Page 50 - EH70

48 EASTERN HORIZON | FEATURES

to revolve around the doctrines
of the Four Elements, the three
doṣa, the division of medicinal
foods by flavors (options range
from three to ten categories),
and the understanding that the
Elements are specifically affected
by the fluctuations of the seasons,
personal regimen, environmental
factors, and specific pharmaceutical
interventions. Differences
between these traditions reflect
both the diversity of the Indian
transmissions as well as the
The central figure in this mural is Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha. He is associated
localization of received knowledge
with longevity and guards against untimely death, nightmares, evil apparitions, vicious
in different parts of Asia. Taken animals, robbers, thieves, and invading states. He is the central figure in an important
Buddhist text called the Sutra of the Original Vows of the Master of Medicines Buddha
as a whole, however, the received
of Lapis Lazuli Radiance , which describes his merits and various ways he comes to aid
texts, archaeologically recovered those beset by sufferings and calamities. Museum Object Number: C688
manuscripts, and contemporary
medical traditions discussed here
tell us in no uncertain terms that
Indian medical doctrines and
practices circulated widely and
were highly influential throughout
Asia, and that Buddhism played a
major role in their dissemination
and acceptance across the region.

Buddhism And Medicine In
The Contemporary World

As Buddhism is now spreading
Westward, the association
between Buddhism and medicine
This manuscript contains a “yantra” text that talks about how to protect the body with
has once again been front and
specially placed marks as well as placing small metal balls under the skin. Among the
center in Buddhist cross-cultural various pictures included in the text, two images depict a pressure point massage known
today as jap sen (“nerve touch”) or nuad boran (“traditional massage”). Museum Object
exchange. Scientific research
Number: 2003-42-9
into the mental and physical
benefits of Buddhist meditation
has been enthusiastically neurology, and other disciplines. and inflammation in adults living
undertaken under the aegis of The University of Pennsylvania with HIV.” Published medical
organizations such as the Mind Mindfulness, Stress & Health Lab studies done by Penn researchers
& Life Institute, various centers (http://www.mindfulnesslab.org), and other scientists have already
for the study of Mindfulness- for example, is currently conducting demonstrated the benefits of
Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), research into how mindfulness meditation, notably including the
and by individual researchers meditation “can improve reduction of stress, addiction, and
in psychology, psychiatry, symptoms of stress, depression, depression, the increase in memory