Promoting Sowa Rigpa, an ancient healing science for a healthy society
As a part of the Health and Wellbeing Program for students, The PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the Health and Wellbeing Division of the Department of Education Programmes is in the process of instituting Sorig Zhiney and Luejong phase-wise in schools across the country.
Sorig Zhiney and Luejong is a mindfulness and yoga practice based on Bhutanese Traditional Medicine also known as ‘Sowa Rigpa’, an ancient healing science. It is designed to improve the function of the sense organs and inner organs, balance the internal energy, open the channels and relax the mind. It comprises 32 exercises which are classified into three main categories: Semkham Luejong (for mental health), Minarwa neypa luejong (for healthy living), and Neyzhi Tshothap lu jong (for physical ailments).
To start with, the Ministry jointly with The Pema Centre and the Ministry of Health trained the Education Officers, Khenpos and Health Coordinators from all the Higher Secondary Schools in three regions.
For the western region, the training was held at Zhichenkhar in Thimphu from August 25-31 and 77 participants attended it. It was facilitated by resource persons from the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and Gidakom Hospital. The training is expected to enhance the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of our teachers and students and their productivity in the workplace. It also promotes Sorig Zhiney and Luejong as an alternative to other mindfulness practices and yoga practices.
Sorig Zhiney and Luejong were introduced in 2017 as a part of the wellness and spiritual health promotion program to help build a healthy and happy society consistent with Bhutan’s vision of Gross National Happiness and the mission and vision of the Ministry of Health.