shel me long
Tibetan pages 200
author Chögyal Namkhai Norbu
Translator: Elio Guarisco
Status: translation in progress

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu researched the practice of moxibustion as applied traditional Tibetan medicines for many years. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is still working on a large book, containing more then three thousand moxibustion points and their indications. This text is an essential manual or summary of that large book. It contains the description of a total of five hundred moxibustion points taken from various sources such as the Conclusive Tantra of Medicine and other authoritative treatises of Shang Shung and Tibet. Starting with the manner of preparation of the Artemisia, this book outlines the practice of moxibustion in detail, dealing with illnesses for which moxibustion is indicated and not indicated, advice on which dates and times to shun moxibustion therapy in connection to the position of the protective energy of the individual, various types of moxibustion points and the way to find them on the body. The author explain the various techniques used in the application of moxibustion, their benefits and a detailed explanation of five hundred moxibustion points with their specific therapeutical indications. Needless to say, beside revealing interesting aspects of an ancient culture and an ancient medicine, this is the most complete and extensive book on the practice of moxibustion that has ever been translated in a western language.

The Dzogchen Community is in need of good and qualified translators. In this Training, offered by the Shang Shung Institute Austria, everybody can receive a real base, afterwards the translators have to go on by themselves. If you feel that you are already qualified to take part in this Training you are very welcome. This year the Training will take place in Merigar from 21st of June until 28th of July 2006.

If you are interested please contact us. You will have to do a written test - translating two Tibetan pages into English - and if you pass the test you can take part. The Training is free of costs, all expenses are covered by the Shang Shung Institute Austria. In certain cases you even might receive a scholarship.

For further information please visit our website or feel free to contact us.

Oliver F. Leick
Shang-Shung Institute Austria
E-Mail: office@ssi-austria.at
Web: www.ssi-austria.at

Donations to the Kater Translation projects can be made directly through Shang Shung Austria. For a tax-deduction, donations, restricted donations may be made to the Shang Shung Institute USA.

2006-01-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

Shang Shung Institute SUMMER 2006 INTENSIVES in Conway, MA

Course: HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF THE SCIENCE OF TIBETAN ASTROLOGY
Teacher: Professor Chimed Rabten, a Tibetan scholar and physician
Dates: June 5-15 daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Tuition: $500 ($400 with Shang Shung membership)
Lodging: $15 per night ($10 per night with Shang Shung membership)

Course: INTRODUCTION TO TIBETAN MEDICAL HISTORY AND FUNDAMENTAL THEORY
Teacher: Yang Ga, assistant professor of Tibetan medicine at Tibetan Medical College in Lhasa, Tibet and
Harvard PhD candidate
Dates: June 19-29 daily from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Tuition: $500 ($400 with Shang Shung membership)
Lodging: $15 per night ($10 per night with Shang Shung membership)

Course:HEALTH OF BODY, MIND, & SPIRIT IN TIBETAN MEDICINE
Teacher: Dr. Kunchok Gyaltsen
Dates:July 17–27 daily from 9:30 AM-12:30 and 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Course Cost - $500 ($400 w/membership)
Lodging $15 ($10 w/membership)

Course: KUNYE LEVEL ONE
Teacher: Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, Director of the Shang Shung Institute Tibetan Medicine Program
Dates: August 21-26 daily from 9:30a to 4:00p
Tuition: $375 ($300 with Shang Shung membership)
Lodging: $15 per night ($10 per night with Shang Shung membership)

For further information or to register, please visit http://www.shangshung.org or write: will@shangshung.org

2005-12-26T18:56:00.000-08:00

ANNOUNCEMENT

Kyhung Chen Tibetan Healing Center
offering traditional Tibetan therapies and massage

Central Chambers Building, Room 323
16 Center St.(off Main St. next to the Iron Horse)

At the Khyung Chen Tibetan Healing Center, Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo will be offering traditional consultations and therapies. As licensed massage therapists, she and her students will also be offering Kunye Tibetan Massage. Sign up for an appointment.

For appointments or more information call (413) 585 - 1081

An affiliate of the Shang Shung Institute of America:
http://www.shangshung.org

2005-09-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Shang Shung Institute in Austria Announces New Book by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu

In the next two months the latest book by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu about Tibetan Medicine called "Being Born, Living and Dying" will be published by Shang Shung Edizioni. This book is the first "visible" result of the Ka-ter Translation Project (the main project of the Shang Shung Institute Austria), as this text was the study-text of the First Training for Translators from Tibetan in 2003. The publication will appar in English and Italian editions with translations into other languaes eventually forthcoming.

Oliver F. Leick
Shang-Shung Institute Austria
E-Mail: office@ssi-austria.at
Web: www.ssi-austria.at

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, the founder of Shang Shung Institute was born in 1938 in Derghe, in Eastern Tibet. He was recognized at birth as a Tulku, a realized master who is born again of his own free will for the benefit of all beings. During the years of his studies, which, because of this recognition, were particularly extensive and in depth, he revealed such extraordinary learning ability that he was considered a scholar even though he was very young. Notwithstanding his youth, he was already well known by the end of the 1950s as a person with a profound knowledge of the Tibetan culture and also as a great spiritual teacher. Due to his fame in India and in Tibet, in 1960 Chögyal Namkhai Norbu was invited to Rome by Professor Giuseppe Tucci - an eminent scholar and founder of the Is.M.E.O. (Instituto per l'Africa e l'Oriente, one of the mayor institutes of oriental studies in Italy) - to collaborate in research. In 1962 he started to teach Tibetan language and literature in Naples at the Istituto Universitario Orientale di Napoli, where he worked until 1992. For the first fifteen years of his residence in Italy Chögyal Namkhai Norbu concentrated mainly on the ancient history of Tibet and has done extensive research into the historical origins of Tibetan culture.

He is author of many books. Among his influential and profound works on Tibetan history and culture, several have been translated into English: "Necklace of Gzi, Journey Among the Tibetan Nomads" and "Drung Deu Bon."

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is one of the primary living masters of Dzogchen. He is among the last generation of Tibetans to have been fully educated in Tibet. When he was eighteen years old he met his main master, Changchub Dorje, who aroused in him the complete awakening of his spiritual knowledge. In the mid ‘70s for the first time in the Western world, he was requested to give teachings. Since then, thanks to his deep understanding of the essence of Dzogchen and his natural capability of transmitting its meaning, a vast number of disciples of all nationalities have had an opportunity to appreciate the value of his teachings, to understand and practise them. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is the founder of the Dzogchen Community, whose centers of study and practice are found all over the world. For many years Chögyal Namkhai Norbu has been tirelessly travelling around the world not only to spread the Dzogchen teaching, but also to dedicate himself to safeguarding Tibetan culture, a commitment which has taken him to China on various occasions and especially to Tibet.

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is also the founder of A.S.I.A., an organization which works within Tibet to develop schools and hospitals.

2005-09-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

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)

2005-09-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

SHANG SHUNG INSTITUTE AUSTRIA REPORT: News about the Ka-ter Translation Project. The Ka-ter Translation Project is one of the main initiatives of the Shang Shung Institute Austria. Three significant and long-lasting activities regarding translation and preservation of Tibetan texts are unified under the name "Ka-ter Translation Project".

2005 Projects:

1. The Dzogchen-Tantra Translation Project

In June 2005, the three main translators of the Dzogchen-Community – Elio Guarisco, Adriano Clemente and Jim Valby – met in Merigar for two weeks in order to continue their work on the translation of the Mejung-Tantra. The work on this marvelous Tantra started in summer 2004 during the Training for Translators in Margarita. Elio and Jim carried on this translation work in November and December 2004 in Tsegyalgar. In spite of being weak due to illness, Elio worked on two Tibetan texts in the spring 2005. He went on with the translation work of the Mejung, and he also finished the work on th ebook “Being Born, Living and Dying”, the latest book of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu on Tibetan Medicine. This text was the manual for the first Training for Translators in 2003 scheduled for publication in October 2005 as the first visible fruit of the Ka-ter Translation Project. We sincerely thank Elio for the enormous strength and effort he always devotes to the translations of Tibetan texts.

The next meeting of the three translators will take place between November and December 2005 in Margarita. During six weeks they will try to finish the translation of the Mejung Tantra and also will work on the Khanyam Tantra.

2. The Training for Translators from Tibetan
From 6th of July until 9th of August 2005 the third Training for Translators from Tibetan was held in Merigar. Under the guidance of Elio Guarisco 10 translators from the world-wide Dzogchen-Community had again the precious
opportunity to work on a wonderful Dzogchen Tantra, the Khanyam, and in that way to progress their ability to translate spiritual Tibetan texts which are so difficult to translate.

Excellent translators from Tibetan are very rare, but the reason for that is very simple. Not everybody who is interested in Tibetan language has the capacity to translate from Tibetan in a correct and precise way. In order to become a good and qualified translator from Tibetan it really takes many years of intensive and concentrated work in which one dedicates oneself a couple of hours every day translating Tibetan texts. In the last three years more than sixteen translators from all over the world have dedicated their time, money and effort to work on translations from Tibetan and have takenpart in the Training for Translators from Tibetan, an initiative of the Ka-ter Translation Project. They really have increased their ability to translate, have gained a good understanding and according to Elio Guarisco their efforts in this training has been very fruitful. Besides great devotion and dedication towards Tibetan Culture the translators need to have enough time and money to cover their travel-expenses and their costs of lodging in order to be able to participate in the Trainings. Some of them are also confronted with difficulties to get a Schengen Visa. Being aware of the not easy situation for most of the participants, the Shang Shung Institute Austria covered again all the expenses of the Training and could again grant a scholarship to most of the translators. Scholarships are not a kind of payment for the translators but just a financial support which cannot be guaranteed every year as the Shang Shung Institute depends on donations.

3. The preservation of the Tantras of Changchub Dorje
The preservation of the numerous Tantras of Changchub Dorje, the master of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, is a project of the Shang Shung Institute of America in collaboration with the Shang Shung Institute Austria. All the work has been carried out for nearly one year in Tibet and is financed by the two Institutes. The Austrian branch of the Institute supported this important project with 1500 US Dollar.

Finances of the Ka-ter Translation Project
Until the end of 2005 the Shang Shung Institute Austria will have financed all the projects with more than 22.500 Euro. As all the money comes from donations we really want to express our deepest gratitude to all donors who have supported our activities. In order to guarantee a continuation of our work also in the future we will need again your support.

There is one very nice way of sponsoring our activities:

1. If you can offer at least 1000 Euro you will get an incredibly wonderful statue of Garab Dorje. It is fully gold plated with painted face. It is 13 inches tall (33 cm) and 9 inches wide (23,5 cm) on a deer skin base. Please have a look at www.ssi-austria.at/ssi-engl/shop-engl-garabdorje.htm where you can see the statue.

2. If you can offer at least 750 Euro you will get an incredibly wonderful statue of Dorje Legpa. It is 14,5 inches (35,5 cm) high and 11 inches (27 cm) wide. It is excellently carved and has a gold plated face. Please have a look at www.ssi-austria.at/ssi-engl/shop-engl-dorjelegpa.htm where you can see the statue. (The German version is: www.ssi-austria.at/shop-statuen.htm)

But you also can give an online donation with your Visa or MasterCard via our web safe donation site: https://ssl13.inode.at/ssi-austria.at/creditcardoffering.htm (or the German version (https://ssl13.inode.at/ssi-austria.at/kreditkartenspende.htm)

All the money which you offer is a donation for the Ka-ter Translation Project and will permit us to continue our fruitful and effective work.

We thank you very much for your attention and your precious support, very best wishes

Oliver F. Leick
Shang-Shung Institute Austria
www.ssi-austria.at