Tibetan Astrology & Divination: The White Beryl

This month, Himalayan Heritage Meetup takes a close look at the Rubin Museum’s notable recent acquisition, an elaborate illuminated manuscript of the Tibetan system of astrology and elemental divination called the White Beryl. Join Dr. Tenzin Dakpa, a senior doctor of Tibetan medicine in New York City, and Tashi Chodron, the Rubin’s Assistant Manager of Himalayan Cultural Programs & Partnerships, as they share how they use astrology and divination in their daily lives for optimal health, well-being, and auspiciousness.

Divination has long been a part of the Tibetan way of life as it functions in accordance with Buddhist principles such as interdependence and karma. Tibetan astrologers or divinators work and train in conjunction with the Tibetan medical profession. In order to harmonize existence as much as possible with natural cosmic rhythms, major decisions concerning everyday life, such as marriages or business agreements, are often made only after consulting some form of divination.

In this program, participants will not only learn about the rich tradition of Tibetan astrology and divination, but will also be able to identify their most auspicious day of the week according to the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.

Learn about your Tibetan horoscope! Get ready for the program by using the interactive White Beryl online.

About the Speaker

Dr. Tenzin Dakpa received his doctoral degree from Men-Tsee-Khang (the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) in 1991, graduating first in his class. After serving in clinics all over India and Nepal, he also worked as a lecturer at the Tibetan Medical and Astrological College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the sMan-rTsis Journal.

As assistant to the late Dr. Tenzin Choedrak, who was senior personal physician to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dr. Dakpa has traveled throughout Europe, Asia, and North America for seminars, conferences, and medical consultations. He currently teaches at Shang-Shung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine in Conway, MA and sees patients in New England and New York. He is the senior Tibetan medical doctor in New York City.