The Tibetan Art of Healing: The Dalai Lama Speaks on the Art of Healing

by lan A. Baker, Dalai Lama XIV (Foreword), Romio Shrestha (Illustrator)

Like an illuminated manuscript, this extraordinarily beautiful book is both an exquisite art-work in itself and an object of profound meditation. It is based on a revered collection, long considered lost, of three-hundred-year-old Tibetan elaborate paintings that portray a philosophy of healing based on Buddhist beliefs, Ayurvedic practices, and ancient shamanic traditions - works that still have much to teach us today. Rendered by Nepal's foremost traditional artist, Romio Shrestha, using the age-old technique of painting with rich minerals such as gold, lapis, and garnet, these breathtakingly complex and brilliant works reward the minutest contemplation.
This important book is also a practical guide to our search for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Tibetan scholar Ian Baker guides us through the paintings, unfolding their invaluable secrets about the remedy and prevention of myriad illnesses. With insights into such "contemporary" ailments as stress, allergies, and heart disease, and illuminated chapters on sexual alchemy, rejuvenation, and Tantric yoga, this book offers an inspirational revisioning of conventional attitudes toward health care, disease, and healing.
The Tibetan Art of Healing is an unprecedented journey into health and transformation, an astonishing volume as timely and revolutionary as it is sumptuous and exuberant.

Genres: Health, Art, Buddhism

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Lenny Husen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounding up because such an interesting unusual book of drawings. Saw a copy of this in Nepal and ordered my own when I got back. Good book to have for fascinating and colorful illustrations of states of health and disease, vices leading to illness, 3 Humors (Phlegm, Wind, Bile). Good for anyone who is into Medical History.
I was a bit disappointed in the text--much more went into the illustrations than the explanations. Also many of the illustrations were too small to see well even with strong reading glasses.

I liked this but did not love it--not sure I will refer back to it in future. One to collect but not reread.

[Saleris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. I was in The Occidental museum at Durham when I bought it on a whim. I have an interest in complementary medicine and cultural modes of approaches to healng, and this ticks all the boxes. Great stuff.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is completely worth reading for the art alone.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is stunning.