Celebrating 100 years of Mentsekhang

By Mary Trewartha and Tenzin Samten / March 24, 2016;

His Holiness the Dalai Lama with other dignitaries on Mentsekhang’s 100 year celebration
Photo:Contact/Lha

Mentsekhang, also known as the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute, celebrated 100 years since it was established in Lhasa, Tibet by the great 13th Dalai Lama. The institute was also celebrating 55 years since it was re-established in Dharamshala, India. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama introduced the institution in 1961, following his escape from Tibet.

The anniversary was commemorated on March 23 with an event in the courtyard of Tsugla-khang, the main temple of the Tibetan community in Dharamshala. It was attended by His Holiness the Dalai Lama who presented souvenirs to people who have made special contributions to MentseKhang.

Crowds of Tibetans and supporters thronged the courtyard of Tsugla-Khang, enjoying cultural songs and dances performed by Men-Tse-Khang staff, students and supporters, as well as speeches by guests and dignitaries.

Aside from His Holiness, guests included Forest Minister Sri Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Ayurvedia Minister Sri Karan Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly Sri Ravi Thaku, Sikyong, leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile Lobsang Sangay, speaker of the Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering, and other representatives from the exile government.

In his welcome address, Mentsekhang Director Mr Tashi Tsering Phuri thanked the staff, students and teachers for their work and support over the years and paid tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama who recognised the need to set up Mentsekhang in exile.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking on the occasion
Photo: Contact/Lha

Mr Phuri quoted His Holiness as saying, when setting up Men-Tse-Khang in Dharamshala, that mankind needs a healthy mind and body and that “we Tibetans could contribute substantially although we live as refugees”.

Speaking of the institution His Holiness said: “Overcoming the hardships faced in exile, all the Tibetans during that time have worked hard and sincerely to re-establish everything. It has now been 57 years. Mentsekhang is part of that journey. We have all tirelessly put our heart and soul into the work with honesty and transparency and result is considerable.”

Amidst the praise, however, His Holiness did point out the short falls of the Health Department of the Tibetan government in exile and the Mentsekhang’s Tibetan medical section in providing healthcare to poor and needy people in Tibetan communities.

He said: “When we go to Tibetan settlements, there are many people suffering from illness. It shows negligence on the preventive cares. It shows the failure from the Health Department and the Mentsekhang’s Tibetan medical section,”

He emphasised that the Tibetan Medical Institute’s research and findings should go hand in hand with scientific approaches rather than sticking to the ancient theoretical texts. His Holiness the Dalai Lama also stressed the importance of Tibetan’s taking on proper responsibilities and warned them not to take things easy.

Other speakers paid tribute to the ever-increasing contribution that Tibetan medicine makes locally, in the Himalayan region, and globally, and the prominent role played by Mentsekhang.

The event was rounded off with lunch, served to all the guests and public in the temple and then to people in the streets of McLeod who enjoyed an unexpected meals served to them from vans out and about in the town.