Healing Practices

“Health is not a matter of merely personal interest, but a universal concern for which we all share some responsibility.”

—Fourteenth Dalai Lama

Practices for healing vary across the world. In Tibetan Buddhism, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being are interdependent, and can only be achieved through a variety of holistic practices, from ritual to medicinal, that restore balance to these three aspects.

Healing Practices: Stories from Himalayan Americans presents the diverse ways that Tibetan Buddhist artworks and practices have served as roadmaps to well-being, with over 25 objects from the Rubin Museum’s collection set alongside personal stories and experiences from Himalayan Americans. Centered around the themes of prevention, healing, and longevity, the exhibition highlights how these living traditions are transformed and adopted for today’s world, inspiring visitors to reflect on their own healing journeys.

Healing Practices is organized by Michelle Bennett-Simorella, Director of Curatorial Administration and Collections, in collaboration with a Community Advisory Group whose members work at the intersection of art, healing, and activism. Members include Aatish Gurung, Chime Dolma, Dr. Kunga Wangdue, Geshe Tashi Dorje, Ikuko Acosta, Nawang Gurung, Pema Dorjee, Tsewang Lhamo, and Tshering Yangzom.

Support for Healing Practices: Stories from Himalayan Americans is provided by The Prospect Hill Foundation. General operating support of the Rubin Museum of Art is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, as well as by generous donations from the Museum’s Board of Trustees, individual donors, and members.