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Science and Tranquillity |
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To
experience deep contentment, there are some things that you just need to
know |
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Science for Monks
Tibetan monks learn about genetics in a recent science
education workshop.
February 07, 2004
By Nancy Touchette
In the quest for absolute truth and tranquility, Buddhist monks from Tibet
receive extensive training in the principles of spirituality and philosophy.
Now, for the first time, the monks are incorporating a new discipline into
their studies. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, has added science and math to
the monastic curriculum.
Achok Rinpoche, Director of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives,
directs the project, which now includes yearly science education workshops,
as well as an effort to translate western texts into Tibetan language. The
workshops attract teachers and scientists from the United States who travel
to India to teach classes in genetics, mathematics, astronomy, and physics
to advanced Tibetan scholars.
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the exiled Tibetan government, now
based in Dharamshala, India, had been conducting private meetings with
prominent scientists for more than a decade. He concluded that to achieve
genuine happiness, it is important to understand both inner consciousness
and external phenomena.
Four years ago, the Dalai Lama met with philanthropist Bobby Sager, head of
the Sager Family Traveling Foundation and Roadshow. The Dalai Lama told
Sager that he would like to put together a science education project for
monks and Sager agreed to fund it.
"This is literally the first time in history that Buddhist monks are
learning western science as part of their monastic studies," says Sager.
"The whole concept of something the size of an atom, a molecule of DNA, or
the edges of the universe is totally new information and perspective."
The Dalai Lama would like to see some Buddhist monasteries become centers of
academic excellence.
"These monks are brilliant scholars, the Ph.D.s of Buddhism," says Sager.
"They will end up being the teachers of other monks. For them to have a
bacground in science is an important element in broadening their world view
and making their wisdom more relevant to people in the West."
The project is expected to benefit not only Buddhist monks, but also western
scientists and educators. According to the Dalai Lama, the integration of
both science and spirituality is an essential step in the path to ultimate
happiness and satisfaction.
For more information about the project visit
www.ScienceForMonks.org |
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