Dorji- Inheritor of Tibetan medicine (mercury cleansing and refining techniques) in Lhasa, Tibet

Dorji (多吉) is a prominent figure in the field of Tibetan medicine (藏医药), known for his expertise in the ancient technique of mercury cleansing and refining, a method practiced in the northern Tibetan tradition. His work has earned him recognition as a representative inheritor of this cultural heritage, and he has contributed significantly to the development, production, and research of traditional Tibetan medicine.

Overview of Dorji’s Contributions to Tibetan Medicine

  • Name: Dorji (多吉)

  • Gender: Male (男)

  • Date of Birth: March 15, 1957 (1957年3月15日)

  • Ethnicity: Tibetan (藏族)

  • Category: Traditional Medicine (传统医药)

  • Project Number: IX-9

  • Project Name: Tibetan Medicine (Lhasa North School Mercury Cleansing Method and Tibetan Medicine Rinpoche Changjue Compound Technique) (拉萨北派藏医水银洗炼法和藏药仁青常觉配伍技艺)

  • Region: Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区)

Dorji hails from a farming family in Nimu County (尼木县), Lhasa, and is one of the first generations in his family to pursue medicine. After decades of dedication, he became a professor at the Tibet University of Traditional Tibetan Medicine (西藏藏医学院), as well as the vice-director of the school’s medicinal pharmaceutical factory.

Professional Development and Achievements

Dorji is considered one of the foremost practitioners of the Lhasa North School Mercury Cleansing Method (拉萨北派藏医水银洗炼法), a technique passed down through generations of Tibetan medicine masters. His mastery of this technique, particularly in refining mercury, has gained him recognition as a national representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage for Tibetan medicine.

Since 1996, Dorji has played a pivotal role in the development, production, and management of Tibetan medicinal products. He has gained extensive experience in the research and processing technologies of Tibetan herbal medicine, especially mercury cleansing and refining techniques. Under his leadership, the Tibetan Medicine Factory (藏药厂) has flourished, and his involvement in product development, research, and quality control has significantly shaped the evolution of Tibetan pharmaceutical practices.

Key Projects and Contributions

  • Dorji contributed to the development of the 21st Century Tibetan Medicine Textbook (《藏药冶炼学》), which is used to train future generations of Tibetan medicine practitioners.

  • He has published numerous papers, including “The Future of Tibetan Medicine Development” (《藏药发展前途》) and “On Some Issues Concerning the Development of Tibetan Medicine” (《浅谈关系藏药事业发展的几个问题》).

  • Dorji was the leader of the Tibetan Medicine Butter Oil Pill New Formulation Project (藏药滋补酥油丸新剂型改造项目), which was included in China’s 11th Five-Year Plan by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

  • He was instrumental in the development of the “Ruokong Quetun” Tibetan medicine (若空确屯), which was recognized with the “95 Technology Innovation Achievement Award” by the National Economic and Trade Commission.

A Journey into Tibetan Medicine

Dorji’s path to becoming a leading figure in Tibetan medicine began in 1974 when he was recommended by the local People’s Commune to study Tibetan medicine at the Lhasa Health School (拉萨卫生学校). After graduating in 1978, he stayed on to teach and became a faculty member, imparting his knowledge of Tibetan medicinal herbs.

In 1983, Dorji moved to the newly established Tibet University of Traditional Tibetan Medicine (西藏藏医学院), where he continued his academic career. The institution later merged with the Tibet University (西藏大学), forming the Tibet School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine (西藏藏医学校). Dorji remained with the institution, teaching and shaping the curriculum for the next generation of Tibetan medicine professionals.

Dorji’s Work at the Tibetan Medicine Factory

In 1996, when the Tibet School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine established the Tibetan Medicine Factory (藏药厂), Dorji was nominated by Master Tsering Tsultrim (措如·次朗大师), the then-president of the Tibet School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, to oversee technical quality control. He was appointed vice-director of the factory, and his role extended far beyond financial management to include overseeing the entire production process, from selecting raw materials to formulating medicines.

For nearly 16 years, Dorji worked closely with the Tibetan Medicine Factory, where he managed six rounds of medicinal production and refinement. His deep knowledge of Tibetan pharmacology and his practical experience made him an invaluable leader in preserving and advancing the Lhasa North School Mercury Cleansing Method (拉萨北派藏医水银洗炼法) and Rinpoche Changjue Compound Technique (仁青常觉配伍技艺).

Dorji’s Legacy in Tibetan Medicine

Dorji’s legacy in the world of Tibetan medicine (藏医药) cannot be overstated. He has become one of the few experts qualified to speak on the Lhasa North School Mercury Cleansing Method and Rinpoche Changjue Compound Technique, with over 40 years of hands-on experience. His work has contributed significantly to the continued relevance and advancement of Tibetan pharmaceutical techniques, ensuring that traditional practices are preserved and modernized for the future.