Dr. William McGrath: Buddhist Responses to Widespread Diseases in Tibet

In this informative lecture given by our Guest Teacher, Bill McGrath, we explore the topic of Buddhism and Medicine. The lecture centres around two important narrative themes in Buddhist Medicine; ‘Ambrosia’ and ‘Poison’. Dr. McGrath begins this one hour discussion by first giving us a  general overview of the history of the Buddhist Medical Tradition. He then proceeds to discuss other topics including; concepts of disease in Tibet, accounts of the Black Death in East Asia (‘Poison’) and Buddhist narratives, medical instructions and ritual practices for healing (‘Ambrosia’). Finally, he concludes with reflections on Covid and Buddhist medicine in the modern age.