The Medical College of Sorig Bumzhi Menriling (MCSBM) at Menri Monastery was established under the vision of His Holiness the 33rd Gyalwa Menri Trizin Rinpoche to preserve, promote and develop the Sorig Bum-bZhi medical practice and is fully managed by Yungdrung Bon Monastic Center. It was inaugurated on 13th May 2014.
It was temporarily affiliated under the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine (CCTM), Dharamshala. In 2021, it received permanent affiliation under the CCTM.
Brief Introduction of Bumzhi Sowa Rigpa
The term SOWA RIGPA in the Tibetan system of medicine literally means the “Science of Healing”. Bumzhi Sowa Rigpa is one of the oldest Tibetan medical teachings in the world dating back to more than 10,000 years (BC). It was taught by Buddha Tonpa Shenrab to his disciple Chebu Thrishe, the root lineage holder of (BUMZHI). It precedes the arrival of Buddhism Yuthok Yonten Gonpo (1126-1202A.D), the eminent Tibetan physician of the (GYUZHI) Tibetan medical system in Tibet. BUMZHI – the four medical texts employ complex approach to diagnosis, incorporating techniques such as pulse analysis and urinalysis, and utilize behavior and dietary modification. The Tibetan medicine is composed of natural herbs and minerals that uses in treating the illness related to physical and mental through the physician or therapist.
About the Medical College of the Sorig Bumzhi Menriling
Earlier there was only a small traditional Tibetan medicine clinic before the Medical College was founded. Due to the increase in the number of scholars, students and researchers’ keen interest in Tibetan medicine (Sowa Rigpa), the construction of the building of the Medical college of Sorig Bumzhi Merniling was started by His Holiness the 33rd Menri Trizin Rinpoche on 23rd March 2011 at Menri Monastery with the support of Yaun-Yaun Educational Foundation, USA.
After having registered under the Central Council of Tibetan Medicine (CCTM), Dharamsala, the actual teaching and training for the Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa and Medicine Surgery (BSRMS) had actually begun. This is the first and only Medical college of BUMZHI in India. It was envisioned by His Holiness the 33rd Menri Trizin Rinpoche with the aim of teaching the Tibetan medical system (Bumzhi) for the preservation of its unique and indigenous identity of origination and for the restoration of the degenerated and lost Medical resources.
The bachelor program consists of five years of intensive theoretical and practical study of the Bumzhi Sowa Rigpa along with supplementary such as Tibetan Astrology, Tibetan literature and grammar in the classes and one year of practical training Internship.
The future plans of the Medical College of Sorig Bumzhi College are:
- To do research on medicinal herbs and products.
- To preserve and cultivate endangered and rare species of high altitude plants.
- To improve the health of the Monks, Nuns and local people through Sowa-Rigpa tradition.
- To do clinical research on chronic and infectious diseases by collaborating with other system of medicines.
- To promote the Tibetan system of medicine, astrology and astronomy.
To provide quality education and Training to Medical and Astrology Students.
Currently, there are three permanent medical and astrology teachers, two literature teachers with a total of 20 students studying in the college.
The First Graduation Ceremony of the Medical College of Sorig Bumzhi Menriling
The first batch of four students graduated in 2020 and completed their internship for one year. On 31st August 2021, the first graduation of the MCSBM was held at the Tibetan Yungdrung Bon Library at Menri Monastery.
The names of the Graduates are:
- Menpa Khedup Lodhen
- Menpa Yungdrung Woser
- Menpa Lodoe Woser
- Menpa Sherab Jhama
View more photos of the graduation ceremony
HOW YOU CAN HELP MCSBM
YBMC Society is a charitable organization, entirely dependent upon the kindness and generosity of people from around the world.
You can help the Medical College of the Sorig Bumzhi Menri Ling (MCSBM) in the following ways:
- Sponsor a medical student for $400USD/year (Provides food, shelter, education fund, medical and emergency care)
- You can also make regular or one time donations to support the following projects:
- General fund
- Continuing education fund
- Health and medicine fund