The Dalai Lama’s Science Project

In 2005, The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, invited us to see “The Universe in a Single Atom,” a book he wrote on the importance of science in the modern world. In it he shares his view that the studies of science and Buddhism have a similar goal – that of seeking truth. He called for a new age of studies for his monks and nuns, one that includes Western modern science as part of the Buddhist spiritual curriculum. One result is the Emory-Tibet Partnership, a program in which Emory University science professors teach Buddhist monastics in India.

In this hour, Caer discusses the program at length with Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, and Dr. Arri Eisen - the Director and a leading professor of the Emory-Tibet scientific initiative. Topics include: the beginnings of the program; cultural challenges; the forming of a curriculum; the similarities between Buddhism and science; isolation and integration in the modern world; the mutual relationship between the scientists and the monks; whether the monastics' spiritual beliefs would be challenged by empirical science; the role of empathy and compassion in health studies; and more.