EXPLANATION AND ORIGINS OF THE TIBETAN NAME, “DHARMA SUN”

The name of this website, and of my healing practice, is derived from the Tibetan refuge name I received in 1981, Intellect Dharma Sun, (in Tibetan, Lodro Chonyi {blo gro chos nyi} ); combined with the abbreviated term for Medicine Buddha,(in Tibetan Sangye Menla {sangs rgyas sman bla}; with Sangye meaning Buddha (awake) and Menla, life-force medicine).

A refuge name is the name one receives from one’s teacher when one takes refuge in the three jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Buddha as an example of an ordinary human being who achieved enlightenment also includes all the great lineages of awakened ones. Dharma is the teachings, practices and commitments that make up the path toward awakening and the Sangha is that community of people, past present and future, who practice meditation and commit themselves to the path of awakening. These terms in italics are English transliterations from Sanskrit.

The Tibetan word Men (sman) is defined as including such meanings as nectar medicine, amrita; herbal ingredients, to help, medicinal, medicine, drug, healing, medical, herb, beneficial, helpful, amrita, and remedy. (Amrita is a Sanskrit word referring to the 'nectar of immortality.' The ambrosia of the gods is said to confer immortality or other powers and is also a blessed liquor commonly used in Tibetan rituals as a symbol for the bliss of spiritual intoxication.)

The Tibetan word La {bla} includes the meanings life-force/ supreme; life energy, vital principle, energy, the basis, support for life force and life span, vital basis, over, and above. Bla is a Bön term for soul. (Bön here refers to the pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition of Tibet, a combination of shamanic and yogic practices dealing with local nature spirits, gods and goddesses of various levels.)

Altogether then, Dharma Sun Healing might be expressed with poetic license as "The way of awakening radiant sunlight for healing body, life force and spirit."

If you are interested in the Tibetan language there is a website containing a Tibetan dictionary online, generously offered through the diligence, vision and devotion of Dzögchen Pönlop Rinpoche and a team of translators at www.nitartha.org. The definitions above were taken directly from this extensive and wonderful online resource. Enjoy!

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