We are happy to present you with the fourth volume of AyurVijnana, with confidence that this periodical is indeed growing into a regular bi-annual forum (spring & autumn) for exchange of articles, views and shared research attempts and outcomes, the world over.

Our thanks for the many responses we have received from readers so far since the last publication of AyurVijnana. They form the contents of the present issue and inspire us to strive further in our research and networking efforts.

A wider distribution of AyurVijnana among Russian Orientalists and medical researchers and practitioners, as well as strengthening the contact with the International Research Circle (IRC) at St. Petersburg (introduced in AyurVijnana Vol. 1, 1996) created further opportunities of exchange. In response we have received quite a few Russian articles of which one is published in this issue. Russia, witness of constant turmoil and change, is in the process of re-establishing the old tradition of Tibetan medicine with remarkable efforts of individual people. Tibetan medicine reached Russia via Buryatia and was introduced and promoted during the Tsarist period.

We also wish to discuss issues on research methodology of traditional medical cultures. During a workshop at Vijnana Niwas in 1996, methods of documenting case studies in traditional medicine were discussed. One approach is being presented here. In modern research where electronic devices are being developed to measure pulse waves, the question is raised how and if at all such complex diagnostic art as for example Tibetan sphygmology can be carried out technically. Attempts have been made in Buryatia. The subject is however debatable.

Since the publication of the inaugural issue in June 1996, we have provided for a series of interviews with indigenous healers and medical practitioners of the Himalayan region. This issue carries an interview with an exceptional young woman healer of Darjeeling.

In India, Vijnana Niwas the ITTM Centre in Kalimpong has been attracting travelling students and scholars from various walks of life, enjoying residential and library facilities, enabling an ever-changing community to share inter cultural experiences and research. The local children and youth have come to know Vijnana Niwas as a place of learning and un-learning, joining classes and presentations on health and environmental issues by residential and visiting students and scholars.

The on-going ITTM research projects are taking shape in structure and content thanks to voluntary contributions from Russian, Indian, Romanian and American participants.

We acknowledge gratefully the support of friends and well-wishers in India and abroad who have been supporting the publication of this periodical in various ways.

Sharing with you further interactions on the thought provoking and informative articles will continue to be a source of inspiration for the editors.