On the auspicious occasion of Saga Dawa (Vesak month according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar), Men-Tsee-Khang Sowa Rigpa Medical College, Dharamsala organized a two-day puja session on the 17th and 18th of May, 2024. The first day involved the recitation of sman bla’i mdo chog rgyas pa (the detailed Medicine Buddha prayer) and bla ma mchod pa (Guru Puja), presided over by four monks from Gyu Mey Monastery. The second day featured the recitation of rgyud gsum (the three Tantras) and sman gyi srung madam can gyi gsol kha (Detailed Medicine Deity and Protector’s ritual), led by the MenTseeKhang head monk.

The event was attended by all students and faculty members of Men-Tsee-Khang Sowa Rigpa Medical College. These two days provided an introspective opportunity for participants to delve deeper into their minds to generate compassion and loving-kindness as medical professionals. It also served as a precious opportunity to remember and show gratitude and reverence to the continuing lineage of Sowa Rigpa Gurus, including Medicine Buddha and Yutok Yonten Gonpo, as well as eminent practitioners, protectors, and deities of Sowa Rigpa.

As Sowa Rigpa students proceed on their journey to explore this holistic system of medicine, such spiritual practices help ground them, motivating them to strive for academic excellence, mental stability, and emotional transcendence. This ensures they become responsible and ethical Tibetan physicians in the future.