The Dalai Lama's Science Course at Emory University

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, host Caer Hallundbaek 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.

Listen to the show here:

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