Tibetan healing has roots in Ayurvedic medicine of India and Chinese medicine. These belief and healing systems merged with older shamanic beliefs to create the Tibetan philosophy. It is believed that in 6th century B.C., Buddha Shakyamuni taught the connections between physical illness and the spiritual, social and mental life. Buddhism was then adapted in Tibet in the 7th century B.C.
Mandala The Dalai Lama and traveling Tibetan monks perform healing ceremonies all over the world using sand mandalas. They use sand to create intricate mandalas during these ceremonies. These are destroyed shortly after to symbolize the impermanence of all things.
Mantra Tibetan Buddhist monks believe that Chenrezig is the Bodhisattva embodiment of compassion. A Bodhisattva is a being that has delayed complete enlightenment in order to help others escape suffering. They believe the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" invokes the blessing of Chenrezig, and contains all of Buddha's teaching. The translation of the mantra is "hail the jewel in the lotus."
Prayer Flags Prayers are printed on square flags and hung over home, temples, or mountain passes. Many believe the wind spreads these prayers over the entire universe. The people in the immediate vicinity and the lives of the one who hangs them are thought to be blessed with peace, health and happiness.
Mani Wheel
Often, written forms of the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" spin around the axles of a mani or prayer wheel in Tibet. Many believe that viewing written versions of the mantra has the same effects as chanting the prayer.
Sound Healing Singing bowls produce the sound of the creation of the universe and are used for healing and transformation in Tibetan healing. The sound helps to center energy within the body. The sounds created is said to correspond to the colors of the rainbow and each of the seven energy centers thought to be in the body. Many of the metal bowls are hundreds of years old in Tibet.
Mandala The Dalai Lama and traveling Tibetan monks perform healing ceremonies all over the world using sand mandalas. They use sand to create intricate mandalas during these ceremonies. These are destroyed shortly after to symbolize the impermanence of all things.
Mani Wheel
