essay

Production of self and body in Sherpa-Tibetan society

anthropological approaches to the study of ethnomedicineYverdon, Switzerland • Published In 1992 • Pages: 149-189

By: Adams, Vincanne.

Abstract
Following Foucault's theories of modern bio-power and governmentality, Adams argues that Buddhist medico-religious practices construct a subjectivity that resembled that of European modernity and which made possible the rise of the Tibetan state in the 13th century. He examines the medical practices of the Khumba Sherpas who are culturally Tibetan, having emigrated to Nepal in the 16th century. According to Adams, Sherpas have a tripartite notion of self, one that is social, mental, and physical. Medical practitioners, including shamans (LAWAS) and monks (LAMAS) specialize which self they treat. The former cure disorders of the 'social' self and the latter those of the body and consciousness. The division of self into mental and physical components allowed for mindful discipline of the body in Buddhist ascetic practices and the self-regulation of people in the theocratic state. Adams discusses the changes in cosmologies and notions of self between the pre-Buddhist and Buddhist periods, and examines in detail Buddhist AMCHI medical theory and practice.
Subjects
Magical and mental therapy
Theological systems
Prophets and ascetics
Ethnopsychology
culture
Sherpa
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Central Asia
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2002
Field Date
1982, 1986-1987
Coverage Date
640-1990
Coverage Place
Nepal and Tibet
Notes
Vincanne Adams
Includes bibliographical references (p. 186-189)
LCCN
92020369
LCSH
Sherpa (Nepalese people)