E-Paper
Dalai Lama’s former physician Yeshi Dhonden dies
His cremation will take place at McLeodganj crematorium on Friday
Former physician of spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and renowned doctor of traditional Tibetan medicines Dr Yeshi Dhonden passed away at his McLeodganj residence on Tuesday morning. He was 92.
Dr Dhonden was awarded Padma Shri by President Ram Nath Kovind for his contribution to the field of medicine through Sowa Rigpa — traditional Tibetan medicine.
Dhonden had complained of respiratory difficulties on Monday, his family said in a statement.
“Emchi La, as he was affectionately called, had no other health issues besides respiratory problem. He died at home around 3am with family members at his bedside,” the family added.
His cremation will take place at McLeodganj crematorium on Friday. Dr Dhonden was born into a family of peasants on May 15, 1927, in Namro, a village south of the Yarlung Tsangpo river.
He was sent to a monastery at the age of six to study. At the age of 11, he joined the Chakpori Institute of Tibetan Medicine, Lhasa, and studied medicine for nine years.
At 20, he was recognised as the best in class. 1951 onwards, he practised medicine in Tibet and when the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, Dhonden chose to accompany the spiritual leader and help Tibetan refugees in India.
He founded the Tibetan Institute of Medicine and Astrology in Dharamshala in 1961 and served as its director till 1979. He also established a private clinic in 1969 and treated and cured thousands of cancer patients.
He would examine his patients by pulse reading and urine samples and medicines composed of herbs and minerals. Dr Dhonden gave up his practice in April this year due to old age and health issues.
He also authored three books, Health Through Balance: An Introduction to Tibetan Medicine (1986), Healing from the Source: The Science and Lore of Tibetan Medicine (2000), and The Ambrosia of Heart Tantra (2006).
Meanwhile, a prayer service was organised by the staff and students of Men-Tsee-Khang, the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute (TMAI) for the departed soul.
