In Search of the Medicine Buddha: A Himalayan Journey

by David Crow

In 1987 David Crow journeyed to Nepal in search of teachings in Tibetan medicine and Buddhist meditation. For the next ten years, he studied with many teachers. Using his newfound knowledge, Crow opened a clinic in Kathmandu and another in a small mountain village, where he treated beggars from the street as well as high abbots of monasteries. This colorful and captivating story interweaves medical teachings with insights into Tibetan Buddhism, evoking the beauty and wonder of a faraway land.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Spirituality

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering that Medicine Buddha has been my personal yidam for 10 years and that I have been a fan of David Crow's wonderful website medicinecrow.com for several years, it is rather odd that I am just now reading his book "In Search of the Medicine Buddha". But so it is.

In this marvelous book, Crow chronicles his studies with Ayurvedic and Tibetan physicians in and around Nepal. The book is part travelogue, part herbal primer, part dharma, and all inspiration.

I have read quite a few books on eastern medicine, enough for a lot of it to sink in; but there have always been gaps in my understanding. Most books which focus on the eastern healing arts give only a cursory explanation of the foundational cultural philosophies from which they arise. Crow spends more time with these philosophies and does an absolutely brilliant job weaving the culture, the spiritual beliefs, the history, and the medical practices together into the most exquisite whole. Truly they are not separate.

The book gives me a deeper appreciation of the work Crow is doing now, working with people around the world who grow and harvest plants used for herbal medicine and essential oils, gathering together experts on eco-botany and plant-based medicine to work on projects and provide education on the web, and selling very special products through his store Floracopeia.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in these topics, especially if you have a dharma background.

[Lisa Spinelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this look at traditional medicine in the Himalayas in Tibetan Buddhist and Indian Ayurvedic traditions. It includes a peak into the mysterious and controversial world of alchemy and the use of metals to treat disease and ailments. Moreover, it makes an important statement about the erosion of traditional cultures and environmental destruction which threaten the valuable knowledge of traditional medicine. It is important to understand that many of the medicines we use today come from plants and herbs in regions which are being destroyed by pollution and development. Some knowledge of Indian and Tibetan cultures/religions will certainly enhance enjoyment of this book, as well as an interest in traditional medicine and environmentalism.

[Miro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is sitting here, tempting me.

We walk around each other in a silent duel.
I picked it up yesterday. Maybe, now that I think of it, it picked me up in stead.

I could not put it down. It was on the shelf amongst many others but somehow like a magnet my hand was drawn to it.

I wasn't sure, I mean I haven't even read a review, nothing. I knew nothing of it but now it is here...on my table.

I have read the reviews, now, and I understand that indeed it has chosen me.

So I wait, like a swimmer on the edge, poised, understanding, waiting for that perfect moment.....to dive in.

[mostly meri · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Crow’s In Search of Medicine Buddha reads like a love letter to Nepal, where “the mountains speak in whispers, and the rivers carry stories.” His vivid descriptions pull you into the sacred spaces of chanting monks and incense-filled temples, immersing you in a landscape brimming with ancient wisdom.

Yet, the search for Ayurveda feels like a thread that frays too often. The book lingers more on Crow’s personal reflections than the medicinal insights the title suggests. Still, as he writes, “Healing is not a destination; it’s a path we walk,” and perhaps that’s what this journey ultimately offers: a meditation on connection, both to ourselves and the world around us.

[Melissa Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seriously? What the heck did I just read?

[Mariposa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing personal account about learning and becoming a medicine man. I was blessed with the extraordinary experience of traveling with David Crow in October 2008 while in India. I began reading his book while I was in India. David is here to communicate to us very important information about finding our way back to a healthy and sustainable world. I encourage everyone to find out who David is and to learn about his environmental sustainability projects. Listen to his teachings, explore personal healing with essential oils, and consider growing medicine in your back yard. Community Immunity!

[randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is really fueling my understanding of tibetan medicine. something that i feel has the power to "cure" me.
a very well written compelling read.

still have much to read to understand tibetan medicine more, but this was a wonderful introduction, even if i had to look up 3 or 4 things nearly every page, to grasp it all.

a very worthwhile endeavor though.

it also really stoked a need to go to nepal. so that will have to be on the near future list.

[Marie]

I'm having a really hard time getting into this one.

[Rick Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was darn good. I love ethnobotanical accounts, and this was one of the best I've read.

[Prerana Shrestha]

I really want to read this book and I'll finish it asap coz it involves the country where I was born and I'm really excited about this book after reading those reviews ...... ☺ ♥

[Ally Yang]

【6 June 2022 / 252】