The Concept of ‘Sowa Rigpa’ in Nepali Buddhist Tradition

Abstract

Buddhist Society and culture has developed its own type of traditional healing system, which falls under Panchamahavidya, literally speaking, five higher sciences. Acording to this view, five higher sciences include - Spiritual science (Aadhyatma-Vidya), Science of causes (Hetu-idya), Science of words (Grammar) (shabda-Vidya), and architectural scince (Shilpa-Vidya), along with medical science (Chikitsa-Vidya). In the Buddhist tradition, medical science has helped people to stay healthy physically and mentally. There are four sutras as the basic texts of ‘Sowa Rigpa’ which are called ‘Ghyusi’ in Tibetan langauge. Mening of ‘Ghyusi’ is Four Medical Tantras of Science. In this method, after the diagnosis of the disease, it is customary to use herbs found above three thousand meters in the mountains for the treatment. Herbs, minerals, and animal remains are used as the ingredients of medicine in ‘Sowa Rigpa’. The analyses of the healed people’s testimonies have showed that both physical and mental diseases can be diagnosed by applying ‘Sowa Rigpa’ method. In this method, patient’s symptoms are observed and the disease is diagnosed simply by holding the writs in a particular way. Similarly, it is customary in this traditional method to find out the condition of the patient by looking at the color, foam, and smell of urine. Moreover, the disease can be detected by simply observing the patient’s tongue. This paper studies the situation where ‘Sowa Rigpa’ has been transformed from a traditional healing system into an academic knowledge in Nepali Buddhist tradition. It will further explore the development of spiritual traditions by practicing this healing method.