Chagpori

309Blick auf Chokpori

Bundesarchiv Bild 135-S-15-46-24, Tibetexpedition, Blick auf Medizinberg

Rock carvings at base of Chagpori lo-res

Lhasa gateway 1905

Flags over road between Potala and Chagpori. 1993

Chagpori was one of the most significant institutions in the history of Tibetan medicine. Founded in 1696 by the 5th Dalai Lama, it stood on Chagpori Hill in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The institution was dedicated to the study, practice, and dissemination of Tibetan medical knowledge, combining Buddhist spiritual practices with medicinal science. Chagpori is often credited with playing a crucial role in the formalization and advancement of Tibetan medicine.

History

The establishment of Chagpori marked a significant milestone in the history of Tibetan medicine. The 5th Dalai Lama's vision was to create a center of learning that would preserve and promote the ancient medical traditions of Tibet. Under the guidance of Sangye Gyatso, the Regent of Tibet and a great patron of the medical arts, Chagpori became a beacon of medical knowledge and spiritual practice.

Chagpori not only served as a medical school but also housed an extensive library of medical texts and manuscripts, making it a crucial repository of medical knowledge. The institution was responsible for the compilation of the Four Tantras (Tibetan: རྒྱུད་བཞི), a foundational text in Tibetan medicine, which further solidified its status as a leading center of medical learning.

Throughout its history, Chagpori trained generations of physicians who served the health needs of the Tibetan population. Its graduates were renowned for their expertise in diagnosis, treatment, and the preparation of traditional Tibetan medicines.

Destruction and Legacy

In 1959, during the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Chagpori was destroyed, leading to the loss of countless invaluable texts and manuscripts. The destruction of Chagpori was a significant blow to the Tibetan medical tradition. However, the legacy of Chagpori lives on through the efforts of the Tibetan diaspora to preserve and continue the practice of Tibetan medicine.

Following the destruction, efforts were made to revive the institution's traditions and knowledge. In exile, the 14th Dalai Lama has supported the establishment of new medical institutions that follow in the footsteps of Chagpori, such as the Men-Tsee-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute) in Dharamsala, India. These institutions aim to preserve and promote the study and practice of Tibetan medicine for future generations.

Conclusion

Chagpori was more than just a medical institution; it was a symbol of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Tibet. Its destruction was a loss to the world of traditional medicine. However, the spirit of Chagpori endures through the ongoing efforts to preserve Tibetan medical knowledge and practices. The legacy of Chagpori continues to inspire those interested in the integration of spiritual practices and healing arts.