Mentsekhang Hospital in Lhasa
Mentsekhang, also known as the Tibetan Medicine Hospital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区藏医院), is located in the heart of Lhasa (拉萨市), Tibet. It is one of the most significant institutions in Tibetan medicine and has been designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. The hospital was established in 1916 during the Republic of China era and remains an important center for the preservation and practice of traditional Tibetan medicine.
Historical Background
Establishment
The 13th Dalai Lama (十三世达赖喇嘛) founded Mentsekhang in 1916. He appointed Chinrei Nobu (钦热诺布) as the director and teaching mentor of the hospital. Chinrei Nobu was also responsible for overseeing the Medicine Institute of Yaowang Mountain (药王山医学利众院) and its merging with Mentsekhang. The hospital’s creation reflected a blend of medical science and Tibetan cultural traditions.
Development
In 1959, after the democratic reforms in Tibet, Mentsekhang merged with the Medicine Institute of Yaowang Mountain to form the Lhasa Tibetan Hospital.
In 1980, it was renamed the Tibet Autonomous Region Tibetan Hospital.
In 2020, the government allocated funds for the restoration and protection of Mentsekhang’s historic buildings.
Architectural Layout
Mentsekhang, now part of the Tibet Autonomous Region Tibetan Hospital, is housed in an ancient architectural complex that was built in the early 20th century. The term “Mentsekhang” is derived from the Tibetan words “Men” (医药) meaning “medicine” and “Tsekhang” (历算) meaning “astronomy and calendrical science,” reflecting its dual focus on medicine and astrology. The total area of the buildings is approximately 2,459 square meters, comprising the main building, corridors, and auxiliary structures.
Main Buildings
Mentsekhang’s architectural complex includes:
Mentsekhang Main Building (门孜康主楼)
Corridors (廊房)
Auxiliary Structures (辅助建筑)
These buildings are excellent examples of traditional Tibetan architecture and are housed within an ancient courtyard that has been well-preserved.
Cultural Relics and Artifacts
Ancient Medical Texts
Mentsekhang is home to a collection of 582 ancient books (古籍), including the Four Medical Tantras (四部医典), one of the most important texts in traditional Tibetan medicine. These books are crucial for understanding Tibetan medical practices and have been preserved in various versions, some dating back to the 16th century.
Versions of the Four Medical Tantras
Zatang Edition (扎塘版): Created in 1546 by the Tibetan physician Sokar Lozhu Jeb (苏喀尔·洛珠杰布) using a manuscript and annotated version of the text.
Dadang Edition (达旦版): Produced in 1640 in Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet.
Gandan Pingcuo Lin Edition (甘丹平措林版): Printed in 1662 during the 5th Dalai Lama’s (五世达赖喇嘛) era.
Yaowang Mountain Edition (药王山版): Created in 1892 at Yaowang Mountain (药王山) in Tibet.
Additionally, Mentsekhang preserves a golden ink manuscript of the Four Medical Tantras (金汁手抄本《四部医典》) created in 1942, marking the first hand-copied manuscript of this kind in Tibetan history.
Cultural Significance
Contributions to Tibetan Medicine
Mentsekhang has been a center for developing Tibetan medicine, with Chinrei Nobu being a key figure in compiling important medical texts, such as:
“Obstetric Methods: The Bright Moon of Beneficence” (接生法•利众明月宝鉴)
“Essentials of Tibetan Medicine: The Ocean of Medical Wisdom” (根本部树喻•医海精要)
“The Elixir of Nectar: The Medicinal Jewel Vial” (甘露配药宝瓶)
“Pediatric Treatment: A Comprehensive Experience” (治疗小儿疾病经验综述)
Tibetan Calendrical Science
Mentsekhang also contributed to Tibetan calendrical science, a highly specialized field that involves astronomy, planetary movement, and timekeeping. In 1918, Chinrei Nobu revised the “Wheel of Time Calendar” (时轮历精要) to include the Republic of China era (民国十六年), and this version became a primary tool used for agricultural and religious purposes in Tibet. It is one of the most influential calendars used in the region.
Cultural Value
Mentsekhang has a strict educational system, offering comprehensive courses in anatomy, Tibetan herbal medicine, Buddhist philosophy, and linguistics. It has played a significant role in the development of medical professionals, with students from Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Beijing, Inner Mongolia, as well as neighboring countries like Bhutan and India, having trained at the institution.
The Four Medical Tantras, held in Mentsekhang, are considered culturally and historically significant, offering valuable insight into Tibetan medicine. They are a symbol of Tibet’s rich intellectual heritage.
Protection and Preservation
In 2013, Mentsekhang was officially listed as one of the Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. The government continues to support the conservation of this invaluable site.
Tourist Information
Location
Mentsekhang is located in the Chengguan District (城关区) of Lhasa, directly in front of Jokhang Temple (大昭寺广场). The detailed address is:
Intersection of Yuto Road (宇拓路) and the Pedestrian Street (步行街), 100 meters west.
Transportation
Driving Directions: From the Lhasa People’s Government (拉萨市城关区人民政府), it is approximately 3.6 km to Mentsekhang, taking around 22 minutes by car.
