Reviews

review by Marie-Claire Wilson

In Search of the Medicine Buddha: A Himalayan Journey is an exciting account of Eastern medical methods and healing practices. David Crow temporarily left his successful acupuncture and herbal clinic business to go to Nepal and learn Tibetan medicine, which is highly regarded the world over. This story broadens horizons for those who have never been to Tibet, and it makes the reader feel as if you are there with him.

After spending a short time in Katmandu, he had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ngawang Chopel, a lama who had escaped to Nepal after having suffered terrible tortures at the hands of the communists in China. Crow started studying techniques of Tibetan medicine with other masters as well, including the transforming of mercury (a dangerous poison used in some healing methods). While there, he opened a clinic in Katmandu to practice these methods.

He also opened another clinic in a small mountain village. The Lama Kalu Rimpoche had this to say about practicing medicine. “Medicine is spiritual if the person who practices it, having recognized others as his or her parents in past lives, is motivated to liberate all beings from their suffering. The competent physician acting out of love follows the teaching of the Dharma. If the physician practices giving love and security, medicine can be made more efficient.” Also, this quote by Dr. Ngawang Chopel really stood out to me: “The results of a Doctor's treatments are a reflection of his level of purity and virtue.”

It's in those states of mind that medicine should be approached. However, here in the US, that's not always the case where the medical approach in general is different. However, people practicing medicine the world over would probably agree with these ideas. This book is a refreshing tour into another culture where medicine is science and art successfully combined. Crow's research, his passionate devotion to serving humanity, and his presentation of this ancient culture made me feel as if I were taking a voyage instead of merely reading. This book will also appeal to all those who enjoy universal love and compassion for humanity illustrated in action.

The author David Crow, L.A.C. is a licensed acupuncturist, medical herbalist, and practitioner of traditional Asian healing arts. He is a graduate of the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and one of the first Westerners to complete acupuncture training in the United States. Crow is the founder of the Center for Sattvic Medicine in Los Angeles and Big Sur, California, and the Sudarshan Herb Company.