In this month’s masterclass, we will be exploring the historical development of the Four Tantras (rGyud bZhi), the foundational textbooks of Traditional Tibetan Medicine “codified” by Yuthok Yönten Gönpo in the 12th century. Steeped in ancient history, myth, and controversy, these seminal texts have been a hot topic of conversation for many centuries on the Tibetan plateau, with an array of different scholars attempting to clearly define this rather anomalous and complex collection of texts.
The Four Tantras have been described as a sūtra, tantra, commentarial śāstra, revealed treasure, and scientific masterpiece, making it one of the most enigmatic texts in the Tibetan corpus.
Drawing upon contemporary textual and historical analysis, we will explore both the charter myth of the Four Tantras as well as the leading alternate theories for this literature’s development, exploring some of the ways that cross-cultural medical knowledge helped to form Tibetan Medicine as we know it today.
We will investigate Tibet’s historical position not as a secluded and isolated sanctuary of secret materials, but as a cosmopolitan crossroads for the great scientific developments of the classical era.
This presentation is perfect for Sowa Rigpa students and practitioners, but also for Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine enthusiasts, Tibetan Buddhist practitioners, and anybody who is interested in learning more about the development of traditional medicine across the ancient world.
For participants in our monthly tutoring programme, a recording of this session will be available along with all subsequent Shrīmālā Masterclass sessions.
Location: Online (Zoom link will be provided)
Price: £10
About Shrīmālā Masterclass
Shrīmālā Masterclass is a monthly series of 90-minute presentations on various elements of Tibetan Medicine, Tibetan Buddhism, classical astrology, and traditional healing. Lectures are presented by Erik Jampa as well as guest teachers, with a guiding focus on more advanced principles and techniques embedded in these traditions. All classes include a Q&A session, which is open to more generalised topics. Shrīmālā Masterclass sessions are open to all, though it’s advisable to have some foundational exposure to traditional medicine and/or Dharma practice.
For participants in our Monthly Tutoring programme, all Masterclasses are free and available as streamed recordings for as long as membership is active. For general participants, classes must be attended live and will not be available post-recording.