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Kongu A. Emchi-lamas in Modern Tuva: From Tradition to Innovation

Arzhaana Kongu
M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University
Moscow, Russian Federation
ORCID: 0000-0001-7825-659X
E-mail: konguarzhaana@mail.ru

 

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ABSTRACT. The article analyzes the activities of the emchi-lamas in modern Tuva. In addition to biographical information and the specifics of medical practices, it examines such issues as the official status of Tibetan medicine in Tuva, the attitude of the local population towards it, and its development in modern realities. Analyzing the state of Tibetan medicine and the position of emchi-lamas with professional education in Tuva, the author draws on the experience of Buryatia, comparing the development of alternative medicine, as it is often called, in the two regions, and predicting possible paths of development in the modern technologically advanced world. The beginning of the article also covers the penetration of Buddhism into Tuva, the status of the emchi-lamas in pre-revolutionary Tuva and in the Tuvan People’s Republic (1921–1944), providing their names and biographical data. Using the unique collection of Buddhist art of the National Museum of Tuva as the main source, the author writes about the long-established tradition of Tibetan (Tibeto-Tuvan) medicine and the existence of the cult of the Medicine (Healing) in the pre-revolutionary period. Information about folk healers and emchi-lamas of Tibetan origin who regularly visit Tuva is also provided. As an example of successful interaction between Tibetan medicine and biomedicine, the article describes the activities of emchi-lama Sherchin. In cooperation with doctors from the Infectious Diseases Hospital of Republic of Tuva, he treated patients with hepatitis in an experimental group.

 

KEYWORDS: Tuva, Buddhism, emchi-lamas, folk medicine, traditional medicine, traditions, innovations

 

FOR CITATION: Kongu A. Emchi-lamas in Modern Tuva: From Tradition to Innovation. Kunstkamera. 2025. 3 (29): 181–194. (In Russian). DOI: 10.31250/2618-8619-2025-3(29)-181-194

 

DOI 10.31250/2618-8619-2025-3(29)-181-194
UDC [294.3+615.89](571.52)

 

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